Linwood Cobb

Linwood Cobb ... husband, father, conservative Republican leader in the 7th Congressional District. Read more at LynnRMitchell.com.

Latest posts at LynnRMitchell.com

In case you missed it, here's what has been posted at LynnRMitchell.com the past few days. Grab a cup of coffee and come on by for some thought-provoking, informational, and entertaining moments from our political cartoonist and group of writers:

- Patriotism or Perversion? - by Wayne Ozmore. A military veteran's observation of an upside-down American flag flow by tea party leader.
- Red vs Blu: Bending the Rules - by Kurt Michael
- Linwood Cobb - by Lynn R. Mitchell
- Augusta supervisors prepare for staggered terms - by David Karaffa
- Staunton's Best Buy celebrates 20 years in business - by Andrea Oakes
- RVA: My hometown is growing up - by Lynn R. Mitchell
- Libertarian Chris Stearns takes on Republican Reid Nicholson in 3rd District chairman's race - By Lynn R. Mitchell
- George W wants Jeb to run - by Lynn R. Mitchell
- Riding with warriors - by Lynn R. Mitchell
- Leader Cantor statement on House Select Committee on Benghazi

Linwood Cobb for 7th Congressional District Chairman

If you live in CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, prefile forms are due by 6:00 p.m. today, Saturday, March 1, 2014, for the 7th Congressional District Convention to be held on May 10 at Deep Run High School. This is the last day to file for Chesterfield County and be able to attend the convention. Support Linwood as chairman so he can continue to lead in the 7th and help House Leader Eric Cantor in his conservative leadership for a better and safe America.


Chesterfield County: Contact Chairman Donald Williams
Chesterfield Call
Chesterfield Prefile Form
 7th Congressional District Call
www.rpv.org for Unit Calls

Eric Cantor's Young Guns of the GOP ride into Richmond: 2014 breakfast draws 1,700 to annual event

Congressman and House  Majority Leader Eric Cantor at Tuesday's annual breakfast where he hosted 1,700 attendees in an exhibition hall at the Richmond Center. The popular breakfast, a who's who of Virginia Republicans and the third largest Republican event in the Commonwealth, has grown in size over the years and will no longer fit in the ballrooms. The only two events larger are the Republican Convention and Eric Cantor's annual Republican Roundup held each fall in Henrico.

Congressman Cantor was joined by another of the GOP's Young Guns, Congressman Paul Ryan, who brought his conservative ideas to breakfast. The Congressional Young Guns -- Cantor, Ryan, and Kevin McCarthy -- came together in 2000 to help recruit and pull in new candidates and people to bring in fresh ideas. Those candidates believed in a small federal government, economic freedom, encouraging small business without additional government oversight, individual freedom -- supporting Americans as they pursue and build their dreams -- with common sense solutions to America's problems. Campaigning and working hard, 62 of their Young Gun recruits won seats in the House, flipping it to a Republican majority.

Congressman Paul Ryan, Chairman of the House Budget Committee, joked, "The 2012 election didn't go quite as we planned," to laughter from the crowd. He went on to say that Republicans cannot just be the party of "no" ... they have to be the party of new ideas and ways to implement those ideas. Republicans, he said, need to show they belong in leadership. He noted that, while Obamacare is not the answer to the nation's health woes, the GOP has an alternative that would prove to be more affordable. In a nod to the Commonwealth, Ryan said, "A Virginian gave us the Declaration of Independence ... that has made us the most free society on earth."

Ryan was complimentary of Cantor. "Eric Cantor is more than just your Congressman," he said. "He's a conservative who knows how to lead. It's easy to be a sayer ... it's harder to be a do-er. He's a do-er who can actually move our country forward. Eric Cantor is an effective conservative. He's such an effective conservative that 233 people in congress unanimously reelected him to be Majority Leader in Congress. We know his principles. He's smart and can get things done." Quite an endorsement from a fellow congressman, and quite a compliment for Virginia.

Linwood Cobb, Chairman of the 7th Congressional District, opened the event, welcomed everyone, and introduced his friend, Congressman Cantor. Linwood, one of the most successful Republican Congressional District chairmen in Virginia, is running for re-election at the 7th District Convention on May 10, 2014. I would urge those in the 7th to become a delegate to support Linwood who is a proven fund raiser, organizer, and works extremely hard for the Republican Party. He does what many cannot -- he has candidates who WIN.

Delegate Barbara Comstock, candidate for the 10th Congressional District, offered the invocation.

Linwood with former Lieutenant Governor John Hager.

Andrew Vehorn and Jim Hoeft

Jason Kenney

The Virginia College Republicans were there including Kelly Myers and Matt Wertman. There was also a large group of students from Henrico's Deep Run High School.

Jason and Jim hard at work.

Plates of hearty breakfast foods were wheeled out while waiting for Eric Cantor and Paul Ryan to speak.

Aaron Gulbransen of Cigar Association of Virginia fame.

Ed Gillespie was surrounded by enthusiastic supporters after festivities wrapped up. Mr. Gillespie is running for the Republican nomination to take on U.S. Senator Mark Warner in November.

Delegate Comstock was also surrounded as she greeted those in the crowd after breakfast.

Mike Thomas, Linwood, former Lt. Governor John Hager (Milas granddad!).

Linwood, Judi Lynch, John Hager, and friends.

Jon Comer, chairman of the Page County Republicans.

There were many familiar faces including Kristi Way, Judi Lynch, Mike Wade, Melissa Nelson, Marie Quinn, and a number of elected officials in town for the 2014 General Assembly session. More than 80 businesses sponsored tables including some of the most recognizable names in Richmond and the Commonwealth. Media was represented as well as bloggers Jason Kenney, Jim Hoeft, Flint Engleman, and myself.

More coverage can be found at:
- Lynn R. Mitchell: The Young Guns of the GOP
- Richmond Times-Dispatch: GOP must do more than oppose
- Bearing Drift: Cantor calls for Va to resist Obamacare expansion

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
February 25, 2014

A farewell evening with Lt. Gov. Bill and Jean Ann Bolling

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and his wife, Jean Ann.

Hilton Hotel, Richmond, Virginia

January 9, 2014

Angela Kelly-Wiecek, Hanover County supervisor who holds the Chickahominy District seat that Bill Bolling once represented, talked with Jean Ann Bolling before Thursday's dinner at the Hilton Hotel in Richmond's Short Pump area. The room filled with invited guests who laughed and remembered campaigns and events over the years.

Bill Bolling thanked his wife, his family, his staff, and his many friends who have been there throughout the years. Then he launched into a story about Kristi Way during the 2005 campaign: "We were heading to a fundraiser at Kurt Michael's home...." Ah, yes ... very well remember that fundraiser in Fishersville.

Fellow blogger Brian Schoeneman drove from NoVa to join the 100 guests. He was seated at the lieutenant governor's table along with Linwood Cobb, Kurt Michael, Judi Lynch, and me ... excellent dinner conversationalist on a variety of subjects.

That's not chicken. LOL.

The conversation was entertaining and interesting all night at our table. The Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Judi Lynch, Dr. Kurt Michael....

Always an entertaining speaker, the LG had everyone in the room in stitches telling stories about campaigns, staff members, and events ... and thanked them for their help throughout the years. His Bloggers Days, the pewter Christmas ornaments, remarks at the Republican Advance, handing out his Patrick Henry awards, speaking at numerous events in Commonwealth throughout the years including SWAC Breakfast, and many other contributions will make him remembered as one of the most active lieutenant governors in Virginia history.

Saying this isn't the end, he concluded his remarks with, "Let the games begin!"

Returning to the podium before dessert, the LG was tossing tee shirts to waiting hands at tables causing laughter and cheers.

That shirt went to the outstretched hands of Judi Lynch seated at table number one. Go, Judi!

When he announced there were only two Bolling golf hats left, there was a race by Lynn Martin and Trixie Averill to the table in the back of the room to retrieve the caps, a sight that cracked up the room.

Ibbie Hedrick (seated at table) was with the George W. Bush administration before joining up with the Bill Bolling office as deputy chief of staff and spokeswoman. She worked alongside Denise Burch who was director of constituent services and scheduling, and chief of staff Randy Marcus.

I love food photos.

Staffers, volunteers, friends, colleagues.

The evening provided an opportunity for everyone to break bread together. Thank you to Lieutenant Governor and Mrs. Bolling for the hospitality and fellowship. One chapter closes ... another opens.

As a thank you to Bill Bolling, I printed the "Man in the Arena" remarks by Theodore Roosevelt on card stock with a watermark in the background of a photo I took of the Virginia State Capitol at the 2011 Bill Bolling Bloggers Day, framed it, and passed it along at dinner with my appreciation for his service as "the man in the arena" the past 22 years. Thank you, Bill and Jean Ann Bolling....

See also Day at the Capitol with Lt. Governor Bill Bolling ... the portrait unveiling

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
January 10, 2014

Dinner with Congressman Eric Cantor and the 7th District Republicans

Majority Leader Eric Cantor and his wife, Diana, whose birthday is this weekend. We serenaded her at dinner to celebrate her special day.

We ate ... and then the Congressman ate. After greeting everyone at every table, he finally got a plate of food and sat down to eat.

The Republican women were photo-bombed by Davis.  :)

Jennifer and Linwood Cobb, Susan Allen, Eric and Diana Cantor.

Some of my favorite young Republicans were at this table. Some of them I've known and worked with since they were CRs.

Speaker Bill Howell

Our dessert was delicious. We were told it was triple chocolate red velvet raspberry cake. It was scrumptious.

 

The Cantors always send everyone home after dinner with a gift. It was fun, it was great fellowship, and it was an opportunity to let the Congressman know how much we appreciate all his work in D.C. It was also an opportunity to thank Linwood for all his hard work as chairman of the 7th District which happens to be where my parents live. Congratulations to Chesterfield County Republican Committee Chairman Donald Williams for leading the #1 committee in the 7th District for 2013.

We missed Mike Thomas from the Chesterfield Committee -- feel better soon!

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
December 6, 2013