A Look Back on Last Year

With the dawn of 2011, it is a good time to look back on the last year. Countless blogs and political sites have recounted the biggest stories of the last year, and made predictions for 2011. I thought it would be interesting to see what stories from this site you thought were most important. The following is a list of the 5 most visited articles on this site from the past year.

1. Greg Habeeb for 6th District GOP Committee Chairman, Bill Stanley for 5th District GOP Committee Chairman; Ironically both of these men are running in special elections next Tuesday. They are both running strong campaigns, and will be fine replacements for Morgan Griffith and Robert Hurt.

2. How will the Student Loan provisions affect me? Part II; In many ways this speaks to the biggest story in VA politics of the year. D.C. passed a healthcare bill full of unknown and dangerous provisions, and Virginians have lead the way in fighting it.

3. Why Joshua Solovskoy resigned as Michael McPadden's Campaign Manager; This was one more story of the mess that was conservatives shooting themselves in the foot in the 5th District nomination fight. Hopefully we have learned our lesson and can avoid such destructive infighting in future nomination contests.

4. Virginians Should Vote NO on the Constitutional Amendments; If an organized campaign had formed at least one of these could have been beat...

5. Trixie Averill Supports Undermining the Republican Party; For an article written very late in the year, it definitely got a lot of traffic fast. It also shows one of the things this blog is committed to: holding Republicans, and especially party leaders accountable.

Let's work together this year and put a conservative majority in the state senate this year. While there is a lot of talk about the 2012 Senate race right now, the state senate elections are the only general election this year, and winning them is critical to continuing the momentum heading into 2012.

6th District Treasurer Race Story

A few weeks ago I wrote a story about the 6th District committee refusing to remove a member, Dexter Gaines, who opposed a Republican nominee in the general election. The 6th District Watchdog also did a story on it as well. As a result of the story someone who tried to run for treasurer of the committee asked to share his story which I am republishing. The man's name is Lee Carter, and the rest of this post is the narrative he wrote about trying to run for the position Dexter Gaines now holds.

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My name is Lee Carter and back in May of this year a friend of mine who is a conservative Bible believing Christian and a member of the 6^th District Republican Committee told me that perhaps I should consider running for the Treasurer’s position on the committee since it was coming open. When I told him I would consider it closely he sent me an application with instructions. I decided to give it a shot since the worst thing that could happen is that I’d get a good look at how politics works. Did I ever! The instructions on the application form said that I must submit an original form directly to the Chairwoman who was Trixie Averill and a fax or email copy to the then secretary Kelly Keech both before five o’clock on June 11^th. Before noon on the deadline day I called Trixie and asked if I could deliver my application to her on my lunch break. She was at home so she gave me her address and I met her in her driveway sometime around noon. She was very pleasant and of course inquired why I decided to run and more importantly who told me about the position. I was completely honest with her on all counts. Near the end of our meeting she emphasized to me that I had to submit my application to the Secretary via email or fax by five o’clock that evening.

When I returned to work, I did indeed work on getting the application to her before the deadline and as business goes, I didn’t get the opportunity to email the application immediately but I did hit the send button on my email with the attached application at 3:47, more than an hour before the deadline. After that I went directly back to doing my other business. As it turned out, at about six o’clock that evening I got a call from Kelly Keech informing me that she never received my application and thus didn’t meet the deadline. I of course informed her that I sent it via email at about 3-ish but she said she never got it. I asked her if she checked her spam filter and everything and she said she did. After I got off the phone, being extremely perplexed that she didn’t receive my email, I took a short drive back to work to find out what might have happened on my end. Indeed I did find out that the outgoing email server was not working, or perhaps a setting on my outgoing email properties was not correct. Nevertheless I quickly sent another email to her and this time to everyone of the 6^th District Committee. I used a different email account this time and again I attached my application AND I attached a copy of the original email that I sent at 3:47 with the time stamp proving that I had sent it in on time. After that I called Kelly Keech back to tell her of the circumstances but I didn’t catch her so then I called Trixie and let her know of the circumstances. Though I didn’t catch her either I did leave her a message. Later that evening I found a voice mail on my phone from Trixie explaining that, regardless of my circumstances, my application would not be accepted because I did not meet the very specific instructions on the application.

The next day or two I called my friend and told him about the situation and he said he thought it was terrible for them not to accept my application when I had submitted the original on time and I had proven that I sent the email on time and that the Secretary had received my email application albeit about an hour after the deadline. After that I left it all to those on the Committee to sort out.

I was kept in the loop of some of the discussions regarding my application and there is one incident and statement by Trixie that really stands out. An individual named Carl Tate submitted an application to run for the position of Vice-Chairman. After some time and consideration he decided to withdraw his name from the running. His explanation was thus, “This entire process has been disappointing and a further reminder to me of just how divided this committee/district still is. I contacted the chairwoman of this district inquiring about running for vice-chair of this committee and asking about any pre-filing requirements. I was sent an email stating there would be no pre-filing requirements. Yet the very next day I receive an email, along with the committee, that outlines a set of pre-filing requirements. It is my contention those requirements were established to discourage individuals from standing for election. Something that is unfair and contradicts our stated efforts to grow our party. Further it has also come to my attention that those requirements have been used to block someone from standing for Treasurer, although the individual had delivered his application to the chairwoman. Again, something that is unfair and contradicts our efforts to grow our party. I became a member of the Republican Party over fifteen years ago. I have served at just about every level of the party – from precinct work and lit drops to two presidential appoints. And I actually looked forward to working for the party here at home in the sixth district. That won’t happen now. I am completely turned off by the petty maneuvering, the back-biting and the in-fighting I’ve seen over the past two years. What I have seen happen in this district is the reason people hate, not only politics, but the GOP. And I can see why some of your unit meetings barely attract quorums as opposed to the area tea party meetings where hundreds of activists come out.”

After Carl sent out this email, Trixie responded thus, “Pre-filing does not block anyone from participating in an election. We pre-file regularly to attend conventions, and to run for office. We had pre-filing for the Chair candidates for the 6^th District. The requirements were clearly stated at the top of the form and were mailed to everyone on the 6^th District Committee so that they could recruit candidates. The individual whom Mr. Tate references waited until the last afternoon to turn in his form to me, and then failed to have his electronic copy sent to the Secretary (as required) by the deadline. When all the other candidates (including one who had his own wedding to prepare for) got their forms in on time, to make and exception would, in my opinion, be grossly unfair to the others. As I said at the convention, and I’ll reiterate now, we have all had enough divisiveness in the 6^th to last a lifetime.”

My own response to these statements of Trixie is that she said that the committee has too much divisiveness to last a lifetime. If that were really her concerns, she surely would have let my slight pre-filing hiccup pass rather than calling it “grossly unfair to the others” which really is a gross overstatement. She could have easily accepted my application as it was given to her and the other candidates wouldn’t have known anything happened. To me the real truth is she didn’t want opposition to Dexter Gaines, her own very special candidate to perform her own very special work as we now see.

But the story doesn’t end here. I was advised to attend the election meeting and that a couple other men were going to nominate me from the floor. So I attended that meeting to see how it would all come together. Though the minutes of the meeting were extremely brief and did not entail any of this event (probably for a reason) I have to recollect this information as best I can from memory and because of this lack of the detailed information, this will be brief. It was discussed how I applied and the Secretary stated that she did not receive my application by the exact time of the specified instructions and Trixie stated emphatically that I was therefore unqualified to run. Someone later attempted to nominate me from the floor and a Parliamentary rule was argued against such a motion and the motion ended without a discussion. Without my candidacy Dexter Gaines was able to run completely unopposed for the Treasurer’s position.

It is my contention through all of this experience that the majority makeup of the 6^th District Republican Committee is a partisan and exclusive non-Christian political good-ol-boy network that does not represent the good people of the 6^th district of Virginia. It is ugly self-serving politics as usual.

Trixie Averill Supports Undermining the Republican Party

This past year Rick Boyer was the Republican Nominee for Clerk of the Court in Campbell Co. Article 7 Section C of the State Party Plan makes it clear that party officials who oppose a Republican nominee shall be deemed to have resigned their position.

"Therefore, a member of an Official Committee is deemed to have resigned his Committee position if he (a) makes a reportable contribution to and/or (b) allows his name to be publicly used by and/or (c) makes a written or other public statement in support of a candidate in opposition to a Republican nominee in a Virginia General or Special Election."

On October 18th, the Treasurer of Virginia's 6th District Republican Committee, Dexter Gaines, sent out an e-mail calling on voters in Campbell Co. to support an independent candidate for the position.

Friends,

Below is a good article on the Clerk of Court for Campbell County. If you live in Campbell I would ask that you support Shelia Bosiger. I have met her and feel she is the best person for the job. As you know I am a Republican. Not ashamed of it but this is one time I can't support the nominee.

Please forward to everyone you know in Campbell and encourage them to vote for Shelia.

Thanks,

Dexter

(I linked to the article instead of posting it all here.)

As a result of Dexter's work, and the work of other Republicans, Rick Boyer lost to the independent candidate Dexter encouraged people to vote for. One would think that campaigning against a Republican nominee would result in punishment for a Republican Party official. In Trixie Averill's 6th District Committee, the opposite happens. Trixie Averill had the power to remove him as treasurer in accordance with the party plan. Instead she gave Dexter the volunteer of the year award for the district. While members of the committee tried to have Dexter removed from the committee for opposing a party nominee, Trixie Averill made sure Dexter was not punished.

If you call yourself a Republican, you can not oppose a party nominee. If you disagree with them either hold your nose and support them, or sit on the sidelines. Openly opposing a party nominee simply because you disagree with them undermines the party. This is what Dexter Gaines did. This is the action Chairman Trixie Averill supported.

McSweeney and other Constitutional Conservatives Endorse Goad for 6th District Chair

McSweeney and other Constitutional Advocates Recognize Danny Goad's Stand for Principle and Leadership Skills

The 2nd Tuesday Constitution Group is non partisan and endorses no candidate or party. However, as individual members of the group we all follow our conscience and the 1st Amendment.

From our association and interaction with Danny Goad we have very much appreciated the qualities of leadership that Danny has consistently exhibited and his willingness to reach out to and work with others and to go the extra mile. The principles that he stands upon, the Virginia Constitution, U.S. Constitution and the founding documents our country was built on are what we hold in common. Our faith in our Creator and these documents must be placed first, come what may.
Danny's quality of character is not one that will fold up under pressure. We believe Danny will make the hard decisions in the fairest possible way, always bearing in mind principle over personality.

Ricardo Moriera - Chairman
Phillip Spence - Vice Chairman

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Patrick McSweeney, Former State Party Chairman endorses Danny Goad for Chairman of the Sixth District

Danny,

I am delighted to hear from others that your campaign is going well. Although I have informally endorsed your candidacy from the beginning, I want to make a point of doing so in writing. We have known each other for two decades and have worked together for a conservative agenda throughout that period. You will priovide clear and committed conservative leadership to a party greatly in need of that. I have always been impressed with your commitment, energy and ability to work with others. I wish I lived in the 6th District so that I could go to the District Convention as a delegate and vote for you.

Keep me posted on your campaign.

Pat McSweeney

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Please join us at the Sixth District Republican Convention this Saturday, May 22, 10:00 AM Sharp. Do not be late.


For more information call (540)354-9556 or email dhgoadpe@msn.com

Directions:


Southbound on 29 Business - Take Exit 8b. Go through the first light. At the second light, make a right on S 670 (there is a Liberty University sign with an arrow pointing to the right). Go two more lights. Make a right on University Blvd. Stay straight through light and enter Liberty's campus.

Eastbound on 460 - Take the Candler's Mtn. Rd./Liberty University exit. At the stop sign, make a right. Go to the first light and make a left onto University Blvd. Stay straight through light and enter Liberty's campus.


Campus Map

Marshall Endorses Goad for 6th District Chair

Can you take four to five minutes from your busy day to think about a decision that will have effects on you, your family and Virginia for years to come?
I am talking about the Sixth District Republican Convention race where you and other fellow conservatives will set a course for our Virginia Republican Party.
The decision is yours to make, not mine, although I do have a preference for the Sixth District.

I would just like to first share with you the benefit of my experience of my more than 32 years in Republican politics, 19 years as an elected official, and 6 years as a Congressional staff aide.

Clearly, the most successful American politician of the last part of the 20th Century was President Ronald Reagan. He called himself a conservative, and did not apologize. He ran as a Republican. He said he was 100% pro life because it was a moral issue. He opposed high taxes because he thought it weakened American families. He called the Soviet Union the Evil Empire because it was. He would not compromise any moral principle for political gain. He won the presidency twice after serving as Governor of California.

In 1975 Ronald Reagan criticized the spending policies of Republican President Gerald Ford for adopting the deficit spending and debt increasing habits of the Democratic controlled Congress. Sad to say, the current crop of debt-loving liberal Democrats in Congress can point to the debt increases approved by congressional Republicans who voted to grow the debt on our children when George Bush was president. Unfortunately, the record shows the Democrat critics are correct!
If we depart from our own principles “just a little bit,” we are not in a good position to criticize Democrats when they do it with gusto.

By voting for Danny Goad for Sixth Republican Chair on May 22 at 10:00AM in Lynchburg at the Towns Alumni Center, Liberty University, we can bring back that successful Reagan formula of combining conservative social and economic principles to win elections.

Danny Goad, father of six, is a Mechanical Engineer with an MBA. Danny has been involved in conservative Republican efforts and elections for 18 years. He has been vice-chairman or chairman of three local Republican units. If ever our nation needed principled individuals willing to lead it is now. Danny Goad is a committed conservative and is willing to serve as Sixth District Republican Chair.
Ronald Reagan did not win victories in Virginia and across America by himself. He had the support of a Republican Political Party structure, people like you and me, who were largely conservative.

We, you and I together, can do that again for Virginia with a vote for conservative Republican Danny Goad on May 22.

Thank you for all you do to preserve our Republic and our Liberties. If you have any questions, call me on my cell phone at 703-853-4213.

Hopefully,

Delegate Bob Marshall, R - 13th District of Virginia

Endorsement: Danny Goad for 6th District Chair

I and others here at the VA Social Conservative endorse Danny Goad for chair of the 6th District. He has served with distinction as the Giles County Chair, the Botetourt Vice-Chair, a Hampton School Board member, and as a campaign coordinator. Unlike many in the party, he has been successful in recruiting & training new people. I for one - am proof of this. Through his leadership in the Botetourt party, he has been a beacon for Constitutional principles throughout the 6th district.

Danny Goad will work to hold our elected Representatives accountable to the principles expressed in the Republican Creed. Danny Goad will encourage true conservative Republicans to compete for the nomination against RINO’S and moderate Republicans.

His opponent says she knows no liberal Republicans.

Danny Goad says we need to strongly support PRO-LIFE Legislators like Bob Marshall that sponsor Pro-Life legislation like the “Personhood” bill and find competition for all legislators who say they are pro-life but are pro-life in word only.

His opponent says referring to Republican legislators if you agree with me 80 percent of the time you are my friend and I don’t care if you’re Pro-Choice. This is in spite of the fact two Republicans defeated Bob Marshall’s personhood bill this year in sub-committee.

Danny Goad believes the grassroots can only be effective from the bottom-up not the top-down. Danny Goad takes marching orders from you the citizens and Principles of the Constitution and not the leadership of the party. Danny Goad will make the Sixth District responsive to the Grassroots.

His opponent when questioned about the intention of a politician said, “I know he will do what is best for us. He has our best interests at heart”.

Danny Goad believes the Republican Party is at its best when it is not fearful of mentioning or honoring God our Creator. God has endowed us with our fundamental rights.

Danny Goad promotes the Second Amendment. The Second Amendment was adopted for two purposes: self defense and to defend ourselves against a tyrannical government.
It was not adopted by our Founding Fathers so that we could all go duck or white-tailed deer hunting. If it was adopted to preserve duck hunting, our Founding Fathers would have had an amendment proclaiming our Right to Keep and Bear a Fishing Rod.

Danny Goad for 6th District Chair

In what has to be one of the more crowded races for District Chair in the state, Danny Goad announces he is joining the race. Greg Habeeb, and Trixie Averill are both already running.

Danny H. Goad Announces He Is Running For Chairman of Republican Party, Sixth Congressional District

Citizens of the Sixth Congressional District,

It is with great anticipation and a strong sense of duty to serve that I write to you. After encouragement of many throughout the district I want to let you know that I am running for Chairman of the Republican Party of the Sixth Congressional District of the Commonwealth of Virginia. I believe as a nation and a state our best days are yet to come and that freedom fought and died for by our Founders is resurging. Great encouragement should be taken in the activity we are seeing in groups in our localities like the tea parties and Constitutional advocacy groups. For freedom to endure we must set the stage for it to be nurtured. We cannot sit idly by and think that business as usual will accomplish the task. We must be deliberate in what we do. We must have a plan for correcting the things that we are not doing well as the Republican Party.
As Chairman of the Sixth Congressional District I will work hard to strengthen the local units in accomplishing our stated goals and to grow the Party. The purpose of the Republican Party is threefold. First, we have an obligation to advocate the principles of the Republican Party and represent those electing us in our respective units. Second, we have an obligation to work hard to get Republican candidates elected to office. Lastly, we have an obligation to assist elected Republican office holders as they have need to attend meetings or otherwise assist them. I believe the Sixth Congressional District does a good job working on campaigns and assisting elected Republicans.

As we reflect on the events of the last year we recognize that our district is not what it was one year ago. Something has changed. Citizens are on their own volition speaking out in a constructive manner on the issues of liberty and the role of government. Once again citizens are talking about the Constitution like it means what it says. While Republicans recognize that this resurgence of liberty is a good thing, we must be true to ourselves and acknowledge it did not originate in the Republican Party. We must ask ourselves right here in the Sixth District what we must do differently to nurture this freedom.

We have a great opportunity to participate in this renewal of freedom. Our greatest strength is our principles. What we say we believe is the only thing that makes us different from the Democrat Party. The principles of the Republican Party are quite simple and are expressed concisely in the Virginia Republican Creed. Of particular note is the fourth clause of the Creed which refers to Constitutional limitations. As I have intently listened to many citizen groups in the last year I get the sense they feel the Republican Party has let them down in the Party’s failure to abide by Constitutional limitations. Specifically, they say, “On what authority does the federal government have the permission to dictate what health care plan we have? On what authority do you pass the TARP legislation and provide no accounting of the funds? On what authority do you pass ex post facto legislation that targets specific individuals and takes their assets?” These are but a few examples of concerns of the citizen’s groups. Many citizens feel to a large degree that the response of the Republican Party has been silence. Recognizing our weakness is the first step in gaining the confidence of those who feel our actions do not match our rhetoric. As Chairman of the Sixth District I will not be silent on these issues.

We declare that we are a grassroots organization when we need someone to volunteer with the campaign but we sometimes cringe when we are asked by a volunteer why an elected Republican took a certain position on an issue. I think this is a natural human response. We don’t like it when the actions of elected representatives that we campaigned for are questioned. However, we must be willing to hear the concerns of citizens and be willing to advocate for them when we view their concern and recognize it as consistent with the Republican Creed and Constitution.

The Sixth District Republican Party has the opportunity to embrace freedom in a manner not paralleled in recent history. If we embrace the principles espoused in the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution, the Republican Party will grow. As Chairman I will lead that effort.

Very briefly I will tell you some of my political experience and I’ll follow-up with more at a later time. In 1992, I joined the Republican Party and went to my first state convention in Salem. In 1993, I was elected Vice Chairman of the Republican Party of Hampton and was responsible for organizing the city-wide campaign of more than 300 volunteers. Simultaneously, I was City Coordinator for Mike Farris for Lieutenant Governor. 1994-Elected to Hampton City School Board, organized North for Senate campaign in Hampton. 1997, 1998-Elected Chairman of the Giles County Republican Committee. 2001-SW VA Area Director Jay Katzen for Lt. Governor. 2006,2008-Elected Vice-Chairman of the Botetourt County Republican Committee. I have a record of growing the Republican Party.

By trade I am a Mechanical Engineer, licensed in two states, and hold an engineering degree from Virginia Tech and an MBA from the College of William and Mary. I am also a graduate of The Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding. I am married and have six children.

We have a fantastic opportunity to more fully embrace the ideals of our Founders: the opportunity to pass a greater freedom to our posterity. Let’s work together to promote liberty in the Sixth District. Will you join me in reaching out to Virginians who share our vision of limited government who have not been active in a political party? Will you join me in my campaign for Chairman of the Sixth Congressional District? Please call or email me and I will let you know how you can get involved in my campaign.

Sincerely,
Danny H. Goad
(540)354-9556
dhgoadpe@msn.com

The RPV Stands up for the Free Market and Opposes HB1703

Here is the text of an e-mail sent out by the RPV this afternoon.  It articulates the RPV's opposition to HB 1703.

To Our Republican Members of the General Assembly,

As members of the Executive Committee of the Republican Party of
Virginia, we wish to remind you of the following core tenet of our
Party’s creed: We Believe: That the free enterprise system is the
most productive supplier of human needs and economic justice. We write
to remind you of this key element of our Republican Creed because we
understand that HB 1703 is moving on a fast track to a vote on
Tuesday, and as our duly elected Representatives we urge you to vote
NO. The passage of such legislation is completely antithetical to our
Party’s core free market principles. This not about smoking. This is
about unnecessary government intrusion into the private sector. This
unconscionable encroachment will cost those affected their ability to
operate a free enterprise and further alienate our Republican base.

Because the proponents of the smoking ban cite huge public support
for this type of legislation, we understand one’s inclination to
support it. But you will find the owners and patrons of smoking
establishments will disagree. This legislation will make it difficult,
if not impossible, for many small businesses to operate in Virginia.
As you must know, bar or restaurant owners will be forced to make
expensive renovations to meet the requirements of HB 1703 in order to
offer their patrons a choice. This is another unfunded mandate that
will cut into businesses’ profits. How will you explain the loss of
revenues from successful businesses that fail from their loss of
smoking patrons? Who will enforce this legislation? Where will the
money be found to add the needed bureaucracy? In a struggling economy,
to increase government enforcement and decrease revenue is completely
flawed logic, particularly in an election year.

Consumers already have the ability to decide if they wish to frequent
an establishment based upon whether that establishment does or does
not allow smoking. We urge you to allow the marketplace to influence
private sector activity instead of relying upon heavy-handed,
intrusive government regulation. As members of the General Assembly,
we believe you should be particularly concerned about passing this
bill in an election year. Supporting HB 1703 will discourage and
demoralize the Republican base and confuse those that view us as the
Party of free market principles. Our Gubernatorial nominee understands
our principles and position in regard to the smoking ban, and we
believe you should take heed of his position. Every member should
reconsider their support of this bill, and we are proud of all members
who have already voted no. To allow this legislation to pass will
compromise the integrity of members who have stayed true to Republican
principles and faithfully worked against this legislation.

As a Party we do not need to create a divide between members and the
Republican base by supporting legislation that is inconsistent with
our Party’s core principles. It is our greatest hope that this
legislation will be voted down as to avoid intra-party conflict. Our
goal is a Republican Party united on principles and vision, standing
ready to win in 2009.

Respectfully submitted,

Jeff Fredrick, RPV Chairman

Mike Thomas, 1st Vice- Chair

Kathy Hayden Terry, National Commiteewoman

Kevin Gentry, Eastern Vice Chairman

Juanita Balenger, Eastern Vice Chairwoman

Trixie Averill, Western Vice Chairwoman

Tom Foley, 1st District Chairman

Gary Byler, 2nd District Chairman

Mike Wade, 3rd District Chairman

Jack Wilson, 4th District Chairman

Tucker Watson, 5th District Chairman

Fred Anderson, 6th District Chairman

Lynwood Cobb, 7th District Chairman

Mike Ginsberg, 8th District Chairman

Michelle Jenkins, 9th District Chairman

Becky Steckel, 11th District Chairman