YRDominion

Richmond Times-Dispatch: YRFV Convention 2008 in the News

Young Republicans hear pitch from Virginia leaders

A group member says they are worried about making a living, paying for college

Richmond Times-Dispatch

Sunday, Apr 06, 2008

By CHRIS I. YOUNG

TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER

Seasoned Republican leaders urged their younger supporters to recruit more party members and build their ranks at the annual Young Republican Federation of Virginia convention.

About 50 members who attended the convention yesterday in Richmond heard again and again that the GOP had suffered losses to Democrats in recent state elections and needs to build momentum for November's general election.

State officials said the party needs a candidate with bold ideas. They cited Ronald Reagan's presidential years as an example.

"When we're successful, it's because the grass-roots [effort] was strong," said Del. Jeffrey M. Frederick, R-Prince William. "Look at [Democratic Sen. Barack] Obama's campaign events. They're energized. . . . We have to get excited again."

The Young Republicans, who are between 18 and 41 years old and have about 500 members statewide, networked with each other and heard speeches by former Gov. Jim Gilmore, now running for the U.S. Senate, state Attorney General Bob McDonnell, the presumptive GOP nominee for governor in 2009, and Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, who is seeking re-election.

McDonnell said, "Young professionals, if they just talk about issues, ought to be with us 100 percent of the time -- limited government, lower taxes, respect for the rule of law, creating opportunities for entrepreneurship and free enterprise."

Regarding his assumed nomination, McDonnell said he thought state Democrats would fight among themselves to nominate a candidate, while his party would be free of that.

"I'm hopeful that Bill [Bolling] and I can unite the party," he said. Several attendees said the issues the party needed to talk to young voters about include education, taxes and economics.

Young people are concerned about paying for college, paying lower taxes and making a living, said Ted Brown, 39.

Brown, who teaches political science at Virginia State University in Ettrick, added that presidential candidate Sen. John McCain of Arizona should try to reach out to moderates and give conservative solutions to economic issues, such as fixing the mortgage crisis and offering solutions for the nation's health-care woes that would allow people to buy their own private insurance.

"In the next few months, Senator McCain has got to focus on those issues in order to recapture part of the political middle that has been drifting away from Republicans in recent elections," he said.

Megan Svajda, a legislative assistant for the National Rifle Association, said young Republicans need to tailor messages to issues that people in their 20s are facing.

"I think our generation has a hard time identifying with [either] political party," said Svajda, 25.

"I don't like lots of [layers of] government," she said.

"I don't want to pay a lot of money at the pump every time I fill up.

"I want to buy a home some day, and the economy's not that great right now.

"I worry about the war in Iraq and the war on terrorism.

"I think the Democrats have done a better job at that than the Republicans have, so it's time for the younger Republicans to step up and recruit those people."

Contact Chris I. Young at (804) 649-6754 or cyoung@timesdispatch.com.

Thank You Virginia Young Republicans for Attending the YRFV Convention 2008

Thanks to everyone who made the YRFV Convention this year in Richmond such a successful convention.  We appreciate everyone who traveled from our YRFV Clubs in Arlington, Alexandria, Chesapeake, Fairfax, Goochland-Louisa, Hampton Roads, Loudoun, Prince William, Richmond and soon-to-be-chapter in Roanoke and our interest groups in Lynchburg, Harrisonburg and the Fredericksburg-Stafford area.

YRFV Convention 2008 Immigration Panelist: Corey Stewart, Prince William Co. Board Chairman and Convention Silver Sponsor

Corey A. Stewart was re-elected Chairman of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors in November 2007 in the General Election. Prior to that election, Chairman Stewart won in a special election for Chairman in Nov. 2006, and served as Occoquan District Supervisors after the voters had elected him in Nov. 2003.

Chairman Stewart is an international trade attorney with the Washington, D.C. office of Foley & Lardner, LLP.  He earned his Juris Doctorate from William Mitchell College of Law in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. Chairman Stewart received his bachelor’s degree from GeorgetownUniversity’s School of Foreign Service.

Chairman Stewart has been featured on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, CBS Evening news, BBC World Service and Skynews in Europe. He is a regular guest on radio stations across the country, including Laura Ingraham, Chris Core and has been featured in Guardian News (UK), Washington Post and Washington Times.

Chairman Stewart resides in Lake Ridge with his wife Maria and two sons, Isaac and Luke. He and his family attend St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Parish.

YRFV Convention 2008 Luncheon Speaker: Governor Jim Gilmore, Candidate for U.S. Senate and Convention Platinum Sponsor

Jim Gilmore - Candidate for U.S. Senate and Convention Speaker

YRs please visit: www.jimgilmoreforsenate.com

A Brief Biography

Jim Gilmore is a native of Richmond, Virginia, and the son of working class parents.

In a career encompassing important roles as an attorney, army intelligence specialist, prosecutor and state attorney general, he rose to become the 68th Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Since the expiration of his term of office, he has seen distinguished service on behalf of both his party and his country.

Born in the historic “fan” district of Richmond, Gilmore is the son of supermarket meat cutter. His mother was a church secretary. After high school, he became the first in his family to attend college and was accepted at the University of Virginia where he elected to study in the field of foreign policy.

Upon graduation, Jim Gilmore volunteered for the U.S. Army and won honors after completing training at the Army Intelligence School and Defense Language Institute.

He was then assigned to the 650th Military Intelligence Group. Serving in Germany during the Vietnam War and fluent in German, Jim Gilmore played an important role in counter-intelligence work safeguarding the security of American bases in Europe.

He is the recipient of the Joint Services Commendation Medal for his service to NATO.

Returning to Virginia, Gilmore entered the University of Virginia School of Law, receiving his degree in 1977. There he met Roxane Gatling. The couple was soon married and are the parents of two grown sons, Jay and Ashton. Roxane Gilmore, a former school teacher, is a professor at Randolph-Macon College.

He began practice with a small Richmond law firm but soon felt the call of public service. In 1987, he ran for the office of prosecutor for Henrico country. He was an underdog against a well known Democrat, but won handily. As a crime fighter, he led a series of winning prosecutions that established him as a no-nonsense prosecutor determined to keep the community safe from criminals.

Four years later, he carried his prosecutorial record into Virginia’s statewide race for Attorney General. Although again considered an underdog – against a wealthy, popular Democrat from Northern Virginia -- Gilmore’s crime busting determination soon became evident to Virginia’s voters electorate and he won the general election by a wide margin.

As Attorney General, Jim Gilmore established himself as a champion of the taxpayers by launching successful investigations into Medicaid fraud, government waste and consumer protection. Responding to a rash of arson attacks on African American churches, Gilmore became a national leader in a campaign to put an end to the arsons and to assure future insurability of African American churches that chose to rebuild.

With a solid record of protecting working men and women, Jim Gilmore entered the 1997 race for Governor. Once again he was considered a long shot in a race against a heavily financed and well known Democrat from Northern Virginia. But Gilmore appealed to Virginia’s traditional values of character, integrity and hard work, and campaigned on Republican principles of improving education and cutting taxes. He was overwhelmingly elected Governor carrying 56 percent of the statewide vote.

As Governor, Gilmore kept his campaign promises in both areas including hiring 4000 new teachers to reduce class sizes, reducing college tuition, implementing stronger educational standards, and for the first time ensuring all lottery profits went to education.

He also signed into law five different tax cuts for Virginians totaling $1.5 billion. Time and again, Gilmore stood his ground against those who wanted to raise revenue by increasing taxes. In doing so he earned the admiration of Virginia citizens and three times was awarded the “Friend of the Taxpayer Award” by Americans for Tax Reform. Looking to the future of the state’s economy, Gilmore created the nation’s first cabinet level Department of Technology launching Virginia into the Technology Age as “the Digital Dominion.”

Gilmore’s successes laid the basis for additional roles in the service of others. Congress chose him to chair a national commission charged with making recommendations on methods to prevent and respond to terrorist attacks on the United States. The Gilmore Commission warned in 1999 and in 2000 that America was facing a possible terrorist attack. After 9/11 Congress adopted 146 of the Gilmore Commission’s 164 recommendations.

He also chaired a Congressional Commission to study Internet Commerce and guided that group to a recommendation that the internet remain free of taxation. Today, Jim Gilmore is a recognized authority on homeland security. He is president of USA Secure, a not for profit homeland security think tank. He is also a former chairman of the Board of Trustees of the U.S. Air Force Academy and a former chairman of the Republican National Committee. He is the overwhelming choice of the leadership of the Virginia Republican Party to seek the U.S. Senate seat being left vacant by the retirement of distinguished Republican U.S. Senator John Warner.

For more information on why former Governor Jim Gilmore is running for U.S. Senate, click here.

YRFV Convention 2008 Spotlight: Speaker Bill Howell, Convention Silver Sponsor

[Note: We would like to thank Speaker Howell for his long-time support of the YRFV and our ongoing YR development efforts in Stafford, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania.]

William J. Howell
Speaker, Virginia House of Delegates

On January 8, 2003, Bill Howell was sworn in as the 54th Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates. He leads a nearly 400-year old institution, which is the "oldest continuous law-making body in the New World." First elected a delegate in 1987, he represents the residents of the 28th House District, which includes parts of Stafford County and the City of Fredericksburg.

Speaker Howell performs a number of important duties as presiding officer of the 100-member chamber. He appoints the chairman of each of the 14 House standing committees, and all other delegates who serve on them. He names delegates to all House-Senate conference committees, including for the state budget. The Speaker also assigns all bills to House committees, approves out-of-state travel requests for delegates, and names lawmakers and citizens to various boards and commissions. In addition, Speaker Howell is chairman of the House Rules Committee as well as the Joint Rules Committee whose House and State Senate members set administrative policy for the Virginia General Assembly and other legislative branch agencies.

As leader of Virginia’s governing majority in the House, Howell is spearheading a broad-based effort to reform state government in a forward-looking and fiscally responsible manner. He established and chairs the Virginia Reform Initiative (VRI), a nonprofit education and advocacy organization. A top priority for VRI is promoting new ideas and market-based reforms to improve the delivery of core state government services, maximize the return on investment of taxpayer dollars and minimize the costs of government wherever possible.

A student of history, Howell is a member of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, whose mission is to educate and promote understanding and awareness of Virginia’s role in the creation of the United States of America. Speaker Howell also is very much involved with organizing Virginia’s statewide observance in 2007 of the 400th Anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America.

Bill Howell is active and involved in many legislative, business and community organizations.

Prior to being elected speaker, Howell served as chairman of the House Courts of Justice Committee, and led the Virginia Code Commission. The Civil War Preservation Trust honored him as the 2005 recipient of their State Leadership Award for his efforts in promoting land preservation tax credits, which put free-market tools to work for open spaces land conservation. Since 2003, he has been a member of the Board of Directors of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), the nation’s largest bipartisan, individual membership association of state legislators. In 2001, ALEC honored Howell as State Legislator of the Year. In addition, business and civic groups have benefited from Howell’s life-long commitment to public service. He is a director on the board of Virginia Heartland Bank, a former director of the Virginia State Chamber of Commerce, a past president of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, a former president and campaign chairman of the Rappahannock United Way, and a past vice-chair of the board of directors of Mary Washington Hospital. Howell also has been active in and a strong supporter of Young Life, a non-profit, non-denominational Christian organization committed to making a positive impact on the lives of children and preparing them for the future.

Howell earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1967. He received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Richmond in 1964. The University of Richmond Alumni Association honored Howell in 2005 by presenting him their Distinguished Service Award.

A citizen-legislator, Bill Howell is an attorney who practices trust and estate law in a log cabin he restored that overlooks the Rappahannock River in historic Falmouth. He and his wife, Cessie, have been married for 39 years, have two sons, and enjoy six wonderful grandchildren. Howell was born May 8, 1943. Please visit the Speaker at: www.billhowell.us

YRFV Convention 2008 Spotlight: Delegate Sam Nixon, General Assembly Panelist and Convention Bronze Sponsor

(Pictured: Delegate Nixon presenting Peter Zaino with the Peter Zaino Commendation Resolution during the 2008 General Assembly Session.)

Virginia House of Delegates 2008
Delegate Samuel A. Nixon, Jr.
Preferred Name: Sam 
Member Since March 10, 1994
R - 27th District -Chesterfield

House of Delegate Committees Assignments:
Health, Welfare & Institutions Committee (Vice-Chair) 
Commerce & Labor Committee

Science & Technology Committee

Brief Bio:

Born:

Martinsville, VA, (11/9)

Education:

James Madison University (B.B.A., Marketing, 1980)

Occupation/Profession: Practice manager (TCSC)

Spouse: Carol A. Gibbs

Children: Johnathan

Memberships & Affiliations (Only a few samples of many):

Southside Church of the Nazarene
Chesterfield Jaycees (life member, former treasurer, director)
Virginia Jaycees (former Governmental Affairs Program Manager)
Chesterfield Business Council
House Policy Committee

Recent Awards:

Virginia Family Foundation, Legislator of the Year (1998, 2003)
Virginia Association of Manufacturing, Industrial Strength Legislator of the Year (2003)
Greater Richmond Technology Council, Chairman's Award (2004)
Virginia Association of Health Plans, Distinguished Service Award (2005)
Virginia Retail Merchants Association, Delegate of the Year (2006)
Virginia Association of Commissioners of the Revenue, Delegate of the Year (2007)

YRFV Convention 2008 Spotlight: Delegate Jeff Frederick, Candidate for RPV Chairman and Convention Sponsor

Jeff Frederick is a member of the House of Delegates in the Virginia General Assembly, representing the 52nd district (eastern Prince William County). There he is a member of the Finance Committee; Transportation Committee; Health, Welfare & Institutions Committee; and the Privileges & Elections Committee. He was first elected in November 2003, re-elected in November 2005, and again in November 2007 with 59% of the vote.

He currently serves on several boards and commissions, among them the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, the Joint-Subcommittee on Teleworking, and is Vice-Chairman of the Virginia Small Business Commission. Jeff was also a member of the now completed Rt. 1 Location Study Steering Committee, developing the future plan for the Rt. 1 corridor.

Jeff is active in a number of local and national political organizations, including the Club for Growth; the Republican National Hispanic Assembly; America's Future Foundation; and the Council for National Policy.

Jeff is a concerned citizen and community activist, serving on the Civilian-Military Council at Marine Corps Base Quantico and is a graduate of the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) Citizen's Academy. He has been active with Virginia Citizen’s League, the Masons, and a past member of the board of directors for the National Capitol Area Chrysalis/Emmaus community. He also is involved and works closely with the Hispanic Business Roundtable and the Latino Coalition. Jeff attends McLean Bible Church and has served in various leadership roles there.

Professionally, Jeff is Chief Executive Officer of GXS Strategies, a Virginia based company using internet technologies for small organizations and governments. He founded the company in 1998 and under Jeff’s leadership, GXS has become an industry leader in the field of online activism and in providing IT solutions to government agencies.

Jeff is a graduate of Oxford College and Emory University with degrees in economics and political science. Jeff is a life-long and avid sailor who loves the water; he's been a Redskins fan since childhood; and keeps fit by playing racquetball and cycling frequently.

Jeff is a Virginia native (born in Fairfax hospital). He and his wife, Amy, live in Woodbridge with their daughter Gracie. For more information about Delegate Jeff Frederick, visit www.va52.com or www.votejeff.org

YRFV Convention Newsletter--Fourth Issue

Welcome to the fourth issue of the Young Republican Federation of Virginia's Convention Newsletter!  We wanted to let you know about the many updates and the registration deadline quickly approaching!  The convention planning committee has been busy preparing for your arrival to beautiful Richmond for the Convention.  This year's convention will be held on April 4-6, 2008.  We can't wait to see each of you!!  There will be some great opportunities to network with other YRs from across the commonwealth and meet leaders from around Virginia. 
 
The deadline to keep in mind is Monday, March 31st which is the last day for the $40 registration fee. The registration rate goes up to $65 on April 1st.  You can register online at http://www.yrfv.org/registration. Payment can be made either online or via snail mail.

Please check out our exciting agenda and line up of Virginia leaders!

We look forward to seeing you in Richmond!!

Yours in Republican Victory,
Lori-Ann Miller- YRFV Chairman

The YRFV Would Like to Thank Its Sponsors 
Platinum
U.S. Senate Candidate Jim Gilmore
Attorney General Bob McDonnell

Silver
Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling
Speaker of the House Bill Howell
Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chairman Corey Stewart

Bronze
Del. Sam Nixon

Friend
Sen. Ryan McDougle
Del. Jeff Frederick
Del. Brenda Pogge
Del. Lee Ware

The YRFV Convention Site Is...
Omni Richmond Hotel
100 South 12th Street
Richmond, VA 23219

The YRFV Convention will be held at the Omni Richmond Hotel, so where will you be staying?  The Omni Richmond is where YRFV Convention attendees should make their reservations.   You can stay in a beautiful hotel room overlooking the State Capitol and be near the nightlife.   To make reservations, please call the hotel at 804-344-7000 (make sure you mention the Young Republican Federation of Virginia) or click here to reserve online. The special room rate has expired but please do indicated you are with our group when reserving the room.  If you have any questions, please contact Cristen Vehorn at cristenrvehorn@gmail.com.

Details, Details

The YRFV Convention on April 4th and 5th, 2008 will be a great way to network with various young professionals from across the Commonwealth and there are various panels being held that will captivate your attention. We are expecting great speakers such as Virginia Lt Governor Bill Bolling, Attorney General Bob McDonnell, Senatorial Candidate Jim Gilmore, and many others. We will talk about important topics such as immigration and using new media in communicating to YRs.


Now, I know that you really want to register, so click on the link that will take you to the YRFV website.  If you apply between now and March 31st, you will receive the Early Bird Registration Fee of $40.  However, after April 1st, the fee would be $65.

Additionally, there will be a Welcome Reception on Friday, April 4th, and a brunch on Sunday, April 6th. 

Proposed Agenda:
Friday, April 4th
7-9 p.m.-Evening Welcome Reception, BlackFinn Restaurant, 1001 Haxall Point
9:30-11:30 p.m.-Hospitality Suite sponsored by Attorney General Bob McDonnell

Saturday, April 5th
7-8:30 a.m.-Conference Registration
8-8:30 a.m.-Continental Breakfast
8:30-8:45 a.m.-Welcome from Attorney General Bob McDonnell
8:45-9:45 a.m.-General Assembly Update:  Senators and Delegates from around the Commonwealth
9:45-10 a.m.-Break-includes coffee, teas and sodas.  Meet and Greet with Senators and Delegates
10-11 a.m.-Issues Roundtable-Immigration (featuring Greg Letiecq, Black Velvet Bruce Li; Corey Stewart, Chairman of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors; Former Del. Jack Reid)
11-12 p.m.-YRFV Business Meeting-Vote on Proposed Amendment proposals
12-1:15 p.m.-Lunch (buffet)-Lunch Speaker-Republican U.S. Senate Candidates
1:15-1:30 p.m.-15 min. Break
1:30-1:50 p.m.-RPV Chairman John Hager--Looking Forward:  Where we are and Where we are headed
1:50-2:10 p.m.-Del. Jeff Frederick, candidate for RPV Chairman
2:10-2:20 p.m.-PM Break, includes snacks and drinks, Meet and Greet with Hager and Frederick
2:20-2:40 p.m.-Lt. Governor Bill Bolling--Looking Forward:  Where we are and Where we are headed
2:40-3 p.m.-Jessica Colon, Chairman of the Young Republican National Federation
3:30-4 p.m.-Issues Roundtable-New Media (featuring Shaun Kenney and Chris Beer of Mason Conservative)
4-5 p.m.-Tours of the Newly Renovated Capitol (for those interested)
3:45-4:45 p.m.-YRFV Executive Board Meeting

Please join us for our evening event to celebrate being Young Republicans!  Our evening event will be taking place at Sine Irish Pub or Cha Cha's Cantina starting at 8 p.m.  We will then head to Toad's Place to catch a live band!  Hospitality Suites.

Sunday, April 6th
10:30 a.m.-Brunch (Location-TBD)
1-2 p.m.-Tours of the newly renovated Capitol (for those interested)

Fairfax Area YR News and Upcoming Events (March 2008)

Greetings,

This is a reminder that our next FAYR meeting will be on March 19, 2008 at 7:30pm at the Firehouse Grill at 3988 University Drive in Fairfax.

Our featured speaker will be Phil Kiver. Phil will be signing copies of the second edition of his book, 182 Days in Iraq. The book is priced at fifteen dollars.

There is still time to register for the April 4-6, 2008 convention for the Young Republicans of Virginia. Please do so by going here. I look very forward to seeing you this Wednesday and at the convention.

Best,

Dominic Lazaro, Chairman

Fairfax Area Young Republicans (fairfax_yrs@hotmail.com)

YRFV Convention 2008 Update Newsletter #3 (with Sponsors)

Convention Edition

Third Issue:  March 17, 2008

Welcome to the third issue of the Young Republican Federation of Virginia's Convention Newsletter!  We wanted to let you know about the many updates and the registration deadline quickly approaching!  This year's convention will be held on April 4-6, 2008.  We can't wait to see each of you!! 

The deadline to keep in mind is Monday, March 31st which is the last day for the $40 registration fee. You can register online at http://www.yrfv.org/registration . Payment can be made either online or via snail mail.

Yours in Republican Victory,

Lori-Ann Miller- YRFV Chairman

____________________________

The YRFV Would Like to Thank Its Sponsors*

Attorney General Bob McDonnell

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling

U.S. Senate candidate and former Governor Jim Gilmore

U.S. House candidate (11th) Keith Fimian

Delegate Lee Ware

Delegate Jeff Frederick

Delegate John Cosgrove

Delegate Chris Peace

* As of 3/14/08

____________________________

The YRFV Convention Site Is...

Omni Richmond Hotel

The YRFV Convention will be held at the Omni Richmond Hotel, so where will you be staying?  The Omni Richmond is where YRFV Convention attendees should make their reservations.   You can stay in a beautiful hotel room overlooking the State Capitol and be near the nightlife.   To make reservations, please call the hotel at 804-344-7000 (make sure you mention the Young Republican Federation of Virginia) or click here to reserve online.  Please indicate that you are with our YRFV 2008 group when reserving the room.  If you have any questions, please contact Cristen Vehorn at cristenrvehorn@gmail.com

_______________________________

The YRFV Elections of 2008

All chartered members will have the opportunity of voting for the candidates to represent them on the district level and National level in the YRFV.  Please make sure you attend this conference, because your vote counts and will make all of the difference.

YRFV Convention 2008 Spotlight: Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, Republican State Leadership Address and Convention Silver Sponsor

Biography of Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling

Bill Bolling was born in Sistersville, West Virginia on June 15, 1957.  Bill's father was a coal miner, and he grew up in the coal fields of Southwest Virginia and Southern West Virginia.

Bill graduated from Sherman High School in Seth, West Virginia in 1975.  He then attended the University of Charleston in Charleston, West Virginia and graduated in 1979 with a BA degree in political science.

It was while attending college that Bill met and married his wife, the former Jean Ann Kincaid.  In 1981, the Bollings moved to Mechanicsvile in Hanover County.  They have two sons, Matthew and Kevin.

Professionally, Bill is employed as a Vice President with Riggs, Counselman, Michaels and Downes, one of the nation's largest independent insurance agencies.

In 1991, Bill Bolling was elected to the Hanover County Board of Supervisors and served as a member and Chairman of the Board until 1995.  In 1995, Bill was elected to the Senate of Virginia.

As a member of the General Assembly, Bill Bolling served as Chairman of the Senate's sub-committee on Health Care, the Joint Commission on Health Care, the Commission on the Future of Virginia's Environment and the Chesapeake Bay Commission.

On November 8, 2005, Bill Bolling was elected to serve as the 40th Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

For more information about Lt. Gov. Bolling, please feel free to visit his web site at: www.billbolling.com

Special Hotel Rate Expires tomorrow for Young Republican Federation of Virginia '08 Convention in Richmond

[Even if you have not yet registered for the Convention, please do not forget that our *Special* discounted Convention rate at the Omni Richmond Hotel expires tomorrow on March 15, 2008.]

Join Us at the Omni Richmond Hotel

100 South 12th Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Phone: (804) 344-7000, Fax: (804) 648-6704

The Omni Richmond Hotel welcomes attendees of the State of Virginia Young Republicans Annual Convention.  We have provided special rates during your stay.  All bookings for group attendees may be made online to receive your special negotiated rate by clicking the "book now" button below.  Information about the State of Virginia Young Republicans Annual Convention is listed below:

Event Dates:	April 4 - 6, 2008
Book By:	March 15, 2008 to receive special rate

We hope you enjoy your stay during the
State of Virginia Young Republicans Annual Convention!

Book now

YRFV Convention 2008 Spotlight: Senator Ryan McDougle, General Assembly Update Panelist and Convention Sponsor

Ryan McDougle was elected to serve in the Virginia State Senate on January 3, 2006 in a Special Election where he captured 80% of the vote. He now represents Caroline, Essex, Hanover, King William, King and Queen, Middlesex, and Spotsylvania Counties. McDougle previously served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2002 to 2005. Senator McDougle now sits on the Senate Transportation; Courts of Justice; Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources; and Rehabilitation and Social Services Committees. He also serves on several commissions and councils including the Virginia Council on Indians,  the Attorney General’s Youth Internet Safety Task Force, and the Supreme Court’s Committee on District Courts.   Formerly, he served on the Joint Subcommittee to study the effectiveness and costs of the Guardian ad Litem Program, the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program, the Advisory Council on Career and Technical Education, and the Joint Subcommittee to study the Virginia Public Records Act.

As a member of the Virginia General Assembly, Senator McDougle focuses on improving public safety.  He has worked closely with the Attorney General to win passage of landmark legislation to protect children from perpetuators of child pornography by establishing an Anti-Child Pornography Images Registry to use as a cross-reference for investigation and conviction of related offenses. The law also increased penalties for child pornography possession. Last year he sponsored the new law known as the Back to School Sales Tax holiday, which took place for the first time in Virginia this past August. 

McDougle operates his own law practice, the McDougle Law Firm, P.C. He previously served as a prosecutor with the Hanover County’s Commonwealth’s Attorney Office where he specialized in prosecuting domestic violence and family abuse offenders. His professional work on behalf of children grew into a personal commitment that resulted in his becoming a founding member of the Hanover County Child Advocate Response Team. McDougle also served on the Hanover Domestic Violence Task Force.

A native of Hanover, McDougle has always been an active member of his community. He served beyond his local community in many ways including his missions outreach work in the Czech Republic through a local Baptist church. McDougle served as a Board Member of the Virginia FFA Foundation. He attends Fraternal Lodge No. 344 A.F. and A.M. and the Hanover Ruritan Club in Mechanicsville.

McDougle graduated from Lee-Davis High School and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from James Madison University in Political Science and History. McDougle earned his Juris Doctorate from the College of William and Mary School of Law.

McDougle is married and lives with his wife Bea, near the historic Cold Harbor Battlefields in Mechanicsville.

YRFV Convention 2008 Update Newsletter #2 (Book Your Room Now at the Richmond Omni)

Welcome to the second issue of the Young Republican Federation of Virginia's Convention Newsletter! We wanted to let you know about the many updates and a few deadlines quickly approaching! The convention planning committee has been busy preparing for your arrival to beautiful Richmond for the Convention. This year's convention will be held on April 4-6, 2008. We can't wait to see each of you!! There will be some great opportunities to network with other YRs from across the commonwealth and meet leaders from around Virginia.

The first deadline we would like to bring to your attention is the great rate the Omni Hotel in Richmond is giving us of $119/night! Your room must be reserved by Saturday, March 15th to take advantage of this great rate! Please refer to our YRFV website for more information! For more information, check out http://www.yrfv.org/convention!

The second deadline to keep in mind is Monday, March 31st which is the last day for the $40 registration fee. You can register online at http://www.yrfv.org/registration. Payment can be made either online or via snail mail.

Please check out our exciting agenda and line up of Virginia leaders!

We look forward to seeing you in Richmond!!

Yours in Republican Victory,
Lori-Ann Miller- YRFV Chairman

The YRFV Convention Site Is...Omni Richmond Hotel
100 South 12th Street
Richmond, VA 23219

The YRFV Convention will be held at the Omni Richmond Hotel, so where will you be staying? Well, the Omni Richmond is offering a sweet special for all YRFV Convention attendees. At the cost of $119/night, you can stay in a beautiful hotel room overlooking the State Capitol and be near the nightlife. With a bargain like this, rooms are going to fly like the wind. To make reservations, please call the hotel at 804-344-7000 (make sure you mention YRFV) or click here to reserve online. You need to make your reservations ASAP, and the deadline is March 12, 2008. If you have any questions, please contact Cristen Vehorn at cristenrvehorn@gmail.com.

Details, Details

The YRFV Convention on April 4th and 5th, 2008 will be a great way to network with various of young professionals from across the Commonwealth and there are various panels being held that will captivate your attention. We are expecting great speakers such as Virginia Lt. Governor Bill Bolling, Attorney General Bob McDonnell, U.S. Senatorial Candidates Former Governor Jim Gilmore and Delegate Bob Marshall, and many others. We will talk about important topics such as immigration and using new media in communicating to YRs.

Now, I know that you really want to register, so click on the link that will take you to the YRFV website. If you apply between now and April 1st, you will receive the Early Bird Registration Fee of $40. However, after until April 1st, the fee would be $65. Additionally, there will be a Welcome Reception on Friday, April 4th, and a brunch on Sunday, April 6th.

Agenda:
Friday, April 4th
7-9 p.m.-Evening Welcome Reception, BlackFinn Restaurant, 1001 Haxall Point
Hospitality Suites

Saturday, April 5th
7-8:30 a.m.-Conference Registration
8-8:30 a.m.-Continental Breakfast
8:30-8:45 a.m.-Welcome from TBD
8:45-9:45 a.m.-General Assembly Update: Senators and Delegates from around the Commonwealth
9:45-10 a.m.-Break-includes coffee, teas and sodas. Meet and Greet with Senators and Delegates
10-11 a.m.-Issues Roundtable-Immigration
11-12 p.m.-YRFV Business Meeting-Vote on Proposed Amendment proposals
12-1:15 p.m.-Lunch (buffet)-Lunch Speaker-Republican U.S. Senate Candidates
1:15-1:30 p.m.-15 min. Break
1:30-3:30 p.m.-Republican State Leadership/Candidates
3:30-4 p.m.-Issues Roundtable-New Media
4-5 p.m.-Tours of the Newly Renovated Capitol (for those interested)
3:45-4:45 p.m.-YRFV Executive Board Meeting

Please join us for our evening event to celebrate being Young Republicans! Our evening event will be taking place at Sine Irish Pub or Cha Cha's Cantina starting at 8 p.m. We will then head to Toad's Place to catch a live band! Hospitality Suites.

Sunday, April 6th
10:30 a.m.-Brunch (Location-TBD)
1-2 p.m.-Tours of the newly renovated Capitol (for those interested)

YRFV Convention 2008 Spotlight: Delegate Bill Janis, General Assembly Update Panelist

Delegate Bill Janis has spent his life in the arena of public service. As the grandson of immigrants, Bill was the first member of his family to graduate from college, attending the Virginia Military Institute on a Navy ROTC scholarship.

In May 1984, Bill entered the United States Navy as a Commissioned Officer. A veteran of the Persian Gulf War, Bill served at sea in submarines and destroyers.

After 11 years of service, Bill left the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander and entered the University of Virginia Law School. While studying, he worked in the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s offices of both Albemarle and Henrico Counties. Bill was admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia in January 2000.

In 1999, Delegate Paul Harris asked Bill to be his Campaign Manager. Bill led the campaign to an overwhelming victory in the November election and served as Delegate Harris’s Legislative Aide during the 2000 Session. When Eric Cantor became a candidate for the United States House of Representatives, Bill was drafted on short notice to serve as Eric’s Political Director, playing an integral role in that closely contested victory.

Bill returned to the General Assembly in 2001, representing the Family Foundation as a lobbyist. Drafting pro-family legislation and working with members of the General Assembly for its passage, Bill became a leading advocate at the Family Foundation for the Virginia Children's Education Opportunity Act of 2001, which sought to create tuition tax credits to provide school choice for Virginians.

In November 2001, Bill Janis was elected to the House of Delegates to represent the 56th District in the seat once held by Patrick Henry. Comprising the counties of Louisa, Goochland, and the northwestern corner of Henrico, the 56th District spans Central Virginia from the high-density suburban neighborhoods of Wyndham, Wellesley, and Twin Hickory, through the rapidly growing areas of West Creek Parkway and Short Pump, to the rural farms and fields of Goochland and Louisa Counties.

Delegate Bill Janis serves on the House Courts of Justice, Finance, Health Welfare & Institutions and Militia, Police & Public Safety Committees, as well as the House Sub-Committee on Homeland Security.

Bill is active in veteran's organizations such as VFW Post 6364 and American Legion Post 215, and is a member of the Virginia War Memorial Board of Trustees. An Eagle Scout, Bill serves as Cubmaster of Pack 720 and on the Executive Committees of the Robert E. Lee Council Boy Scouts of America, Richmond Strikers Soccer Club, and the Greater Short Pump Alliance.

Bill has been married to the former Rose Ann Hunter for 20 years and they have two children, Rachel and Robert. Bill is a parishioner of Saint Benedict’s Roman Catholic Church.

Update on YRFV2008 Convention in Richmond

Young Republican Federation of Virginia 62nd Annual Convention

Richmond, VA

April 4-6, 2008

Cost: $40 (goes up to $65 on April 1st)

Register online!

Special hotel rate of $119 available at the Omni Richmond

Omni Richmond (***must be booked by March 5*** )

If you have any questions please contact Cristen Vehorn

Convention Theme:

"Looking Forward: Where We Are and Where We Need to Be"

April 4-6, 2008

Proposed Agenda*

Friday April 4, 2008

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Evening Welcome Reception located at BlackFinn, 1001 Haxall Point

Hospitality Suites

Saturday April 5, 2008

7:00 am – 8:30am Conference registration

8:00 am – 8:30 am Continental Breakfast

8:30 am – 8:45 am Welcome from TBD

8:45 am – 9:45 am General Assembly Update – Panel of Senators & Delegates from around the Commonwealth

9:45 am – 10:00 am AM Break – Includes teas, coffee and sodas Meet and Greets with Delegates and Senators

10:00 am – 11:00 am Issues Roundtable – Immigration

11:00 am – 12:00 pm YRFV Business Meeting – Vote on Proposed Amendment Proposals

12:00 pm - 1:15 pm Lunch (Buffet) Lunch Speaker – Republican US Senate Candidate(s)

1:15 pm – 1:30 pm 15 min break

1:30 pm – 3:30 pm Republican State Leadership/Candidates

3:30 pm – 4:00 pm Issues Roundtable – New Media

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Tour of the newly renovated Capitol (for those interested)

3:45 pm – 4:45 pm YRFV Executive Board Meeting Please join us for our evening event to celebrate being Young Republicans! Our evening event will be located at Siné Irish Pub or Cha Cha’s Cantina starting at 8pm! We will then head to Toad’s Place to catch a live band!!

Hospitality Suites

Sunday, April 6, 2008

10:30 am Brunch - Location TBD

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Tour of the newly renovated Capitol (for those interested)

*Subject to Change

Remember to Vote! Virginia's 2008 Republican Primary Election is Tomorrow, February 12, 2008!

Please do not forget: Tomorrow is Election Day in Virginia and Polling Places will be Open from 6am until 7pm!

The Commonwealth of Virginia is holding both its Democrat and Republican 2008 Presidential Primaries tomorrow! Make sure and exercise your right to vote. Freedom is not free, so make the most of it and come out to support your candidate tomorrow. Encourage friends and family to vote as well. This is one of our few ways of identifying Republicans for future elections, so please come out to vote.

Click here to visit the Virginia State Board of Elections to find out where you are supposed to vote tomorrow!

Although the Virginia Republican Primary Ballot will have six Republican candidates on it, the following three are the only candidates still actively pursuing the 2008 Republican nomination. Click the name below to visit that 2008 Republican candidate's web site.

Ron Paul

John McCain

Mike Huckabee

Additional News and Notes:

Speaker Howell is Mike Huckabee's 2008 Presidential Campaign Chairman for Virginia. Actor Chuck Norris also has endorsed Mike Huckabee.

Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson will both appear on tomorrow's Virginia ballot, but they are out of the 2008 GOP race and have endorsed John McCain for President. Delegate Chris Saxman, U.S. Senator John Warner and former Attorney General Jerry Kilgore serve as John McCain's 2008 Presidential Campaign Co-Chairmen for Virginia.

Former U.S. Senator and Governor George Allen, former Governor Jim Gilmore, Attorney General Bob McDonnell, Lt. Governor Bill Bolling and U.S. Representatives Tom Davis, Thelma Drake and Eric Cantor and Actor Sylvester Stallone have endorsed John McCain for President.

At present, Mitt Romney will also appear on the ballot, but has suspended his 2008 Campaign for President.

Bristol Herald Courier: Virginia Sen. Maj. Leader Dick Saslaw (D) Insults Gun Owners

As we work to expand our YR Clubs in the 5th, 6th and 9th Congressional Districts, it is this type degradation to fellow gun-loving Virginians that will ultimately cause the few remaining Conservative Democrats to switch parties.  Sadly, Dick Saslaw represents Fairfax County and doesn't venture much outside of his Fairfax district. Hey Creigh Deeds, how do you defend your colleague here?

Saslaw maligned gun-rights supporters, all rural Virginians

Bristol Herald Courier www.Tricities.com

By Andrea Hopkins, Opinion Editor

Sunday Jan. 27, 2008

Shame on Virginia Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw.

A man who has spent the better part of three decades in the legislature in Richmond ought to have more sense than to insult any state resident – let alone an entire group of them.

Saslaw, a Northern Virginia businessman and the leader of the newly minted Democratic majority, is in hot water for an ill-considered remark on an elevator at the capitol last week. His comments were either an insult to gun-rights supporters or rural voters or both.

NO MATTER who was the target, the remarks were certainly not statesmanlike. Saslaw should apologize.

The senator’s snide aside was overheard by Bristol Virginia resident John Pierce, a computer software developer who traveled to Richmond as part of a delegation from the Virginia Citizens Defense League. About 400 league members were in Richmond to lobby their lawmakers and to protest a potential change to the state’s gun laws.

In an e-mail, which is rocketing around the Internet, Pierce described the incident:

"Senator Saslaw … and a companion entered the elevator. … He loudly continued his discussion with his companion. The next words out of his mouth were the most disrespectful words I have ever heard spoken openly by a Virginia legislator about his constituency."

According to Pierce, Saslaw said, "I see we’re debating a gun bill today. Half of the cast of ‘Deliverance’ is in town."

"DELIVERANCE" is a 1970s era film based on a novel by James Dickey. In it, a group of Atlanta businessmen encounters a backwoods Appalachian culture during a canoe trip in the North Georgia Mountains. The movie’s plot involves rape and murder.

A "Deliverance" crack delivered by a Northern Virginia businessman and directed at rural Virginians should incense all state residents. The remark simply drips with prejudice.

Pierce, who grew up in rural Grayson County but attended college and graduate school in Northern Virginia, agrees.

"I really think most of the people in Southwest Virginia, even working people who didn’t have the opportunity to go to school that I did, do not match the stereotype of ‘Deliverance.’ That’s not just rural. That’s about rape and murder," Pierce told me Friday. "[Saslaw] didn’t say, ‘It looks like there’s a Jeff Foxworthy concert in town.’ He compared us to murderers and rapists who are almost sub-human."

FOR PIERCE, an ardent Second Amendment supporter, the conflict with Saslaw is very much about guns. Pierce describes Saslaw as a gun-control advocate with a low opinion of those who don’t share his views.

"I believe he truly feels that gun owners are bad people," Pierce said.

Pierce’s assessment might be correct. But this isn’t just about guns – a subject on which reasonable people hold a variety of opinions. It’s about respect. Even if they don’t agree with their constituents, lawmakers are obliged to treat them with a certain amount of courtesy and decorum. Saslaw broke the rules.

Pierce’s reaction to the senator’s comments is understandable.

"I WAS sickened," he wrote. "Sen. Saslaw has made it abundantly clear over the years that he has nothing but disdain for gun rights. But apparently this disdain extends to anyone who does not live in his elitist world."

Since the controversy began, Saslaw has hunkered down and refused to talk to reporters. He didn’t return this newspaper’s phone calls. Perhaps he assumes the matter will blow over in time. Or perhaps his disdain extends to newspapers in the Southwest corner of the state.

He’s making a mistake. Southwest Virginia residents – and rural state residents, in general – deserve the same consideration as those who live in the rarefied atmosphere that surrounds the nation’s capital.

Saslaw ought to respond and apologize. If he doesn’t, his fellow Democrats should hold him to account or, at a minimum, aver that they don’t hold the same low opinion of rural residents.

STATE RESIDENTS go to Richmond all the time to lobby lawmakers. On the same day that Pierce and the Virginia Citizens Defense League were there, hundreds of supporters of gun restrictions staged a "lie in" on the grounds. Both groups – the gun-rights demonstrators and the opposition – were engaging in the constitutionally protected practice of political protest. They were seeking a powerful way to make point, whether by lying on the ground or wearing "Guns Save Lives" stickers.

On the same day, other state residents gathered to rally support for a clean energy bill, although their demonstration was largely overshadowed by the gun-related protests. They, too, were exercising their rights.

This is democracy at work.

Lawmakers don’t have to agree with protesters’ positions. But they owe them the courtesy of listening and the respect they would accord their colleagues.

Insulting rural voters or residents of Appalachia is appalling behavior for a senator. Saslaw needs to be man enough to admit his mistake.

Andrea Hopkins is opinion editor of the Bristol Herald Courier. She may be reached at ahopkins@bristolnews.com or (276) 645-2534.

The Goode News From Virginia's 5th District

 

Congressman Virgil Goode

FOR RELEASE: The Goode News, January 30, 2008

          Legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives to ensure that an employer may require employees to speak English in the workplace.  I am one of the sponsors of H. R. 4464.

          The bill is known as the “Common Sense English Act,” and it contains excellent points in it findings.  These findings note that throughout the history of the United States , English has been the common thread to unify the American people much as they are united under one flag.  Further, it has been found that Americans overwhelmingly believe that it is very important for persons living in the United States to speak and understand English.  In addition, polls show that there is vast support among the American people to allow a company to require its employees to speak English while on the job.

          This bill was prompted by last year's action by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).  The EEOC sued the Salvation Army for implementing an “English in the Workplace” policy which gives employees a year to learn English.  And, it has been found that when a group of employees speaks a language other than English in the workplace, it may cause misunderstandings, create dangerous circumstances and undermine morale.

          Another bill that I am co-sponsoring is H. R. 4987, which would require construction of fencing and security improvements in the border area from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico .  The bill is called the “Fence By Date Certain Act.”

          The bill would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to ensure construction of at least two layers of reinforced fencing and the installation of additional physical barriers, roads, lighting, cameras and sensors. 

          In addition, I am among the members of Congress who have signed the “Fence By Date Certain Pledge.”  By signing, I pledge to vote in support of building the 700-mile double-layered fence.  This emphasis on building the fence recognizes that America 's national sovereignty is under threat from the number of illegal aliens entering the U. S. each year; these illegals include drug smugglers, sex traffickers and possible terrorists.

          The pledge asserts that in voting for building the fence, I also support a mandate that construction of the fence will be completed no later than six months after the 111 th Congress convenes in January of 2009. 

          Please keep in touch with me on issues that are important to you.  You may write Congressman Virgil Goode, 70 East Court Street, Room 215, Rocky Mount , VA 24151 ; or fax to 1-540-484-1459; or call toll-free to the Danville office, 1-800-535-4008.

Delegate Chris Saxman's General Assembly Update

[Delegate Saxman is a strong supporter of the YRFV and we are proud to count him among our ranks.  Keep up the good work in Richmond Delegate Saxman. Read the update below where the Virginia Democrats wouldn't even support one of their own, Adam Ebbin]

House Republicans Unanimously Support Retention of Virginia's Right to Work Status

House Democrats refuse to record position on a measure sponsored by one of their own

Richmond, VA 24 January 2008: House Republicans today defeated House Bill 852, an effort to wholly repeal the prohibition on collective bargaining by government employees. House Bill 852 was sponsored by Delegate Adam Ebbin (D-Arlington), former Virginia Department of Commerce and Labor Chief Deputy Commissioner under Governor Mark Warner would have allowed state and local government employees to collectively bargain with a union. If approved, the bill would have marked a reversal of Virginia's long-standing status as a Right to Work state.

All House Republicans voted against this anti-business measure, citing it as detrimental to Virginia's economy and likely to endanger the Commonwealth's status as America's best state for business. In contrast, House Democrats, at the insistence of House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong (D-Henry),€“ remained in their seats refusing to cast a vote on this critical piece of legislation, even though sponsored by a delegate in their ranks.

"What we learned today is that Virginia is just five votes away from abandoning its status as a Right to Work state," declared House Majority Leader H. Morgan Griffith (R-Salem). "The Democrats expressed an unwillingness to have their votes recorded because they don't want the public to know the extent of their fealty to organized labor. The Democrat leadership's refusal to allow their members to vote violated a basic responsibility of elected public service, and did so to allow them to continue their practice of saying one thing to business and another to labor."€

"HB 852 pointed a dagger at one of the fundamental tenets that has enabled Virginia to become the best place in America for business to do business," remarked House Majority Whip M. Kirkland "Kirk" Cox (R-Colonial Heights). "There was a clear choice. A vote 'for' this bill was a vote for giving Virginia's public employees over to union boss control and a vote 'against' was a vote to protect and preserve an essential component to Virginia's business-friendly environment. I am pleased that all House Republicans voted against this assault on public employees and the taxpayers of Virginia and am puzzled why Democrat members chose once again to turn away from tough decisions."€

"Today's vote was another disturbing trend from Virginia Democrats' efforts to erode the positive business climate that Republicans have fought hard to create and continue," noted Delegate Terry G. Kilgore (R-Scott), Chairman of the House Commerce and Labor Committee.  "House Republicans believe Virginia's status as a Right to Work state is crucial to retaining the vitality of our Commonwealth's economy. Failure to actively vote against this dangerous bill demonstrates that House Democrats do not support this pro-business legislation."€