Debt Ceiling Deal

While there is definitely much to be wanted in the debt ceiling deal, it was a major step in the right direction. For the first time ever, we had a fight over raising the debt ceiling. This never happened under President Bush even though we raised it quite a few times. While the actual cuts were only a miniscule dent, at least we fought back. Honestly, as much as the deal could have been better, it may be the best we could get while only controlling one third of the legislative process. Hopefully every time there is a debt ceiling or budget vote, we fight hard on the spending issue, and when we take back the U.S. Senate we will force very deep cuts. This is not to say the Republican leadership was amazing, but at least we finally fought. Fighting and forcing conditions for a debt ceiling increase is an improvement and a small victory.

Sharing Our Values in a Christ-Like Way

Very often people are turned off by social conservatives not because of what they believe as much as how we present them. Honestly, they often have a point. This is why it is important to be careful not only about what we believe, but how we present it. A recent e-mail from Bob Vander Plaats and the Iowa Family Leader reinforces that point. In it he shares an e-mail their organization received from a homosexual African-American gentleman. A portion of that e-mail read...

"I do not take the same stand you do on gay marriage, but I spoke to a wonderful man today on your line. He was such an attentive listener and I listened when he spoke also. I want to thank him for being such a loving person and did not judge me, but does believe in his stand. He told me your entire organization is that way and, well, I believe him. Maybe I'm a pushover, but he reminded me of what Christ is like. He wasn't only Christian, but he was CHRIST-LIKE. That's what touched my heart. I hope the VERY BEST for him and I wish him all the love that he can handle. What a wonderful person. Please thank him for me (I'm sure he knows who he is). VERY SINCERELY..."

Do we present our views so that those who disagree with us can say that of us as well, or do we rudely shove our views down other people's throats? It doesn't matter how true your message is if you are presenting it in a way that is turning others away.

Jeff Frederick Campaign Kickoff

While Jeff Frederick has been knocking on doors for over a month, the campaign just announced their official campaign kickoff. Please come show your support for the campaign, and come by the campaign headquarters any time to volunteer.

Frederick for State Senate Campaign Kick-Off & HQ Opening

Saturday, July 30th at 10am

Frederick Headquarters

17934 Main Street

Dumfries, VA 22026

Jeff Frederick is Running for State Senate

The following e-mail was sent out by Jeff late this afternoon.

Willie --

I'm happy to report to you, after a lot of thought, discussion, and prayer, we've decided to run for the Senate of Virginia.

But, I'm not in it for the money ($18k a year), the title, the digs, some degree of perceived power, or people making me feel important. I am running to serve the people of eastern Prince William, Fairfax, and Stafford and to change politics as usual in Richmond. There's too much polarization; too much partisanship; and not enough principled people going down there who are focused on the people that they represent -- working hard day in and day out to make our communities, commonwealth and country a better place to live, work, and raise a family. We need leaders in Richmond who aren't afraid to shake up and stand up to the status quo and keep people of any political party accountable.

Citizens of the 36th Senate District aren't unlike most folks. They work hard. They pay their taxes. They strive to build a better future for themselves and their families. Whether it is someone who was born and raised in Virginia like me or someone who came from a foreign land to seek the American dream and integrate as a naturalized citizen, like my Colombian mother -- and everyone in between -- our best days are still ahead.

Yet, the career politicians in Richmond have made a mess of our economy and have put future generations at risk. Sure, they talk about creating jobs, but in reality they vote time and time again for job-killing tax hikes, new regulations, and more wasteful government programs.

I've opposed all attempts to grow government and tax you more, and I will continue to do so. You know better how to spend your money than government does. My record is clear and needs no election-year makeover. I never forget who I work for and always keep my promises. You might not always agree with me 100% of the time, but you'll always know where I stand and I'll always welcome your thoughts and ideas.

I hope you'll join our commonsense, pro-people -- not politics -- campaign to create jobs, grow our economy, improve transportation and infrastructure, and protect our special quality of life.

And, we need your help. Click here to donate to our campaign or get involved.

This is going to be a tough race in a district that was clearly gerrymandered for someone of the opposite political party. I've got a track record of winning in these tough districts and appealing to people of all political stripes, but this one could be the most difficult one yet. Notwithstanding, the numbers tell us it is winnable, especially given that 37% of the district is my old House district. Some of the toughest precincts in this new Senate district are precincts I consistently won in my prior House races against difficult opposition.

However, our past success could not have been possible without the efforts of so many -- volunteering, contributing, and praying for us.

Please consider making a financial contribution now, and signing up to volunteer with our campaign. With your help, I know we'll have a big victory this November. God willing, we'll win this election and change politics as usual in Virginia.

Amy and I are incredibly grateful for all you've done in the past, and we're counting on you now more than ever.

Thanks again. More updates to come soon.

-JMF.

Tripp Godsey running against John Edwards

As long as I lived in Roanoke, John Edwards was my state senator. He sits on the Health and Education Committee, and would vote down all the pro-life and homeschool friendly legislation I was tracking. He was one of the more liberal members of the state senate. Sadly Republicans weren't able to field a candidate against him in 2007, and he was elected unchallenged.

Thankfully the Roanoke Tea Party found a candidate to run against John Edwards. Tripp Godsey an insurance agent from SW Roanoke has risen to the challenge. The Roanoke Times reports that,

Godsey, 47, described himself as "polar opposites" with Edwards, D-Roanoke. Godsey said he's noticed discontent with Edwards in the business community.

"It was time to step up," Godsey said.

Godsey is a Farmers Insurance agent who specializes in restaurants and hotels. He sits on the board of the Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association. He's married with three children.

Whether he can win or not remains to be seen, but it is important that John Edwards not run unopposed again. Godsey claims to be pro-life, and is at least willing to run against John Edwards. We need to hold every single Democrat in the Senate accountable this election cycle.

Especially if you live in the district check out his website and support him on facebook. Hopefully Tripp is a strong aggressive and conservative candidate. He should at least be supported to hold John Edwards accountable.