Should home schoolers have access to high school sports?

An ongoing debate throughout the years has been Virginia's refusal to allow home schooled students to participate in public school sports even though 20 states allow it in one capacity or another: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Wyoming.

Home schooled students have proven over the years that they can keep up with their public school peers academically. Testimony to that is the number of home schoolers who have been spelling bee winners and finalists, who have regularly outscored public school students on SAT and ACT tests, who have received higher education scholarships, and who have scored in research, work, academia, and beyond.

Many of those home school families have asked throughout the years to be included in sports. They feel it should be allowed since home school parents pay the same school taxes as everyone else but have to pay extra for their children's education, receiving no benefit from school tax dollars. For years, Delegate Chris Saxman (R-20th House District) championed school choice and tax credits for home schoolers.

Delegate Rob Bell (R - 58th House District) in neighboring Albemarle County, whose parents were pioneers of the home schooling movement in Virginia, has sponsoring HB 2395 in the 2011 General Assembly session asking that home schoolers be allowed to participate in public school sports.

Here is a summary from Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV) of the September 6, 2011, hearing on this issue:

1. LEGISLATIVE SERVICES PRESENTED REPORT

The committee first heard a summary of the report by Legislative Services (LIS) staff attorney Jessica Eades. She presented the following information from her study of other state laws and regulations regarding homeschool access to public school sports.

Access States

The LIS study found that 20 states allowed homeschool access to interscholastic sports: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Wyoming.

Requirements vary from state to state, but generally require one or more of the following provisions:

• Some states require part-time enrollment and others require only a written notice to participate.
• Homeschool students must meet the same requirements as public school students.
• Generally, homeschool students must provide proof of academic progress.
• One state charges homeschool students up to 150% of the cost of participation, plus any increase in insurance premiums.
• States vary on the length of time a student must be homeschooled before participating.

Four additional states--Louisiana, Ohio, South Dakota, and Tennessee--also allow access under certain conditions such as school board approval or principal approval, or partial enrollment in membership schools at the member school's discretion.

Non-access States

Michigan, Montana, New Jersey, New York, and Oklahoma have no statutes banning homeschool participation in public school sports, but these five states have case law upholding a ban on access.

Virginia, like the remaining 20 states, does not have a statute banning participation, but most of these states have independent or private organizations overseeing public school sports. These private organizations prohibit homeschool participation according to their rules and policies.

Constitutional Challenges

LIS reported there have been no successful court challenges by individual homeschoolers. The courts have routinely held that schools are not acting unreasonably by requiring full-time attendance and setting eligibility requirements for participation.

2. DELEGATE BELL PRESENTED HIS BILL

Delegate Rob Bell presented key points in support of his bill. He reminded the committee that in rural areas, high school sports provide the "only game in town"--there are no private club sports. Athletic events are community events that should be open to all students who want to participate. "I am only asking for homeschoolers to be able to 'try-out,'" said Bell. "We are not asking for guaranteed participation." Bell told the committee that he expects to see sports access pass in the future. "If we're going to do it one year, why wait? Every year we wait, there is an 18-year-old who didn't get to play."

Delegate Bell reminded the committee that homeschoolers had attempted for many years to work with the Virginia High School League (VHSL) to reach an agreeable solution, but had failed to come to any agreement or compromise.

3. HOMESCHOOL PARENTS AND STUDENTS TESTIFIED

Out of more than a hundred supporters, eight parents and students were allowed to testify before the committee in support of HB 2395. Supporters included the Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers and homeschoolers who were businessmen and community leaders, as well as a coach and a homeschool mom. They all gave concise, well-thought-out testimony. The homeschool teen athletes were poised and articulate in their appeal for access.

Track-and-field coach Marcia Rose asked the delegates to find a way to make this work for ALL students who were interested in playing. Rose and her husband, a coach at I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, recognized the importance of physical activity and team sports in the development of youth.

Todd Vaner Pol asked the committee to do what is best for all children. He wants his children to have a connection to the local community. As a businessman, he sponsors several local sports teams and sees how public school teams could benefit from homeschoolers joining their teams. Another parent from southwest Virginia confirmed that her rural school district has a small school-age population and has a difficult time filling their team rosters. They would welcome homeschoolers.

Homeschool student athlete Katie Rygol--who participates on a girls travel soccer league in Northern Virginia--said there was less competition and less practice time on a homeschool team because her coaches are parents with full-time jobs. She sees there are better opportunities for athletes from big-name schools. Access would offer equal opportunity for all students.

Kenny Hood's son competes in a Powhatan wrestling club with many club members who are also on the public high school wrestling team. The team would welcome his son if he were allowed to play. Hood also pointed out that of all the states that allow access, none of these states have repealed their access laws because they had problems with homeschoolers.

4. ACCESS OPPONENTS ADDRESSED THE COMMITTEE

Ken Tilley of the Virginia High School League (VHSL), the private organization that regulates interscholastic activities and makes the rules and policy for 27 high school sports programs and 8 academic programs, opposed access for homeschoolers. Tilley said VHSL represents 313 member high schools throughout Virginia.

Tilley said that he is not anti-homeschool, and he supports equal opportunity, but in this situation, "there is no common ground." He emphasized that the academic requirements are major. Public school students must take SOL tests and homeschoolers are required to take standardized achievement tests. Because these tests are not the same, in his opinion, they cannot be used to show the academic progress needed. In addition, students involved in sports must be enrolled full time and prove that they have taken and passed five courses in order to compete in interscholastic activities. Homeschoolers could not meet this standard.

Representatives of the Virginia School Boards Association and the Virginia Association of School Superintendents also opposed the bill. They argued that because homeschoolers did not have to fulfill the same academic requirements, it would be unfair for public school students to be held to a higher standard.

5. SUBCOMMITTEE ACTION

In an attempt to understand the differences between homeschool and public school academic requirements, legislators asked for clarification about Standards of Learning testing. They wanted to know if homeschoolers also took the SOLs, and if not, what academic accountability methods were used for homeschoolers. A question was then raised by a committee member concerning the graduation requirements for homeschoolers compared to the requirements for public school students. As a result, Chairman Tata asked the Department of Education to present a comparison chart for the committee's review. The education subcommittee did not take a vote on the bill or propose amendments.

Another meeting will be scheduled in October and possibly a final meeting in November. There may be another opportunity for homeschool parents and students to express their opinion about this legislation. If you are interested in future updates and meeting notifications, please e-mail legislative@heav.org.

HEAV's Position

Home Educators Association of Virginia is neutral on sports access legislation. HEAV's purpose is to protect and strengthen home education. Although we understand the interest some parents have in providing athletic opportunities for their children, it is not HEAV's purpose to actively support a return to public schools.

During the past 10 years, HEAV has worked privately with the Virginia High School League in an attempt to come to an equitable agreement rather than risk bringing a discussion of home education before the Virginia legislature. During this time, we have carefully tracked several sports access bills introduced by legislators who were responding to requests from homeschooling parents in their districts.

We will continue to closely monitor access legislation by attending committee meetings and sharing developments with homeschooling families. We have expressed our cautions and concerns with Delegate Bell, who is a longtime friend of homeschoolers. If we see any legislative discussion or movement toward increased regulations for homeschoolers in general, we will immediately ask that the bill be withdrawn.

HEAV will continue to work with our lawmakers and the Department of Education to maintain your freedom to homeschool in the least restrictive manner possible.

Home Educators Association of Virginia

Photos 3: Rick Perry lunch in Richmond ... Gov. Gilmore & Del. Saxman

 Governor Jim Gilmore (1998-2002) and Delegate Chris Saxman (2001-2009). I've seen both these men in action working for the citizens of Virginia. Gov. Gilmore was part of the Gilmore Commission that warned of terrorism before 9/11 and he, ironically, was Governor of Virginia when those terrorist attacks occurred. Del. Saxman was elected into office that year, representing the citizens of the 20th House District (my delegate). Thanks to both of them for all they continue to do for the Commonwealth.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
14 September 2011

Chris Saxman advocates charter school choices for Virginia students

He has been a school teacher, is an elected public official and a local business owner, a husband, dad of four children, and avid Pittsburg Steelers fan ... and he is currently finishing out his fourth term in the Virginia General Assembly's House of Delegates representing the people of Staunton, western Augusta County, Highland County, and parts of Rockingham County.

One of his interests has been the possibility of school choice for Virginia students, something he has successfully advanced in the House the past five years but then running into the roadblock known as the Senate.

He is Del. Chris Saxman (R-Staunton) who recently talked with the Waynesboro News Virginian's Bob Stuart about his interest in education, his desire to see more charter schools in the Commonwealth, and his current work as co-chairman of Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell's education transition team.

One of those interests is charter schools, something Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell wants to prioritize in his new administration along with an increase in funds available for public school classrooms.

The ability to increase the number of charter schools may face a hurdle under the current Virginia charter school law that has been labeled the second weakest in the nation, something public education proponents do not want to see change. According to the News Virginian:

Kitty Boitnott, president of the Virginia Education Association, has said the state charter school law is constitutional and appropriate.

And she has questioned in interviews and opinion pieces whether charter schools really work.

“We owe it to our students to provide the highest quality climate as opposed to opening up the front door and calling it a charter school,’’ Boitnott told The News Virginian earlier this month.

Still, McDonnell spokesman Tucker Martin said, the incoming administration is committed to changing both public school funding formulas and the lowly status of charter schools in Virginia.

Another hurdle is school boards:

School boards currently determine whether to allow charter schools. Critics say that’s a problem because public school boards have a vested interest in blocking charters.

Del. Saxman is not deterred, remaining optimistic in his desire to better Virginia's educational choices:

A longtime proponent of charter schools and a former schoolteacher, Saxman is sanguine about McDonnell’s chances to alter public school spending and charter school law. He cites as helpful the state’s education hierarchy, made up of a state-appointed superintendent of public instruction and an appointed board of education.

“We have a system to collaborate,’’ he said. “It is less political than it could be.”

While other states elect public instruction leaders, Virginia’s is nominated by the governor and must be approved by both the state House and Senate.

“That person becomes independent and nonpartisan,’’ Saxman said of the state superintendent. “That person has to exercise independent judgement.”

School choice. It's time to open educational opportunities for all students.

Update: Also covered at Augusta Conservative.

Virginians see chance for change in education

Retiring Del. Chris Saxman leading the charge

Retiring Del. Chris Saxman (R-Staunton), co-chairing the education transition team for Republican Gov-elect Bob McDonnell, recently talked with Ben DeGrow for the Heartland Institute about the direction of education in Virginia under new administration:

The impending arrival of a new administration in the Commonwealth of Virginia has raised school choice advocates’ hopes, but they don’t expect change to come quickly.

Republican Governor-elect Bob McDonnell handily defeated Democrat Creigh Deeds in the November 3 general election—shifting not only the party in power, but also Virginia’s education agenda.

“It’s going to be a change of direction, clearly,” said state Del. Chris Saxman (R-Staunton), who serves as co-chair of McDonnell’s K-12 education transition team.

Christian Braunlich, vice president of the Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy, a think tank in Springfield, agrees.

“I think choice supporters are guardedly optimistic that there will be a better environment in which to advocate for school choice,” he said.

Saxman cautioned, however, that any changes to Virginia’s K-12 schooling policy will take time because of the considerable power of the nine-member State Board of Education. McDonnell will have the power to replace board members as their terms expire. Two complete their service in 2010, and three more in 2011.

“Changes in Virginia don’t come quickly,” Saxman said.

Del. Saxman has worked with school choice since his 2001 election to the General Assembly and has introducted successful legislation year after year in the House only to see it die once it got to the Senate. His team is currently looking at the possibility of online education, dropout prevention, merit pay, STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) initiatives, public school accountability, tax credits, and more. It's an interesting article on a subject that may be of concern to the majority of Virginians.

Del. Saxman co-chairing McDonnell education transition team

Del. Chris Saxman (R-20th House) may be retiring from the General Assembly but he won't be idle. He is already busy at work co-chairing Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell's transition K-12 education team.

Waynesboro News Virginian political reporter Bob Stuart caught up with Del. Saxman and wrote:

Saxman, R-Staunton, said he and former Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Bill Bosher will spend the next month reviewing personnel, programs and criteria at the Virginia Department of Education before issuing a report to McDonnell on Jan. 4.

Saxman said his review could entail how to work on McDonnell’s plan for additional charter schools in a time of lean state budgets.

“It’s quite an honor and a privilege to take on a transition area like K-12 education,’’ said Saxman, who has been a strong proponent of school choice during his four terms in the state House.

Saxman also said serving on the transition team would offer him an opportunity to “see how the executive branch works.”

So what are the plans for the Saxman household now that the good Delegate will not be in Richmond during the entire General Assembly? According to the NV:

In addition to spending more time with his family, Saxman said he would continue to advance conservative causes and work for school choice.

Del. Saxman receives recognition

Retiring Delegate Chris Saxman (R-20th House) has been recognized by the Mental Health America of Augusta organization for his help in saving a local agency during the financial crunch of last year's state budget crisis:

The Mental Health America of Augusta presented awards to area agencies and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to those with mental illness or addictions during the association's 55th annual meeting and silent auction at the Holiday Inn Golf and Conference Center.
...
A.R. "Pete" Giesen Legislator of the Year Award: Del. Christopher B. Saxman, R-Staunton, for his work to preserve Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents in the governor's budget and upon his retirement from the General Assembly.

Del. Saxman, retiring after eight years in the General Assembly, worked tirelessly for the 20th House District which includes Staunton, Highland, and parts of Augusta and Rockingham.

School Choice news conference Monday

A news conference will be held Monday, November 16, 2009, at 11:30 am, to discuss the results of a survey of Virginia voters on education reform and school choice issues. Representatives from several state and national education, business, religious, and policy organizations will be there.

Those speaking at the news conference will include:

- Christian Braunlich, Vice President of the Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy;
- Paul DiPerna, Research Director at the Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice;
- Chris Saxman, Delegate, 20th District, and Chairman of School Choice Virginia;
- Virginia Walden Ford, Executive Director of DC Parents for School Choice;
- Jeff Caruso, Executive Director of the Virginia Catholic Conference.

The survey was sponsored by Virginia and regional organizations including the Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy, Virginia Catholic Conference, the Family Foundation, the Chase Foundation of Virginia, the Alderson Family Foundation, Virginia Council for Private Education, Mid-Atlantic Catholic Schools Consortium, Old Dominion Association of Church Schools, Agudath Israel of America -- Mid-Atlantic Region, Verizon Virginia, Markel Corporation, Joe Ragan's Coffee and Office Products, School Choice Virginia, the Lexington Institute, and Americans for Prosperity -- Virginia.

National organizations include the Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice, Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO), Association of Christian Schools International, Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, National Catholic Educational Association, and United States-Mexico Cultural and Educational Foundation.

Del. Chris Saxman (R-20th House) continues his work on the school choice front, a cause he took up when first entering office in 2001. Not seeking reelection, he is expected to step up his efforts to provide this important choice for families.

Del. Saxman: "The price of a lost year"

There's a nice op-ed in today's Harrisonburg Daily Record by Del. Chris Saxman (R-20th House) discussing America's seemingly lack of interest in off-shore drilling while the rest of the world claims it instead:

AS DEBATES OF climate change and health care engulf America, we cannot overlook a recent anniversary marking one lost year and counting. When Congress let expire the moratoria on oil and natural gas exploration in coastal waters, the economic possibilities of new jobs, trillions of revenue dollars and bolstered energy security were finally within national reach. But thanks to governmental slow-pedaling, America now greets the anniversary of this major policy change with nothing but outturned pockets and continued delay.

During our year of inaction, more than 200 oil and natural gas discoveries have been reported across five continents in countries, including Australia, Brazil, Norway and Ghana. Just for the first half of this year, according to HIS Cambridge Energy Research Associates, those new discoveries have totaled around 10 billion barrels of oil.
...
On the local level, Virginia has an unprecedented opportunity to be the first state along the Atlantic to benefit from the development of offshore oil and natural gas resources. Should this happen, the Commonwealth stands to gain more than 1,888 new jobs if these areas were developed. It’s the type of solution the state needs to overcome its 6.9 percent unemployment rate. Offshore development in Virginia could also generate $19.5 billion in federal, state and local revenues. Over the life of the resource, ICF International estimated, Virginia’s share of production from the Outer Continental Shelf could total half a billion barrels of oil and 2.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. That energy, straight from Virginia’s shores, would provide part of America’s energy solution, as our nation attempts to stay competitive in the face of rapid globalization and increased competition for resources.

Del. Saxman has been a leader on this issue and continues to look for ways to free Virginia and America from their dependence on foreign oil. He ends his op-ed with an urgent yet hopeful thought:

Global competition is more cutthroat than ever. To stay relevant, America must have the oil and natural gas that makes our economy tick. Renewables are important, but cannot offer the promise of oil and natural gas. Today’s exploration operations are safe, clean and provide the energy our nation needs to right itself.

We can be the first state along the Atlantic to welcome the search for oil and natural gas resources or we can continue pushing off what may be the inevitable. We have the opportunity. We need the energy. Now all we need is for the current administration to have the desire to do what’s best for our economic and energy security.

Off-shore drilling. It's past time.

Fishburne Military Academy welcomes local student

Classes began this week at Fishburne Military Academy located in Waynesboro and, while most of the 120 students board at the school and are from as close as Virginia or as far away as states across the nation, some are local.

One local student who began classes on Tuesday is William Saxman, son of Del. Chris Saxman (R-20th House) and his wife, Michele. The school's newsletter made the announcement:

Another local Virginian with us this fall is William Saxman, son of Delegate Christopher B. Saxman and his wife Michele of Staunton, VA. Cadet Saxman was also with us for Summer School and his parents have decided to enroll William for the school year. He will be in formation for the first time on Tuesday morning. Delegate Saxman delivered the Summer School Commencement Address for a crowd of two-hundred parents, family members and FMS staff.

Del. Saxman, a former school teacher, has been a leading voice in school choice throughout the years.

Monday's 20th HoD forum ... a long night

Two candidates had signs.
David Karaffa's signs said, "KARAFFA: Principles ~ Courage ~ Momentum"

Candidates listen as Del. Chris Saxman (left) addresses the audience. He received two standing ovations.

Augusta businessman Tom Sheets ("I Am Voting For The Chick" sign man) and Trixie Averill (RPV Western Vice Chairwoman/Bob McDonnell rep).

Del. Steve Landes (R-25th House District) was there as well as Del. Chris Saxman. Del. Ben Cline was not there nor was Sen. Emmett Hanger.

SWAC blogger Yankee Phil with his great camera taking photos of the event.

Chris Graham of Augusta Free Press.

Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
July 27, 2009

Tonight: Finding the candidate to replace Chris Saxman

Eight years ago in August 2001 at Buffalo Gap High School, hundreds of citizens turned out to cast their votes for the two Republican candidates running for the newly-created 20th House District seat. Their choices were Chris Saxman or Charles Curry ... and Chris Saxman won by an overwhelming vote. He went on to resoundingly win over Democrat Tracy Pyles in November.

Tonight at Buffalo Gap High School, an unknown number of citizens will turn out, not with the possibility of voting, but to listen to the seven candidates who have thrown their names in the hat to be considered by the 20th House Legislative District committee who will then select one candidate.

I worked that mass meeting in 2001 as a volunteer for Chris Saxman ... and my memories are flashing back to eight years ago. As I drove to Buffalo Gap High School Sunday afternoon, I remembered the 35-year-old energetic, enthusiastic young man who had walked all over the 20th District knocking on doors, talking with folks, and asking for their vote and support. His energy was boundless, and we were caught up in it. After the mass meeting at Buffalo Gap that night, we all met at The Depot restaurant in Staunton for a celebration gathering ... and then we rolled up our sleeves and got back to work. Chris ran for the finish line ... and we ran with him.

Along the way, tragedy struck America as 9/11 occurred shortly after the mass meeting win. That horror affected me deeply and made me realize how very important it was to be involved in the political process as I saw that the future safety of our country depended on those who were our leaders. President George W. Bush stood firm against terrorism that fall ... I knew I would be comfortable having Chris Saxman in Virginia leadership.

Tonight Dickie Bell, Staunton councilman, will be on stage asking to be the candidate along with a familiar face from eight years ago, Charles Curry, as well as five other candidates including John Beghtol, Cliff Fretwell, Ray Ergenbright, Chuck Hawkins, and David Karaffa.

The 20th House District takes in all of Highland, the eastern part of Augusta, part of Rockingham, and all of Staunton.

Tonight's forum begins at 7 pm at Buffalo Gap High School located on Rt. 42. The public is encouraged to attend.

Saxman joins Amundson in saying goodbye ... with a touch of humor

Our own Del. Chris Saxman (R-Staunton) and Northern Virginia's Del. Kris Amundson (D-Fairfax) co-wrote a piece in Sunday's Washington Post looking back over their years in the House of Delegates.

Funny, serious, informative, and with a tinge of sadness, it tells the ups and downs of working in the pressure cooker known as the Virginia General Assembly.

They began by noting:

Saturday morning cartoons used to have a short Schoolhouse Rock video called, "How a Bill Becomes a Law." We learned that the video is not even close to reality.

And it goes on from there ... a good read that looks through the eyes of two delegates who obviously loved what they did but who decided, each on their own at separate times, that it was time to change course. We wish them both well in their future endeavors.

Del. Saxman on Bearing Drift today

Jim Hoeft will be interviewing Del. Chris Saxman (R-20th House) today at noon. After yesterday's unveiling of eight candidates vying for Del. Saxman's House seat, it will be interesting to hear his thoughts about the issue.

Candidates for 20th House of Delegate seat

The names have been released of those interested in pursuing the 20th House of Delegates seat that will be left open by Del. Chris Saxman in November. Sadly, there are no women candidates among the eight names:

- Dickie Bell, Staunton City Councilman
- Cliff Fretwell, realtor and former Staunton GOP Chairman
- Charles Curry, former Augusta BOS member who originally challenged Chris Saxman for the Republican nomination for this seat in 2001. He reportedly left the Republican Party when he did not win it and ran as an Independent against current Republican BOS member Larry Howdyshell in 2007, a race he lost.
- Chris DeWald
- Charles Hawkins
- Ray Ergenbright, former Staunton Commissioner of the Revenue who lost his 2005 reelection bid to current Commissioner of the Revenue Maggie Ragon.
- David Karaffa, 25, cardiac RN at Augusta Medical Center, former Beverley Manor Republican District Chairman

Hopefully, more information will be coming about the process from this point forward. It has been heard there may be more than just the Monday meeting. Meanwhile, many are googling the names to become more familiar with all who have thrown their hats in the ring.

UPDATE: More information available:
- Waynesboro News Virginian
- Staunton News Leader
- WSVA TV-3

Fishersville Mike tries to explain

In a light-hearted jab at local politics, SWAC blogger Fishersville Mike takes on the reason why I could not run for the 20th House of Delegates seat being vacated by Chris Saxman. I think he nailed it....

Del. SWAC Girl?

As many of you know, my friend Chris Saxman has decided not to run for reelection of the 20th House District seat. He has always been "my delegate" and I will miss his leadership tremendously. As a result of his announcement on Friday, my phone has been ringing off the hook for the past three days as I have spent time discussing the situation with those in the District. Many have asked me to make a run for the seat.

Even though I appreciate the thought and support, and was somewhat taken back that anyone would even consider me for this position, I feel that my talents lie in working with the grassroots and helping to build the party as I have the past 10 years, not running as a candidate. My efforts this campaign cycle will be spent supporting the Bob McDonnell-Bill Bolling Republican ticket.

As to my Democrat friend Chris Graham who speculated in his post "Del. SWAC Girl?" about the possibility of my running for the delegate seat ... he remembered correctly about the exciting 2001 Saxman election. I don't know if I should be flattered or not by his speculation but it was good for a laugh ... sorry, Chris ... I will not be seeking the nomination ... there's too much work left to do in the trenches. But thanks for the good-humored thoughts!

Thoughts about the past 48 hours....

It's interesting how life takes twists and turns along the way that impact us on an individual basis. How we handle those changes and challenges determines and builds our character to pursue more as we move through our time here on earth.

By now just about everyone knows of Del. Chris Saxman's decision not to run for reelection of the 20th House of Delegates seat. He is my delegate, and I respect his decision to step away from power.

Only a strong leader can relinquish the "power of the ring." I saw it locally when Dr. Kurt Michael won his mass meeting but voluntarily stepped aside as chairman of the Augusta County Republican Committee to bring unity to the Party ... I saw it in Gov. Sarah Palin's decision to step aside as governor for the good of Alaska ... and I saw it in Del. Chris Saxman's decision Friday. It takes real leadership and integrity to be able to let go of power for some greater good. The truth be known, those who are willing to lay down power are the very ones who should be wielding it. I wish more politicians were like that.

Friday morning my phone started ringing at 7:30 after Chris' announcement began to hit the media ... and it did not stop for the next 12 hours. I will eventually write about my respect for Del. Saxman and the fun of campaigning with him over the years ... but not tonight.

This morning my husband and I drove to Richmond for an RPV State Central Committee meeting where, interestingly, I sat next to Sen. Emmett Hanger. Afterwards, we went to Short Pump shopping and enjoyed dinner there before heading back to the beautiful Shenandoah Valley.

Meanwhile, Chris is on my mind. Daily prayers go up for him and his family, and I wish him well as he enters the next chapter of his life. When a door closes, a window opens ... and Del. Saxman will find that window when the time is right. Leaders always do.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. --Isaiah 41:10

Staunton 4th of July parade ... Del. Chris Saxman

Del. Chris Saxman (R-Staunton)
Staunton 4th of July parade
July 4, 2009

Talking with a supporter.

The trademark sweat-soaked Oxford shirt.

Since 2001, Chris Saxman ... greeting friends & neighbors.

Interview with Del. Chris Saxman

In the Valley we are fortunate to be represented by Del. Chris Saxman (R-20th House), a young, energetic local businessman and former teacher who connects with his constituents and keeps a finger on the pulse of the community.

David over at the newest SWAC blog, Augusta Conservative, recently sat down and had A Conversation with Delegate Chris Saxman over lunch about his upcoming relection, his vision for the Valley and Virginia, and why he got involved in politics. Check it out ... it's a good read.

Chris Saxman for Delegate

Chris Saxman lauded in Gingrich speech for "Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less"

Del. Chris Saxman (R-20th House District) has been a proponent for drilling off the coast of Virginia since 2004 in an effort to make the U.S. energy independent.

On April 24, 2009, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich addressed a House Energy Commerce subcommittee in which he lauded Del. Saxman for his stand on drilling off the coast. In his remarks that were carried on Real Clear Politics, Mr. Gingrich testified about the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009.

In the midst of ideas and concerns about energy, Mr. Gingrich addressed the legislative work of Del. Saxman:

Create public/private partnerships in coastal states to fast track the ability of oil and natural gas companies to develop offshore oil and gas resources. If Congress were to lift the ban on offshore oil and gas development (or at least grant coastal states the right to develop the resources with a plan to share revenue with them), states would move swiftly to set up partnerships that will maximize the best use of oil and gas revenues.

Efforts in Virginia provide a good example. In 2004, two Virginia legislators, Delegate Chris Saxman and Senator Frank Wagner, learned that Virginia manufacturers were warning of the rising costs of energy because of tightening energy supplies. Once they discovered that oil and gas resources exist off Virginia's shores, and that the state could experience rapid economic development from the actual business of energy exploration and development, Saxman and Wagner immediately designed legislation that would have Virginia petition the federal government for permits to drill offshore. In addition, the legislation specified that a significant portion of oil and gas royalties, state fees, and licenses collected by the state would go to improve Virginia's transportation infrastructure, clean up the Chesapeake Bay, and invest in technologies related to new energy production.

The economic potential for Virginia is significant. The oil and natural gas revenue estimated to accrue to Virginia is $13.53 billion dollars over thirty years, or $451 million annually. This is a conservative estimate that could increase with technological advances.

But these are not all the economic benefits that Virginia would reap. In just the Hampton Roads area near Norfolk, it is estimated -- based on experience with the oil and gas industry in Nova Scotia and Louisiana -- that oil and natural gas development would result in around $8 billion in capital investment and 2,600 new, high paying jobs. These new jobs would have an estimated payroll close to $650 million annually. Virginia would thus see $271 million more flow into the state treasury in the form of state and local taxes as a result of this increased economic activity.

This new tax revenue could then be used to fund transportation projects in the Hampton Roads area and throughout the state.

Imagine funding new roads, cleaning up the environment, and making investments in basic research and development science to promote new energy sources - all without raising taxes. How many coastal states besides Virginia would like to achieve that combination of benefits? Coastal states could lower energy costs for their residents as well as the energy costs of fellow citizens across the country, while relieving congestion and cleaning up the environment.

Read Speaker Gingrich's entire remarks here.