Citizen Tom

Unfortunately, this will be a skimpy report.  During the meeting, I got beeped (paged).  As the result, I spent most of the meeting assisting a coworker over the phone.  In the modern era that is how we can tell the difference between what is optional and what is essential.  When we are doing something essential, we can ignore the beep.

So what did I see of consequence?  Well, I did hear what people from the various campaigns had to say.

• Representatives from Bob McDonnell’s and Bill Bolling’s campaigns asked people to start getting engaged.  They pointed out that now is the time to identify those people willing to volunteer and actively support the Republican ticket.  Because the Democrats are having primaries, they will be doing just that.  So we must counter with a similar effort.
• Julie Lucas spoke up for Jackson Miller.  Because Obama carried every precinct in his district, we should not expect Miller to have an easy reelection.  She asked folks to give him every possible assistance.
• Since nobody else filed, Rich Anderson is the Republican nominee for the 51st District of the House of Delegates, and it looks like he will run a capable campaign.  He congratulated the party’s elected officials for the spine they have shown of late.  He cited the party’s refusal to acquiesce to pressure and spend a one-time infusion of Federal funds, $125 million, to extend unemployment insurance.  Here the right-wing liberal explains the issues.  Here Tertium Quids explains Anderson’s congratulations may have been premature, and the latest news (here) is not good.
• With the withdrawal of Amy Frederick as a candidate (see here), Rafael Lopez is now the sole Republican candidate for the 52nd District of the  House of Delegates.  He made the point that he is also the only candidate in the race with previous experience as an elected official.  So he is the only candidate who has demonstrated that he knows how to get the job done.
• A representative from John Brownlee’s campaign spoke up.  He spoke about Brownlee’s efforts to give people an opportunity to meet him.

After having been out of the room for a while, I came back and David Ray (a member of the State Central Committee) was speaking.  He was talking about the vote to remove Jeff Frederick as the Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia.  He never saw sufficient grounds to remove Frederick.  He said some people claim to have information that would give anyone good reason to remove Frederick, but they never provided him this information.   He also said that because people with close ties to McDonnell were involved in the effort to remove Frederick, he believed McDonnell was squarely behind Frederick’s removal.

Since the Prince William Republican Committee was quite supportive of Frederick (The 2009 Prince William County Convention passed a resolution supporting Frederick’s retention as the party’s chairman.), the committee’s membership naturally found Ray’s words disappointing.  Nonetheless, the committee voiced support McDonnell anyway.  One member spoke out and put it it this way.

A vote for the worst Republican is better than a vote the best Democrat.

Author’s note:  I support that philosophy with some reservations.  I will vote for all the Republicans on the ticket, but I am only going to actively campaign for Conservative Republicans.  What is the point in giving time or money to a Republican Party candidate who will not stand up for the principles of the Republican Party?

The Cartoons

Here is the call for the subject meetings.

IMPORTANT NOTE

For reasons of security and access, Prince William County has changed its facilities use policy and the Board Chambers at the McCoart Building are no longer available.  As a result, the location for the eastern session of the meeting will be Penn Elementary School (see below).

CALL TO MEETING

By the authority of the Plans of Organization of the Republican Party of Virginia and the Prince William County Republican Committee, I hereby call a meeting of the Prince William County Republican Committee, to conduct its regular business during two sessions on Monday, April 27, 2009 and Monday, May 18, 2009.  Both sessions will begin at 7:30 PM at the places indicated below:

SESSION 1: Monday, April 27, 2009 at the Penn Elementary School, 12980 Queen Chapel Road, Woodbridge, Virginia 22193. Click here for map of the location or see the website www.pwcgop.org

AGENDA

1.      Call to Order                                                                                                          7:30pm

2.      Invocation                                                                                                             7:35pm

3.      Pledge of Allegiance                                                                                              7:40pm

4.      Approval of previous meeting’s minutes                                                               7:45pm

5.      Convention/Campaign Updates                                                                             7:50pm

6.      New Business

a.       March/April Financial Report                                                                    8:10pm

b.      Headquarters Report                                                                                  8:20pm

c.       Campaign Overview                                                                                  8:30pm

7.      Chairman’s Report                                                                                                 8:40pm

8.      Report of Magisterial Districts                                                                               8:45pm

9.      Admission of New Members                                                                                 8:55pm

10.  Adjourn to February 23^rd 9:00pm

SESSION 2: Monday, May 18, 2009 at the Gainesville Middle School, 8001 Limestone Dr., Gainesville

AGENDA

1. Call to Order                                                                            7:30pm
2. Invocation                                                                               7:35pm
3. Pledge of Allegiance                                                                7:40pm
4. Remarks by Guests/Candidates                                                7:45pm
5. New Business
   1. 2008 Final Report                                                        8:15pm
   2. Committee Reports                                                      8:25pm
6. Chairman’s Report                                                                   8:40pm
7. Report of Magisterial Districts                                                 8:45pm
8. Admission of New Members                                                   8:55pm
9. Adjourn                                                                                   9:00pm

The Chair reserves the right to recognize elected officials at any time for the purposes of remarks or a report.

Lyle G. Beefelt, Chairman

We have not yet begun what people usually think of as the campaign season.  Instead most think of the campaign season as just having ended.  Yet the truth is that political campaigning going on now is highly important.  When you think of the money just in that notorious “economic stimulus bill,” even what President Barack Obama spent campaigning for the White House becomes trivial in comparison.   Moreover, Congress has just begun fattening up a $410 billion dollar omibus spending bill.  At the same time, the General Assembly in Richmond, Virginia, is planning on the stimulus bill to offset the loss in tax revenues.  Who knows what strings the Federal Government will attach to “its money.”  Only here in Prince William County are our elected officials seriously considering the possibility of a reduction in government spending (see here, here and here).

From the Candidates

Representatives and even the candidates themselves came to speak.

When their campaign representatives spoke up, they made it clear that the Bob McDonnell and Bill Bolling campaigns are working together as a team.   While McDonnell lacks any competition for the Republican nomination, Bolling does face a contender, Patrick Muldoon.  Muldoon himself came to speak at this meeting.  Muldoon made a short, but good speech, promoting himself as a Christian Conservative.  He said he would fight to:

• To protect the right of the unborn to life.
• For limited government.
• For religious freedom.
• For free market principles.
• Second amendment liberties.
• Against wasting resources fighting Global Warming.

Author’s note:   Muldoon’s reference to himself as a Christian Conservative probably upset as many people as those who enjoyed hearing the reference.  When it comes politics, most Republicans want voters to know that they act upon their religious beliefs.  Almost all political candidates, however, avoid anything that might suggest they believe God is on their side.  Thus many Republicans will call themselves a Christian and a Conservative, but few will define their Conservatism as Christian.  I suppose Democratic Party politicians may themselves Secular and Liberal, but few call themselves Secular Liberals for similar a reason.

John Brownlee’s father spoke at the meeting on his son’s behalf.  He spoke eloquently of his son’s record as a prosecuting attorney.  Since his son is running to be Virginia’s Attorney General, he emphasized that this background was directly applicable to the job.

Bob FitzSimmonds spoke up on behalf of Ken Cuccinelli.  FitzSimmonds spoke of Cuccinelli’s conservative record.  He noted that Cuccinelli has been a consistent champion of Conservative values.

Bob Marshall provided feedback on the General Assembly.  At the time, the General Assembly was still in session (now adjourned).  Lets see how the items he mentioned turned out.

• The Virginia Senate wanted to include Federal monies from the “economic stimulus bill” in the budget.  Marshall pointed out that no one has read the stimulus bill, and no one knows what strings are attached to that money.  Marshall noted that some states, and he specifically mentioned Gov. Bobby Jindal, are concerned that accepting Federal monies makes states dependent on Federal funds to fund state programs.  What passed?
  

  The budget uses $1.5 billion in federal stimulus money to help offset a $3.7 billion shortfall, but deep cuts will hit an array of programs and services as Virginia faces one of its worst financial crises of modern times.  (from here)

• Marshall advocated a bill (HB1658) that would prohibit political campaigns from accepting cash cards (aka stored value cards).  These cards allow purchasers to untraceably donate large sums of money to political campaigns without being traced.  The legislation passed in the House, but Democrats succeeded in opposing passage of the legislation in the Senate.  He noted that Obama raised large sums from these kinds of donations.
• Discussed the method President Barack Obama used to win the election.  He said Obama bought workers for a door-to-door campaign.  He said that based upon this experience the Democrats strongest gubernatorial candidate is Terry McAuliffe.  McAuliffe is the strongest fund raiser (see here, for example).
• Marshall, again citing the experience of the last election, also pushed a voter ID bill (HB2509).   The legislation failed passage out of the House.  Marshall lamented that some people got confused about bill and thought it would somehow help illegal aliens.

Ralphael Lopez introduced himself as a candidate to replace Delegate Jeff Frederick, now the RPV Chair.  Although he is only 25, Lopez emphasized that he has been politically active in the town of Dumfries, Virginia.  His opposition is likely to be Amy Frederick.   Lyle Beefelt, the PWCRC chair, noted that this House of Delegates seat will be the Democrats prime target.

Corey Stewart and John Stirrup also took the time to speak to the group.  As noted in this post, Stewart and Stirrup are fighting for a tax decrease.  Stewart pointed to Prince William County as a bastion of freedom and limited government.  He said people want to see their government work and do its job.  He asked members to contact their supervisors.  Stirrup added that raising taxes during a recession is wrong.  He spoke with some concern about the efforts of the Obama White House to gather power to itself, citing it unprecedented effort to control the next census.  Even Democrats are concerned.  They did not vote for socialism and 3/4 trillion dollars in debt.  “This is not the change they expected.”

Here is a reminder.

Hello Fellow Republicans,

I’d like to invite you to attend the Prince William County Republican Committee meeting this Monday night, February 23rd. The meeting will be held at the Gainesville Middle School – Please see the call below for details. Several of our local elected officials plan to attend and address us regarding current issues the county and state are facing.

We’re in a battle to keep Virginia RED-this year is our Governor’s race which is ever so important. Redistricting will take place after the 2010 census which can have a great effect on the future political landscape of Virginia. Please get engaged now and help us elect Bob McDonnell. Let’s gain ground while the democrats duke it out over their choice.

If you haven’t heard, Kathryn Rawley who did such a fantastic job running the McCain Gainesville office, is Delegate Jackson Miller’s legislative aide. She’s been very busy in Richmond, but I’m sure we’ll see her later this year because it’s an election year for Miller.

I hope to see you on Monday night. I apologize for the late notice.

Jeanine Lawson
Vice Chair of PWCRC

________________________________________
From: secretary@pwcgop.org
To: secretary@pwcgop.org
Subject: Call to MeetingS, Jan 26,2009 and Feb 23,2009 PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2009 19:33:47 -0500
Here is the Call to the PWCRC Committee Meetings on both Monday, January 26, 2009 and Monday, February 23, 2009. Our Chairman, Lyle Beefelt, has decided to try meeting in two sessions in different locations. Members need only attend one to meet minimum attendance requirements. However, note that the agendas are different…it is not the same meeting.

The MINUTES of the last meeting (Nov 08) will be sent in a separate email.

CALL TO MEETING

By the authority of the Plans of Organization of the Republican Party of Virginia and the Prince William County Republican Committee, I hereby call a meeting of the Prince William County Republican Committee, to conduct its regular business during two sessions on Monday, January 26, 2009 and Monday, February 23, 2009. Both sessions will begin at 7:00 PM at the places indicated below:

SESSION 1: Monday, January 26, 2009 at the McCoart County Government Building, 1 County Complex, Woodbridge

AGENDA
1. Call to Order 7:00pm
2. Invocation 7:05pm
3. Pledge of Allegiance 7:10pm
4. Approval of previous meeting’s minutes 7:15pm
5. Remarks by Candidates 7:20pm
6. New Business
a. 2008 Financial Report 7:50pm
b. 2009 Budget 8:00pm
c. District Chair Vacancies (members excused) 8:30pm
7. Chairman’s Report 8:30pm
8. Report of Magisterial Districts 8:40pm
9. Admission of New Members 8:45pm
10. Adjourn to February 23rd 8:50pm

SESSION 2: Monday, February 23, 2009 at the Gainesville Middle School, 8001 Limestone Dr., Gainesville

AGENDA
1. Call to Order 7:00pm
2. Invocation 7:05pm
3. Pledge of Allegiance 7:10pm
4. Remarks by Guests/Candidates 7:20pm
5. New Business
a. Treasurer’s Report 7:45pm
b. Membership Committee Report 7:55pm
c. Report of Convention Arrangements Committee 8:05pm
d. Report of Lincoln Reagan Committee 8:15pm
6. Chairman’s Report 8:25pm
7. Report of Magisterial Districts 8:40pm
8. Admission of New Members 8:45pm
9. Adjourn 8:50pm

The Chair reserves the right to recognize elected officials at any time for the purposes of remarks or a report.

Lyle G. Beefelt, Chairman

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