GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) – On Saturday evening, the Greene County Republican Women held its annual Lincoln Day dinner. This year, the keynote speaker was someone the group felt truly represented them.

Members of Greene County Republican Women and surrounding communities gathered at the General Morgan Inn for the dinner.

Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn gave the keynote speech. Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs introduced her.

During her speech, Blackburn discussed topics such as immigration, federal spending, her work regarding human trafficking and women’s sports.

“Mayor Jacobs mentioned the work we are doing to keep men out of women’s sports,” Blackburn said. “And this is so vitally important.”

Blackburn also spoke on DOGE and what she has heard as a member of the DOGE caucus.

“Elon and the DOGE team think that this fiscal year, that is from now until September,” Blackburn said. “That we will be able to reduce the spending of the federal government by 15 to 20%.”

Before the dinner began, many who opposed Blackburn’s views made their voices heard.

“It’s too bad they take an oath to defend the constitution, and they’re doing nothing to protect the constitution,” Greeneville resident Clem Allison said.

But those in attendance said they continue to stand behind the work Blackburn is doing.

“She represents us very well in Washington D.C.,” Mayor Jacobs said. “So again, it was a huge honor for me to [introduce her].”

“She’s a well-educated lady,” Greene County Republican Women member Nancy Higginbotham said. “And I think she’s for ladies, plus everybody.”

Following her speech, the Greene County Republican Women honored her and her work.

Mayor Kevin Morrison also gave her a Greene County flag.