Showing posts with label Election 2007. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Election 2007. Show all posts
Friday, November 09, 2007
Elle: "Senator Warner -- Thank you for stepping down"
It's great to have SWAC blogger Elle back on the keyboard again. She has a thoughtful post today related to Senator John Warner's criticism of the GOP: "Senator Warner -- Thank you for stepping down." Check it out.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Congrats to Kilo, Alton, Badrose for Poindexter win
Congratulations to our ODBA friends south of SWAC -- Carl Kilo, Alton Fulton, and Badrose -- who worked hard for Jeff Evans (Democrat Roscoe Reynolds was reelected) but won the delegate seat for Charles Poindexter. Kilo has election results here. You guys did a great job!
More GOP introspective after elections....
Rittinger at Virginia Virtucon really gets down into the trenches to be up-front and honest about the future of the Republican Party in Virginia. Read it for insight and perhaps a blueprint for change....
Republican Ken Cuccinelli ... help needed for recount
As State Senator Ken Cuccinelli (37th Districit) prepares for a recount, we wanted to show our support for his effort and feel confident he will come out victorious. He reported tonight that they found one extra vote today which gave him a 92-vote margin.
Ken's a good conservative, a fellow home school dad, a representative of the people. If anyone is in his area, they need volunteers, donations, and volunteer lawyers to help with the recount. Go here to contact the campaign and let them know how you can help.
From his latest Cuccinelli's Compass newsletter ... a quote that is popular with his family:
Ken's a good conservative, a fellow home school dad, a representative of the people. If anyone is in his area, they need volunteers, donations, and volunteer lawyers to help with the recount. Go here to contact the campaign and let them know how you can help.
From his latest Cuccinelli's Compass newsletter ... a quote that is popular with his family:
“Certainty of death? Small chance of success? What are we waiting for?” -- Gimli the Dwarf
Separating myth and reality in Virginia's election
DJ McGuire at the Right-Wing Liberal nails it again with this very insightful post that separates myth and reality on the Virginia political front.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Augusta County Republicans ... how did they do?
An after-election-day wrap-up and thoughts about yesterday's results in Augusta County:
Senate, 24th District: Emmett Hanger easily won reelection over dem David Cox and libertarian Arin Sime.
House of Representatives:
-- Delegate, 25th House: Republican Steve Landes was unopposed in his bid for reelection.
-- Delegate, 20th House: Republican Chris Saxman was unopposed in his bid for reelection.
-- Delegate, 24th House: Republican Ben Cline was unopposed in his bid for reelection.
Commonwealth's Attorney: Lee Erwin, long-time democrat, was unopposed.
Constitutionals:
-- Clerk of Court: Republican John B. Davis was unopposed in his reelection bid.
-- Sheriff: Republican Randy Fisher was unopposed in his reelection bid.
-- Commissioner of Revenue: Republican Jean Shrewsbury was unopposd in her reelection bid.
-- Treasurer: Republican Richard Homes was unopposed in his reelection bid.
Board of Supervisors:
-- North River: Republican Larry Howdyshell squeaked out his reelection bid against independent (former Republican) Charles Curry. Mr. Howdyshell is a driving conservative force on the Board so it is good to see him returning for another four years. It was surprising to see him challenged by Dr. Curry who had recruited Mr. Howdyshell to run eight years ago. What was behind that?
-- Pastures: Democrat Tracy Pyles won reelection for his fourth term on the Board against Republican Travis Smithdeal. Mr. Smithdeal, a local small business owner, is a newcomer to politics and will be around. Mr. Pyles, who has battled cancer the past year, had many turn out for him in a 70%-30% final.
-- Riverheads: Independent (democrat-leaning) Nancy Sorrells won her reelection bid against political newcomer Republican Michael Shull in an area that seems to be clashing between the farmers and land preservers. While Ms. Sorrells is knowledgeable about her supervisor job, she sometimes seems to overwhelm with long-winded explanations while Mr. Shull would have brought everyday common sense to the Board.
-- Beverley Manor: Republican Jeremy Shifflett, 23, eeked out a win over MoveOn.org democrat Lee Godfrey, winning by 15 votes. That is scary. Mr. Shifflett's age may have been a factor to some voters who did not realize Ms. Godfrey was the anti-war protester who held up signs with the number of American military killed in Iraq. However, the hometown candidate prevailed and will bring a breath of fresh air and youthful leadership on a Board that is dominated by those in their 50s and older.
-- Middle River: Republican Gerald Garber, a former supervisor, was unopposed in his bid to regain a seat on the Board.
-- South River: Republican David Beyeler was unopposed in his reelection bid to return to the Board.
-- Wayne: Independent Wendell Coleman was unopposed in his reelection bid to return to the Board.
Senate, 24th District: Emmett Hanger easily won reelection over dem David Cox and libertarian Arin Sime.
House of Representatives:
-- Delegate, 25th House: Republican Steve Landes was unopposed in his bid for reelection.
-- Delegate, 20th House: Republican Chris Saxman was unopposed in his bid for reelection.
-- Delegate, 24th House: Republican Ben Cline was unopposed in his bid for reelection.
Commonwealth's Attorney: Lee Erwin, long-time democrat, was unopposed.
Constitutionals:
-- Clerk of Court: Republican John B. Davis was unopposed in his reelection bid.
-- Sheriff: Republican Randy Fisher was unopposed in his reelection bid.
-- Commissioner of Revenue: Republican Jean Shrewsbury was unopposd in her reelection bid.
-- Treasurer: Republican Richard Homes was unopposed in his reelection bid.
Board of Supervisors:
-- North River: Republican Larry Howdyshell squeaked out his reelection bid against independent (former Republican) Charles Curry. Mr. Howdyshell is a driving conservative force on the Board so it is good to see him returning for another four years. It was surprising to see him challenged by Dr. Curry who had recruited Mr. Howdyshell to run eight years ago. What was behind that?
-- Pastures: Democrat Tracy Pyles won reelection for his fourth term on the Board against Republican Travis Smithdeal. Mr. Smithdeal, a local small business owner, is a newcomer to politics and will be around. Mr. Pyles, who has battled cancer the past year, had many turn out for him in a 70%-30% final.
-- Riverheads: Independent (democrat-leaning) Nancy Sorrells won her reelection bid against political newcomer Republican Michael Shull in an area that seems to be clashing between the farmers and land preservers. While Ms. Sorrells is knowledgeable about her supervisor job, she sometimes seems to overwhelm with long-winded explanations while Mr. Shull would have brought everyday common sense to the Board.
-- Beverley Manor: Republican Jeremy Shifflett, 23, eeked out a win over MoveOn.org democrat Lee Godfrey, winning by 15 votes. That is scary. Mr. Shifflett's age may have been a factor to some voters who did not realize Ms. Godfrey was the anti-war protester who held up signs with the number of American military killed in Iraq. However, the hometown candidate prevailed and will bring a breath of fresh air and youthful leadership on a Board that is dominated by those in their 50s and older.
-- Middle River: Republican Gerald Garber, a former supervisor, was unopposed in his bid to regain a seat on the Board.
-- South River: Republican David Beyeler was unopposed in his reelection bid to return to the Board.
-- Wayne: Independent Wendell Coleman was unopposed in his reelection bid to return to the Board.
Bolling: 2007 Election Results
RICHMOND – Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling issued the following statement today in reaction to Tuesday’s election results.
“Needless to say, I react to last night's election results with mixed emotions. I am pleased that we retained our Republican majority in the House of Delegates, but I am disappointed that we appear to have lost our Republican majority in the State Senate.”
“These were hard fought campaigns and they show the clear political division that exists in Virginia today. A number of these races were decided by very few votes, and that should send a clear message to candidates and voters alike - every vote counts!
“While Republicans continue to run very strong in most parts of Virginia, we clearly have some work to do in our state's most populous region - Northern Virginia. However, I remain convinced that we can reconnect with Northern Virginia voters if we continue to focus on putting forth a positive vision for the future of our state that focuses on the issues Virginia's families care about. That is what my 100 Ideas For The Future Of Virginia initiative is all about.
“I am very proud of the campaigns our Republican candidates ran this year. We did our best to talk about our record of accomplishment since we have been the majority party in Virginia and offer specific proposals for addressing important issues like education, transportation, health care and illegal immigration. Win or lose, that's what campaigns should be about.
“I want to thank all those dedicated people across the state that helped make these campaigns possible. By working on behalf of our candidates and providing the financial support we needed to get our message out, they are an indispensable part of the political process and our Republican team.
“Finally, I want to thank a very dedicated group of candidates for their willingness to enter the arena and run for public office. Particular thanks go to several incumbent legislators who were not reelected on Tuesday. We lost some very good legislators as a result of these elections - people like Senator Jeannemarie Devolites-Davis, Senator Jay O'Brien, Senator Nick Rerras and Delegate John Welch - and I thank them all for their service to the people of Virginia.
“We now begin preparing for the 2008 legislative session. Virginia continues to face a number of significant challenges, and we must all work together to find solutions to these challenges and build a better Virginia. I look forward to working with my colleagues in state government, Republicans and Democrats, to accomplish that important goal.”
“Needless to say, I react to last night's election results with mixed emotions. I am pleased that we retained our Republican majority in the House of Delegates, but I am disappointed that we appear to have lost our Republican majority in the State Senate.”
“These were hard fought campaigns and they show the clear political division that exists in Virginia today. A number of these races were decided by very few votes, and that should send a clear message to candidates and voters alike - every vote counts!
“While Republicans continue to run very strong in most parts of Virginia, we clearly have some work to do in our state's most populous region - Northern Virginia. However, I remain convinced that we can reconnect with Northern Virginia voters if we continue to focus on putting forth a positive vision for the future of our state that focuses on the issues Virginia's families care about. That is what my 100 Ideas For The Future Of Virginia initiative is all about.
“I am very proud of the campaigns our Republican candidates ran this year. We did our best to talk about our record of accomplishment since we have been the majority party in Virginia and offer specific proposals for addressing important issues like education, transportation, health care and illegal immigration. Win or lose, that's what campaigns should be about.
“I want to thank all those dedicated people across the state that helped make these campaigns possible. By working on behalf of our candidates and providing the financial support we needed to get our message out, they are an indispensable part of the political process and our Republican team.
“Finally, I want to thank a very dedicated group of candidates for their willingness to enter the arena and run for public office. Particular thanks go to several incumbent legislators who were not reelected on Tuesday. We lost some very good legislators as a result of these elections - people like Senator Jeannemarie Devolites-Davis, Senator Jay O'Brien, Senator Nick Rerras and Delegate John Welch - and I thank them all for their service to the people of Virginia.
“We now begin preparing for the 2008 legislative session. Virginia continues to face a number of significant challenges, and we must all work together to find solutions to these challenges and build a better Virginia. I look forward to working with my colleagues in state government, Republicans and Democrats, to accomplish that important goal.”
Congratulations, Chaz!
Congratulations to our friend Chaz Evans Haywood who won the Clerk of Court position in Harrisonburg-Rockingham. We wish him the best as he prepares to enter a new phase of his life. Congrats, Chaz!
Pastures District retains democrat supervisor
Travis Smithdeal was not successful in his bid to take on Tracy Pyles, a three-term democrat incumbent running for reelection for Pastures District Supervisor. Knowing it was an uphill race from the beginning, Travis offered voters a choice on election day. As a constituent of Pastures District, I am grateful for that choice.
Congratulations to Mr. Pyles on his victory.
Congratulations to Mr. Pyles on his victory.
Good post....
Good commentary from Brian Kirwin at Bearing Drift about election trends and the historical overview....
House Speaker William Howell: Results of 2007 General Election
RICHMOND, VA – Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) tonight issued the following statement regarding the results of the 2007 General Election:
“For the fifth General Election in a row, Virginians have selected the House Republican Caucus to lead the House of Delegates. Our caucus continues to be honored by the confidence placed in our members by the people of Virginia, and we will continue to work diligently, thoughtfully and constructively on their behalf.
“The true test of a strong majority is whether it can weather bad times as well as good. Tonight, our strong Republican majority in the House of Delegates endured despite a challenging political environment.
“Our extensive record of accomplishment, as well as our affirmative reform agenda, was what made the difference for House Republicans in this year’s election. While our Democrat counterparts relied primarily on expressing their dissatisfaction with our achievements, we highlighted our extensive record on education, health care, taxes, land use, the environment and more. And, while our Democrat counterparts failed to present or advance their own vision for Virginia’s future, we championed a positive agenda on school construction, health care, transportation, mental health, property tax relief, illegal immigration and state spending. If this election is any indicator, when given a choice between a predominantly negative attacks and a specific, detailed positive agenda, Virginians choose the latter. For those who paid attention during civics class, this is heartening news, providing further evidence that good policy does indeed make for good politics.
“Now, it is our job to act upon the positive reform agenda we advanced during this election. As we’ve already made clear what we intend to do in the 2008 General Assembly session, we’ll be busy crafting and submitting legislation over the coming weeks to fulfill our commitment to the people of Virginia. Of course, we also face the important task of constructing a fiscally sound biennial budget and protecting the state’s Rainy Day Fund from being raided in a time of growing revenues.
“We have a number of new members to welcome to our caucus, and we all look forward to working closely with Delegates Manoli Loupassi, Jimmie Massie, Don Merricks, Brenda Pogge, and Charles Poindexter. There also are new faces on the other side of the aisle, and, on behalf of the House Republican Caucus and entire chamber, I welcome Delegates Bouchard, Mathieson, Morrisey, Nichols, and Vanderhye to the oldest continuously elected law-making body in the world.
“Virginia has made much progress during the eight years Republicans have been leading the House of Delegates. As indicated by our track record, we are prepared for the challenges ahead and are optimistic about successfully advancing our new ideas, innovative reforms and common-sense solutions for Virginia’s continued progress and prosperity.”
“For the fifth General Election in a row, Virginians have selected the House Republican Caucus to lead the House of Delegates. Our caucus continues to be honored by the confidence placed in our members by the people of Virginia, and we will continue to work diligently, thoughtfully and constructively on their behalf.
“The true test of a strong majority is whether it can weather bad times as well as good. Tonight, our strong Republican majority in the House of Delegates endured despite a challenging political environment.
“Our extensive record of accomplishment, as well as our affirmative reform agenda, was what made the difference for House Republicans in this year’s election. While our Democrat counterparts relied primarily on expressing their dissatisfaction with our achievements, we highlighted our extensive record on education, health care, taxes, land use, the environment and more. And, while our Democrat counterparts failed to present or advance their own vision for Virginia’s future, we championed a positive agenda on school construction, health care, transportation, mental health, property tax relief, illegal immigration and state spending. If this election is any indicator, when given a choice between a predominantly negative attacks and a specific, detailed positive agenda, Virginians choose the latter. For those who paid attention during civics class, this is heartening news, providing further evidence that good policy does indeed make for good politics.
“Now, it is our job to act upon the positive reform agenda we advanced during this election. As we’ve already made clear what we intend to do in the 2008 General Assembly session, we’ll be busy crafting and submitting legislation over the coming weeks to fulfill our commitment to the people of Virginia. Of course, we also face the important task of constructing a fiscally sound biennial budget and protecting the state’s Rainy Day Fund from being raided in a time of growing revenues.
“We have a number of new members to welcome to our caucus, and we all look forward to working closely with Delegates Manoli Loupassi, Jimmie Massie, Don Merricks, Brenda Pogge, and Charles Poindexter. There also are new faces on the other side of the aisle, and, on behalf of the House Republican Caucus and entire chamber, I welcome Delegates Bouchard, Mathieson, Morrisey, Nichols, and Vanderhye to the oldest continuously elected law-making body in the world.
“Virginia has made much progress during the eight years Republicans have been leading the House of Delegates. As indicated by our track record, we are prepared for the challenges ahead and are optimistic about successfully advancing our new ideas, innovative reforms and common-sense solutions for Virginia’s continued progress and prosperity.”
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Tonight ... election returns
Check out Virginia Virtucon where Jim Riley and Jason Kenney will be live-blogging election returns tonight. Spank That Donkey will have his laptop so we can check it out....
We're just in from working all day at the polls ... we're frozen ... it's 36 degrees and windy out with the temp dropping. There was a larger-than-expected turnout today in Augusta County so we shall see what that means....
Best of luck to Republican candidates statewide. Thanks to all the faithful volunteers who put in hours working at the polls today in the cold and wind ... SWAC grassroots workers banded together to help across city/county lines -- you guys are the best!
6:59 p.m. Election returns are about to begin....
We're just in from working all day at the polls ... we're frozen ... it's 36 degrees and windy out with the temp dropping. There was a larger-than-expected turnout today in Augusta County so we shall see what that means....
Best of luck to Republican candidates statewide. Thanks to all the faithful volunteers who put in hours working at the polls today in the cold and wind ... SWAC grassroots workers banded together to help across city/county lines -- you guys are the best!
6:59 p.m. Election returns are about to begin....
It's all up to you ... vote!
No bullets whizzing past our heads ... no armed guards standing watch ... no dictator waiting to behead those who vote wrong.It's Election Day in America where freedom rings, government is open, choice is up to an individual, all are included in the process of choosing our leaders. So do your civic duty ... and vote!
Tonight, win or lose, you will know you had a voice and exercised that freedom that the Founding Fathers fought for and died for ... that freedom that is being protected even today as we fight a war against terrorism in a far-off land so that we are safe on the homefront to go to the polls.
Vote.
Monday, November 05, 2007
A "thank you" from a voter....
Those of us involved in politics have got to be crazy. It's a tough game in a shark tank of negativity where we put ourselves on the firing line for the principles we believe in. Not many people want to be a part of it.
That's why it's nice to hear someone in the community say they are appreciative of what we do.
After lit-dropping yesterday until dark, we returned home to find a message on our answering machine from a voter, a member of the community, who had called just to say "thanks." He said he knew how much time it took to be out there working for conservative values, and he thanked my husband for giving up time with me while I was out working on behalf of others.
Funny how one message can be so uplifting when it hits at the right time ... and it was the right time as we work on the final details leading to election day tomorrow....
That's why it's nice to hear someone in the community say they are appreciative of what we do.
After lit-dropping yesterday until dark, we returned home to find a message on our answering machine from a voter, a member of the community, who had called just to say "thanks." He said he knew how much time it took to be out there working for conservative values, and he thanked my husband for giving up time with me while I was out working on behalf of others.
Funny how one message can be so uplifting when it hits at the right time ... and it was the right time as we work on the final details leading to election day tomorrow....
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Bob McDonnell to live blog with College Republicans
Our friends at the College Republican Federation of Virginia blog will host Attorney General Bob McDonnell tomorrow morning -- Monday, November 5 -- from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Questions may be submitted in advance or during the live blog. Many thanks to Jarrett and Kevin and all the CRs for providing this opportunity.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
TODAY ... last-minute candidate push for Election Day
Please help our Republican candidates today and through Tuesday. Yard signs, lit drops, talking with neighbors ... please do what you can to propel our candidates to victory. Thanks to all our volunteers for all you do. The contested races are...
State Senate:
Emmett Hanger
Board of Supervisors:
Larry Howdyshell -- North River
Mike Shull -- Riverheads
Jeremy Shifflett -- Beverley Manor
Travis Smithdeal -- Pastures
VOTE REPUBLICAN
on Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Friday, November 02, 2007
News-Virginian endorses Republican Travis Smithdeal for Augusta Board of Supervisors
Republican Travis Smithdeal who is running for Pastures Supervisor in Augusta County was endorsed by the Waynesboro News-Virginian. In an editorial titled "Megasite silence far from golden," the NV said:
Few principles in government are more basic than this: When officials decide to spend the public’s money, the public should know about it. Many elected representatives somehow arrive at the conclusion that government money is theirs rather than taxpayers’. Occasionally, officials take it a step further, deeming it appropriate to make some spending decisions behind closed doors.
They cited Pastures incumbent supervisor Tracy Pyles and other current members and continued:
That has spawned perhaps Pyles’ stiffest challenge in four campaigns, this one coming from Republican Travis Smithdeal. He cites Pyles’ silence on the megasite study among the driving factors in his decision to run for the Pastures seat. “I felt like it was us and them,” Smithdeal told The News Virginian, referring to elected officials and the public.
They further explained that:
Elected officials should know that choosing silence over openness, particularly regarding spending, is the wrong way to go. Those who do not acknowledge as much with their actions should expect to hear the resounding voice of voters at the polls insisting otherwise.
Based on that thinking, we back the following candidates ...
Pastures: Smithdeal. Pyles’ knowledge of the issues regarding education, transportation and agriculture is likely superior to that of Smithdeal, a political neophyte. But we think Smithdeal has the requisite intelligence to perform effectively. Mostly, we like that when he saw what he perceived as a public wrong in the closed-door decision to commission the megasite study, he decided to do something about it. We urge voters to do the same.
Travis Smithdeal. Conservative values ... common sense solutions.
Travis talks with Tom Sensabaugh at candidates forum. 
Candidates forum at Weyers Cave.
My letter to editor for Republican Travis Smithdeal
To the Editor:
Travis Smithdeal is my choice for Pastures District Supervisor. He will bring a new attitude because he is a listener with a calm presence which will allow him to hear from everyone and not react without gathering information from all available sources including citizens and fellow Board members.
A native Virginian, Travis left his home state long enough to earn a Political Science degree from Belmont Abbey College and serve 10 years in the U.S. Army. As a military pilot of both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, he served with the 10th Mountain Division as an Air Mission Commander, Air Calvary squadron platoon leader, and squadron safety engineer, and is now a member of VFW Post 3060.
Travis believes in open government with no secret meetings behind closed doors. He feels the citizens of Augusta County have the right to know what their supervisors are planning when it comes to important topics regarding jobs and land use issues such as the megasite.
A family man, Travis has been a leader in asking the Board of Supervisors to create strict zoning ordinances to limit where adult businesses that offer pornographic materials can locate in the county. He has asked that they not be allowed near schools, playgrounds, neighborhoods, churches, and other family environments.
Believing that our land is our treasure, Travis will fight for preservation of prime agriculture soil and water rights for our farmers in western Augusta County. He will work for increased 24/7 emergency personnel as well as equipping our law enforcement officers with the most updated and efficient equipment to best protect our families and neighbors. He is pro-LEGAL immigration, believing that law enforcement should be given the tools to report illegals to immigration officials.
On November 6, please vote for Travis Smithdeal. Conservative values ... common sense solutions.
Travis Smithdeal is my choice for Pastures District Supervisor. He will bring a new attitude because he is a listener with a calm presence which will allow him to hear from everyone and not react without gathering information from all available sources including citizens and fellow Board members.
A native Virginian, Travis left his home state long enough to earn a Political Science degree from Belmont Abbey College and serve 10 years in the U.S. Army. As a military pilot of both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, he served with the 10th Mountain Division as an Air Mission Commander, Air Calvary squadron platoon leader, and squadron safety engineer, and is now a member of VFW Post 3060.
Travis believes in open government with no secret meetings behind closed doors. He feels the citizens of Augusta County have the right to know what their supervisors are planning when it comes to important topics regarding jobs and land use issues such as the megasite.
A family man, Travis has been a leader in asking the Board of Supervisors to create strict zoning ordinances to limit where adult businesses that offer pornographic materials can locate in the county. He has asked that they not be allowed near schools, playgrounds, neighborhoods, churches, and other family environments.
Believing that our land is our treasure, Travis will fight for preservation of prime agriculture soil and water rights for our farmers in western Augusta County. He will work for increased 24/7 emergency personnel as well as equipping our law enforcement officers with the most updated and efficient equipment to best protect our families and neighbors. He is pro-LEGAL immigration, believing that law enforcement should be given the tools to report illegals to immigration officials.
On November 6, please vote for Travis Smithdeal. Conservative values ... common sense solutions.
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