The field of candidates for the 20th House of Delegates seat dropped by one today when Christopher DeWald bowed out and threw his support behind David Karaffa.
Meanwhile, Chris Graham at the Augusta Free Press weighs in on the candidates with some interesting and accurate observations.
Showing posts with label Augusta County GOP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Augusta County GOP. Show all posts
Friday, July 24, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Augusta GOP officers resign in protest of 56 purged members
As many know, I have been very concerned about the actions of Augusta County Republican Committee Chairman Bill Shirley in illegally kicking off 56 members of the committee, and have tried a variety of avenues to resolve this issue. Now long-time volunteers who are friends, neighbors, and solid Republicans have been purged.
I am sad to say that at our last committee meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 2009, Chairman Bill Shirley would not allow anyone to speak to the issue even to the extend that he refused to recognize RPV Acting Chairman Mike Thomas who had driven up from Richmond, and did not even acknowledge Mr. Thomas' presence at the start of the meeting.
Committee members tried to speak but Bill Shirley threatened them with a Sergeant of Arms and a local deputy, a tactic that has become all too familiar to intimidate and shut down discussion. This kind of harassment is not how Republicans act.
In solidarity with the 56 members who were removed from the committee, I will stand with them and, in protest of their dismissal, have formally resigned from the Augusta County Republican Committee along with the majority of the Executive Committee who left for the same reason.
I apologize to RPV Acting Chairman Mike Thomas for his poor treatment, and to the 56 purged volunteers who have been there for us throughout the years.
It is a sad day to realize that the Party that was so vibrant and strong in Augusta County has fallen to such depths with no hope of the majority of the banished 56 returning anytime soon. My conscience will not allow me to associate with the type of behavior displayed by Bill Shirley and others. I will help the GOP in other more productive ways rather than fight members of the Party.
It is said that Virginians traditionally have a sense of civility in politics ... but we seem to have lost that in the Augusta County Republican Party under the chairmanship of Bill Shirley.
Some civil voices on this subject:
New - Too Conservative: What a mess in Augusta County
New - Yankee Phil: VA Bloggers asks a question about Augusta County....
- Yankee Phil: A letter from Swacgirl to local Republicans
- Augusta Conservative: Augusta County Republican Committee purges 56 members
- Yankee Phil: Majority of the Augusta County Board resigned
- Augusta Free Press: Local GOP committee splintering over ... what, exactly?
- Fishersville Mike: Something bothering me
- Augusta Conservative: Augusta County GOP Committee Falls Apart
- Yankee Phil: Time to print new brochures
- Fishersville Mike: It's the internet age, settle it
- The Augusta Water Cooler: Augusta axes hardworking grassroots volunteers
From Too Conservative blog with comments:
04/23/09
By Loudoun Insider
Purges, RINO Hunting, etc. Sound familiar? The Augusta
County Republican Committee sounds like a total trainwreck, with the
Frederick types taking over. SWAC Girl has a rundown with lots of links.
I am sad to say that at our last committee meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 2009, Chairman Bill Shirley would not allow anyone to speak to the issue even to the extend that he refused to recognize RPV Acting Chairman Mike Thomas who had driven up from Richmond, and did not even acknowledge Mr. Thomas' presence at the start of the meeting.
Committee members tried to speak but Bill Shirley threatened them with a Sergeant of Arms and a local deputy, a tactic that has become all too familiar to intimidate and shut down discussion. This kind of harassment is not how Republicans act.
In solidarity with the 56 members who were removed from the committee, I will stand with them and, in protest of their dismissal, have formally resigned from the Augusta County Republican Committee along with the majority of the Executive Committee who left for the same reason.
I apologize to RPV Acting Chairman Mike Thomas for his poor treatment, and to the 56 purged volunteers who have been there for us throughout the years.
It is a sad day to realize that the Party that was so vibrant and strong in Augusta County has fallen to such depths with no hope of the majority of the banished 56 returning anytime soon. My conscience will not allow me to associate with the type of behavior displayed by Bill Shirley and others. I will help the GOP in other more productive ways rather than fight members of the Party.
It is said that Virginians traditionally have a sense of civility in politics ... but we seem to have lost that in the Augusta County Republican Party under the chairmanship of Bill Shirley.
Some civil voices on this subject:
New - Too Conservative: What a mess in Augusta County
New - Yankee Phil: VA Bloggers asks a question about Augusta County....
- Yankee Phil: A letter from Swacgirl to local Republicans
- Augusta Conservative: Augusta County Republican Committee purges 56 members
- Yankee Phil: Majority of the Augusta County Board resigned
- Augusta Free Press: Local GOP committee splintering over ... what, exactly?
- Fishersville Mike: Something bothering me
- Augusta Conservative: Augusta County GOP Committee Falls Apart
- Yankee Phil: Time to print new brochures
- Fishersville Mike: It's the internet age, settle it
- The Augusta Water Cooler: Augusta axes hardworking grassroots volunteers
From Too Conservative blog with comments:
04/23/09
What A Mess In Augusta County
Comments
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
What is happening to the Augusta County GOP?
Yankee Phil and Augusta Conservative have some of the details....
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Augusta County Republican Women's Club BBQ
Friday was the seventh (or eighth?) annual Augusta County Republican Women's Barbecue held in Waynesboro. A good group of folks turned out for BBQ and all the fixins, bluegrass music, and fellowship with fellow Republicans.
In attendance were Sen. Emmett Hanger and Del. Ben Cline as well as many activists from the area.
At one table was former Augusta County Chair Kurt Michael and his family, Scott and Mary Sayre, SWAC Girl, and Jimmy Brennerman as well as Annie from the Goodlatte campaign. Waynesboro Vice Chairwoman Melissa Mello and her family came out for the evening as well as Augusta Chair Bill Shirley and his wife.
GOP Women Alice Chambers and Barb Tillett were all over the place helping the other ladies serve, refill, and generally pampering guests.
I've been attending these since they started with the exception of maybe one year. Alice and the others do a great job, and the barbecue is always good. Thanks, Ladies, for another successful event.
Photos by SWAC Girl
In attendance were Sen. Emmett Hanger and Del. Ben Cline as well as many activists from the area.
At one table was former Augusta County Chair Kurt Michael and his family, Scott and Mary Sayre, SWAC Girl, and Jimmy Brennerman as well as Annie from the Goodlatte campaign. Waynesboro Vice Chairwoman Melissa Mello and her family came out for the evening as well as Augusta Chair Bill Shirley and his wife.
GOP Women Alice Chambers and Barb Tillett were all over the place helping the other ladies serve, refill, and generally pampering guests.
I've been attending these since they started with the exception of maybe one year. Alice and the others do a great job, and the barbecue is always good. Thanks, Ladies, for another successful event.
Photos by SWAC Girl
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Working the 2008 Augusta County Fair ... Day 2
Kurt Michael & Jason Bibeau at Republican booth.
Mike and Laura working the front door.
Goodlatte, Gilmore, McCain represented at the booth.Day 2 of the Augusta County Fair found the GOP booth full of volunteers who blew up balloons, talked with folks, registered new voters, and enjoyed the evening. The air conditioned building is extremely appreciated. Former Augusta County Supervisor Kay Frye stopped by to chat for a while; Supervisor Larry Howdyshell was seen on the premises. Many friends dropped in to say hello and pick up materials.
Congressman Bob Goodlatte is tentatively scheduled to be at the booth Saturday night. If you are at the fair, stop by to pick up a blue Bob Goodlatte helium balloon, some bumper stickers, yard signs, and chat. We look forward to seeing everyone.
Photos by SWAC Girl
Cross-posted at SixtyFour81.com
Congressman Bob Goodlatte is tentatively scheduled to be at the booth Saturday night. If you are at the fair, stop by to pick up a blue Bob Goodlatte helium balloon, some bumper stickers, yard signs, and chat. We look forward to seeing everyone.
Photos by SWAC Girl
Cross-posted at SixtyFour81.com
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Churchville Fireman's Parade ... an Augusta County tradition
Congressman Bob Goodlatte & Del. Chris Saxman
Goodlatte float representing GOP was ready and waiting to go....
GOP Churchville Precinct Captain Emily Griffin. I call her "Miss Churchville" because she knows everyone....
I heard someone call out my name ... and there was Will Bear sitting with his dad on the front steps of their historic home in Churchville. They run the Bear Funeral Home which has been in their family for generations. Will was formerly very involved in the Augusta County Republican Party before taking over the family business after his mother passed away.
Chris Saxman and Bob Goodlatte walked the parade, criss-crossing the street to greet folks. Here they are shaking hands with a group sitting at the corner of Rt. 250 and Rt. 42 in the center of Churchville.
Chris Saxman with three young members of the Goodlatte team who helped pass out candy to children along the parade route.
Del. Saxman shakes hands with future voters as Alex Davis passes out Goodlatte lapel stickers. Alex, a member of the Staunton GOP, was helping out in the Pastures District, an example of the cooperation between the SWAC area Republican committees.
The annual Churchville Fireman's parade is an event many families look forward to each year. I first became involved in 2001 when Chris Saxman was running for the Republican nomination for the 20th House delegate seat. We had a float that year with supporters riding while Chris worked the crowd and the rest of us walked along handing out Saxman lapel stickers. He was popular that year ... and every year since. People call out to him as he walks by ... he tries to get to as many as possible as the float slowly pulls away....
Congressman Goodlatte was also very popular in the parade as he shook hands with young and old alike. His "Goodlatte Team" was dressed in blue Goodlatte shirts and ranged in age from seven to mid-20s ... and up. Home school mom Melissa Mello of Waynesboro (another example of cooperation between the SWAC area GOP committees), her husband, and their six children were part of that team as well as YRs, staffers, and GOP activists. Emily Griffin and Al Katz, both officers on the Augusta County GOP, participated. The youngest member of the team was 18-month-old Emma who rode on the float with her mom and took it all in.
Many familiar faces were seen in the crowd including Dianne and Benny Rankin, owners of T-Bone Tooter's restaurant located in the center of Churchville. Its front porch was full of folks who had a front-row seat for the parade. Also saw Michelle and Terry Argenbright and their children as part of the motocross team of about 20 youngsters on their motor bikes riding behind the lead pickup truck. They were adorable ... and it reminded me of a mother hen with all her chicks behind her as the pickup truck drove ahead with all the little motocross guys riding behind. I wish I could have gotten a picture of them.
It was another great parade. Many thanks to all who helped make it a success especially Dave Rexrode and his family for putting together the float, decorations, and providing the pickup as the "pull" vehicle.
Photos by SWAC Girl
Congressman Goodlatte was also very popular in the parade as he shook hands with young and old alike. His "Goodlatte Team" was dressed in blue Goodlatte shirts and ranged in age from seven to mid-20s ... and up. Home school mom Melissa Mello of Waynesboro (another example of cooperation between the SWAC area GOP committees), her husband, and their six children were part of that team as well as YRs, staffers, and GOP activists. Emily Griffin and Al Katz, both officers on the Augusta County GOP, participated. The youngest member of the team was 18-month-old Emma who rode on the float with her mom and took it all in.
Many familiar faces were seen in the crowd including Dianne and Benny Rankin, owners of T-Bone Tooter's restaurant located in the center of Churchville. Its front porch was full of folks who had a front-row seat for the parade. Also saw Michelle and Terry Argenbright and their children as part of the motocross team of about 20 youngsters on their motor bikes riding behind the lead pickup truck. They were adorable ... and it reminded me of a mother hen with all her chicks behind her as the pickup truck drove ahead with all the little motocross guys riding behind. I wish I could have gotten a picture of them.
It was another great parade. Many thanks to all who helped make it a success especially Dave Rexrode and his family for putting together the float, decorations, and providing the pickup as the "pull" vehicle.
Photos by SWAC Girl
Friday, June 27, 2008
Standing ovation for outgoing Augusta GOP Chairman Kurt Michael
Dr. Kurt Michael
Standing ovation by everyone in the room for Kurt's leadership the past 5+ years.Thursday night's Augusta County Republican Committee meeting was held in a packed, standing-room-only room where every chair was occupied. The event was the election of a new chairman after former chair Dr. Kurt Michael stepped down following the contentious mass meeting and follow-up appeals that upheld his election as chairman. However, in the spirit of pulling the Party together, he stepped aside to make room for a new leader.
After hearing remarks praising Dr. Michael and thanking him for his five-plus years as chairman, the entire roomful of people broke into applause and rose to their feet in honor of the man who had led them from a skeleton committee of 12-15 members with little infrastructure to a strong committee with 74 members and an infrastructure that includes District Chairs, Precinct Captains, and other volunteers in place.
After hearing remarks praising Dr. Michael and thanking him for his five-plus years as chairman, the entire roomful of people broke into applause and rose to their feet in honor of the man who had led them from a skeleton committee of 12-15 members with little infrastructure to a strong committee with 74 members and an infrastructure that includes District Chairs, Precinct Captains, and other volunteers in place.
Kurt Michael (left) talks with Bill Shirley (right) at celebration afterwards at Dairy Queen.
He had built up and led the monthly SWAC-GOP breakfasts to include statewide speakers who brought in dozens of local Republicans, providing a platform for Congressman Bob Goodlatte, Lt. Governor Bill Bolling, Attorney General Bob McDonnell, former Virginia governor and current senate candidate Jim Gilmore, former RPV chairman John Hager, former RPV communications director Shaun Kenney, conservative attorney Pat McSweeney, and many others including the SWAC area electeds.
He had worked to help recruit poll workers ... get out yard signs ... made phone calls from GOP headquarters ... taken candidate petitions around his neighborhood ... carried out literature drops ... helped to decorate GOP floats for the 4th of July, Veterans Day, and Christmas parades ... worked the fair booth at the county fair.
He had conducted numerous mass meetings over the past five years for candidates, and he prepared and carried out too many regular meetings to remember.
He had spent countless hours working the phones talking with candidates, volunteers, and other GOP chairs from the area.
And now he was being honored for all his hard work by the Augusta County Republican Committee members ... people from the community who knew the work he had done, recognized the sacrifice, and were thankful for it.
You have been very much appreciated. Thank you, Kurt.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
What's brewing in Augusta County....?
What's brewing in Augusta County? Perhaps it's the beer brewed at Queen City Brewing Company in historic downtown Staunton where tours are available as well as free samples of what's on tap.Or perhaps it's the beer brewed at Blue Mountain Brewery up on Afton Mountain where you can get a cold one, a bite to eat, and listen to music all while taking in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Or maybe it's the Coors Brewery East located north of Waynesboro (as opposed to Coors Brewery West located in Golden, Colorado).
Or is it this seasonal pumpkin ale ... recipe located at The Brew Site.
Whatever it is ... there's always something brewing in and around Augusta County!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Kurt Michael ... strong leadership for Augusta GOP
[Letter to the editor submitted to the Waynesboro News Virginian.]
In January of 2006, my family moved to Augusta County. As a Republican, I was delighted to see the “Win the War” signs and other pro-American indicators in the area. I soon learned that these encouraging conservative movements were championed because of the positive leadership of Augusta County Republican Party chairman Dr. Kurt Michael.
When it was revealed that an “adult book store” was going to open in Staunton, who acted in an advisory role to help the concerned citizens get court-tested laws in place? Kurt Michael.
On that same note, Kurt Michael has been leading the charge to get similar laws in place for the county of Augusta.
Where were these other “would be” leaders? Why were they not in the fight to champion traditional Republican values like pro-life, pro-family, pro-defense, low tax, responsible spending? Do they not support these standards? Are they opposed to Kurt because he does?
Unfortunately, I was out of state at the time of the chair election in April. My wife did attend. When I talked to her that night she described the first half of the meeting as a circus act of bait-and-switch. Not until the second half of the meeting, when Kurt Michael took the lead, did the meeting proceed according to good parliamentarian standards.
I am sorry to see Kurt step down.
Joe Steele
Fishersville, VA
In January of 2006, my family moved to Augusta County. As a Republican, I was delighted to see the “Win the War” signs and other pro-American indicators in the area. I soon learned that these encouraging conservative movements were championed because of the positive leadership of Augusta County Republican Party chairman Dr. Kurt Michael.
When it was revealed that an “adult book store” was going to open in Staunton, who acted in an advisory role to help the concerned citizens get court-tested laws in place? Kurt Michael.
On that same note, Kurt Michael has been leading the charge to get similar laws in place for the county of Augusta.
Where were these other “would be” leaders? Why were they not in the fight to champion traditional Republican values like pro-life, pro-family, pro-defense, low tax, responsible spending? Do they not support these standards? Are they opposed to Kurt because he does?
Unfortunately, I was out of state at the time of the chair election in April. My wife did attend. When I talked to her that night she described the first half of the meeting as a circus act of bait-and-switch. Not until the second half of the meeting, when Kurt Michael took the lead, did the meeting proceed according to good parliamentarian standards.
I am sorry to see Kurt step down.
Joe Steele
Fishersville, VA
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
M&M ... being compared to candy isn't so bad!
Monday, June 09, 2008
Augusta GOP Chair Kurt Michael resigns at 6th District meeting
Dr. Kurt Michael
"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help." --Psalm 121
"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help." --Psalm 121
Augusta County Chairman Dr. Kurt Michael handed in his resignation to 6th Congressional District Chairman Fred Anderson Saturday during the quarterly meeting held in Lexington. Addressing the meeting, Kurt spoke of his love for the Party during his 17 years as a volunteer, working to elect conservative candidates and recruit volunteers.
At the conclusion of his remarks, he received a standing ovation from the entire 6th District Congressional Committee including Congressman Bob Goodlatte.
After his announcement, I addressed the meeting to speak of Kurt's good work during his five years as Augusta County GOP Chairman:
As I was driving back from Lexington after Saturday's 3 1/2 hour meeting, I was lost in thought over it all ... and so I kept driving until I was at the top of Afton Mountain. I am at peace in the mountains but the feeling of sadness lingered. It will take some time.
As I addressed the 6th District Committee Saturday, both on Kurt's behalf when he resigned and during another issue that was before the Committee, I could not help but remember a day when I was so terrified of public speaking that I would not say a word in front of an assembled group.
I owe the fact I overcame that fear to two people -- Nate Salatin, one of my home school teens who taught me public speaking -- and Kurt Michael.
Kurt is a governor school teacher ... and his students love him. They call him "Dr. Mike." Teaching is second nature to him ... and so he has been my teacher and mentor the past six years.
And he has been my friend. In politics, that is a rare commodity because human nature pulls most people to the power, or the money, or something that will make them betray even those who helped them win public office or pulled them into the inner circle of leadership. Climbing that ladder of ambition makes some forget who their friends were at the beginning. Some fail to even recognize his hand in laying the foundation for what they now have.
Five years is an eternity in political years ... but Kurt and I still work well together ... the two political junkies who cannot get enough of talking politics.
Kurt has been there ... guiding, advising, leading. He is happiest in the background out of the spotlight. He pushes others forward allowing them to receive the accolades. He is demanding but fair, and sometimes brutally honest with candidates and fellow volunteers. He is a leader.
And so it's over. For now. His detractors will gloat; the Democrats will celebrate. But Kurt's not going anywhere.
To Kurt I say ... thank you, Friend.
At the conclusion of his remarks, he received a standing ovation from the entire 6th District Congressional Committee including Congressman Bob Goodlatte.
After his announcement, I addressed the meeting to speak of Kurt's good work during his five years as Augusta County GOP Chairman:
I could not let Kurt leave without saying a few words about him. I have served as his Vice Chairman of Communications the past five years.I do not know what the Big Plan is in what has occurred ... but I know there is a Plan. Still, that does not lessen the feeling of sadness I have in this entire episode.
Kurt Michael took a Committee that was bare bones, on auto-pilot, was practically dormant ... and he immediately began building infrastructure, recruiting volunteers, and filling positions. He fulfilled the LG/AG/RPV/GOP Challenge doubling the committee size five years ago! He recruited conservative candidates.
He stood up for issues of interest to the community, people who would approach him and ask, "Can the Republicans help with this?" That was because they knew we were organized and could put those skills to work. And he was principled and believed in the issues they brought to him.
When Weekday Religious Education was threatened in Staunton in 2005, Kurt was approached and asked if he could help. It was saved.
During 2006 he organized 40 SWAC area churches to help pass the Marriage Amendment.
Last Fall when an adult business opened in Staunton, people in the community again called on Kurt to help. With his help ordinances were passed in Staunton in November 2007, and then he followed through to help get the same ordinances passed in Augusta County in March 2008.
He has spent the past year in the spotlight of the newspapers constantly under attack simply because he supported the challenger instead of the incumbent in last year's 24th Senatorial District primary. There were six other chairs in the 24th District who stood with him to support Scott Sayre in that race but, for some reason, Kurt became the targeted one to take the most heat.
I disagree with Kurt's decision to step down ... and we have been at loggerheads over that decision. But I support him in what he feels is best for the Party.
As the Augusta Free Press wrote this week, Kurt's stepping down is "bad news for the GOP but good news for the Dems." And that came from the Democrat chairman of Waynesboro.
The good news is he is not going away. Thank you, Kurt, for all your work as Chairman.
As I was driving back from Lexington after Saturday's 3 1/2 hour meeting, I was lost in thought over it all ... and so I kept driving until I was at the top of Afton Mountain. I am at peace in the mountains but the feeling of sadness lingered. It will take some time.
As I addressed the 6th District Committee Saturday, both on Kurt's behalf when he resigned and during another issue that was before the Committee, I could not help but remember a day when I was so terrified of public speaking that I would not say a word in front of an assembled group.
I owe the fact I overcame that fear to two people -- Nate Salatin, one of my home school teens who taught me public speaking -- and Kurt Michael.
Kurt is a governor school teacher ... and his students love him. They call him "Dr. Mike." Teaching is second nature to him ... and so he has been my teacher and mentor the past six years.
And he has been my friend. In politics, that is a rare commodity because human nature pulls most people to the power, or the money, or something that will make them betray even those who helped them win public office or pulled them into the inner circle of leadership. Climbing that ladder of ambition makes some forget who their friends were at the beginning. Some fail to even recognize his hand in laying the foundation for what they now have.
Five years is an eternity in political years ... but Kurt and I still work well together ... the two political junkies who cannot get enough of talking politics.
Kurt has been there ... guiding, advising, leading. He is happiest in the background out of the spotlight. He pushes others forward allowing them to receive the accolades. He is demanding but fair, and sometimes brutally honest with candidates and fellow volunteers. He is a leader.
And so it's over. For now. His detractors will gloat; the Democrats will celebrate. But Kurt's not going anywhere.
To Kurt I say ... thank you, Friend.
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Kurt Michael resigns at 6th Congressional District meeting
Dr. Kurt Michael
"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help."
Psalm 121
"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help."
Psalm 121
Augusta County Chairman Dr. Kurt Michael handed in his resignation to 6th Congressional District Chairman Fred Anderson Saturday during the quarterly meeting held in Lexington. Addressing the meeting, Kurt spoke of his love for the Party during his 17 years as a volunteer, working to elect conservative candidates and recruit volunteers.
At the conclusion of his remarks, he received a standing ovation from the entire 6th District Congressional Committee including Congressman Bob Goodlatte.
After his announcement, I addressed the meeting to speak of Kurt's good work during his five years as Augusta County GOP Chairman:
As I was driving back from Lexington after today's 3 1/2 hour meeting, I was lost in thought over it all ... and so I kept driving until I was at the top of Afton Mountain. I am at peace in the mountains but the feeling of sadness lingered. It will take some time.
As I addressed the 6th District Committee this afternoon, both on Kurt's behalf when he resigned and during another issue that was before the Committee, I could not help but remember a day when I was so terrified of public speaking that I would not say a word in front of an assembled group.
I owe the fact I overcame that fear to two people -- Nate Salatin, one of my home school teens who taught me public speaking -- and Kurt Michael.
Kurt is a governor school teacher ... and his students love him. They call him "Dr. Mike." Teaching is second nature to him ... and so he has been my teacher and mentor the past six years.
And he has been my friend. In politics, that is a rare commodity because human nature pulls most people to the power, or the money, or something that will make them betray even those who helped them win public office or pulled them into the inner circle of leadership. Climbing that ladder of ambition makes some forget who their friends were at the beginning. Some fail to even recognize his hand in laying the foundation for what they now have.
Five years is an eternity in political years ... but Kurt and I still work well together ... the two political junkies who cannot get enough of talking politics.
Kurt has been there ... guiding, advising, leading. He is happiest in the background out of the spotlight. He pushes others forward allowing them to receive the accolades. He is demanding but fair, and sometimes brutally honest with candidates and fellow volunteers. He is a leader.
And so it's over. For now. His detractors will gloat; the Democrats will celebrate. But Kurt's not going anywhere.
To Kurt I say ... thank you, Friend.
At the conclusion of his remarks, he received a standing ovation from the entire 6th District Congressional Committee including Congressman Bob Goodlatte.
After his announcement, I addressed the meeting to speak of Kurt's good work during his five years as Augusta County GOP Chairman:
I could not let Kurt leave without saying a few words about him. I have served as his Vice Chairman of Communications the past five years.I do not know what the Big Plan is in what has occurred ... but I know there is a Plan. Still, that does not lessen the feeling of sadness I have in this entire episode.
Kurt Michael took a Committee that was bare bones, on auto-pilot, was practically dormant ... and he immediately began building infrastructure, recruiting volunteers, and filling positions. He fulfilled the LG/AG/RPV/GOP Challenge doubling the committee size five years ago! He recruited conservative candidates.
He stood up for issues of interest to the community, people who would approach him and ask, "Can the Republicans help with this?" That was because they knew we were organized and could put those skills to work. And he was principled and believed in the issues they brought to him.
When Weekday Religious Education was threatened in Staunton in 2005, Kurt was approached and asked if he could help. It was saved.
During 2006 he organized 40 SWAC area churches to help pass the Marriage Amendment.
Last Fall when an adult business opened in Staunton, people in the community again called on Kurt to help. With his help ordinances were passed in Staunton in November 2007, and then he followed through to help get the same ordinances passed in Augusta County in March 2008.
He has spent the past year in the spotlight of the newspapers constantly under attack simply because he supported the challenger instead of the incumbent in last year's 24th Senatorial District primary. There were six other chairs in the 24th District who stood with him to support Scott Sayre in that race but, for some reason, Kurt became the targeted one to take the most heat.
I disagree with Kurt's decision to step down ... and we have been at loggerheads over that decision. But I support him in what he feels is best for the Party.
As the Augusta Free Press wrote this week, Kurt's stepping down is "bad news for the GOP but good news for the Dems." And that came from the Democrat chairman of Waynesboro.
The good news is he is not going away. Thank you, Kurt, for all your work as Chairman.
As I was driving back from Lexington after today's 3 1/2 hour meeting, I was lost in thought over it all ... and so I kept driving until I was at the top of Afton Mountain. I am at peace in the mountains but the feeling of sadness lingered. It will take some time.
As I addressed the 6th District Committee this afternoon, both on Kurt's behalf when he resigned and during another issue that was before the Committee, I could not help but remember a day when I was so terrified of public speaking that I would not say a word in front of an assembled group.
I owe the fact I overcame that fear to two people -- Nate Salatin, one of my home school teens who taught me public speaking -- and Kurt Michael.
Kurt is a governor school teacher ... and his students love him. They call him "Dr. Mike." Teaching is second nature to him ... and so he has been my teacher and mentor the past six years.
And he has been my friend. In politics, that is a rare commodity because human nature pulls most people to the power, or the money, or something that will make them betray even those who helped them win public office or pulled them into the inner circle of leadership. Climbing that ladder of ambition makes some forget who their friends were at the beginning. Some fail to even recognize his hand in laying the foundation for what they now have.
Five years is an eternity in political years ... but Kurt and I still work well together ... the two political junkies who cannot get enough of talking politics.
Kurt has been there ... guiding, advising, leading. He is happiest in the background out of the spotlight. He pushes others forward allowing them to receive the accolades. He is demanding but fair, and sometimes brutally honest with candidates and fellow volunteers. He is a leader.
And so it's over. For now. His detractors will gloat; the Democrats will celebrate. But Kurt's not going anywhere.
To Kurt I say ... thank you, Friend.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Steve Landes to hold "Special Session" townhall meeting
Delegate Steve Landes (R-25th House District) will hold a townhall meeting to address questions and issues regarding the upcoming Special Session on Transportation. The townhall meeting will take place on Monday, June 9, 2008, from 6-8:00 pm at the Augusta County Government Center, board meeting room, 18 Government Center Lane, Verona.
Delegate Landes, in a press release, said:
Delegate Landes, in a press release, said:
“I look forward to sharing results of the 2008 Regular Session of the General Assembly with constituents as well as discussing the upcoming Special General Assembly Session to address the Commonwealth’s transportation needs.Steve Landes represents the 25th House District, which includes the City of Waynesboro, and parts of Albemarle, Augusta and Rockingham Counties. Landes was first elected in 1995 and is presently serving his seventh term in the Virginia House of Delegates.
It is important for elected officials to listen and learn from citizens’ views as well as communicate new legislation passed in the Commonwealth. I hope constituents will come prepared to share funding suggestions as well as concerns related to transportation.”
Whackette (& others) are overly concerned about Kurt Michael
Whackette posted about Kurt Michael's need to resign from the Augusta County Republican Committee. I addressed her concerns in a comment to her post:
Swackette, this is not your part of the Valley but since you made it a point to ask … I will say that many have asked Kurt to remain as chairman including grassroots leaders locally and across the state.I hope that answers her "concerns"....
A petition has been signed by over 100 people asking him to stay; the Augusta County Republican Committee unanimously passed a resolution supporting Kurt as our chairman.
Dr. Michael, however, feels he should step aside to help bring about unity in the Party because all the olive branches he has offered to Emmett Hanger since June 2007 have been rebuffed. While I do not agree with his decision, I will stand with him in what he decides.
Kurt has been a strong leader at a time when there was no leadership on the Augusta County Republican Committee … a committee that was practically non-existent eight years ago with no infrastructure and no volunteers.
Kurt helped organize and recruit volunteers and conservative candidates, and also took up social issues within the community at the request of those in the community.
He is not going away but will continue to work for conservative candidates and causes in this revolution that is sweeping the state and the nation. We will all continue the work he has started, with his help.
So not to fear. Kurt will still be here!
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Dear John Hager ... thank you
Dear John Hager,
Thank you.
Yesterday's vote for RPV Chairman was an indication of the unrest within the Republican Party, in my opinion, and not a reflection of you.
We were all appreciative of your willingness to once again serve your state last year when Ed Gillespie got bumped upstairs to the White House position. You answered the call and ran as RPV Chairman, and I supported you.
The troubles in the SWAC area the past year have overshadowed our GOP work and you tried to help us resolve that issue as best you could. I want you to know we are appreciative. The fact you and others were unable to get any farther than we was a powerful sign of the problems and issues we, as the GOP, are facing.
Please call on us if we can help with anything in the future. Once again, I thank you and salute you as a pillar of the Republican Party.
With warmest regards,
~Lynn Mitchell
State Central Committee 6th District Rep
Vice Chairman, Augusta County Republican Committee
Thank you.
Yesterday's vote for RPV Chairman was an indication of the unrest within the Republican Party, in my opinion, and not a reflection of you.
We were all appreciative of your willingness to once again serve your state last year when Ed Gillespie got bumped upstairs to the White House position. You answered the call and ran as RPV Chairman, and I supported you.
The troubles in the SWAC area the past year have overshadowed our GOP work and you tried to help us resolve that issue as best you could. I want you to know we are appreciative. The fact you and others were unable to get any farther than we was a powerful sign of the problems and issues we, as the GOP, are facing.
Please call on us if we can help with anything in the future. Once again, I thank you and salute you as a pillar of the Republican Party.
With warmest regards,
~Lynn Mitchell
State Central Committee 6th District Rep
Vice Chairman, Augusta County Republican Committee
Saturday, May 31, 2008
State Central: "Kurt Michael is Augusta Chairman"
In a unanimous vote Friday the Republican Party of Virginia's State Central Committee voted to uphold the decision of the 6th District in the case of the contested Augusta County Republican Committee mass meeting on April 10. Kurt Michael was declared the legal chairman just as he was at the 6th District level.
Larry Roller, who appealed the 6th District decision to State Central, was not happy. As reported by Bob Stuart of the Waynesboro News Virginian, who drove to Richmond for the hearing:
Larry Roller, who appealed the 6th District decision to State Central, was not happy. As reported by Bob Stuart of the Waynesboro News Virginian, who drove to Richmond for the hearing:
Roller said Friday he did not accept the finding of the state central committee, and will consider any legal avenues left to him, including court action.Congratulations, Kurt.
“I’m very disappointed in the state central committee,’’ Roller said.
He said a number of his supporters will confer and consider what to do next. Roller said the decision of the state central committee denies “the will of the majority in Augusta County.”
“I won’t let him (Michael) steal this election no matter what,’’ he said.
Roller was also disappointed he did not get to state his case to the state central committee Friday morning.
He asked to do so, but a member of both the state central committee and the appeals committee, Kevin Gentry of Fairfax County, said the case had been thoroughly investigated and it was time to vote on the appeal.
Gentry said “both sides had plenty of time to make their case’’ to the appeals committee.
"We gave an enormous amount of time to both sides,’’ said Gentry, who estimated the appeals committee spent seven hours on the Augusta County case.[emphasis added]
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Augusta GOP: Is a one-sided report "fact"? Time to move ahead....
The 6th District "fact-finding" report that has been talked about by Larry Roller and others is a farce. Why? Because it is one-sided.At no time did they talk with Chairman Kurt Michael or anyone from his side.
That is significant because a "factual" report cannot be factual unless both sides are represented.
Irregardless, they took one side of the story and built a report with errors throughout. The report was shot down by 6th District leadership. That should give pause to those who continue to say the chairmanship is up for grabs.
It was decided by the full 6th District Committee that Kurt Michael was the legal chairman of the Augusta County Republican Committee. Meanwhile, Larry Roller and his Hanger supporters continue to whine to any reporter who will listen to their story.
There is work to be done and that is what Kurt Michael is doing. A SWAC-GOP breakfast last weekend brought out thirty local Republicans to hear legislative updates from Delegates Chris Saxman and Ben Cline, and to hear from newly-elected Staunton Councilwoman Andrea Oakes.
Work continues on campaigns. Last week Republicans made substantial inroads in Waynesboro and Staunton city council elections. The Republican State convention is coming up ... our Congressman has competition from the other side so his campaign team is in place to hold that position ... delegates have been voted for the Republican National Convention.
It's time to move ahead in this political season.
That is why we are here ... not for the power games being played by the other side. We are moving ahead to fight the real enemy ... the democrats.
Play ball!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
6th District: Kurt Michael confirmed as Augusta County GOP Chairman
"Kurt Michael was confirmed as Augusta County Chairman. Congratulations! I was able to sit in on the credentials subcommittee on Saturday and he is an impressive and detailed man. This should be the end to this disruption in our party. Let's move on."
-- Brandon Bell, May 5, 2008
(6th District GOP Convention Observations)
-- Brandon Bell, May 5, 2008
(6th District GOP Convention Observations)
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
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I can’t speak expertly to the legality of the explusions, or the procedure that was done to execute them, but I do question those who are standing behind it (like Spank That Donkey, a noted Frederick supporter) what they gain by purging their rolls? Especially in the case of many members who may have missed three County meetings but by all accounts attended other party functions and have been hard-working volunteers.
This is entirely symptomatic of the Puritan wing – they want to cast out any who do not fall in lock step with their version of “conservative principles”. Soon they’ll have a monolithic cabal running the show any of which couldn’t get elected dog catcher. But, to paraphrase the Protic Principle, at least they’ll be “pure”. A sure recipe for electoral failure, no matter how pure they may think they may be.
why is this such a damn problem?
and mike thomas has more campaign sense in his little finger than most will ever have in their entire body.
Mike Thomas drove all the way out there to try to mediate this mess and was refused an opportunity to speak. Nice.
Unfortunately–watching from the outside…and remembering our very own struggle here- makes me reflective. Glen Caroline is in charge here in Loudoun, and I think I appreciate him all the much more because I’ve seen just how bad a unit can go with the wrong leadership.
So, looking at Augusta’s disenfranchised members…the sun will come out, and you will be included, because the jag-off who thinks he’s in charge down there is probably near the top of the list of first order of business on a new RPV Chairman’s gavel….not to mention the Congressional District Chair’s last nerve.
If you read my post that the Vice Chairs of Communications and the Vice Chair of Precincts resigned. You might ask Spank the Donkey and Rightside Va who got those 2 posts.
I am not saying that they did not have a totally different motivation in their support. I am sure they felt that they were doing the right thing, but you can ask them that question.
Frederick is proving more and more that he is the ideal poster boy for what’s wrong with the Republican Party.
If I were cynical, I’d say that the primary reason for the rule is to enable purges like this – not to control party purity, but simply to require those who want to participate to pay the fee over and over again as a means of raising funds. Otherwise, I can’t see the benefit of removing people when the Committees are rarely, if ever, 100% full.