6th District GOP Convention: Ron Paul's 'Campaign for Liberty' makes robocall endorsement

I received a robocall Thursday from the Campaign for Liberty, Ron Paul's Libertarian organization. A man named Braeden Wilkinson or Braden Wilkerson -- I'm really not sure -- identified himself as the Campaign for Liberty's "Congressional District Coordinator." I can't find him on google -- probably my misspelling or misunderstanding his name.

His purpose in the robocall was to offer his "personal endorsement" to Vance Wilkins for Saturday's 6th Congressional District Republican convention. He gave all the necessary information for the convention -- location, time, address -- and said Wilkins would be the most capable for pursing the cause for liberty. Interesting.

Roger Jarrell elected Rockbridge Republican chairman

 Roger Jarrell II with son Trey, 17, driver with Trey Jarrell Racing

Well over a hundred people turned out Monday night at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington where Roger Jarrell II won the chairman's race for the Rockbridge area Republican Committee, defeating incumbent chairman Cher McCoy 94-34. Three candidates had vied for the position but Al Tucker dropped out prior to the meeting.

Rockbridge Republican Committee is part of the 6th Congressional District that is represented by Congressman Bob Goodlatte.

Jarrell, a Lexington native who attended local schools, is well known in the area and had won support from residents and the business community. After graduating from Lexington High School and Virginia Military Institute, he went on to earn his law degree at Washington and Lee University and now is in private practice. His involvement in politics began 20 years ago when he worked on Goodlatte's campaign for Congress as well as campaigns for Oliver North and John Warner.

Jarrell is an adviser with his son Trey who is a NASCAR driver for Trey Jarrell Racing Team.

Attending Monday night's meeting were  Delegate Ben Cline who drove back from Richmond's special session on Monday to give a General Assembly update before returning for Tuesday's session, as well as incumbent Wendell Walker and challenger Vance Wilkins who are candidates for 6th Congressional District Chairman at the convention to be held April 26 in Daleville.

Rumors and the 6th Congressional District

“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor."
Exodus 20:16 NIV

Talking with someone tonight from the 6th Congressional District was a reminder -- again -- of how people spread rumors without checking with the principals to find out if it's true.

Rule of thumb that should be in everyone's playbook: If you hear a rumor about someone, call them and ask, point blank, if it's true. If you're not willing to do that, do not believe the rumor. Period.

Former Speaker of the House Vance Wilkins makes a run for 6th Congressional District Chairman

Former Speaker of the House Vance Wilkins and his wife at
October 2010 Tea Party Convention in Richmond. (Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell)

In a battle that's shaping up for 6th Congressional District chairman, former Virginia House Speaker and delegate Vance Wilkins is challenging the incumbent chairman, Wendell Walker.

Vance Wilkins was Republican Speaker of the House -- an historic first in the Commonwealth -- for a little over two years before resigning in 2002 after allegations of misconduct. While serving as delegate from 1978-2002, he was instrumental in helping build the Republican Party into a majority that loosened the Commonwealth from its long-time Democratic grip.

Vance Wilkins' reemergence on the political landscape could be seen in 2007 when he was adviser to a candidate who unsuccessfully ran against Augusta County's State Senator Emmett Hanger (R-24th). Since that time, Wilkins has been seen working Republican events, most recently at the Republican Advance in December, and has been a moving force recruiting current chairmen throughout the 6th. Known in the past as conservative, he has in recent years lined up with the tea party wing of RPV.

Wendell Walker, who has served as chair in Congressman Bob Goodlatte's district the past three years, may have cause to be concerned. It's obvious Wilkins is putting his trademark tenacity to work as he pulls out the call lists of leaders and former leaders in the Sixth and works the phone to gain support. His hard work is legendary from the 1980s and '90s when he recruited and campaigned for Republican delegates, bringing a majority to the House. There's been no word yet from anyone who has received a phone call from Walker but he surely must be working his lists, too, in this battle that will culminate at the 6th District Convention on April 26th.

Anyone interested in attending the 6th Congressional District Convention will be required to attend their local committee mass meeting to become a delegate. Information for all committees can be found at the Republican Party of Virginia website. The Augusta County Mass Meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 5, 2014, at 6:30 pm at the Augusta County Government Center in Verona.

[Update: Word was received after this post was published that confirmed Walker has been contacting convention delegates and making the rounds of meetings in the 6th District.]

Staunton Councilman Bruce Elder reveals cancer diagnosis, withdraws from congressional race

 Staunton City Councilman Bruce Elder
at May 2012 Gypsy Hill Park Memorial Day ceremony.

It happens at Staunton parades, Memorial Day ceremonies in Gypsy Hill Park, city council meetings, and other locations around Staunton.

"Hey, Lynn," comes the loud, cheerful voice, "how are you doing?"

That's the normal gregarious greeting I always receive from Staunton City Councilman Bruce Elder. Big smile on his face, he usually follows that with, "I love those pictures you took last week of [Staunton/Augusta County/back roads]. You really should put together a coffee table book," or, "You're a tourism ambassador for Augusta County."

I always thank him and then we talk about where the latest batch of photos were taken, politics (we are opposite sides of the political aisle), or a local event or upcoming elections. We've talked about how he came to land in Staunton from New England, his business, his family, and whatever came to mind.

He ran against my guy Chris Saxman a number of years ago for the 20th House District delegate seat. Chris prevailed in his reelection, and later Bruce went on to win a seat on city council where he is currently serving his second term. The last time I saw him several months ago was at Clocktower Restaurant in Staunton where I was having lunch with Councilwoman Andrea Oakes. Bruce was there on campaign business but excused himself and joined us for a while so I, of course, took a picture and posted it on Facebook.

The news of his cancer diagnosis came as a shock. He was in the middle of a campaign for the 6th District Congressional seat, and had promised that we would sit down for an interview along the way. The diagnosis has caused his withdrawal from the race.

On Wednesday he announced the cancer and his decision to step back from campaigning:

Cancer

I want to beat Bob Goodlatte and represent the Sixth District in Congress, but I have to beat cancer first. Therefore I must sadly end my campaign, effective immediately.

On Christmas Eve I woke up and thought I had suffered a stroke; the left side of my face was paralyzed. After a trip to the emergency room, I learned that a growth was pressing against the nerves in my face, and it had to be removed.

I continued the campaign because the doctors were not sure if the growth was cancerous and there was the possibility that removal would solve the problem. The surgery to remove the growth occurred last week. That’s when I learned how serious this was.

The surgeon told me they got it “just in time”; the growth was cancerous. In the process of removing it, four of the main nerves in my left cheek were severed. It could be months before my facial muscles form new connections and allow me to smile and talk without discomfort.

Yesterday I learned I will need nearly two months of daily radiation treatments in order to make sure the cancer is gone. These treatments will leave me tired and make it difficult to speak or swallow.

Even then, I wanted to continue the campaign. So much work has been done in the last year, and so many relationships formed, that to bow out now would be such a great loss.

But I cannot continue. It will be months before I am able to talk normally, though I may never regain my pre-surgery abilities. I will not have the energy to campaign or even work for at least two months, perhaps longer.

I appreciate so much the support I’ve received in the last year and the opportunity I’ve had to talk about issues that matter to me and matter to the district and our nation: job creation, immigration reform, financial reform, protecting our water from fracking, and a higher minimum wage.

I am one of the lucky ones; I have insurance and an excellent team of doctors. I welcome your prayers as I beat this thing and join the millions who are cancer-free.

All the best,
Bruce

Cancer is an evil disease. Prayers to Bruce, his wife, and four children as he battles his way back to health.

6th Congressional District folks in Richmond ... 2014 General Assembly

 State Senator Emmett Hanger (R-24th) from Augusta County and Dr. Kurt Michael, former Augusta County Republican Committee chairman, spent time Friday afternoon talking about uniting the party and winning elections.

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." --Galatians 6:9

 For Delegate Chris Saxman (R-20th House) of Staunton now lives in the Richmond area.

Kurt and I ran into State Senator Mark Obenshain (R-26th) of Harrisonburg in Capitol Square.

Former 6th Congressional District Chairman Fred Anderson and his wife Ann attended Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling's official portrait unveiling and afterward at the reception for guests, family, and friends. I always teased Fred about his many hats (literally) ... Ann always is a picture of fashion perfection.

"Do the Bolling" ... the Lieutenant Governor and Kurt. They go back many years together to SWAC Breakfasts and then the 2005 primary when Kurt and his wife hosted the Bollings for a fundraiser at their Fishersville home (the LG relayed a humorous story about that night at Thursday's dinner in Short Pump). After winning the primary, we organized a second fundraiser in October that was held at the horse farm of Vonda and Kevin Lacey in Augusta County -- a glorious fall day that also included then-AG candidate Bob McDonnell, many of the local electeds, and Ken Mehlman, then-chairman of the Republican National Committee who worked in the Bush administration with my sister. What a fantastic day ... and Bill and Bob went on to win lieutenant governor and attorney general on their way to leading the party to a sweep of the Top 3 a short four years later.

Trixie Averill ... the heart of the 6th Congressional District for 30 years. She worked with more candidates than we will ever remember but a few of them were George Allen, Jim Gilmore, Jerry Kilgore, George W. Bush, Bob McDonnell, Bill Bolling ... she was the go-to person for western Virginia. Here she reconnects with Randy Marcus who has been with the LG since the beginning, and whom I first met in late 1999 on the George W. Bush presidential campaign.

Bill and Trixie at the LG's official portrait unveiling in Richmond on January 10, 2014.

Trixie and Governor Bob McDonnell meet in the Capitol. They drove hundreds of campaign miles together and have been friends for years.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
Richmond, Virginia
January 10, 2014

Staunton Councilman Bruce Elder seeks Democratic nomination to challenge Rep. Bob Goodlatte

The rumors have been circulating for a while but they are now official: Bruce Elder will run for the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican Congressman Bob Goodlatte in the 6th Congressional District.

Elder, who in his second term as a member of Staunton City Council, has set up a Facebook page and a website.

The election is November 2014.

Botetourt's 44th annual Republican Ham Dinner

The Botetourt County Republican Committee &
the Botetourt County Republican Women present ...

44th Annual Botetourt Republican Ham Dinner

Saturday, September 25, 2010 - 6-9:00 pm
Lord Botetourt High School
Daleville, Va.

Featuring special guests Adrian Cronauer & Adnan Barqawi
Tickets: $25 in advance / $30 at door

Make checks out to: Botetourt County Republican Committee, P.O. Box 702, Daleville, Va. 24083.

Information: Christine Broughton, Chairman (540.397-2724)

Bob Goodlatte to hold town hall meetings

Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) will hold town hall meetings in the 6th District beginning next week. Date and details can be found at the Washington Examiner.

Ensuring Transparency in Our Government

By Rep. Bob Goodlatte
(R-VA)

[Also see Washington Examiner's article, Obama closes curtain on transparency]

One of the most important duties I have as a Member of Congress is to review legislation that comes before Congress and determine if it is something that the Congress should be acting upon and if it will improve the lives of the people of the 6th Congressional District, or if it will have an adverse impact on them. After carefully weighing each piece of legislation, I must go to the floor of the House of Representatives and cast a vote.

Unfortunately, in recent months the Democratic leadership in Congress has decided that it is more important to ram critical pieces of their agenda through on strict party-line votes rather than allow Members of Congress enough time to appropriately review the legislation.


In February of 2009, the Majority in Congress revealed the text of the nearly $1 trillion “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act” – the so-called stimulus bill-- just ten hours before Congress began to debate and vote on it. With just a few hours to read the legislation, no one had enough time to read it and in fact language was inserted into the bill that protected the bonuses of top business executives, even as their companies took hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars to avoid bankruptcy. This was how AIG was able to distribute $165 million in taxpayer funded bonuses to their executives.

Then again early this spring the House Rules Committee approved a three hundred page amendment at the last minute and included it in the disastrous Cap and Trade legislation. Just hours later, the Democratic Leadership rammed this controversial legislation through the Congress by just seven votes. Given the significant impact this legislation will have on our lives, many Members of Congress wanted to amend the bill, but their amendments were not allowed to be debated and voted on and the legislation passed before we had a chance to review the 1,200 page legislation, including the 300 pages of secret changes.

While this disturbing trend has reached new heights in recent months, it is unfortunately not unique to the current House Leadership. Both parties have abused this process and it must stop. For this reason, I am a strong supporter of bipartisan legislation which would strengthen House Rules and ensure that Congress has ample time to read legislation before a vote. This legislation, which has the support of 217 Members of Congress, requires all major bills to be posted online publicly for at least 72 hours before they are brought to the House floor for a vote. This would give Members of Congress and the American people time to review the legislation before it comes up for a vote.

Refusing to allow Members of Congress the chance to review legislation before it’s voted on seriously jeopardizes the integrity of the democratic process.

Unfortunately, those who stand to lose the most from a secretive, dubious process are the American people. Our constituents demand accountability and they should be able to examine any legislation that has the potential to significantly impact their lives. I will continue to work to ensure that debate in Congress is transparent and open to help build the trust so vital in a democracy.

To contact me about this or any other matter, please visit my website at www.goodlatte.house.gov.

Reducing government spending is essential to job creation

By Rep. Bob Goodlatte
VA - Republican - 6th Congressional District

Folks all across our nation are worried. They worry if their job is still going to be around in six months. They worry about what will happen to their families, their children, and their homes if their employer shuts down and they find themselves out of work. Unfortunately, too many people are facing this situation today with nationwide unemployment hovering around ten percent.

The Democratic leaders in Washington promised the American people that if we passed a stimulus bill we would be able to strengthen our economy and create jobs. But in the 18 months since that monstrosity was passed by Congress, we have lost 2.6 million private sector jobs, unemployment has increased by almost two percent, and we have added trillions of dollars to our national debt. Bailouts, massive government spending, out of control deficits, federal takeovers, and more bureaucratic interference is not the solution to the difficulties we face today. As President Ronald Reagan said in his first inaugural address “government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.”

To spur economic growth, create new jobs and bring personal opportunity to every American we must strengthen our free market system, not hamper it. We must reduce government intrusion, not allow more bailouts and takeovers. We must give our nation’s entrepreneurial spirit the opportunity to thrive, not enact policies that will forever alter our ability to seek prosperity.

Out of control spending, skyrocketing deficits, and massive growth in government programs have increased economic uncertainty and prolonged our unemployment crisis. Yet, the Majority in Congress is already preparing to pass, without my support, a $26 billion bailout bill which will increase taxes on American businesses and once again expand the size and scope of the federal government. Americans need jobs, not another failed bailout. With businesses already struggling to make ends meet, further tax increases will only add to that burden. The federal government should focus on cutting spending and reducing the deficit, not finding more ways to spend taxpayer’s dollars. That’s why I have introduced legislation that would force the federal government to balance its budget.

The President and the Democratic Leadership in Congress believe their big government programs can better grow our economy and create jobs than the free market system that has made America the most prosperous nation on earth. They are also preparing massive tax increases. We simply cannot afford any more of these tax and spend job killing policies in the private sector. We must find ways to create new jobs and expand opportunities and that remains my top priority. As a member of the House Republican Economic Recovery Solutions Group, I am committed to finding real solutions to our nation’s unemployment crisis. We must remove barriers to employment including the threat of higher taxes, additional government regulations, and costly mandates.

To contact me about this or any other matter, please visit my website at www.goodlatte.house.gov.

The wasteful Washington spending continues

By Rep. Bob Goodlatte
Republican - 6th Congressional District

As I travel throughout the 6th Congressional District, meeting with my constituents, I consistently hear concerns about the out-of-control government spending that is going on in Washington. The majority of my constituents rightly know that in these challenging economic times it is even more important for government to control spending. However, this is a principle that has been lost on the Majority in Congress. They have increased federal spending at an unsustainable pace, spending billions of dollars on wasteful projects in failed attempts to grow our economy.

One particularly egregious waste of taxpayer dollars is right here in southwestern Virginia. Just over a year ago, it was announced that nearly $51 million of the taxpayer’s money would be spent to increase the energy efficiencies of the Richard H. Poff Federal Building in downtown Roanoke. I have received numerous inquiries from constituents concerned about the excessive price tag for the project, the cost effectiveness of this project relative to alternative construction, and the inability of local businesses to bid on the initial stages of the project.

Recently the primary construction contract was issued to an out of the area company. Since that time I have aggressively sought answers from the GSA regarding the cost and scope of this wasteful and misguided project and called on General Services Administration (GSA) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate this matter.

I am particularly concerned about the lack of a thorough cost-benefit analysis of the renovation and failure to include security improvements to the building in the project’s plans. Recently I learned that the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia, one of the largest employers in the Poff Building, had requested that GSA examine alternatives to the renovation of the Poff Building for security and efficiency reasons and was refused. Our federal district courts have many controversial criminal and civil trials and security must be a top priority.

Additionally, I have strong concerns about the significant impact of the renovation on the tenants of the Poff Building. It has come to my attention that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Roanoke Regional Office will be moved to four different locations. Not only will this be difficult for the employees of the VA Roanoke Regional Office but it will cause an increase in already lengthy delays in processing veterans’ claims and place an unnecessary burden on our area veterans when they are seeking assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

How can GSA spend nearly $51 million of the taxpayers’ money to renovate the Poff Federal Building and yet not address the needs of the building’s tenants? Recently Senators Warner and Webb, recognizing that this project is ill-conceived, wrote to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Administrator of GSA suggesting that the Poff building renovation be halted.

The path to our economic recovery starts with fiscal responsibility in Washington and that’s why I have strongly urged GSA to immediately halt the wasteful and misguided renovation of the Poff Federal Building. I will continue working to see that a thorough investigation into this matter is completed. We must ensure that any improvements made to the Poff Federal Building will be beneficial to the taxpayers, the federal government, and the Poff Building tenants.

To contact me about this or any other matter, please visit my website at www.goodlatte.house.gov.

Tragedy in the Gulf

By Congressman Bob Goodlatte
R-VA 6th District

Nearly two months ago an explosion occurred on the Deepwater Horizon oil drilling rig off the coast of Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico. This explosion, which tragically took the lives of eleven hard working Americans, resulted in an environmental catastrophe like we have never seen before. The oil spill continues to have an enormous impact on the Gulf Coast region, its economy, and the environment.

Our first priority must be to stop the leak and do everything possible to preserve the livelihoods of those in the area. The most recent estimates suggest that between 40 million and 115 million gallons of oil have been spilled into the Gulf. This far exceeds the Exxon Valdez disaster. While all of the initial attempts to stop the leak have failed, BP has been successful in containing approximately 15,000 barrels of oil per day while they drill two relief wells which should stop the leak altogether.

The U.S. Coast Guard has already deemed both Transocean, the owner of the Deepwater Horizon rig, and BP, the owner of the well that was being drilled at the time of the explosion, at fault in this horrific accident. This means that Transocean and BP are responsible, under U.S. law, for one hundred percent of all cleanup costs, including those incurred by any government agencies. American taxpayers shouldn’t pay a dime.

I continue to have grave concerns regarding the Federal government’s slow response to this disaster. The effort has been disorganized and distracted from the beginning, and it hasn’t provided the effective, energetic, hands-on leadership that is necessary during a crisis.

I also have strong concerns about the Administration’s recent announcement that there will be a six-month moratorium on deepwater drilling. This will have a devastating economic impact on the Gulf Coast communities who are already suffering. Deepwater wells generate 80 percent of the Gulf's oil production and 45 percent of its natural gas. The moratorium will affect 33 oil rigs and companies have already started moving those rigs out of the Gulf to foreign waters where they are allowed to drill. Some reports have estimated that the moratorium on offshore drilling could result in the loss of as many as 120,000 jobs. In an already struggling economy this will have a devastating effect. It will also immediately make us far more dependent on foreign oil and the environmental risk that comes with many more oil tankers bringing oil from foreign countries into U.S. waters.

It is important that we learn from this disaster to strengthen the safety and security of oil and natural gas exploration and production. Our country needs to become energy independent and cutting off our access to these supplies is not the answer.

I remain committed to finding solutions to lessen our reliance on foreign energy, and allow us to become energy independent. A comprehensive energy policy which encourages environmentally-responsible exploration, innovation, and conservation is the only way to lower energy prices for the long term for consumers and create millions of new jobs.

To contact me about this or any other matter, please visit my website at www.goodlatte.house.gov.

Virginia 6th District ... Trixie Averill for Chairman

Trixie Averill, Virginia 6th District chairman candidate, outside The Depot Grille in downtown Staunton's historic wharf area. She was wearing a t-shirt featuring her beloved New Orleans Saints who were the 2010 Superbowl Champions.

She has been busy traveling up and down the Shenandoah Valley speaking at mass meetings and other events to ask voters to sign up as delegates for the 6th District Convention and cast a vote for her. This week found 6th congressional district chairman candidate Trixie Averill in Staunton where we met for lunch and talked about all things Republican.

As she continues to pick up delegates leading to the May 22 Sixth District Convention in Lynchburg, I'm rooting for her victory. Her experience and knowledge of the 6th District, and her access to those in leadership, are an asset at a time when our country is in unrest because Democrats have jammed unwanted bills such as cap-and-trade and government-run health care down the throats of citizens.

Trixie has been part of the grassroots for years ... a boots-on-the-ground presence not only during Republican campaigns but also organizing bus trips with Americans for Prosperity and others so that citizens would have their voices heard in Washington and Richmond. She has worked hard and, hopefully, on May 22 she will be voted into that leadership position.

Photo by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
15 April 2010

Trixie Averill -- candidate for 6th District Chairman

Trixie Averill, Virginia 6th District chairman candidate, outside The Depot Grille in downtown Staunton's historic wharf area. She was wearing a t-shirt featuring her beloved New Orleans Saints who were the 2010 Superbowl Champions.

She has been busy traveling up and down the Shenandoah Valley speaking at mass meetings and other events to ask voters to sign up as delegates for the 6th District Convention and cast a vote for her. This week found 6th congressional district chairman candidate Trixie Averill in Staunton where we met for lunch and talked about all things Republican.

As she continues to pick up delegates leading to the May 22 Sixth District Convention in Lynchburg, I'm rooting for her victory. Her experience and knowledge of the 6th District, and her access to those in leadership, are an asset at a time when our country is in unrest because Democrats have jammed unwanted bills such as cap-and-trade and government-run health care down the throats of citizens.

Trixie has been part of the grassroots for years ... a boots-on-the-ground presence not only during Republican campaigns but also organizing bus trips with Americans for Prosperity and others so that citizens would have their voices heard in Washington and Richmond. She has worked hard and, hopefully, on May 22 she will be voted into that leadership position.

Photo by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
15 April 2010

House economic recovery working group launches YouCut

From Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA)

It is no secret that the American people are facing a very tough economic climate. Families and small businesses are cutting back on expenses. As economic uncertainty continues, many across our nation are looking to the government for leadership during this difficult time.

In these challenging economic times it is even more important for government to control spending. The federal government must work to both eliminate every cent of waste and squeeze every cent of value out of each dollar our citizens entrust to it. With families and small businesses all across our nation making tough decisions each day about what they can and cannot afford Congress should not be allowed to ignore these tough decisions when creating spending policies for the federal government.

Today I joined with House Republican Whip Eric Cantor and other members of the Republican Economic Recovery Working Group in launching a one-of-its-kind initative, YouCut, a project designed to reverse the culture of spending in Washington to a culture of savings. Beginning today, people from Virginia’s 6th Congressional District and around the country can vote -- both online and on their cell phone -- on spending cuts they would like to see the House of Representatives enact.

House Republicans will then offer an up-or-down vote on the spending cut that receives the most public support. The people of my district will have direct input on what they feel is the best way for the government to save money, each and every week. I urge everyone to log on to the YouCut website and vote today!

Trixie Averill campaigning for 6th District Chair

Trixie Averill, 6th Republican Congressional District chairman candidate, outside The Depot Grille in downtown Staunton's historic wharf area. She was wearing a t-shirt featuring her beloved New Orleans Saints who were the 2010 Superbowl Champions.

She has been busy traveling up and down the Shenandoah Valley speaking at mass meetings and other events to ask voters to sign up as delegates for the 6th District Convention and cast a vote for her. This week found 6th congressional district chairman candidate Trixie Averill in Staunton where we met for lunch and talked about all things Republican.

As she continues to pick up delegates leading to the May 22 Sixth District Convention in Lynchburg, I'm rooting for her victory. Her experience and knowledge of the 6th District, and her access to those in leadership, are an asset at a time when our country is in unrest because Democrats have jammed unwanted bills such as cap-and-trade and government-run health care down the throats of citizens.

Trixie has been part of the grassroots for years ... a boots-on-the-ground presence not only during Republican campaigns but also organizing bus trips with Americans for Prosperity and others so that citizens would have their voices heard in Washington and Richmond. She has worked hard and, hopefully, on May 22 she will be voted into that leadership position.

Photo by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
15 April 2010

Shenandoah County GOP Dinner ... Congressman Bob Goodlatte

Congressman Bob Goodlatte addressed the Shenandoah County Republicans and guests Friday night from the Yellow Barn in Mt. Jackson. Seated at the table were Lt. Gov. and Mrs. Bill Bolling.

The Congressman talked with constituents after dinner.





Bob Goodlatte and Christy Huffman. Christy interned in his Washington office while in college.

Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
26 March 2010

Trixie Averill for 6th District Chairman

Dr. Kurt Michael, conservative leader in the Staunton-Waynesboro-Augusta County area, personally endorsed Trixie Averill for Republican 6th District Chairman during Saturday's SWAC Conservative Round Table Breakfast. Others who stood up and endorsed her, and commended her for hard work over the years, were Jason Bibeau and Lynn Mitchell.

Trixie is a military mom whose son spent three tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. She stood up for our troops when Cindy Sheehan was in Charlottesville in 2007.

See Trixie's vision for the 6th District.

Trixie has been in the trenches for 20 years. She doesn't "talk the talk" ... she actually "walks the walk," getting buses together for activists to take their views to the General Assembly in Richmond and to Congress in DC.

Trixie has been working hard for conservative, principled Republican candidates up and down the Shenandoah Valley for years ... and she just finished working the campaign of Gov. Bob McDonnell who had an historic win in November 2009.

Trixie Averill
6th Congressional District Chairman

Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
20 March 2010

The Wrong Prescription for Economic Growth

By Congressman Bob Goodlatte
R - 6th Congressional District

Nearly two months ago President Obama stood before the Members of the House of Representatives, the Senate, the Supreme Court Justices, his own Cabinet Members and millions of Americans who were watching on television to deliver his first State of the Union address. In that speech he declared that as economic uncertainty continues to plague our nation the government must focus on policies that promote economic growth and job creation. My how things have changed in just two short months.

Congress should be working to reduce the tax and regulatory burdens that hinder small businesses and ultimately overall economic growth and job creation. Instead, over the loud objections of a majority of Americans, the Democrats in Congress continue to advance their health care reform proposal which sets the tone for a Washington takeover of the health care system. This legislation which contains a multitude of new federal regulations, mandates, new big government programs, and a significant increase in federal spending and debt, will be extremely detrimental to American businesses and particularly our small businesses, which will make job losses even worse.

As I write this the legislation the Majority is pushing includes over $569 billion in tax increases and over $523 billion in Medicare cuts. This includes $52 billion in new taxes on employers, including small businesses, that cannot afford to provide health coverage or that don’t offer coverage. The effect of this type of tax, similar to a payroll tax increase, would ultimately fall squarely on workers in the form of lower wages or reduced employment. Additionally, the legislation includes $17 billion in new taxes on Americans who do not comply with the individual insurance mandate which is sure to further stifle economic growth.

In fact, 130 economists from all across the country sent President Obama a letter explaining how this legislation is a job-killer. In their letter, the economists stated that the insurance mandate and the tax increases, among other things, will “constrict economic growth and reduce employment” while “increasing spending on health care and increasing the cost of health coverage.”

It’s your job to make health care decisions for your family. The government’s job is to ensure you have access to affordable alternatives and then get out of the way. That is why I strongly support an alternative proposal which allows for the purchase of health insurance across state lines, allows individuals and small businesses to join large pools to get more competitive rates, provides tort reform to cut down the high cost of defensive medicine, allows full tax deductibility of health insurance premiums, portability of health insurance and protection against pre-existing condition exclusions. In addition, I support health insurance tax credits for individuals and families who don’t have access to employer-based health insurance, increasing the number of community health centers, and encouraging the use of health information technology to achieve greater efficiencies.

Congress should not be pushing a government takeover of health care that will inflict even more harm on our nation’s economy, making job losses even worse. Instead Congress must focus on strategies that help Americans obtain the best quality health care at the least cost, and ensure that the government fosters increased access to quality care based on individual choice, not by taking away choices from people on the grounds that government knows best.