In spite of many problems, this was a surprisingly upbeat meeting. In week that preceded it, we had inaugurated a new president, a Democrat, and our new president had swiftly begun his unraveling of the accomplishments of the last administration. Moreover, as the economy totters and slips into recession, the new Democratic Party regime threatens a ferocious expansion of government. Nonetheless, Republican Party members smiled and joked good-naturedly.
From the Candidates
Representatives from Bob McDonnell‘s, Bill Bolling‘s, and Ken Cuccinelli‘s campaigns spoke.
- McDonnell is gathering steam. He has raised $2 million in his campaign to be our next governor.
- Bolling’s fund raising is also going well. Bolling will kickoff his campaign at our state’s Republican Party Convention in May (See here for details.). He is asking for our support.
- Milt Johns, Chairman of the School Board, spoke up Cuccinelli. He reminds party members that Cuccinelli is a strong Conservative. He also pointed out that as a state senator representing a northern Virginia district Cuccinelli has demonstrated he as the capacity to run for and win elected office state-wide.
Treasurer’s Report
This was Bert Buscher’s first meeting as our new Treasurer. Buscher did what he was suppose to do, and most folks seem relieved to have him in charge of the budget. Buscher allowed the committee to focus on how the committee spends its money instead how it tracks its money.
Discussion of the budget focused on one item, the March 14th Republican Convention in Prince William County. Since the upcoming elections in November of 2009 are for statewide offices only, the county convention ordinarily would be a pro forma exercise. The convention would only be needed if more Republicans applied to attend the state convention than the county is allowed to send. That is not expect to happen. So ordinarily the county convention would be canceled after processing the applications to attend the state convention. However, the executive committee felt this year should be different. They proposed using the convention as a rally and for party building.
Reaction from committee members varied. Some expressed puzzlement. If the convention would serve no specific purpose, why have it? Most, however, thought the executive committee worthy and supported it.
Author’s note: The PWCRC leadership probably hopes that the initiatives being carried out by Democrats will have the contrary effect of rallying Conservative oppostion. If so, the PWC Republican Party Convention could serve as a local rallying point.
The details (or the call for the convention) are not yet on the PWCRC‘s website, but they should be soon. What is known is that the convention will be held at Stonewall Jackson Senior High School in Manassas, Virginia, on March 14, 2009. Applications for the convention must be received or postmarked by March 7, 2009. To get a copy of the Official Call and application for the Convention, please contact the PWCRC.
Feedback on the General Assembly Provided by Del. Bob Marshall
To post committee members on the progress on the latest meeting of our General Assembly, Del. Bob Marshall spoke. Virginia’s projected budget is in the red. Marshall said Kaine is underestimating the deficit in order to maintain spending. Governor Kaine is looking for $2.9 billion in cuts, but Marshall expects the deficit to be significant larger. He said 39 other states had more accurate budget projections than Virginia.
Marshall also highlighted bills he is sponsoring (See here for Marshall’s bills.).
Because they allow the donor to remain anonymous, Marshall want to limit some types of on-line donations. HB 1658 would prohibit candidates from accepting campaign contributions through a “stored value card.” Why?
Unlike traditional credit cards, the prepaid plastic doesn’t require extensive identification, address and financial information verification for approval. That allows anyone anywhere in the world to influence elections for Virginia state offices, Marshall argued.
“I could do this all day and no one would ever know what’s going on,” Marshall said. “Cash cards don’t allow for a system for verifying the address or identity” of a giver.
That’s a particular hazard in Virginia, Marshall argued. The state is one of only five with no limit on campaign contributions; it relies instead on disclosure to hold candidates and donors accountable. (from here)
For some reason, Governor Kaine opposes Marshall’s bill. Perhaps it has to do with the fact that the current occupant in the White House raises lots of money from donors using pre-paid credit cards.
HB 1587 provides that the Commonwealth will not participate in the compliance of any provision of the federal Real ID Act and of any other federal law, regulation, or policy that would compromise the economic privacy or biometric data of any resident of the Commonwealth. Marshall claims that the Real ID Act does not protect individual privacy. He explains the issue in detail on his own website (here).
On the other hand, Marshall is concerned that citizens provide proper identification when appropriate. To ensure the integrity of our voting rights, Marshall is sponsoring HB 2509. HB 2509 would toughen the requirements for voter ID and prevent the illegalities most associated with ACORN (See here.).
Special Election Bid
Supervisor Michael May asked committee members to lend their support to Pat Herrity in his special election bid to serve as the Chair of the Fairfax Board of County Supervisors. The election is scheduled for February 3rd. As turnout will be the major factor in winning this election, volunteer support in getting out the vote will be critical.
Endorsement of Michael Steele for RNC Chair
When one of members made a motion for the PWCRC to endorse Michael Steele, the hottest debate of the evening ensued. The essential problem was that PWCRC members had not anticipated giving this endorsement so they were not prepared. Nonetheless, because Michael Steele is well known to the committee, he received the PWCRC‘s emphatic endorsement.
Nonetheless, some members voiced specific reservations. In spite of his pro-life stance, Steele has associated with the RLC and pro-abortion Republicans (see here).
Editorial Comments by the Author
Because no one knows what the future holds, we can never rightly give up. We always must strive to do our best. To sustain our optimism, it is always delightful to see signs of hope. Given that this January and November is still many months away, I was pleased to see a relatively large turnout for the PWCRC meeting. In spite of a last minute venue change, the specific announcement that members had only to attend January’s or February’s meeting to remain current, and impending bad weather; people showed up. In addition, lots of new members arrived to turn in their applications. This was good to see!
In every cloud there is a silver lining. As Del. Bob Marshall pointed out during his presentation, our new president, Barack Obama, is our best weapon. Because Obama’s policies are clearly both socially and fiscally irresponsible, he serves as a rallying point. Nonetheless, the Republican Party must offer a clear alternative vision. Instead of competing with Democrats to provide pork to favored constituents, Republicans must emphasize limited government and individual responsibility. Unfortunately, with the exception of a few brave souls, elected Republicans have done little more than define themselves as only slightly less porky and nosy than Democrats.
We are still a federation. Our politics still begin at the local level. We can still support and raise up the good men and women amongst us and elect them to national office. We can replace the political opportunists we have elected, but it will take time, hard effort, and fortitude.
On March 14, PWC Republicans will rally. Then in May we will meet in Richmond, VA in convention. If you are a conservative and you care about the future of your community and your country, please join us.
The Cartoons
