Actress Dixie Carter spoke to Shelby County Republicans at a fundraiser Saturday night. Carter said she is proud to hold the same political values as her family did, saying “they’ve never done anything that would make me question them.”

Political Humorist Paul Shanklin (of Rush Limbaugh fame) treated the audience to impressions of President Bush, Senator Kennedy and others. He also performed his latest single, “Voting in Memphis.”

Kellye Cash sang the national anthem to start the program and closed the event with “God Bless America.”

Former Shelby County Mayor Jim Rout presented some of the night’s entertainment.

A musical trio performed “Tennessee Waltz” while dinner was served.

Senator Jim Bryson made his first public appearance in Shelby County as a candidate for Governor.

All three Republican Senate candidates were there to draw support for the straw poll. Ed Bryant (64%) used his home-field advantage to beat back Bob Corker (26) and Van Hilleary (10).