Kay Coles James for RPV chairman: A visionary for the future of the party

The announcement by Pat Mullins last week that he will step down as State Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia (RPV) on January 31, 2015, has begun the usual flurry of telephone calls and email messages that range from “Who will run for RPV Chairman?” to outright requests for support for one candidate or another.

Before the RPV State Central Committee rushes to promote from within, Virginia Republicans should step back and ... (continue reading here)

RPV's Mullins to resign

The expected email from Republican Party of Virginia chairman Pat Mullins came this morning congratulating Republican candidates for wins on Tuesday. Then the bombshell part.... (continue reading here)

Campbell County Republicans file lawsuit against RPV and former Campbell County GOP chairman

Members of the Campbell County Republican Committee filed suit late Tuesday afternoon, September 30, 2014, in Campbell County Circuit Court against the Republican Party of Virginia (RPV) and former Campbell County chairman Leslie Williams for declaring null and void the results of a Mass Meeting held in Campbell County on March 20, 2014..... (Continue reading here)

RPV Chairman Pat Mullins’ partisan retort is not helpful in search for ethics reform

No sooner had Governor Terry McAuliffe announced a bipartisan committee on ethics reform to be headed up by former Republican Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and former Democratic Congressman Rich Boucher than the Republican Party of Virginia’s Chairman Pat Mullins came out with a snarky response....  (Continue reading here)

Faces at RPV Reagan dinner

Trixie Averill and RPV Executive Director Dave Rexrode.

RPV Chairman Pat Mullins meeting and greeting after dinner.

Peter Foster and Marcy Hernick.

My parents with Marcy Hernick.

George and Susan Allen.

Mom, Trixie Averill, Marie Quinn.

The band.

Sandy Liddy Bourne and Kathy Terry.

Message on the oversized screens from Gov. Bob McDonnell.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell

2 April 2011

Michael Reagan, keynote speaker at RPV Reagan Dinner

 Michael Reagan, son of President Ronald Reagan, with RPV Chair Pat Mullins.

 Reagan received a standing ovation at the conclusion of his remarks at Saturday's RPV Reagan dinner in Richmond commemorating the 100th anniversary of President Ronald Reagan's birth.

At the conclusion of the program, a line quickly formed as dinner guests patiently waited to see Michael who greeted folks for an hour until every person in line had the opportunity to talk with him.

"It's morning in America." The famous 1984 Reagan for President ad played from the oversized screens at Saturday night's tribute in honor of President Ronald Reagan's 100th birthday as part of a video tribute at an event that featured his son, Michael Reagan, as the keynote speaker.

Close to 600 people watched the screen from the Grand Ballroom at the Marriott in downtown Richmond, some teary-eyed as scenes from throughout the life of this beloved president were shown and highlights from his life were featured: the "Morning in America" television ad, his remarks to a grieving nation after the space shuttle disaster, two presidential elections, his famous "Tear down this wall" speech ... his "long goodbye" to the nation with a "final word to the Reagan revolution" upon learning he had Alzheimer's ... Margaret Thatcher, unable to fly to Reagan's funeral but determined to honor him, sadly remembering him in a recorded eulogy by remarking, "I lost a dear friend."

After the video played, President Reagan's oldest son, Michael, was standing at the podium as every person in the room got to their feet and applauded his father and him. As they sat down, he looked at George Allen sitting at the table directly in front of him and asked, "How's it feel to be the son of an icon?" and added, "I want to thank my dear friends, the Allens."

He talked about Virginia's great leadership and the fact that we "get" it here as far as jobs and the economy and joked, "Want to come help us in California?"

He recalled his father's 1976 speech that few talk about when Gerald Ford received the GOP presidential nomination and, after completing his remarks, asked Reagan to come on the stage and give a few comments. While making their way there, Reagan asked Nancy, "What will I say?" and she replied, "Oh, honey, you'll think of something."

And, indeed, he thought of something to say. He talked about a letter he had been asked to write for a time capsule that was to be opened on America's 300th birthday. He had asked himself, "What do I write? Do I write about today's freedoms knowing those on the 300th birthday may not be able to read the letter if our freedoms are gone?" He shared that story with the 1976 delegates at the convention.

Michael talked about growing up in a privileged world. However, his dad taught him to be a fiscal conservative and he relayed the story of asking his dad for a raise to his allowance when he was nine years old. They were driving to the ranch and during the entire ride his dad explained all the reasons why he didn't need a raise in his allowance. Michael joked that by the time they arrived at the ranch, he was ready to give half his allowance back to his father.

President Reagan's favorite color? Yellow ... because it was the color of the morning sun. He believed in positive television ads and, thus, the "Morning in America" ad. It's time to get back to morning in America ... uplift Americans ... without America, the world would not be free. (My parents who lived through WW II were sitting with me ... my mom whose brother was killed in action and my step-dad who is a veteran.) President Reagan was a coalition builder with his famous 80/20 rule ... "If we agree 80% of the time, we can work together" ... he joked about the 1981 assassination attempt but the experience caused him to became an even deeper man of faith.

Michael introduced the audience to RightChange.com and an ad, "What Would Reagan Do?" dealing with Libya and the striking differences in the way President Reagan handled it and how President Obama handled it. Obama, Michael added, is trying to be a community organizer at a time when the world needs a leader.

When he wrapped up his remarks, the audience gave him another standing ovation as RPV Chairman Pat Mullins walked on stage and thanked him. The dinner concluded and Michael stood at the front of the room for an hour afterward shaking hands, posing for photos, and signing autographs, until every person in line had a chance to talk with him.

The evening was bittersweet as the VCU Final Four game played on large screens and we watched them lose but were proud of their accomplishments.

A pre-dinner message from Governor Bob McDonnell explaining that he was at the VCU game in Houston brought a chuckle from the crowd when he said, "Virginia is for lovers ... of elections."

It was a who's who of Republicans and community leaders and offered the opportunity for all to come together to honor a great President.

Previous posts:
- George & Susan Allen at RPV Reagan dinner
- Richmond, the Governor, and VCU Rams


Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
2 April 2011

RPV Victory Dinner ... faces of leadership

RPV Chairman Pat Mullins

Kristi Way (standing), with Rep. Eric Cantor's office, talks with Brenda Campbell (sitting), VFRW President.

State Sen. Steve Martin (R-Chesterfield) with Jo Garey of Midlothian.

Brenda Campbell, President,
Virginia Federation of Republican Women

Fay Williamson, Vice Chairman,
Virginia Federation of Republican Women

Marie Quinn

Peter Foster

Republican women's table

Jeb Wilkinson

Kennny Golden and Melissa Busse

Dave Foster and Fay Williamson
Tom Foley and Steve Morrison

Kathy Terry, National Committeewoman

Pat Mullins received 70% of the vote

Pat Mullins addresses delegates at the RPV Convention on Saturday.

Pat Mullins, after serving many years in grassroots leadership, had retired from NoVa to Louisa when he was approached about running for Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia. Many, recognizing his leadership abilities and fundraising skills over the years, encouraged him in his bid ... he won that post at Saturday's Virginia Republican Convention when he received 70% of the vote.

VA Blogger at Too Conservative says it's time to pull together for our 2009 GOP ticket and lay to rest the battles of the past year. Now we roll up our shirt sleeves and get to work for our candidates.

Congratulations to Chairman Mullins.

Photo by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
May 30, 2009

How will Pat Mullins lead as RPV Chairman?

On Saturday, RPV Chairman Pat Mullins gave a rousing speech at the Virginia GOP convention in Richmond. On Sunday, Jim Hoeft interviewed him as he talked indepth and candidly about the future of the Republican Party of Virginia.

Mr. Mullins offers background and stability as we head into the November elections. Good interview.

Mullins interview

Shaun Kenney had the opportuntiy to sit down with Pat Mullins, interim Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia, in which Mr. Mullins talks about his past experiences in the GOP, what the Party needs to do right away, and his vision for the future of the Party. Good interview.

New RPV chair Pat Mullins ... "RPV is moving forward"

Pat Mullins

Pat Mullins was at the front door of RPV headquarters Saturday morning greeting folks as they arrived from all corners of the state for the State Central Committee meeting in Richmond. Two hours later he was easily voted in as the new chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia.

Kathy Hayden Terry of the 6th Congressional District and National Committeewoman, nominated Mr. Mullins, saying he was a strong social and fiscal conservative who could bring all the factions together within the Party.

Gary Byler, 2nd Congressional District Chair, seconded the motion which was important because he was a Jeff Frederick supporter.

Becky Stoeckel, 11th Congressional District Chair, also seconded the motion saying that she had first met Pat in the 1990s when she was but a mere "seedling of the grassroots" ... and that she considered him to be a mentor.

After his election, Chairman Mullins received a standing ovation from the body and then addressed them, saying there were five things he wanted to accomplish:

1) Raise money;
2) Elections are critical -- we must win;
3) Ethnic outreach;
4) Unity of the Party;
5) Rebuild the grassroots.

There was a positive air within the SCC ranks after the election as they looked forward to continuing to working hard to accomplish those five goals to rebuild the Party, win the upcoming elections, and turn Virginia back to Republican red.

Congratulations, Pat Mullins! We look forward to working with you in the months (and years) ahead.

Tyler Whitley has more in the Richmond Times-Dispatch here and here, and in the Waynesboro News Virginian.

Jason Kenney has coverage of the meeting at Bearing Drift including public comments made by Jeff and Amy Frederick.

Other posts:
- RPV thanks Mike Thomas
- Bob McDonnell welcomes new RPV Chair Pat Mullins
- RPV Chair candidate Pat Mullins in Harrisonburg

Photo by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
May 1, 2009

Bob McDonnell welcomes new RPV Chair Pat Mullins

Bob McDonnell, Republican gubernatorial candidate and former Attorney General of Virginia, issued the following statement today regarding the election of Pat Mullins as Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia.

"I commend the members of the State Central Committee for the professional manner in which they have handled the transition of leadership within our Party.

"Today's election of Pat Mullins provides our Party with a dedicated, conscientious conservative leader who comes from the grassroots of our Party, and who knows what it takes to win in a competitive state.

"Pat has exceptionally led the Fairfax County and Louisa County Republican committees with skill and good results. He is committed to bringing in new voters to the Republican Party by demonstrating how our conservative principles lead to the common sense solutions that will create new jobs, provide more opportunities and make this a better Virginia for all our citizens. I am confident he will unite the business and activist base in our party, bring in independent voters, and help us win in November.

"I look forward to working with Pat Mullins and our grassroots Republican leaders during this pivotal election year."

RPV chair candidate Pat Mullins in Harrisonburg

Pat Mullins, candidate for Chairman of the
Republican Party of Virginia.

Mike Meredith, chairman of Rockingham GOP, introduces Pat Mullins to the lunch crowd of about 40 Republicans.



Suzanne Obenshain and Mike Meredith listen as Pat Mullins addresses the group.



Suzanne Curran and Barb Tillett listen to Pat Mullins.

The Republican Party of Virginia is in need of a chairman and leadership. There is someone willing to take on both those roles.

It was a good group of about 40 on Friday for the Harrisonburg-Rockingham GOP's "First Friday" at Wood's Grill. The guest of the day? Pat Mullins, the only candidate to declare for chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia.

He was entertaining, he was interesting as he talked about his past work for Fairfax County and Louisa County GOPs, and he was enthusiastic and excited about the future direction of the Republican Party. Introduced by Mike Meredith, Mr. Mullins laughed as he grasped a purple "DUKES for Bob McDonnell" bumper sticker, saying his daughter had attended James Madison University.

Many know of his years as chairman of the Fairfax County Republican Committee, a large committee with 580 members and large fund raisers. He spoke of his years of helping the county support Republican candidates including George Allen ... they won elections by sticking to their core conservative beliefs.

Saying he is excited about being a Republican, and that this year we have great candidates, Mr. Mullins emphasized three points that he sees as important to turn Virginia red again:

1) Reach out to various communities;
2) Win elections including holding onto the House of Delegates;
3) Raise money.

Pat Mullins is personable, capable, has a proven track record of grassroots work and fundraising, and has the support of his family and many in the Republican Party who have worked with him throughout the years.

As an interesting side note: There were three bloggers in the room from the 6th District.

Pat Mullins is supported by Sen. Mark Obenshain and Rockingham County GOP Chairman Mike Meredith.

Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
May 1, 2009

And then along came Trixie ...

So as we were all sitting in Wood's Grill in Harrisonburg Friday listening to RPV chairman candidate Pat Mullins, in the door came fellow State Central Committee member Trixie Averill, RPV's Western Vice Chairwoman, with a delivery of Bob McDonnell for Governor materials for the Harrisonburg area.

Oops -- she realized there was a sea of faces laughing as she entered at the front of the room ... and Pat Mullins welcomed her as an old friend. Apologizing for the intrustion and insisting she was only dropping off materials and had to get back on the road, Trixie headed to a table in the middle of the room.

Kneeling on the floor to be less conspicious ... Trixie? Less conspicious?! ... the conversation continued between Trixie and Pat and, as everyone laughed, Pat asked if she would like some time to make announcements to the group.

"No, no," she assured him. "I don't want to intrude. Well ... maybe just to encourage everyone to get on board and get your materials to support Bob in our lit drops and materials ... I have bumper stickers and I love the way you have the Bob McDonnell signs around the room -- great job! -- and we just all have to get out there and work, work, work!"

As Pat Mullins and the entire room laughed, Trixie added, "Sorry, Pat ... I'll just quietly tell Suzanne what I need to and leave."

As Pat asked was she sure she didn't need more time, Trixie laughed and said she was finished and would just scoot.

It was the comic relief of the day ... not that it was needed because Pat Mullins had been cracking quite a few jokes of his own. It was a light-hearted lunch meeting that was enjoyed by all who attended.

Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
May 1, 2009

Harrisonburg's "First Friday" hosts Pat Mullins

Pat Mullins, candidate for Chairman of the
Republican Party of Virginia.

Mike Meredith, chairman of Rockingham GOP, introduces Pat Mullins to the lunch crowd of about 40 Republicans.



Suzanne Obenshain and Mike Meredith listen as Pat Mullins addresses the group.



Suzanne Curran and Barb Tillett listen to Pat Mullins.

The Republican Party of Virginia is in need of a chairman and leadership. There is someone willing to take on both those roles.

It was a good group of about 40 today for the Harrisonburg-Rockingham GOP's "First Friday" at Wood's Grill. The guest of the day? Pat Mullins, the only candidate to declare for chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia.

He was entertaining, he was interesting as he talked about his past work for Fairfax County and Louisa County GOPs, and he was enthusiastic and excited about the future direction of the Republican Party. Introduced by Mike Meredith, Mr. Mullins laughed as he grasped a purple "DUKES for Bob McDonnell" bumper sticker, saying his daughter had attended James Madison University.

Many know of his years as chairman of the Fairfax County Republican Committee, a large committee with 580 members and large fund raisers. He spoke of his years of helping the county support Republican candidates including George Allen ... they won elections by sticking to their core conservative beliefs.

Saying he is excited about being a Republican, and that this year we have great candidates, Mr. Mullins emphasized three points that he sees as important to turn Virginia red again:

1) Reach out to various communities;
2) Win elections including holding onto the House of Delegates;
3) Raise money.

Pat Mullins is personable, capable, has a proven track record of grassroots work and fundraising, and has the support of his family and many in the Republican Party who have worked with him throughout the years.

As an interesting side note: There were three bloggers in the room from the 6th District.

Pat Mullins is supported by Sen. Mark Obenshain and Rockingham County GOP Chairman Mike Meredith.

Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
May 1, 2009