Gillespie exit poll was spot on

Tuesday evening at 6:30 the Gillespie campaign posted on Facebook.... (continue reading here)

VPAP update on certifying U.S. Senate race

VPAP has the latest information about certifying the results from Virginia’s U.S. Senate race.... (continue reading here)

Lee Talley: ‘I am a dad and I’m voting for Ed Gillespie’

By Lee Talley

I am dad to the greatest privilege and hero I know in one Mr. Harry Talley. My son struggles daily with Autism. He’s come a long way since first being diagnosed. Many families in the Commonwealth of Virginia also struggle with this epidemic. It now affects 1 in 68 children in the United States.

I endorse Ed Gillespie for one reason alone. He stands for the opportunity.... (continue reading here)

President George W. Bush surprises Gillespie’s ‘G-Force’ phone conference

“Thanks for the chance to speak with the mighty G-Force!”

With those words, President George W. Bush joined in as the special guest on an Ed Gillespie campaign phone conference Tuesday night, one week before Election Day 2014. In characteristic GWB style, he was funny.... (continue reading here)

LynnRMitchell.com endorsement: Ed Gillespie for U.S. Senate

LynnRMitchell.com Editorial

LynnRMitchell.com enthusiastically endorses Republican candidate Ed Gillespie for U.S. Senate 2014. His vision for the Commonwealth has re-energized Virginia’s citizens who have felt unrepresented by incumbent Mark Warner and, in the gridlock that is Washington politics, Mr. Gillespie brings fresh ideas with his proposed EG2 economic plan for Virginia. He is positive and optimistic, and has carried that upbeat attitude on the campaign trail with his belief that “the old normal is the new mediocre. We can do better.”  (continue reading here)

Gillespie runs ad during Monday Night Football, suggests jobs, economy more important than Reid’s bill to change Redskins name

Boom. The Gillespie for U.S. Senate campaign ran a great ad during Monday night’s football game between the Washington Redskins and the Dallas Cowboys.

In a smack-down to Senator Mark Warner’s rubber-stamping of....(Video, continue reading here)

Gillespie rakes in record $2.2 million in first quarter fundraising

Ed Gillespie's Facebook message said it all: "More than $2.2 million raised." It's a monumental milestone for the Republican going up against incumbent Democratic Senator Mark Warner for a number of reasons.

• 3 out of 5 individual donors are from Virginia.
• The median donation amount was $500.
• There were 827 donations of $100 or less totaling nearly $40,000.
• Donors reside in 89 of Virginia’s 133 counties and independent cities.
• The $2.2 million raised by the Gillespie Campaign in part of the first quarter is more than any other non-incumbent Republican Senate campaign
• 15 Gillespie donors had previously given to Mark Warner

Today's numbers prove that not only is Gillespie capable of raising impressive amounts of money but he is also able to chip away at Warner's polling numbers, holding him beneath 50 percent in the last two polls. Gillespie's high name recognition in political circles is playing out in his quest for the Republican nomination and confirms he is the only one in the field of four candidates who can make a serious run against Warner.

Gillespie's campaign manager Chris Levitt commented about the fundraising total:

“In less than a full quarter, the Gillespie campaign raised more money than any other Republican Senate challenger in the country. Virginia voters know that they have an opportunity not only to replace a Senator who’s voted 97 percent of the time with President Obama, but to replace Harry Reid as Senate Majority Leader. Our first quarter report shows strong support from across the Commonwealth and reflects enthusiasm for Ed Gillespie’s plans to put Virginians first and unleash job creation.

“In addition to having the funds to take our message to all Virginians, the Gillespie campaign has absorbed an overwhelming amount of support from grassroots activists, college students, and even independents who supported Mark Warner in 2008. Ed has been publicly endorsed by 49 of the 83 voting members of the RPV State Central Committee members and 51 unit chairs from around the Commonwealth. With unemployment among 20-24 year-olds continuing to be in the double digits, we have seen young people and college students flock to Ed’s message of growth and opportunity. Over the last five years, Virginians have seen a stagnant economy with work hours cut, too few jobs, higher energy prices, skyrocketing health care premiums and policy after policy from Mark Warner and President Obama that makes the problem worse. They know that Ed will be effective on day one to take us in a better direction.”

The Republican state convention to determine the U.S. Senate candidate will be held in Roanoke on Saturday, June 7.

Former U.S. House Majority Leader Dick Armey endorses Ed Gillespie, Quinnipiac poll shows Warner is vulnerable

Conservative leader Dick Armey has joined the growing list of those endorsing Ed Gillespie for U.S. Senate. The former Texas Republican Congressman, who served as House Majority Leader from 1995-2003, publicly came out for Gillespie on Thursday: I first met Eddie Gillespie in 1985 when he came to work for me in my first month in office as a newly-elected member of congress. His hard work and leadership were critical to the success of the 1994 Republican Revolution and our subsequent legislative victories, like balancing the budget and passing welfare reform. I know Ed will bring those same skills to the table as Virginia’s next senator, which is why I’m supporting him all the way. With a nod to Gillespie's longtime leadership in the Republican Party, Armey continued: If you take a look at conservative victories of the last twenty years, you’ll see the fruits of Ed’s labors. From the groundbreaking Contract with America to President Bush’s historic re-election in 2004 to the Republicans winning control of state legislatures in 2010, Ed has been at the center of these successes. Conservatives in Virginia have a real opportunity this November. Ed has the principles and the experience necessary to defeat Mark Warner, who has gone to Washington and voted 97% of the time with President Obama, including his critical vote for Obamacare. Since leaving Congress in 2003, I’ve been working on advancing conservative solutions to our nation’s greatest challenges. This has included founding Freedom Works, one of the nation’s top conservative grassroots organizations. Trust me, I know conservatives--and Ed Gillespie is one of us. Quinnipiac just released a new poll that shows Virginia's Senator Mark Warner ahead by only 15 points when in a head-to-head contest with Gillespie, numbers that show the very popular Warner is vulnerable because of the unpopularity of Obamacare. With a little over seven months left until the November election, the poll showed Warner at 46 percent, Gillespie at 31 percent, and Robert Sarvis at 6 percent. An analysis of the poll by Glen Bolger with Public Opinion Strategies can be found at www.edforsenate.com.

The compassion of Eric Cantor and the 'Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act'

The words of a little girl who fought a battle against brain cancer touched one of the most powerful men in Washington, D.C. who continued her crusade after she passed from this world.

Just before her death, ten-year old Gabriella Miller was asked in a documentary what she would like to tell U.S. leaders about the need for pediatric cancer research and she said, “Less talking, more doing. We need action.”

On Tuesday the U.S. Senate unanimously approved bipartisan legislation that had been passed in December by the House, and will now be passed on to the President.

Gabriella's comments came during a documentary that was filmed not long before the fifth grader's death on October 26, 2013. The video was seen by Eric Cantor, the U.S. House Majority Leader who was already working on a bipartisan pediatric medical research bill.  He renamed it the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act.

On Thursday the Richmond Times-Dispatch explained the act:

The measure transfers roughly $100 million from the Presidential Election Campaign Fund — a taxpayer subsidy for presidential nominating conventions — to research on pediatric ailments at the National Institutes of Health. A few months ago Democrats opposed the measure, calling it a sham and a joke, because they were angry about sequestration — a brainchild of the Obama administration.

Liberal bloggers had bashed Cantor, accusing him of exploiting a little girl. But they were wrong.

The bill passed unanimously.

Wiser heads prevailed, and the other day the Senate passed the bill by unanimous consent. Virginia’s two Democratic senators, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, championed the measure. (No word yet on what ThinkProgress has to say about them.) Cantor issued a statement noting that often “everyone is (so) focused on what Congress cannot accomplish that we overlook the good that can be done when both parties work together.” He has a point — albeit one blunted by the reality that it still took Congress months to set aside partisanship long enough to help find cures for sick kids.

The Times-Dispatch concluded:

And Cantor was motivated not by calculation but by compassion.

Compassion for a little girl whose illness touched one of the most powerful men in America. After the vote, Cantor spoke of Gabriella's impact:

“So often everyone is focused on what Congress cannot accomplish that we overlook the good that can be done when both parties work together. One courageous young girl, Gabriella Miller, inspired bipartisan action to help research, treat, and cure pediatric diseases and disorders. When people would remark that Gabriella was wise beyond her years, she would tell them that having a brain tumor means you have to grow up real fast. And so a 10-year-old girl was battling for more pediatric research at the same time she battled for her life.”

Gabriella didn't live to see the bill passed but when her parents visited with Cantor after her death, they brought a bouquet of brightly-colored tissue paper flowers. Caitlin Gibson wrote in the Washington Post:

The flowers, which were collected by the thousands after Gabriella’s death, were displayed at her memorial service and intended to be distributed to people who could make a difference in the fight against cancer: researchers, legislators, nurses, patients.

Fittingly, the flowers were placed in Cantor's office, a bright splash of color as a fitting reminder of a little girl named Gabriella whose short life, and death, will have a lasting impact.

See also Congress heeds dying Va. girl's call for research by Frederick J. Frommer with the Associated Press.

The compassion of Eric Cantor and the 'Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act'

The words of a little girl who fought a battle against brain cancer touched one of the most powerful men in Washington, D.C. who continued her crusade after she passed from this world.

Just before her death, ten-year old Gabriella Miller was asked in a documentary what she would like to tell U.S. leaders about the need for pediatric cancer research and she said, “Less talking, more doing. We need action.”

On Tuesday the U.S. Senate unanimously approved bipartisan legislation that had been passed in December by the House, and will now be passed on to the President.

Gabriella's comments came during a documentary that was filmed not long before the fifth grader's death on October 26, 2013. The video was seen by Eric Cantor, the U.S. House Majority Leader who was already working on a bipartisan pediatric medical research bill.  He renamed it the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act.

On Thursday the Richmond Times-Dispatch explained the act:

The measure transfers roughly $100 million from the Presidential Election Campaign Fund — a taxpayer subsidy for presidential nominating conventions — to research on pediatric ailments at the National Institutes of Health. A few months ago Democrats opposed the measure, calling it a sham and a joke, because they were angry about sequestration — a brainchild of the Obama administration.

Liberal bloggers had bashed Cantor, accusing him of exploiting a little girl. But they were wrong.

The bill passed unanimously.

Wiser heads prevailed, and the other day the Senate passed the bill by unanimous consent. Virginia’s two Democratic senators, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, championed the measure. (No word yet on what ThinkProgress has to say about them.) Cantor issued a statement noting that often “everyone is (so) focused on what Congress cannot accomplish that we overlook the good that can be done when both parties work together.” He has a point — albeit one blunted by the reality that it still took Congress months to set aside partisanship long enough to help find cures for sick kids.

The Times-Dispatch concluded:

And Cantor was motivated not by calculation but by compassion.

Compassion for a little girl whose illness touched one of the most powerful men in America. After the vote, Cantor spoke of Gabriella's impact:

“So often everyone is focused on what Congress cannot accomplish that we overlook the good that can be done when both parties work together. One courageous young girl, Gabriella Miller, inspired bipartisan action to help research, treat, and cure pediatric diseases and disorders. When people would remark that Gabriella was wise beyond her years, she would tell them that having a brain tumor means you have to grow up real fast. And so a 10-year-old girl was battling for more pediatric research at the same time she battled for her life.”

Gabriella didn't live to see the bill passed but when her parents visited with Cantor after her death, they brought a bouquet of brightly-colored tissue paper flowers. Caitlin Gibson wrote in the Washington Post:

The flowers, which were collected by the thousands after Gabriella’s death, were displayed at her memorial service and intended to be distributed to people who could make a difference in the fight against cancer: researchers, legislators, nurses, patients.

Fittingly, the flowers were placed in Cantor's office, a bright splash of color as a fitting reminder of a little girl named Gabriella whose short life, and death, will have a lasting impact.

See also Congress heeds dying Va. girl's call for research by Frederick J. Frommer with the Associated Press.

Four GOP candidates file to seek nomination to run against Mark Warner

Four candidates filed by the 5:00 p.m. deadline on Saturday, February 1, 2014, to seek the Republican nomination for U.S Senate. The election, to be held in November, will pit the Republican against Democratic incumbent Mark Warner.

Besides submitting the necessary paperwork, a filing fee of $6,900 was required.

The four candidates, in order of filing, are:

- Edward "Ed" Gillespie, of Alexandria, a communications consultant, former White House aide, and former chairman of the Republican National Committee.

- Anthony "Tony" DeTora, of Fredericksburg, a senior policy adviser for a member of Congress.

- Wayshak "Shak" Hill, of Centreville, retired Air Force pilot and financial planning consultant.

- Charles "Chuck" Moss, of Nokesville, owner of a small network consulting business.

The Republican Convention will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2014, in Roanoke. Go to the Republican Party of Virginia website for more details.

Ed Gillespie responds to Howie Lind's decision to withdraw from GOP U.S. Senate race

Howie Lind removed his name from the Republican race for U.S. Senate to challenge the seat now held by Democrat Mark Warner.

Republican front-runner Ed Gillespie issued the following statement upon that news:

“I’ve enjoyed spending time with Howie Lind over the past few weeks as we’ve both pursued the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Mark Warner.  I’m proud to call him a friend, appreciate his service to our nation and our party, and hope all the best for him in the future.”

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

Two Virginians among richest members of Congress

Roll Call's annual list of the 50 richest members of Congress includes two Virginians -- U.S. Senator Mark Warner and Congressman Scott Rigell.

Warner, a Democrat worth $96.3 million, was ranked #3 behind #1 Rep. Darrell Issa ($355 million), a Republican from California, and #2 Rep. Michael McCaul ($114 million), a Republican from Texas. Rigell was ranked #28 with $12.6 million.

The list includes 29 Republicans and 21 Democrats. Roll Call provided brief bios including the source of their wealth ... makes for an interesting read.

NY Times on GOP shutdown threat: 'Politics of a Screeching Halt'

New York Times Op-Ed columnist Gail Collins does not mince words:

Right now, the show horses of the United States Senate are Rand Paul of Kentucky, Ted Cruz of Texas and Marco Rubio of Florida. All preparing for a 2016 presidential bid. All making visits to Iowa. They’re the new faces of the Republican Party. Really, really new. The three of them have an average age of 45 and an average tenure in Washington of 1.9 years.

Whatever happened to learning one job before moving to the next step?

Republicans are alarmed, as the editorial notes:

And all three are currently in the news for their efforts to get Republicans to promise not to vote to fund the government this fall unless the president cancels Obamacare.

"I think it’s the dumbest idea I’ve ever heard," said Senator Richard Burr of North Carolina, speaking on behalf of a large number of Republicans who regard the idea of shutting down the government with horror and who are never going to be mentioned in a Quinnipiac presidential poll.

For those who were not paying attention in 1995 when Republicans shut down the government, it wasn't pretty. Google it. Or listen to the voices of experiences who have been there and done that, like Senator Saxby Chambliss, 69. On Wednesday's Morning Joe on MSNBC, Chambliss gave a dire reminder.

“We’ve been down that road,” he said. “We shut down the government ...and we got our butts kicked over shutting down the government.”

That's an understatement. It took years to regain the confidence of the American people who blamed Republicans for the shutdown. Indeed, Morning Joe host Joe Scarborough was a Florida Congressman during the 1995 shutdown. He learned from that experience and called the current  threat "one of the stupidest arguments he's heard in two decades":

“We’ve got a president that’s gonna celebrate Republicans making the same mistake back when we shut down the government and basically re-elected Bill Clinton,” Scarborough said.

The new breed of Republicans could learn from the experience and wisdom of those who have walked before them. But listening to Cruz, that doesn't seem likely:

“The sort of cocktail chatter wisdom that ‘Oh, the shutdown was a disaster for Republicans’ is not borne out by the data,” Cruz said.

Meanwhile, the other side of the political aisle is watching this unfold, as Collins writes:

The Democrats are sort of horrified and sort of enthralled by the whole drama.

“Give a call to Newt Gingrich. He’ll return your phone calls. Ask him how it worked,” suggested Majority Leader Harry Reid.

It brings to mind American philosopher George Santayana's much-quoted belief, "Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it."

Bob McDonnell orders flags flown at half-staff in memory of Harry F. Byrd, Jr.

Governor Orders State Flags to Fly at Half-Staff Friday and Saturday

On Wednesday, Virginia's Governor Bob McDonnell ordered all state flags to fly at half-staff on Friday and Saturday in memory of U.S. Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr., 98, who passed away Wednesday morning. Governor McDonnell noted the order and commented on the Senator's passing:

“This morning, Harry F. Byrd, Jr., America’s oldest living former senator, passed away at his home in Winchester. This is a sad day in the Commonwealth. A chapter of our history has concluded; we’ve lost a good and decent person and a dedicated public servant.

"Senator Byrd was a son of the Valley. He was born in Winchester. While he would go on to attend school at VMI and UVa, serve our nation in World War II, represent the area in the State Senate, and then serve three terms in Washington as a United States Senator, it was always true that in spirit and in soul, Harry F. Byrd, Jr. never left the Valley that he loved.

"Senator Byrd was an iconic figure in Virginia history. He lived through a century of immense change, both here at home and abroad, and he never sat on the sidelines. From his time in public office to his long career in journalism, Harry F. Byrd, Jr. was at the center of the great debates and policy discussions that marked our nation’s path forward. He made his mark as a strong fiscal conservative, always committed to ensuring that taxpayer dollars be wisely and conservatively utilized.

"I had the great opportunity to visit with the senator several times over the past few years at his home. His mind was sharp, and he was quick with stories from growing up in Virginia’s Executive Mansion in the 1920’s to his experiences as the first person ever elected and re-elected to the United States Senate as an independent. The senator was rightly known for his civility, candor and wit, and those attributes remained with him until the very end. As governor, there were a number of times I would receive a carefully handwritten letter from the senator, well into his 90’s, letting me know how he felt about legislation and policy discussions in Richmond. He lived to participate in the public discourse and he cherished democracy and civic engagement. That was the common thread that ran from his time in public office to his editorials and columns in The Winchester Star and The Harrisonburg Daily News-Record.

"Virginia will mourn the passing of Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr.”

Harry F. Byrd, Jr. passes away at 98 ... George Allen remembers a Virginia gentleman

His name is synonymous with history and long-time Democratic politics in Virginia. On Tuesday the Winchester Star reported the passing of Winchester resident and former U.S. Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr. The Star included an abundance of historical background about this man who, at the age of 98, is unknown to many Virginians but is firmly planted in the Commonwealth's history.

Another former U.S. Senator and Governor George Allen remembered this Southern gentleman in a press release on Tuesday:

“Virginia and America mourn the passing of one of the most influential, respected and principled leaders of the 20th Century, Harry F. Byrd, Jr.

“I will always remember his distinctive laugh and remarkably sharp perspectives throughout his long, meaningful life. The lasting legacy of Senator Byrd is his consistent, sound and unflinching leadership in working to achieve the ideal of a wise and frugal government. Senator Byrd was an independent, cheerful and amazingly insightful friend. I shall treasure his encouragement and counsel through the ups and downs of public service. Indeed, we emulated Senator Byrd’s example by returning unused Senate office funds every year.

“Above all, Harry Byrd, Jr. was a gentleman of impeccable integrity in all aspects of his life.

“Susan’s and my thoughts and prayers are with his children Harry III, Tom and Beverly, and the whole Byrd family, including grandson John who worked with me in the U.S. Senate. They are a wonderful, honorable family.”

It is, indeed, the passing of an era in the Old Dominion.

Christie appoints NJ Attorney General as temporary replacement for Lautenberg's seat

The Hill reported Thursday that NJ Governor Chris Christie has made his choice for a temporary replacement to the late Senator Frank Lautenberg's seat:

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) on Thursday appointed state Attorney General Jeff Chiesa (R) to fill deceased Sen. Frank Lautenberg's (D) seat until the upcoming October special election. In his announcement, which came three days following Lautenberg's passing, Christie said he believes Chiesa is "the best person for the job."

Read the entire article here.

Dem Sen. Lautenberg dies at 89 ... will Christie appoint Republican?

Democratic Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey died Monday at the age of 89 of viral pneumonia. The oldest member of the Senate, he had served more than 30 years in Congress.

The Hill reports that Governor Chris Christie can appoint a replacement until a special election is held, and some are speculating whether he will appoint a Republican:

According to New Jersey election law, Christie may appoint a replacement to temporarily fill Lautenberg's seat until a special election occurs to elect someone to serve out the remainder of Lautenberg's term.

Christie may set the date of the special election. It's unclear whether he'll choose to schedule it on the same day as the gubernatorial and state legislative elections on Nov. 5.

Setting the special on the same date as the upcoming gubernatorial election could give a boost to a Republican candidate from Christie's coattails, as he's running far ahead of the Democratic candidate for governor and is expected to easily defeat her.

Lautenberg's passing offers the opportunity for Christie to appoint a Republican. Virginia conservative radio host John Fredericks speculated on Facebook Monday afternoon that two names Christie may be considering are Sen. Joe Kyrillos, a longtime friend, or Tom Kean, Sr., a former NJ governor.

George W endorses Jeb for U.S. Senate

“He would be an awesome U.S. senator.”
--President George W. Bush (interview with RealClearPolitics)

Politico is reporting that President George W. Bush is happy with the thought of his younger brother, Jeb, running as a representative from Florida to the U.S. Senate:

“I think the party would benefit a lot by having Jeb Bush in the U.S. Senate,” the president added. “I think Florida would benefit a lot. I think the country would benefit a lot. And I think the Republican Party would benefit a lot. He is a proven leader who, when given responsibilities, succeeded.”

Earlier this month Jeb, a former two-term governor of Florida, told Politico that he is “considering” a run for Martinez’s seat. The Florida senator announced his retirement on Dec. 2.

To rebuild the GOP brand, the former governor has said the party needs to embrace reform and broaden the party’s outreach, especially to Hispanics. He also suggests a renewed commitment to core Republican principles such as a limited scope of government.

Run, Jeb, run!

Run, Jeb, run!

I like Jeb Bush, the younger brother of President George W. Bush. Considering a run for the U.S. Senate in the seat being vacated by Mel Martinez, Mr. Bush stands a good chance in a state where he is still popular after serving as governor.

According to News Max:

Bush, 55, won praise from Democrats and Republicans alike for leading the state through eight hurricanes over a two-year period. He used standardized testing to overhaul the education system, was credited with making government more efficient and lowered taxes to make Florida more business-friendly.

While his older brother, soon-to-be former President George W. Bush is so unpopular and has been a liability to many Republicans candidates - and was one undoing for Martinez - Jeb Bush remains a popular figure here.

"I hope that Gov. Bush gets in the race. In my personal opinion, he understands public policy better than any other potential candidate looking at that race, by far," said former state House Speaker Allan Bense, who was contemplating his own bid. Bense said he would not run if Bush entered. "It would clear the Republican field, I'm sure."

Governor Bush worked hard for education reform:

The former governor has spent much of his time since leaving office promoting education policy as the founder and president of the Foundation for Excellence in Education. As governor, he put a strong emphasis on standardized testing to keep teachers and schools accountable and passed a voucher program that allowed students in failing public schools to attend provide schools at taxpayer expense. That program was later ruled unconstitutional.

He would be an asset in Washington. The Bushes ... leadership runs in the family.