Bill Bolling: Move Virginia GOP forward

By Bill Bolling

First of all, let me thank you again for everything you do for our Republican Party.

Needless to say, we had a spirited convention in Richmond this past weekend. It was my honor to chair the convention, and I did my best to keep it moving in a positive direction and make sure it was conducted in a fair and impartial manner. I think we achieved that goal and I hope you agree.

With the election of a new Chairman, this is obviously a time of change for our party. However, I am confident that we can find our party emerging stronger as a result of this change if we work together with our new Chairman to make certain he succeeds. Your experience will be critical to our success in this effort.

I know that many of our party leaders supported Jeff Frederick and many supported John Hager in the Chairman’s race. Regardless of which side of this campaign you were on, we must now all work together to make certain that we maximize the opportunity change brings and prepare for the future. I look forward to working with you in that effort.

I know Jeff Frederick well and I know that he has many skills our party can use. Jeff will help improve the organizational strength our party, he will help revitalize our grass roots and he will help improve our communications. In addition, Jeff will be a strong voice for our conservative values and he will certainly be on the front line in holding the Democrats accountable. In other areas, Jeff will need our help in strengthening the party.

Bob McDonnell and I have offered our full assistance to Chairman Frederick and we hope you will do the same. We will certainly encounter a period of flux as people adapt to their new roles, but we are confident that everyone will get their feet on the ground as quickly as possible. With the 2008 elections fast approaching, we have no time to waste.

I also want to thank John Hager for his years of dedicated service to our party in numerous positions. There is no one I know in politics or any other aspect of life that I respect more than John Hager. John has done much for our party and I am confident that he will continue to do so in the years to come.

I look forward to working with each of you through these times of change. Let’s dedicate ourselves to make the most of it, for the good of our party, for the good of our country and for the good of Virginia.

Americans For Prosperity: Day at the Capitol

The stately Virginia State Capitol with business skyline in the background.

Shenandoah Valley AFP supporters on bus ride to Richmond. Goodie bags provided by Congressman Bob Goodlatte were particularly welcomed ... bottled water and snacks kept the hunger away.New entrance tunnel to Capitol.
Attorney General Bob McDonnell addresses AFP as Virginia's AFP Director Ben Marchi (right) looks on.
Delegate Jeff Frederick and Delegate Ben Cline. Both addressed AFP attendees.
Lt. Governor Bill Bolling.
House of Delegates ... Delegate Chris Saxman and Delegate Ben Cline.
AFP luncheon at the Omni.

On a beautiful spring-like day in Richmond, Thursday's Americans For Prosperity Day at the Capitol was a great success as proponents of lower taxes and responsible spending spent the day meeting with their legislators, watching the budget process, and listening to elected officials emphasize the importance of leaving more money in the pockets of taxpayers.

The bus ride offered Valley citizens an opportunity to visit with others from nearby localities and to discuss the state budget, various bills that had been passed and vetoed, and generally enjoy the company of like-minded folks.

A friend's home school family with six children conducted school on the ride over with each child, ranging from grades 2-9, working on math and then civics. They were perfect passengers and a joy to be with throughout the day.

After arriving at the Capitol, Delegate Ben Cline, who is the Virginia Western Coordinator for AFP, welcomed everyone and spoke about AFP, followed by Senator Ralph Smith (R-Roanoke), Delegate Brenda Pogge, Delegate Jeff Frederick, Senator Ken Cuccinelli, Lt. Governor Bill Bolling, Attorney General Bob McDonnell, and RPV Chairman John Hager.

Afterwards, with the House in recess, we were allowed to enter the chamber and sit in the delegate chairs. I had the great honor of sitting at my delegate's desk, Chris Saxman, and made sure to leave him a note saying, "Lynn was here and enjoyed your chair!" Ben Cline and Ken Cuccinelli talked with us until Senator Cuccinelli had to head over to the Senate Chamber.

Sitting in the gallery of the Senate offered the opportunity to see them honor and pass a resolution for a Chesapeake-area police officer who was recently killed in the line of duty. There was reverence as his widow approached the dais and was hugged by Senate President Bill Bolling.

Observing the House of Delegates from the gallery was fun as we watched Delegates Chris Saxman and Ben Cline conferring with each other, and as Delegate Saxman took to the floor to press his issues. Afterwards, we spoke with them in the hallway when they went into a brief recess.

Everyone was ready for lunch at the Omni at 1:30 where we were treated to a formal meal of garden salad, chicken cordon bleu, vegetables, and parfait. Attorney General Bob McDonnell addressed the group. A recap of the September "Defending the American Dream" summit in D.C. was shown with remarks from AFP Director Ben Marchi.

Ben recognized Trixie Averill who was a big part of putting together this event, calling her to the podium to say thank you for her hard work. She had those of us who had attended the "Defending the American Dream" summit stand along with her as a testament of what AFP is doing as it continues to grow in Virginia.

After lunch there was time to visit delegate and senate offices, tour the capitol, wander the grounds, or just enjoy the beautiful day. Everyone went in different directions and met back at the bus at 4:30 for the drive home.

Many thanks to all for their time and dedication putting together an enjoyable and interesting day in Richmond.

Thanks also to Congressman Bob Goodlatte for the goodie bags provided for the bus ... the bottled water and snacks were greatly appreciated and only a few granola bars were left over.

More photos to be posted.....

Cross-posted at Americans For Prosperity

Photos by SWAC Girl

Where are those convention photos?

I'm still in Richmond after attending the Republican Party of Virginia state convention over the weekend. Lots going on at RPV with the Jeff Frederick campaign. The winds of change are blowing through the Virginia political landscape....

Jeff Frederick has put a good transition team in place and they are working hard to right the listing RPV ship in preparation of the upcoming November elections.

I have dozens of convention photos but am not at the home ship so my camera is not cooperating with the computer I am using. Those photos may have to wait until I return to Augusta County....

Meanwhile, I am enjoying time with my folks ... and with SWAC Niece who has a new kitty at her house. My sister and I are spending quality time together....

It's been warm and humid in Richmond although Monday was pleasant with a nice breeze (a thunderstorm the night before cooled it down). My sister and I lunched on paninis at Ukrop's on their outside patio and talked....

Today brings back the warm temps and, from what I understand, it should be in the 90s or near that for the rest of the week. This Valley girl will be ready to head for the hills with less humidity and lower temps!

SWAC Niece has 10 days left of school but the summer bug has already bitten as she spends the longer days outdoors with friends and at swim team practice at the pool. Buckling down to do homework is becoming more and more difficult but the light is at the end of the tunnel....

My folks' flowers are gorgeous. It is a hobby for them to work in the yard tending to their roses and other flowering plants. The house looks like something out of Better Homes and Gardens....

I am off to wander Richmond with my sister before the day gets too warm. Who knows what we will find....

Republican All-Star Team "Working Families Tour"

On Tuesday, June 10, 2008, an all-star Republican team consisting of Gov. Jim Gilmore, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, Atty. Gen. Bob McDonnell, and Del. Jeff Frederick, Chairman, Republican Party of Virginia, will fly around Virginia on their "Working Families Tour," the first of a number of planned fly-arounds.

In a press release issued by Jeff Frederick, RPV told about the tour:

The Jim Gilmore for Senate Campaign of former Gov. Jim Gilmore, now a candidate for the Virginia U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Senator John Warner, will kick-off the campaign June 10th with a fly around expressing support for Virginia's working families. The fly around will be followed in coming weeks by visits to 40 cities and localities in what the Gilmore campaign is billing as a "Working Families Tour."

Virginians are welcome to attend the fly around news conferences Tuesday which will be held in Richmond, Norfolk and Northern Virginia. Roanoke, Bristol, Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Winchester, Culpeper, Fredericksburg, Danville, Petersburg and Virginia Beach are among the cities that will be stops for the "Working Families Tour" in coming weeks.

WHAT: News Conference
WHEN: 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 10th
WHERE: General Assembly Building, Senate Room 1, 9th and Grace Street,
Richmond, VA 23219

WHAT: News Conference
WHEN: 12:00 Noon, Tuesday, June 10th
WHERE: Norfolk International Airport, 2200 Norview Ave., Norfolk, VA

WHAT: News Conference
WHEN: 2:45 p.m., Tuesday, June 10th
WHERE: Merchant Business Center, 8707 Quarry Road, Manassas, VA 20110

I'm looking forward to the day they fly into Weyers Cave....

Augusta GOP officers resign in protest of 56 purged members

As many know, I have been very concerned about the actions of Augusta County Republican Committee Chairman Bill Shirley in illegally kicking off 56 members of the committee, and have tried a variety of avenues to resolve this issue. Now long-time volunteers who are friends, neighbors, and solid Republicans have been purged.

I am sad to say that at our last committee meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 2009, Chairman Bill Shirley would not allow anyone to speak to the issue even to the extend that he refused to recognize RPV Acting Chairman Mike Thomas who had driven up from Richmond, and did not even acknowledge Mr. Thomas' presence at the start of the meeting.

Committee members tried to speak but Bill Shirley threatened them with a Sergeant of Arms and a local deputy, a tactic that has become all too familiar to intimidate and shut down discussion. This kind of harassment is not how Republicans act.

In solidarity with the 56 members who were removed from the committee, I will stand with them and, in protest of their dismissal, have formally resigned from the Augusta County Republican Committee along with the majority of the Executive Committee who left for the same reason.

I apologize to RPV Acting Chairman Mike Thomas for his poor treatment, and to the 56 purged volunteers who have been there for us throughout the years.

It is a sad day to realize that the Party that was so vibrant and strong in Augusta County has fallen to such depths with no hope of the majority of the banished 56 returning anytime soon. My conscience will not allow me to associate with the type of behavior displayed by Bill Shirley and others. I will help the GOP in other more productive ways rather than fight members of the Party.

It is said that Virginians traditionally have a sense of civility in politics ... but we seem to have lost that in the Augusta County Republican Party under the chairmanship of Bill Shirley.

Some civil voices on this subject:

New - Too Conservative: What a mess in Augusta County
New - Yankee Phil: VA Bloggers asks a question about Augusta County....

- Yankee Phil: A letter from Swacgirl to local Republicans
- Augusta Conservative: Augusta County Republican Committee purges 56 members
- Yankee Phil: Majority of the Augusta County Board resigned
- Augusta Free Press: Local GOP committee splintering over ... what, exactly?
- Fishersville Mike: Something bothering me
- Augusta Conservative: Augusta County GOP Committee Falls Apart
- Yankee Phil: Time to print new brochures
- Fishersville Mike: It's the internet age, settle it
- The Augusta Water Cooler: Augusta axes hardworking grassroots volunteers

From Too Conservative blog with comments:
04/23/09

What A Mess In Augusta County

By Loudoun Insider Purges, RINO Hunting, etc.  Sound familiar?  The Augusta County Republican Committee sounds like a total trainwreck, with the Frederick types taking over.  SWAC Girl has a rundown with lots of links.

 

---

• VA Blogger

  April 23, 2009 at 10:51 PM

  Apparently there are two sides to this, even in the blogosphere. Personally, I always come down on the side of inclusion, not exclusion.
  I can’t speak expertly to the legality of the explusions, or the procedure that was done to execute them, but I do question those who are standing behind it (like Spank That Donkey, a noted Frederick supporter) what they gain by purging their rolls? Especially in the case of many members who may have missed three County meetings but by all accounts attended other party functions and have been hard-working volunteers.
  
• Loudoun Insider

  April 24, 2009 at 6:56 AM

  I could see the legitimacy of this if there were three regularly scheduled meetings. From what I’ve read some of these meetings were called on short notice at odd times to set up this purge.
  This is entirely symptomatic of the Puritan wing – they want to cast out any who do not fall in lock step with their version of “conservative principles”. Soon they’ll have a monolithic cabal running the show any of which couldn’t get elected dog catcher. But, to paraphrase the Protic Principle, at least they’ll be “pure”. A sure recipe for electoral failure, no matter how pure they may think they may be.
  
• kelley in virginia

  April 24, 2009 at 7:17 AM

  though i was never chairperson of a large county, we were able to craft a cohesive group of individuals with very diverse reasons for being Republican in a small county.
  why is this such a damn problem?
  and mike thomas has more campaign sense in his little finger than most will ever have in their entire body.
  
• VA Blogger

  April 24, 2009 at 7:51 AM

  LI, even if it is legitimate, my question still stands: what do you gain by kicking out 56 people?
  
• Loudoun Insider

  April 24, 2009 at 7:59 AM

  Absolutely nothing, VAB. I hope you didn’t get the impression I was for this purge. it is an incredibly stupid move. brought to you by the Frederick Fanatics and their style of Puritanism.
  Mike Thomas drove all the way out there to try to mediate this mess and was refused an opportunity to speak. Nice.
  
• The Bulletproof Monk

  April 24, 2009 at 8:28 AM

  It’s clear to me that the village idiot down there thinks that he can bump Frederick’s numbers by trying to purge the delegates as well. Thankfully, he got called on that part–and they were reinstated.
  Unfortunately–watching from the outside…and remembering our very own struggle here- makes me reflective. Glen Caroline is in charge here in Loudoun, and I think I appreciate him all the much more because I’ve seen just how bad a unit can go with the wrong leadership.
  So, looking at Augusta’s disenfranchised members…the sun will come out, and you will be included, because the jag-off who thinks he’s in charge down there is probably near the top of the list of first order of business on a new RPV Chairman’s gavel….not to mention the Congressional District Chair’s last nerve.
  
• RichmondDem

  April 24, 2009 at 8:36 AM

  Augusta was, what? One of the four or so counties to vote for Gilmore over Warner last year? Not a shock to hear this.
  
• NoVA Scout

  April 24, 2009 at 7:15 PM

  I love these bright sparks (“love” in the sense that they provide me with endless amusement) who think that political success comes from appealing to an ever-narrowing universe of voters.
  
• Yankeephil

  April 24, 2009 at 7:52 PM

  VA Blogger comments….I can’t speak expertly to the legality of the explusions, or the procedure that was done to execute them, but I do question those who are standing behind it (like Spank That Donkey, a noted Frederick supporter) what they gain by purging their rolls?
  If you read my post that the Vice Chairs of Communications and the Vice Chair of Precincts resigned. You might ask Spank the Donkey and Rightside Va who got those 2 posts.
  I am not saying that they did not have a totally different motivation in their support. I am sure they felt that they were doing the right thing, but you can ask them that question.
  
• Loudoun Insider

  April 24, 2009 at 9:38 PM

  As far as I know, those two got those two positions. And Lynn Mitchell, a fine Republican, is out. It’s utterly ridiculous.
  
• AWCheney

  April 25, 2009 at 9:24 AM

  So much for Jeff Frederick’s claims, and those of his people, that they represent the grassroots. It sounds more like they consider those grassroots to be a threat to them.
  Frederick is proving more and more that he is the ideal poster boy for what’s wrong with the Republican Party.
  
• Brian W. Schoeneman

  April 25, 2009 at 10:57 AM

  I have never understood the meetings requirements for the Republican Committees. For anyone who works, goes to school, or isn’t retired, making a monthly meeting isn’t always possible, and I don’t know many Republicans who would be willing to go on my behalf who aren’t already members.
  If I were cynical, I’d say that the primary reason for the rule is to enable purges like this – not to control party purity, but simply to require those who want to participate to pay the fee over and over again as a means of raising funds. Otherwise, I can’t see the benefit of removing people when the Committees are rarely, if ever, 100% full.

Young Republican Conference in Richmond this weekend

"We've got to get excited again!"

Those were the words of wisdom to the YRs from Delegate Jeff Frederick (R-Prince William) at their convention this weekend in Richmond. Frederick, at the age of 32, qualifies as a Young Republican himself. The group includes those who are between 18 and 41 years of age.

Delegate Frederick said Republicans need the grassroots involvement to bring excitement back into the Party.

The YRs heard from a stellar lineup of Republican leaders including Lt. Governor Bill Bolling, Attorney General Bob McDonnell, and former Virginia governor Jim Gilmore, who addressed the group about various issues.

The convention ends today.

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

Republican Advance ... Day 1

It is a sunny day here in Hot Springs, Virginia, as Republicans from all over the Commonwealth arrive for the 25th annual Republican Advance. Some arrived yesterday and others have been seen today ... RPV Chair Jeff Frederick and his wife Amy and new baby, AFP's Ben Marchi, Trixie Averill, Kathy Terry, Matt Wells....

Registration has begun and will run until 8 pm. State Central's Executive Committee meets this afternoon followed by the State Central Committee meeting at 5 pm. Afterwards, various meetings, dinners, and receptions will be going on late into the night.

I am heading to the Great Hall to try and find bloggers....

RPV thanks Mike Thomas

Alec Thomas, 18, with his dad, Mike Thomas
at last summer's Chesterfield Veterans Appreciation Picnic.

As he had done on previous occasions, RPV 1st Vice Chairman Mike Thomas found himself at the helm of the Party on April 4 after the vote to remove former chairman Jeff Frederick.

Saturday he was thanked for his unselfish service to the Party with a standing ovation from State Central Committee members after 10th District Chair Jim Rich paid tribute by announcing Republicans were grateful to Mr. Thomas ... and the lingering standing ovation showed the amount of respect for the man.

Saying that enthusiasm is building in the GOP, Mike announced that over 10,000 delegates had signed up for the Republican Convention to be held at the Richmond Coliseum May 29-30, finances were improving, and humbly said that what the grassroots leaders did was far more important and difficult than anything he had done.

That was gracious ... and untrue. If not for Mike's steadying hand, the past month would have been tumultuous. Thank you, Mike Thomas, for your service to the Party.

Previous postings:
- Republican State Central Committee officers reelected
- A son feels duty to country
- Chesterfield GOP Veterans Appreciation Picnic
- Republican Roundup ... my parents

Photo by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
August 9, 2008

"Welcome to Minneapolis!"

Sunday night's reception at the Minneapolis Convention Center for nationwide delegates to the Republican National Convention must have used every busline in the area! I'm talking large Greyhound-type buses that picked up delegates from hotels all over the Minneapolis and Saint Paul area to deliver them to the downtown venue. There were so many buses that they completely circled the convention center.

Reportedly, 10,000 people attended the event which took place at Civic Fest in the convention center, a huge arena that dwarfed the exhibits that included part of Air Force One, vehicles, and numerous exhibits. With dozens of tables set up for food and drink, there was more than enough for anyone and a variety that pleased every palate.

Civic Fest is an historical exhibit of the fuselage of Air Force One, a remake of the White House rose garden, a display of First Ladies' gowns, display of American flags down through the years, Franklin Roosevelt's presidential limousine, huge American flag, CNN's "Election 2008" bus, and much more. There were vendors selling McCain tee shirts and other campaign necessities as well as White House memorabilia and patriotic sourvenirs. Toby Keith's "Courtesty of the Red, White and Blue" blasted from the overhead speakers along with other patriotic tunes. At the opposite end of the hall was an open theater-type area with chairs, stage, and presentation of American history.

Fox News was live on the premises and we gathered around as if watching Hollywood stars. A live on-air interview with a delegate ended with applause from those of us watching, and Fox is definitely the news of choice at this convention. It is tuned into the Virginia delegation's rooms as well as the local Fox Channel 9, keeping us updated with stories about each day's event.

Media are everywhere ... in our hotels, at our receptions, at events, in the lobbies. Tyler Whitley from the Richmond Times-Dispatch was at the Virginia delegation reception Sunday night and telling tales on Trixie Averill (it's the black snake story; I'll relay it later).

The opening reception lasted from 6-8:00 Sunday and, afterwards, Virginians headed back to our hotel for our arcade night. I got great photos of those attending and will post them when there is time. Even Pat Boone joined us and, for those too young to know him, he was an extremely popular singer during the 1950s and 60s. Think something like a Justin Timberlake. He is unabashedly conservative, and he was hanging out with the Virginia delegation.

RPV Chairman Jeff Frederick addressed everyone, welcoming them to the convention, and then he urged everyone to remember the Gulf coast residents as Hurricane Gustav approached ... and asked for donations for what would surely be a disastrous aftermath from what the news was reporting.

Then the words of the National Anthem began ... "Oh, say can you see...." Everyone stopped to listen to a CD that was playing of Bob McDonnell's daughter singing. One lady held up her purse with an American flag on it as those in the room placed hands over their hearts and listened ... but as the music swelled, "And the rockets red glare," everyone in the room suddenly and loudly joined in to finish the song ... and when it ended, there was an eruption of applause and whoops ... it was one of those patriotic moments I often see in Republican politics.

I have got to say a word about the volunteers for all these events ... the people from Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Minnesota ... who have been cheerful and helpful and positive since we landed. Last night they all wore yellow polo shirts and lined the way from our buses to the entrance of Civic Fest, and then volunteers in navy polo shirts were all around Civic Fest. All wore smiles and wished everyone a great event. I talked with several to ask where they had come from ... they are just everyday people helping out their city and state. When the call went out for a need for volunteers, they answered.

When we got back to the room, I fell off the face of the earth. It had been a l-o-n-g day with little sleep the night before, and I was too exhausted to blog or anything else ... all I could think of was sleep.

Bob Stuart's "Valley Politico" blog now up and running

Yesterday was the kick-off of Waynesboro News Virginian reporter Bob Stuart's "Valley Politico" blog in which he will comment on political issues locally, statewide, and even on the national level.

His first blog post, clocked in at 10:41 am on Monday, had to do with changes in the air for the Republican Party of Virginia. Titled "It's a full-blown earthquake," Bob wrote:

The fault line in the Virginia Republican Party is more like that from an earthquake, not a minor jolt.

Witness this past weekend’s Virginia GOP Convention where former Gov. Jim Gilmore barely garnered enough delegates to become the party’s U.S. Senate nominee, and the trouncing of state GOP Chairman John Hager by Prince William Del. Jeff Frederick.

That's just the beginning of what will probably become a habit for Bob Stuart who has followed politics since his teens.

Welcome to the blogosphere, Bob!

Wish I could be in NOVA for the debate next week ...

... between RPV Chairman John Hager and challenger, Delegate Jeff Frederick. Scheduled for Thursday, May 22, at 7:30 pm, it is to be held at Robert E. Lee High School in Alexandria. That should be an interesting evening. Congrats to the NOVA Young Republicans for pulling that one off.

Live blogging ... part 2

Shaun is typing like crazy and Jason is twittering....

As Governor Gilmore continues to speak, the room continues to fill with people. His message on "Drill Here, Drill Now" is still of importance, and his remarks on the Card Check issue brought applause from the audience.

Sen. Ken Cuccinelli is greeting at the back of the room ... he just walked over to say hello and mentioned that me met my mother last night. What a memory.

Gov. Gilmore is going to restart a PAC and that brought applause from the crowd. His campaign acquired 10,000 donors, large and small ... they know those folks will be there for Bob McDonnell, Bill Bolling, and our AG candidate.

Just met Ford O'Connell who was with the McCain campaign ... we exchanged business cards.

The debate is about to begin ... RPV Chair Jeff Frederick is laying out the rules for everyone. There will be a straw poll later today for AG.

Ouch. Kaine transportation bill goes down in flames

Tim Kaine traveled the Commonwealth from one end to the other to sell his transportation plan ... and today in a vote of 0-98, not one single Democrat voted for it.

Ouch.

The Republican Party of Virginia put on the following press release:

It’s Unanimous: House Democrats Abandon Tim Kaine: Minority Party refuses to consider Governor's transportation "solution"

Richmond, Virginia (July 9, 2008) – Democrats in the House of Delegates today refused to move swiftly on Governor Tim Kaine’s transportation legislation. Kaine’s proposal, which was the subject of nearly a dozen town hall meetings hosted by the Governor around the Commonwealth, has been debated both among lawmakers, special interests, and in the media for several weeks now.

The action came today when the House attempted to amend a transportation-related bill passed by the state Senate to mirror Kaine’s bill. The “Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute” was a facsimile of the Governor’s proposal, giving all Delegates an opportunity to have a clean, up-or-down vote on Kaine’s legislation.

In a unanimous vote (0-98), not a single Democrat voted to support the Governor’s plan.

Last month, Kaine called the General Assembly into special session to tackle the state’s transportation challenges, but it quickly became clear that there was little – bi-partisan – appetite for the Governor’s proposals. The Democratic-controlled state Senate declined to introduce, debate, or put a vote to Kaine’s proposal, but did send legislation to the House that would result in steep hikes in gas taxes, among other tax increases.

“Transportation is an urgent problem, and the people of Virginia are demanding we address it quickly. The action by House Democrats today demonstrates that they’d rather point the finger on transportation solutions than actually acting to move things forward. Not only did House Democrats delay action today, but also voted to prolong the special session at taxpayer expense”, said Delegate Jeff Frederick, Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia.

“If we’re going to raise taxes, let’s get on with it. But if we aren’t – which seems to be the case – then let’s put the tax hike debate to rest and proceed with many of the new, creative, and innovative solutions General Assembly Republicans have offered that don’t require us to tax hardworking Virginia families more. It’s time we stop letting this tax debate stand in the way of improving our roads, rail, and transit in the Commonwealth,” he added.

RPV Convention photos - Part 5: The bloggers

SWAC area bloggers
Jason Bibeau (Augusta Water Cooler)
Kurt Michael (SixtyFour81.com)

Alex Davis with newly elected RPV Chairman Jeff Frederick.

Cathy Dickson (Powhatan Life; United Conservatives of Virginia)

Lynn Mitchell (SWAC Girl, SixtyFour81.com)
Alton Foley (I'm Not Emeril)

ODBA bloggers from left to right:
Ron (Isaphorone), SWAC Girl, & Alton Foley

Governor Jim Gilmore (Virginia Patriot)
Chris Green (Spank That Donkey)

Alton Foley


Photos by SWAC Girl & Cathy Dickson

Why are Democrats "endorsing" Republicans?

I have gone on record time and time again on this blog saying that I favor voter registration by Party in Virginia. I just ran for and won a seat on RPV's State Central Committee with that as one of my issues.

Democrats crossing into Republican Primaries is bad enough but when they participate in our mass meetings it is even more grating to me. They are not the ones who will do the work of the activists ... they are only there to disturb the process or support a lone candidate. As I have stated before, they will not be out pounding yard signs or manning headquarters or making Get Out The Vote calls to our base.

Therefore, hearing yesterday that Dick Cranwell had kind of endorsed John Hager made me raise an eyebrow. Of course, that doesn't mean that Chairman Hager went out and solicited Cranwell's support but now two high-ranking Virginia democrats have spoken in his favor (Mark Warner was the other).

Something seems askew.

Greg at Black Velvet Bruce Li addressed this issue today and came up with an interesting conclusion, one that bears consideration. Greg asked:

Does anyone else come to the conclusion that Democrats are more concerned about Jeff Frederick running RPV, rather than John Hager?

Indeed.

Part 2: Over 4,000 attend Eric Cantor's 2008 GOP Round-Up

Trixie Averill, Jim Gilmore, Kathy Terry
Trixie Averill, Linwood Cobb, Kathy Terry
Matt Kandrach ... thanks for all you do!
With the band playing, Trixie got into a little bumping action with Matt!
Our RPV Chairman Jeff Frederick with 7th District Chair Linwood Cobb.

More photos to follow....

Photos by SWAC Girl

Saturday GOP mass meetings ... photos from Harrisonburg & Rockingham

Delegate Matt Lohr

State Senator Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg)

Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-6th District)

The always animated Trixie Averill, State Central's Western Chairwoman.

That's my boss!

Suzanne Curran of Shenandoah County.

Congressman Goodlatte and Rockingham GOP Chair Mike Meredith.

Matt Kandrach speaks on behalf of Delegate Jeff Frederick
(candidate for RPV Chair).

Photos by SWAC Girl

RPV Convention: Day 2 -- Updated

Wow. Lots of news out of the Republican Party of Virginia State Convention at the Richmond Convention Centre today.

Congratulations to Jim Gilmore on his nomination to be the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate seat. It was a narrow win ... the Marshall supporters were louder and I thought Gilmore had possibly lost ... but he eeked out a win in the end with 66 votes over Marshall.

Congratulations to Jeff Frederick on his win as RPV Chairman. I would like to thank John Hager for all he did for RPV. We are very much appreciative.

Bloggers were all over the place. Met Jim Hoeft whose Bearing Drift live-blogged from the press table. Saw Shaun Kenney often ... met Alton Foley of I'm Not Emeril ... chatted with Catherine Dickson of Powhatan Life and United Conservatives ... caught up with Jane Dudley of Conservativa ... Phil Lynch of Yankee Phil was there ... I met DJ McGuire of Right-Wing Liberal ... also met Ron from Isophorone. Talked with James Atticus Bowden (Deo Vindice) about various conservative issues. Looks like I missed other boggers who attended, from what I've read on the blogs. Spent too long in the Bolling-McDonnell "birthday hospitality suite" Friday night and missed the blogger hospitality suite.

Augusta Chairman Kurt Michael was there working the floor to pass out and count ballots. Also busy working the crowd was former Albemarle Chairman Keith Drake as well as current chairman Christian Schoenwald.

Congressman Bob Goodlatte, Delegate Steve Landes, Delegate Chris Saxman, and Delegate Ben Cline were all there as was Sen. Mark Obenshain. 

Jerry Kilgore and Marty were in attendance as were George Allen and Susan.

We had 32 delegates from Augusta County. Saw many familiar faces and had fun with everyone. It was a productive convention and shapes the Party in a different way than many thought it would be. Now it's time to roll up our sleeves and get to work for the Fall elections.

More to follow with lots of convention photos....

RPV's Advance offers new media workshop

Brian Kirwin has a tongue-in-cheek post over at Bearing Drift ... "RPV Advance to New Media: We'll teach you how to blog," asking a few questions that other Virginia bloggers may be wondering.

I have eagerly looked forward to what RPV would offer for bloggers at this year's Advance because Chairman Jeff Frederick is a techie guy. It is no secret that, though I am one of the older bloggers in this spectrum, my feelings have been that Virginia Republicans -- and Republicans in general -- need to catch up with new media technology. Shaun Kenney and I had that conversation on several occasions when he was still communications director at RPV which was, of course, preaching to the choir. He absolutely agreed ... but the problem has been getting our politicians to understand the importance of catching up in this field.

Brian writes about the RPV Advance and their New Media Seminar and asks who of the Virginia bloggers is involved? He then mentions top-notch bloggers -- JR, Shaun Kenney, John Henke, and Jim Riley -- none of which have been invited to participate. (And thanks, Brian, for mentioning me and, you are correct ... I wasn't asked either.)

I am always eager to learn more about this craft, and enjoy reading the writings of the gentlemen mentioned above as well as others in our blogosphere. It was a productive learning experience to hear Leslie Carbone and other new-found blogger friends at the AFP Summit's workshops in October. The AFP provided a "Bloggers Row" and ID for bloggers attending the Summit so we could identify and meet one another. I met Chuck from Virginian Federalist, Krystle from Crystal Clear Conservative, and of course hung out with fellow SWAC blogger Phil Lynch from Yankee Phil.

It would be nice to have some form of ID for bloggers attending the Advance so we could identify one another. A workshop for bloggers to get together and crunch ideas would be great by perhaps discussing ways to coordinate about elections, to advance our candidates, to promote conservative legislation, to get the word out about what the liberals are doing.

Perhaps it would have been nice to hear from members of the two dominant Virginia blog alliances -- Old Dominion Blog Alliance and the Jeffersonaid.

I would have liked to hear ideas on how to reach out to more readers and increase traffic count because I am in this to run around the mainstream media and get the message out.

Thanks, Brian, for bringing up the subject. I hope to see you and many of the others at the Homestead in three weeks.