VA Primary Results

As of right now (8:49pm), pretty much everything is called for VA:

1-Rob Wittman (88%)
2-Scott Rigell (39.3%)
5-Robert Hurt (48.1%)
8-Patrick Murray (51.3%)
11-Keith Fimian (57.3%)

Unless there are any surprises, that's the gist. Put that along with -

3 - Chuck Smith
4- Randy Forbes
6 - Bob Goodlatte
7 - Eric Cantor
9 - Morgan Griffith
10 - Frank Wolf

And there you have your Republican Ballot for the general this November.

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli Defends the Scientific Process as he Challenges the EPA

In light of the recent climategate scandal Ken Cuccinelli is challenging the EPA to use scientifically verifiable data in its global warming regulations. Many are saying Cuccinelli opposes science, he is actually defending science by requesting that the EPA use the scientific method before imposing draconian regulations that would devestate Virginia's economy.

Welcoming our New Governor!

There’s something special about seeing the person you helped get elected, become inaugurated. I was fortunate enough, along with some friends, to be able to have this experience. After working as volunteers during the morning, we all trekked over to the staff entrance, flashed our passes, then watched as Governor-elect Bob McDonnell was sworn into the highest office in the state of Virginia. The air was buzzing with energy and excitement as 4,000+ people packed into the bleachers and surrounding areas. The 19-gun salute by Howitzers, placed at the south end of Capitol Square, sounded after the oath of office was taken and F22 Raptor jets soared over head to announce the beginning of a new Virginia.

The start of his acceptance speech pointed out the fact that, yes, he had kept his first campaign promise - "I said it would be sunny and warm in Richmond on Inauguration Day!" Indeed it was.

His speech highlighted many of the issues that he ran his campaign on - job creation, opportunity, education, transportation, and community service. However, it did not dwell on the past. Governor McDonnell focused on the future of Virginia -

“Where opportunity is absent, we must create it. Where opportunity is limited, we must expand it. Where opportunity is unequal, we must make it open to everyone... I’ve had people tell me they fear that America may no longer be the land of opportunity it has always been and that Virginia’s history in playing a leading role in the life of our nation may be just that — history,” he declared. “They are wrong.”

He acknowledged the tough tasks that his administration has ahead of them, thanked the Kaine administration for their service, then turned to the thousands of Americans facing him and charged them saying -

"It is right to help one another. It is right to work together to get results and solve problems. It is right to provide opportunities for all. Let us heed the words of the Father of our Country, employ these eternal rules of order and right, and get to work for the good of the people of Virginia. Thank you and God Bless the Commonwealth of Virginia."

You can see the transcript of his acceptance speech HERE.

Election Results: Republicans have a 10 seat lead in the HOD!!

With 0% of the polls in, Republicans have a 10 seat lead in the House of Delegates. The Democrats had 9 unchallenged seats, while the Republicans had 19 unchallenged seats. This gives the RPV a 10 seat lead at the moment in the House of Delegates.

This is an example of the Republican strategy that will lead to a significant pick up in House of Delegates tonight. The RPV fielded candidates in as many districts as possible so that when the tidal wave began we already had people in place to ride it. Let's keep up this strategy as we get closer to Judgement Day 2010.

Not Larry Sabato is saying the Republicans have picked up 6 seats, and 9 more are in play. Project Virginia predicts Republicans pick up 6 seats.

Statewide Predictions

Bob McDonnell, Bill Bolling, and Ken Cuccinelli all win, and we pick up 6 or more House of Delegate seats. In order of largest percentages: Bob McDonnell, Ken Cuccinelli, and Bill Bolling.

VA Fraternal Order of Police Endorses Cuccinelli

. Paraphrased Press Release from September 25th:

This week Senator Ken Cuccinelli, Candidate for VA Attorney General, received the single most important endorsement in the Attorney General's race - the Virginia Fraternal Order of Police, the largest law enforcement group in the Commonwealth.

FOP President Tommy Edwards had this to say about the race:

"Ken Cuccinelli's outstanding recognition of the problems faced by the Supreme Court Case Melendez-Diaz, his early and outspoken push for a Special Session, and its ultimate success which will allow the prosecution of certain cases to proceed - is a testament to his skill, knowledge, and support of the law enforcement community."

The momentum is clearly building for Cuccinelli in this race.

Parental Rights Amendment Gains Momentum in VA

Support for the Parental Rights Amendment is gaining significant traction in Virginia; the entire VA Republican delegation have now signed on as co-cosponsors to H.J.Res. 42, bringing the total number of co-sponsors in the House of Reps to 121.

As of yesterday, Congressman Randy J. Forbes of the 4th district has joined his fellow VA Representatives Rob Whittman (VA-1), Frank Wolf (VA-10), Bob Goodlatte (VA-6) and Eric Cantor (VA-7) in co-sponsoring the Parental Rights Amendment. This decision follows several meetings between Forbes staff and constituents of the 4th district regarding the latter's enthusiastic support for the PRA and desire to see their Representative sign on as a co-sponsor.
As the VA grassroots support network for the Parental Rights Amendment extends far beyond the 4th district, constituents in neighboring districts have good reason to believe that vocalizing their support will lead to more co-sponsors of the PRA.

Carry on, constituents!

Party Leaders Listen to the Grassroots when Picking Chris Saxman's Replacement

Probably the most shocking piece of new over the weekend was Chris Saxman's decision to withdraw from the race in the 20th district for the House of Delegates. Members of the 20th legislative district committee met yesterday to pick Chris Saxman's replacement. While many people expected them to pick a replacement at the meeting, they instead chose to wait and listen to the voters.

GOP 20th District Legislative Committee Chairman Carl Tate, said, “We decided that we needed to open up the process, make it more transparent. Get input from the committee members, unit members, local party activists, the people who will be working precincts and walking neighborhoods for this candidate in September and October. They need to have a say in who their nominee will be.”

Thank you for choosing to involve the local activists on this crucial issue. It will be interesting to see who ends up getting selected.

Creigh Deeds is Honored to have Joe Biden's Support

Over the weekend Joe Biden highlighted a fundraiser for Creigh Deeds. Before the event in a statement published on his website, Deeds said, "I'm glad he's coming back to Virginia tonight as Vice President and am so honored to have his support." Creigh Deeds has chosen to associate himself with Joe Biden and his policies, and has even made money off of that association. It is only fair to ask what it is Joe Biden believes.

Just like President Obama, Joe Biden believes there shouldn't be any coal plants in America. As a rural state senator, do you support eliminating coal plants from America, and watching those jobs dissapear from south west Virginia?

Not only does Biden (and presumably Creigh Deeds) believe we should eliminate the coal industry, but Biden also believes we should, "spend money to keep from going bankrupt." While some mocked trickle down economics, this idea is absurd. Every business and family knows that you don't increas spending to keep from going bankrupt. If after the 2009 elections Virginia is in as bad economic straits as California, is this the path Deeds will use to keep Virginia from going bankrupt?

Not only does Joe Biden believe increased spending keeps people from going bankrupt, he also admits to misreading the economy. We don't have to ask if Deeds will follow in Biden's foot steps on this front, because we know the answer to this one. Just like Barack Obama's running mate, Creigh Deeds' running mate (Jody Wagner) has misread the economy.

While Creigh Deeds may be honored to have Joe Biden's support, it is actually quite scary to imagine Joe Biden's beliefs being implemented in this commonwealth. It would destroy this economy. In Joe Biden's stirring endorsement of Creigh Deeds, he asked all the donors to, "Break your neck for this man." While I wouldn't normally consider breaking my neck for a candidate, it may be all their is left to break in this state after Joe Biden and Creigh Deeds have their way with commonwealth's economy.

(Simultaneously posted at Off the Trunk and VASocialConservative.)

McDonnell Calls for Series of 10 Statewide Gubernatorial Debates

Formal Series of Debates to Run July 25th - October 20th

McDonnell: "This series of ten gubernatorial debates statewide from July through October will reinvigorate political discourse in Virginia, and ensure that this race is marked by a serious discussion of the major issues facing the Commonwealth."

RICHMOND- Bob McDonnell, Republican gubernatorial nominee and former Attorney General of Virginia, today proposed a formal series of ten gubernatorial debates, taking place statewide, between himself and Democratic nominee Creigh Deeds. McDonnell proposes that the debates begin with the already agreed to Virginia Bar Association debate taking place in Deeds’ home county on July 25th, and conclude with a final debate at the Rotunda on the grounds of Thomas Jefferson’s University of Virginia on October 20th, exactly two weeks prior to Election Day. This proposal has been formally presented to the Deeds campaign in a letter from McDonnell Campaign Manager Phil Cox which was sent this morning.

Speaking about the invitation to Creigh Deeds to participate in ten formal debates focused on the pressing issues facing the citizens of the Commonwealth, McDonnell stated, “With unemployment over 7%, and Virginians facing significant challenges from job creation to transportation to education, we need a gubernatorial campaign focused on the issues. Virginians are tired of sound bite campaigns. They want to know where the candidates stand on the issues of today. And they want to hear this directly from the candidates. This series of ten gubernatorial debates statewide from July through October will reinvigorate political discourse in Virginia, and ensure that this race is marked by a serious discussion of the major issues facing the Commonwealth.”

McDonnell continued, “It would be an honor to travel the state from late July through late October debating Creigh on jobs, transportation, education, economic development, health care, the environment, public safety, taxes and spending in front of audiences in every region. I anticipate that each debate will be available to voters statewide online and through radio, print and television outlets. These debates would keep the focus of this campaign where it belongs: on the issues. I hope Creigh will agree that Virginians deserve to hear from the two candidates for Virginia’s highest office directly, and together, as often as is possible. I look forward to receiving Creigh’s positive reply to this proposal for a formal series of ten gubernatorial debates.”

In proposing this debate schedule the McDonnell campaign incorporated various invitations received in recent weeks. The campaign has not received a formal debate invitation from any organization in Southwest Virginia, but believes it is important the region play host to a debate as part of this series. Any organization wishing to host a Southwest Virginia debate is encouraged to submit a proposal to the McDonnell and Deeds campaigns.

The below proposed debate schedule is a suggestion of dates for this formal series of 10 debates. The McDonnell campaign will work with the Deeds campaign and all debate organizers to ensure that the dates, and locations, for the 10-debate series work for all parties.

The Virginia Bar Association Debate

July 25th

The Homestead Resort in Bath County

Confirmed

Cox Communications-Hampton Roads Debate

August 5th

Cox Studios- Chesapeake

Formal Series of Debates to Run July 25th - October 20th

Southwest Virginia Debate

August 28th

Sponsor and Location TBD

Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce Debate

September 17th

Fairfax

Radio One/Richmond Crusade for Voters/The Chesterfield Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc/ Rho Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Community Forum Debate onRichmond Radio Stations: WCDX 92.1FM, WKJM 99.3FM and WKJS 105.7FM (simulcast), WPZZ 104.7FM, WTPS AM 1240

September 22nd

Radio One Studios- Richmond

CNN "State of the Union Virginia Governor’s Debate"

September 27th

CNN Studios- Washington D.C.

YouTube/Politico/WJLA Statewide Televised Debate

October 6th

WJLA Studios- Arlington

WSLS Statewide Televised Debate

October 9th

Roanoke

League of Women Voters/AARP/PBS/WTVR/WTKR/WDBJ Statewide Televised Debate

October 12th

Richmond

NBC 29/University of Virginia Center for Politics Statewide Televised Debate

October 20th

The Rotunda on the Grounds of the University of Virginia- Charlottesville

Cuccinelli: Sticking to His Principles Even if it Means Losing

This morning National Review Online published an excellent story about Ken Cuccinelli. It highlights his committment to the founding fathers, his belief in core Republican principles, and grassroots support.

June 29, 2009, 4:00 a.m.

Virginia Gentleman
A prospective state attorney general goes back to the founders.

By Michael Warren

Several prints of war paintings hang in the law offices of Virginia state senator Ken Cuccinelli, but the most prominent is titled Sons of Erin: It shows a brigade of Irish-born Union soldiers charging into the Battle of Antietam — or Sharpsburg, as it’s known in Dixie. The Irish brigade, comprised of poor immigrants — many fresh off the boat — lost over 500 men that day. “The Irish were the best fighters on both sides of the war,” says Cuccinelli, a self-described Civil War buff who is half-Irish himself.

Cuccinelli is running for attorney general as a conservative Republican in a right-leaning state that’s having a fling with Democrats. Last year, voters delivered their electoral votes to Barack Obama. Virginia’s governor is a Democrat and so are its two senators. Perhaps this trend makes Cuccinelli an underdog, like those Antietam warriors and their ancestors back in Ireland. The candidate certainly sees it that way, except in one important respect: “They always lose,” he says.

So far, the 40-year-old Cuccinelli has always won. In 2002, he ran in a special election to represent Fairfax County in Virginia’s senate. He won again a year later. Then, in 2007 — a rotten year for Republicans — he had his toughest race yet, winning by about 100 votes in a race that required a recount. He expects a close election this November, too, against Democratic state delegate Steve Shannon.

“I’ve been outspent in all three races,” he says, showing the pride of a businessman who is satisfied to have done the job well for half the cost. It may happen again this fall: Shannon currently leads in fundraising. But Cuccinelli insists that victory is just a means, not the end. “The point is to accomplish the agenda,” he says. What is the agenda? “I’m running to advance a more limited-government, pro-family agenda. The founding fathers would approve.”

The founding fathers play a critical role in Cuccinelli’s political philosophy. He doesn’t have a favorite, but he has a natural affinity for fellow Virginians like Patrick Henry, James Madison, and George Mason. For Cuccinelli, though, the ideas are more important than the people, and he makes the point with another Virginian, Thomas Jefferson. “He articulated the principles spectacularly,” says Cuccinelli. “But he didn’t always live up to them.”

Cuccinelli says the founding fathers got the principles right: “It’s a foundation that can’t be improved upon.” He offers this foundation as a remedy for disenchanted Republicans. “My view is that the GOP platform should read ‘Life, liberty, and property.’ It would save us a lot of paper.” He goes on to criticize Republican efforts of the past decade. “What have the Republicans been supporting? No Child Left Behind, Medicare Part D, and supporting TARP I. So much for the party of small government.”

Cuccinelli becomes most animated when he’s talking about the philosophy behind the principles. He cites the Declaration of Independence’s most famous line, about the self-evident truths that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,” including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Then he makes an important observation: “Most people forget the next phrase, which explains that it is for these purposes that governments are created.” Cuccinelli considers this phrase — “That, to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men” — the key to understanding what the founders were thinking: Rights are inherent and universal, and governments exist only to guarantee them, not to grant them.

To illustrate this idea, Cuccinelli points to the recent Supreme Court case over gun ownership in the District of Columbia. In his written opinion in District of Columbia v. Heller, Justice Antonin Scalia explained that the Second Amendment did not grant people the right to defend themselves with arms but only reaffirmed the preexisting right of a free people to do so. Cuccinelli leans back in his chair and paraphrases Aquinas: “Natural law is written from the hearts of all men.”

“Read from the founding period and do it continuously,” he says. “That’s what I tell new legislators.” Cuccinelli wants to educate Virginians about Mason, Madison, and the rest. “All of the great founders, except for Adams, are from Virginia,” he says. “When I run in Virginia, I talk about those Virginians.”

In the contest against Shannon, Cuccinelli will need more than a good reading list. “We have a significant grassroots advantage,” he says. “We know grassroots better than anyone else, and we’re more focused on that.” He claims his strategy of knocking on doors gave him the small margin of victory in 2007. This approach won’t work as well statewide, though he plans to repeat the practice as much as possible and encourage his volunteers to do the same.

Will strong grassroots efforts put Cuccinelli over the top in November? Although the races are separate, he’ll run with the GOP’s nominee for governor, Bob McDonnell, who is polling roughly even against Democrat Creigh Deeds. A good election for McDonnell —the state’s former attorney general — will help Cuccinelli’s odds. Even so, the prospective attorney general says he won’t be counting on McDonnell’s coattails. He believes he has the secrets to success: “I’m willing to lose, and I won’t abandon my principles.”

— Michael Warren, a Collegiate Network intern at National Review, studies economics and history at Vanderbilt University.

Tertium Quids has some very interesting analysis of the profile.

Ken Cuccinelli Needs Your Help Now

I know money isn't plentiful, that is just how it is with the current economic situation. However, Ken has a critical fundraising deadline coming up, and even if you can just donate $5.00 please do it. I strong showing in this fundraising quarter will give the campaign momentum, and the campaign needs money anyways. Ken explained the importance of your donation in today's Cuccinelli Compass.

June 29, 2009 Dear Fellow Virginians, I need your help today. We have our first post-convention fundraising period ending tomorrow at midnight -- and we MUST have a strong showing. Our challenger, Steve Shannon, ran unopposed for the Democrat primary, and as a consequence has been stockpiling money for over a year now. With just one month since we won the convention, I need your support to help us play catch-up! While Steve Shannon was stockpiling cash, I was driving around the Commonwealth meeting with Virginians and building a grassroots network of volunteers and supporters. We are miles ahead in our grassroots organization, but now I need your support to help us close the financial gap. You can help us show a strong report by donating to our campaign before midnight tomorrow night, June 30th. And remember, it doesn't matter if you give $5 or $500. It all helps tremendously, so please give what you can. Donate here today at : http://www.cuccinelli.com/donations.htm Thank you and see you on the campaign trail! Sincerely, Senator Ken Cuccinelli II

Cuccinelli's General Election Literature Raises Reagan's "Banner of Bold Colors"

While there has been some concern in this election about candidates who almost seem ashamed of their conservativism, Ken Cuccinelli's general election literature doesn't stir up that fear. Throughout the nomination contest Ken talked about how candidates tend to paint themselves as conservatives in a nomination fight just to win the contest. Ken's literature piece let's everyone know he is not one of those people.

The piece opens with a quote from Cuccinelli in which he says,

"Many politicians forget where they draw their authority--from you the people. Government has an obligation to be transparent and to maintain as limited a place in our lives and businesses as possible while protecting our communities. These are beliefs I will carry with me to the state capitol."

Ken continues by laying out specific things he will do as Attorney General. This list of goals includes "expanding opportunity by resisting the growth of government and keeping Virginia a low regulation... state," "preserving property rights and the Constitution--as it is written," and "advancing openness and accountability to give the citizens of Virginia better control over their own government." Thes are all distinctly conservative approaches to government, and I think ones that resonate well with a lot of people. I applaud Ken Cuccinelli for being willing to run as a conservative in a statewide general election. Ken Cuccinelli's new literature raises the "banner of bold colors" Ronald Reagan encouraged Republicans to raise, and I am proud and excited to stand with Ken Cuccinelli.

If you would like to help spread Ken's conservative message across this state, please contact a local victory center and volunteer, or donate to Ken Cuccinelli.

Ken Cuccinelli

for Attorney General of Virginia

$

Here is a photo of the literature piece I described in this post.

Bob McDonnell on Taxes in His Own Words

Last week Bob McDonnell came under fire from the Washington Times for refusing to sign a pledge to not raise taxes. Yesterday his campaign released Bob McDonnell's record on taxes. It is quite an impressive record, and I hope Bob continues to remind people of that record throughout the campaign, and continues to cut taxes as governor. I will say as well that I like the tax cutting regulation cutting Bob better than the new green jobs version.

Here is a video montage of Bob in his own words.



Here are quotes from Bob on the issue.

“McDonnell also rejected taxes, saying lawmakers should cut spending. “The worst thing you can do during a recession is try to tax yourself to prosperity,” he said”

The Virginian-Pilot, December 2, 2008

· McDonnell, who is unopposed for the Republican nomination, pointed out that unemployment is up and consumer confidence is at its lowest point in 30 years — not the time, he said, to place an additional financial burden on Virginia families. Rather than raising new revenue, McDonnell said, his administration would slash state government expenditures.

“We have a spending problem more than we have a taxation problem,” McDonnell said.

The Daily Progress. December 3, 2008

· McDonnell, in turn, said Deeds would be a poor steward to guide the state through a recession. "My philosophy is to keep taxes, regulation and litigation low," he said. "He set a record of doing something different."

The Washington Post (June 11, 2009)

· "The worst thing you can do is to tax your way to prosperity,'' McDonnell said. "That's failed in the United States and abroad."

The Washington Post, December 3, 2008

· "I'm conservative. But conservative means that you believe in limited government and low taxes and keeping regulations to a minimum”

The Washington Post (March 3, 2009)

· The former Virginia attorney general also said he would fight the rebirth of the “death tax” – an inheritance tax that was eliminated a few years ago.
“The federal government wants to reinstate that, and we should do everything we can to make sure it doesn’t,” McDonnell said.

TriCities.com (March 8, 2009)

· “The focus of this campaign is clearly going to be the economic issues--jobs and the economy--will far and away be the top issue in the campaign,” he said. “And there will be a big gulf between my opponents and me about the things I want to do to stimulate the free enterprise system that creates jobs, and they’ll be talking about strengthening the rights of unions and raising taxes.”

CNS News (February 17, 2009)

Recent Poll Numbers are Good News for McDonnell

A recent Daily Kos poll on the Virginia Gubernatorial election is good news for Bob McDonnell. The poll shows McDonnell leading 45%-44%. When I first saw the news a couple of my first thoughts were the Deeds bounce disappeared quickly, and being up by just 1% in a liberal poll is not bad.

However when you analyze the internals, the poll looks even better. McDonnell's favorables continue to be much better than Deeds. His overall favorables are better, he has a 7% favorable lead among independents, and is more favorable among Democrats than Deeds is among Republicans. McDonnell and Deeds also have an essentially equal disapproval rating, 35% and 36% yet double the people have no opinion on Deeds than on McDonnell. That is a lot of people who can be reached out to and educated on who Creigh Deeds really is.

Even with all the good news from this poll, it was slanted Democrat. (What a shock fom a Daily Kos poll.) The poll was overpopulated with Democrats and minorities, and predicts Deeds will win NOVA 3-1. Even with a slanted poll, McDonnell still leads.

Let it Begin!

Both sides have stopped squabbling and have chosen their generals. The foot soldiers have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of their generals. Now it is time to charge across the battlefield and see who is left come November 3rd. Let's knock on those doors, make those phone calls, go to events, host rallies, put up signs, donate to our candidates, analyze the polls, dodge the mud that will inevitably fly, and as Rhino would say...

let it begin!!!

Republican Response to the Democrat Primary.

In response to the Democrat primary results, Bob McDonnell issued the following video message.


Pat Mullins the new RPV chairman also issued a press statement. The following paragraphs are some of the highlights.

“Virginia Democrats have nominated a slate of three candidates that would raise taxes as soon as possible and lead with the people’s checkbook as their weapon. Should they succeed in their mission, these three candidates would increase the financial strain on Virginians and private enterprise, depress economic growth and stifle job creation.

“Given the dismal voter turnout in their primary election, it is clear that there is little excitement in their party and an even smaller appetite for the kind of expansive government their candidates represent. By contrast, our party is enthusiastically behind our excellent ticket of Bob McDonnell, Bill Bolling and Ken Cuccinelli, as proven by the attendance of over 8,000 Republicans at our recent convention. Everywhere I travel in Virginia, local Republican interest is high, which bodes well for our chances in November.

“Finally, the rejection of Terry McAuliffe indicates that even Democrats are disillusioned about the direction their party and leadership have taken. When a wealthy, insider financed, nationally prominent, personal friend of the Clintons is rebuked in such a manner, it is a clear indicator of a party in disarray from top to bottom. On the Republican side, we are energized and look forward to the road ahead.”

As a note on the excitement that is building within the Republican Party, just like on the ticket airport tour, it appears the Republicans had packed attendances at their campaign headquarters openings.

Let's keep up the energy, stay positive, conservative, and issues oriented, and we should win in November.

Bob McDonnell's Latest TV Ad

In case you haven't seen it yet here is Bob McDonnell's newest TV ad.

Amy Frederick no longer running for Delegate

In a recent letter, Amy Frederick announced she will no longer be running to replace her husband Jeff Frederick in the VA House of Delegates. In early February she and her husband announced she was exploring a bid for the House of Delegates.

April 28, 2009

Dear Friends:

Since first beginning to explore the possibility of campaigning to represent the people of the 52nd District in the House of Delegates, I have been humbled by the support and encouragement I received from across eastern Prince William county, and indeed, beyond. Having been honored to stand by Jeff's side for the past six years as he has served, I have had the opportunity to meet and get to know many of the people of this district. They have made this job a rewarding experience for both of us, and the lasting friendships will always remain.

Today, it is with mixed emotions that I announce my withdrawal from the race to succeed Jeff in the House of Delegates.

Unfortunately, some in the leadership of the Republican Party have demonstrated a greater interest in playing politics than in advancing our conservative principles and making life better for the families and the citizens of Virginia. I'm not interested in running for office to serve under broken leadership, where the Speaker compromises principle for what he perceives as immediate political gain. What so many entrusted with leadership in our party fail to recognize is that ignoring our core principles in pursuit of titles and power without purpose is exactly the behavior that severely reduced our ranks in the House, handed the Senate to the Democrats, and has resulted in one statewide loss after another.

Although my campaign ends today, it has been a pleasure to travel around the district and introduce myself as a potential candidate to so many wonderful people.

I want to first thank my friends and family for supporting me and encouraging me to run. I also want to thank Kris Morris and my supporters, who have spent hours volunteering on my behalf. To these people, I will remain forever grateful.

I'm excited about the future, and I will be working hard to make sure that people of principle who share Jeff's and my commitment to service are elected and re-elected this year. I'm confident that in years to come, our party will have new leadership and a new direction, which will bode well for fresh, new ideas -- and ultimately, handing our children a better Commonwealth than the one we inherited.

Most sincerely,

Amy Frederick

According to a comment by Amy on facebook she believes Rafael Lopez will be the Republican nominee for that seat. As of yet there noone has filed from the Democrat Party to run for the seat.

It will be very interesting over the coming years to see what the Frederck's do in party politics. I can't imagine they are done for life.

On another note, so far it seems noone is trying to challenge Pat Mullins for RPV chairman. The vote on the matter by state central is on Saturday, and if someone decides to challenge Pat, then we will have a vote at the state convention May 30th.

Fred Thompson endorses Ken Cuccinelli for Attorney General

Today Fred Thompson became the newest person to endorse Ken Cuccinelli for Attorney General. In the endorsement Fred Thompson said,

"At a time in our nation when fundamental, Constitutional rights and
protections are often ignored and twisted theories are contrived to circumvent the clear mandates of our founding documents, Virginia needs an Attorney General grounded in his faith and adherence to the core principles. Ken Cuccinelli is the person best suited to accomplish this for Virginia... We at FredPAC strongly endorse Ken Cuccinelli for Attorney General and urge all Virginians, regardless of Party or political persuasion, who value individual liberty and constitutional government to support his campaign."

These are comments with which I heartily agree. With endorsements from Mike Huckabee and the Republican Liberty Caucus, a group closely affiliated with Ron Paul, Senator Cuccinelli now has endorsements that represent most of the grassroots activists from the 2008 Republican Presidential primary, and all the main conservatives running for president that year.