YRDominion

Naming of RPV E.D. and Transition Update from RPV Chairman Jeff Frederick

Transition Update
Tomorrow will mark the 4-week anniversary since I was elected Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia (RPV). It has been a whirlwind since we took over, as we work to balance the need to act swiftly in getting RPV back on its feet, while trying to be deliberate in our approach so we can lay a solid foundation on which to build a winning Party over the long-term.

We have made significant progress in recent weeks. Here's a quick update: Jeff Frederick for Chairman
Bold, new leadership. Now is the time.
A rebirth of the Republican Party of Virginia.

• This morning we are announcing the selection of RPV's new Executive Director (ED). Allison Coccia comes to us from the New York Republican State Committee where she was the ED there, and before that worked as Political Director and Finance Director at the Pennsylvania GOP. She did some incredible things in New York, among them: everything from walking into a financially challenged Party that was contemplating selling their headquarters and a couple weeks ago leaving it with nearly a million dollars in the bank; to traveling around the Empire State meeting with grassroots leaders and providing them the tools they needed to succeed. Allison will be the first female ED at RPV in nearly 25 years. She starts July 1, but if you want to drop her a note welcoming her to Virginia, you can email her at ACoccia@rpv.org. [see below to read more]
  
• Allison joins Virginia political veterans Tom Bunnell and Gerry Scimeca who have been named to key positions within the RPV operation. Tom is RPV's campaign chief, where he will be working with our federal candidates this year, while keeping a strong focus on protecting and expanding our House majority next year, as well as winning the three statewide offices. Gerry Scimeca is RPV's Director of Communications, where he will be spearheading our effort to communicate aggressively to the public, the media, and the grassroots. Finally, our grassroots field team is well on its way to being complete. As you know, my First 100 Day Plan calls for 5 field staff by the end of our first 100 days. Matthew Kandrach is heading up this team and we expect to have all 5 staff in place very soon.
  
• South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford has agreed to headline an RPV fundraising event. As you may know, Gov. Sanford is a conservative's conservative who once appeared on the floor of his state's legislature with a live pig underneath each arm to protest their pork-barrel spending. If you haven't heard of him yet, you likely will: he's rumored to be on Senator McCain's short list for Vice-President. We're still working on a date for this event, so keep an eye out for a future announcement.
  
• The Republican National Convention is a great opportunity for RPV to raise money, and I set a goal for us to raise between $100k and $250k as part of our convention activities. I'm pleased to report that we have already raised $75k, so we're well on our way. If you know of any groups, organizations, or businesses interested in sponsoring our national delegation, please email rncmn@rpv.org and we'll get them convention info.
  
• In the coming days, we will be launching a temporary rpv.org website. It will be fairly basic, but will give us the tools we need to be more aggressive in our online communications. In addition, we have signed agreements for the new, cutting edge rpv.org and development has already begun. This new site will give us a big technological advantage over the Democrats in the tools it will provide us to communicate, build communities, raise money, help candidates, and get our message out. In addition, this project -- when complete -- will provide us the functionality we need to provide units, GOP clubs, and even candidates with free or low-cost websites and email list management. The only bad news is that this project will take at least 8 weeks to complete, if not more (that's why we're putting up the temporary site).

That's enough for now. We've got a number of other things in the works, so look forward to more announcements in the coming days and weeks.

Until then, if there's anything we can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask. Winning again will be a team effort.

---

Fielding the strongest team

Frederick names Executive Director
Allison Coccia to lead Virginia GOP

Richmond, Virginia (June 27, 2008) – Allison Coccia, who formerly served as Executive Director of the New York Republican State Committee, and as Political Director and Acting Finance Director of the Republican Party of Pennsylvania, has been named Executive Director of the Republican Party of Virginia (RPV).

“After a thorough search that entailed interviewing several outstanding candidates, I concluded that Allison offers us a proven record at improving fundraising, communications, and building the grassroots,” said Jeffrey M. Frederick, RPV Chairman.

In his first month since being elected Chairman, Frederick has moved quickly to name Harrisonburg businessman and entrepreneur Walter Curt as the GOP’s Finance Chairman, and veteran national political and campaign attorney Cleta Mitchell as General Counsel. In addition, Frederick installed Virginia political veterans Tom Bunnell and Gerry Scimeca to key positions within the RPV operation.

Frederick has promised to put together "the strongest team of leaders and staff RPV has ever seen", and as part of that effort, he instructed his search committee to conduct a national search for the top candidates available for Executive Director. Candidates were identified, interviewed, and researched as part of the vetting process.

Coccia is the first woman to head the RPV staff in more than 25 years. Frederick said he was impressed with the strong endorsements Coccia received from party leaders throughout Pennsylvania and New York, and for her ability to get to every corner of the Empire State to listen to party leaders and help to build their local parties.

“I wanted an Executive Director who was not a top-down leader, but understood the importance of physically meeting with grassroots Republicans and contributors from Lee County to the Eastern Shore, and find out what tools they needed to win in their areas,” Frederick said.

“Allison worked tirelessly to revitalize the Republican Party in New York State at a local level, and her work contributed to our stunning victories in 2007,” according to New York State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos. “New York's loss is Virginia's gain”, he added.

Scott Migli, former Executive Director of the Republican Party of Pennsylvania said: “the Virginia GOP has made a great choice in hiring Allison as Executive Director. Allison and I worked very closely in Pennsylvania during 2006, one of the most difficult years in decades for Republicans. As the Political Director, despite overwhelming odds, she was able to guide our Victory program to second in the nation. Together we worked closely with the state legislature to pass a Voter ID bill that was signed by a Democrat governor. Allison will prove to be a great asset in a state we must carry in November to elect Sen. John McCain the next President of the United States.”

Coccia also worked for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the Pennsylvania House Republican Campaign Committee where she served as campaign manager for numerous campaigns across the Pennsylvania.

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Read this press release online.

Michael Steele to Speak June 23rd at Northern Virginia Young Republican Networking Event

Northern Virginia YR Networking Event with Special Guest:

The Hon. Michael Steele

WHAT:  It is a special honor for the Alexandria, Arlignton-Falls Church, Fairfax and Prince William YRs to have the Honorable Michael Steele as our guest speaker for this YR Networking Event in Arlington, VA.  Former Lt. Governor Steele serves as Chairman of GOPAC and has been a great supporter of the Young Republicans throughout the nation, including national speaking engagements at the 2008 Young Republican National Convention in Hollywood, FL and the 2008 Young Republican Leadership Conference in Washington, DC.  Please click here to learn more about GOPAC.

Join us at 6 pm to make sure you get in the room and get a seat or standing room to hear and meet the Hon. Michael Steele. This is going to be a great evening, event, networking opportunity and happy hour!!

WHEN: Monday, June 23 , 2008
starting at 6:00 pm (Michael Steele will be speaking at 6:30 pm)

WHERE:  Capitol City Brewery (back room)
2700 S. Quincy St., Shirlington (Located just off I-395 in Arlington with excellent Metro Bus Service from the Pentagon Metro Station (Yellow/Blue Line) to Shirlington every half hour)

Here is a brief bio of Former Lt. Gov. and current GOPAC Chairman Michael Steele:

A self-described Lincoln Republican. Michael S. Steele earned a place in history in 2003 when he became the first African-American elected to statewide office in Maryland. His experiences as a successful elected conservative Republican African-American and his engaging speaking style have launched Steele into national prominence. His first major exposure was during an appearance at the 2004 Republican National Convention. Since then President George W. Bush chose Steele to be part of the U.S. delegation to the investiture of Pope Benedict XVI, and Steele has been an entertaining and articulate guest on cable political talk shows such as HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher and Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report.

An expert on political strategy, fund-raising, PACs, and election reform, he is the current Chairman of GOPAC. He has served on the National Federal Election Reform Commission and the NAACP Blue Ribbon Commission on Election Reform. As a senior advisor to GROWpac, he advised House Republican Conference Chairman J.C. Watts (R–OK) on strategic and political issues.

Born in 1958 at Andrews Air Force Base in Prince George’s County, Maryland, Steele was raised in Washington, DC. He spent three years as a seminarian in the Order of St. Augustine in preparation for the priesthood, but, ultimately, chose a career in law instead. He earned his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center.

He is currently a Partner in the international law firm of Dewey Leoboeuff in Washington, DC. From 1991–1997, Steele was a corporate securities attorney at the international law firm of Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton in Washington, DC, specializing in sophisticated financial transactions on behalf of Wall Street underwriters. He also was a corporate counsel for the Mills Corporation and founded The Steele Group, a business and legal consulting firm.

Named a 2005 Aspen Institute–Rodel Fellow in Public Leadership and awarded the 2005 Bethune-DuBois Institute Award for his ongoing work in the development of quality education in Maryland, Steele also has served on a variety of boards and commissions including East Baltimore Development Corporation, Export–Import Bank Advisory Board, the U.S. Naval Academy Board of Visitors, and the Republican National Committee.

Lt. Governor Steele serves on the Administrative Board of the Maryland Catholic Conference and is a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Landover Hills, MD, where he attends mass regularly with his wife Andrea and their two sons Michael and Drew.

Save-the-Date 8/16/08: YRFV to Kick-Off 2008 Voter ID/GOTV Effort in Virginia's 6th Congressional District

On the weekend of August 15-17, 2008, the YRFV will be kicking off its 2008 Voter ID/GOTV effort in the 6th Congressional District for Representative Bob Goodlatte.   The YRFV will help hold the line for one of Virginia's most treasured members of Congress against a Democrat challenger. 

In 2008, the YRFV has experienced robust growth with a newly chartered Club and two new YR interest groups soon-to-be chartered covering the 6th District. The new areas now covered by the YRFV include: Roanoke, Harrisonburg and Lynchburg.

As our 6th District efforts will signify just the beginning of our efforts, we will also be conducting regional GOTV efforts, which will include in September a special GOTV day for our Northern Virginia YR clubs for the 11th Congressional District GOP Nominee Keith Fimian.

Please visit Congressman Goodlatte's web site at: www.bobgoodlatte.com

Delegate Jeff Frederick Crushes Incumbent to Become RPV Chairman 59% to 41%; Young Republican Takes Over the Reins of RPV

A rebirth of the Republican Party of Virginia is coming...

Please visit Chairman Frederick's website at www.votejeff.org and click here to view Chairman Frederick's Plan for his first 100 days as RPV Chairman.

Yes, ladies and gentlmen, one of our own, Delegate Jeff Frederick, won yesterday's race for RPV Chairman at the Republican Convention.  This is a great day for Virginia Young Republicans and we look forward to supporting Delegate Frederick from Day 1 with anything we can do.  Stay tuned on who Delegate Frederick will name as his new Executive Director who will help lead the charge. 

I don't think Chairman Frederick will have to sit in the back of the room at next year's Gala and guess what Prince William County Republicans! You won't have to sit at the back of the Convention and set up your own chairs either next year.

The unofficial results:
1st District : 579 - 544 Frederick
2nd District : 534 - 422 Hager
3rd District : 117 - 85 Hager
4th District : 426 - 275 Frederick
5th District : 576 - 508 Frederick
6th District : 772 - 285 Frederick
7th District : 908 - 709 Hager
8th District : 176 - 125 Frederick
9th District : 492 - 394 Frederick
10th District : 593 - 154 Frederick
11th District : 1267 - 433 Frederick

Total: 10,374 delegate votes= 6,097 Frederick (58.8%) v. 4,277 Hager (41.2%)

Source (h/t): http://www.spotsygop.com/2008/06/new-rpv-chairman-jeff-frederick.html

Former Governor Jim Gilmore wins the 2008 Virginia Republican Nomination for U.S. Senate

Click above to watch Jim Gilmore accept the Virginia Republican nomination for U.S. Senate.

After the votes were counted at yesterday's Republican Convention in Richmond, former Governor Jim Gilmore emerged the victor and will now take on former Governor Mark Warner. The Young Republican Federation of Virginia will campaign for the McCain-Gilmore ticket.  We look forward to retaining Senator John Warner's U.S. Senate seat in the Republican column.  Please visit Jim Gilmore for Senate: www.jimgilmoreforsenate.com

During his victory speech over Del. Bob Marshall, U.S Senate candidate Gilmore renewed his campaign promises to:

• Support cutting back the excessive spending of Washington, DC and oppose the Democrat plan to raise taxes;
• Support the appointment of strict constructionist judges to the U.S. Courts;
• Support a U.S. Constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage,
• Support the rights of gun owners;
• Support enforcing our laws against illegal immigration; and
• Support energy independence for the U.S. and fight to lower gas prices.

YRFV eNewsletter - May/June 2008

YRFV Newsletter - May/June 2008 Edition Dear Virginia Young Republican, The Young Republicans in Virginia have been very busy between hosting such speakers as Lt. Governor Bill Bolling, Attorney General Bob McDonnell during our State Convention in April, volunteering on numerous campaigns,  planning our food bank drive for the Central Virginia Food bank, and participating in District conventions around the Commonwealth! Our YRFV State convention in Richmond on April 5th was a great success with seasoned speakers expressing their understanding of the importance of the youth vote and inspiring us to build the party with young professionals.  Check out our blog for an excellent summary of this annual event and read the article written by the Richmond Times Dispatch! We would like to thank those that were able to attend as well as our sponsors! The YRFV would like to congratulate Mike Ginsberg on becoming the 8th District GOP Chairman on Saturday, May 17th. Mike is the former YRFV Treasurer and YR State Central Representative. It goes to show Young Republicans are making a difference in many ways, including stepping up to be leaders on the state level! We know Mike will do an excellent job! The YRFV would also like to invite you to join us at our 3rd Annual YRFV Wine and Cheese reception on Friday evening 9:30 - 10:30pm at the Richmond Marriott Hotel. We will provide further details on room location at the State Central meeting and at registration.   Lastly, we are collecting canned food at the convention for the Central Virginia food bank which is located in Richmond. Please check out all the details below for drop off location and times during the convention as well as items we are collecting. Our organization continues to grow! We have chartered yet another club in Roanoke! And we have two new interest clubs, one being in Harrisonburg and the other is in Lynchburg! If you know of any young professionals in your area we welcome them to join us at YR meetings in their local area or start one in their area if there is not one already!  At the bottom of this email there is a YRFV Club report from each of our clubs around the Commonwealth. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you at the Virginia State Convention this weekend! Yours in Republican Victory, Lori-Ann Miller YRFV Chairwoman

Virginia Young Republicans Give Back!! The Virginia Young Republicans are holding a canned food drive to donate to the Central Virginia Food Bank.  Please bring your non-perishable donations to the 2008 Republican State Convention on May 30-31 and drop them off at our table outside the convention hall Friday afternoon 2 - 5 pm and Saturday 8:30am to 11:30am.  If you would rather give a monetary donation to the Central Virginia Food Bank, you can do so by going to their website (www.cvfb.org). Be sure to indicate credit to the VA Young Republicans which can be done on online the donation form. We are specifically collecting the following needed items, but will accept other nonperishable food items: Canned Chicken & Ham Canned Tuna & Salmon Peanut Butter Canned Vegetables Canned Fruits Spaghetti Sauce Hot & Cold Cereals Pasta & Rice We appreciate your support in advance! YRFV Club Reports  - Contact information for each club can be found on our website at: http://www.yrfv.org/clubs.html Arlington/Falls Church YRs The Arlington/Falls Church YRs would like to congratulate Mike Ginsberg on his recent victory as Chairman of the 8th Congressional District.  Ginsberg is a member of the Arlington/Falls Church YRs.  Additionally, another Arlington/Falls Church YR member, Mark Kelly was recently elected to serve as Chairman of the Arlington County Republican Committee. Aside from monthly meetings, the AFCYRs have been holding monthly meetings and happy hours. They also participated in the local Clarendon Day Parade at the beginning of May supporting such candidates as Republican Presidential candidate John McCain, Jim Gilmore for US Senate, and Bob McDonnell for VA Governor. Alexandria YRs  The Alexandria YRs have been busy with assisting the RNC/McCain campaigns in the evenings; as well as having monthly happy hours.   Recently, the AYRs had Orson Swindle, a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Marines who was an ex-POW with John McCain.   Additionally, the AYRs have been involved with the community through donating food to the ALIVE Food Bank in Alexandria. Chesapeake YRs The Chesapeake YRs elected a new board in March. Congratulations to Jacki HIll the new Chairman of the Chesapeake YRs. Fairfax Area YRs  The Fairfax Area YRs are continuing membership recruitment, as well as preparing for the upcoming RPV Chairman's Debate on May 22nd.   Additionally, the Fairfax Area YRs had a great happy hour on May 9th at Buffalo Wing University in Fairfax and for May, the FAYRs heard from former Sen. Jay O'Brien. Goochland/Louisa YRs The Goochland/Louisa YRs will be holding their next meeting on Tuesday, May 27th with Del. Bill Janis as their speaker. Hampton Roads YRs The Hampton Roads YRs participated in the local 2nd District Convention at the beginning of April. They have also been involved in campaigns through out the Virginia Beach area. Harrisonburg/Rockingham YRs The Harrisonburg YRs are up and running! They will be hosting a Happy Hour on Tuesday, June 3rd begining at 5:30 pm located at the Ruby Tuesdays. For more information check out their Facebook site. Greater Richmond YRs The Greater Richmond YRs hosted the YRFV Convention in April, and it was a successful turnout.  The GRYRs are working to increase their membership, and their elections will be held in June.  Recently, the GRYRs had a happy hour with great attendance.  It was a Young Professionals for Bob McDonnell event. Prince William County YRs The Prince William Young Republicans have been very active in the Gilmore, Marshall, and Frederick campaigns in the last months. Over the rest of the summer we hope to focus heavily on the Keith Fimian campaign and take the lead in mobilizing grassroots support for him in Prince William. We were honored to host (along with the Fairfax and Arlington clubs) the only debate between the candidates for RPV Chairman in the entire Commonwealth! Our last two meetings have featured awesome speakers-- Delegate Scott Lingfamfelter to provide a breakdown of the upcoming transportation special session and Senator Ken Cuccinelli to discuss his race for Attorney General. At their last meeting they also held elections and our new exec (Ali Amhad, Katy Rother, Bryan Fumagali, and Merrium Amhad) are looking forward to hosting a lot of issue-oriented speakers and forums in the coming months to bring new people to the GOP family in Greater Prince William. Our next meeting will be on Tuesday June 17th at Mackey's American Pub in Manassas. For details email pwyrclub@gmail.com or call Ali at 703.895.9899. Roanoke/New River Valley YRs The Roanoke YRs Monthly meetings are held the third Thursday of each month with guests such as 6th District Chairman Fred Anderson, Former US Attorney and AG candidate John Brownlee, Former State Senator Brandon Bell, and Brian Gottstein of the Tuesday Morning Group. They have also had a Happy Hour get-together in Salem and an outing to a Salem Avalanche baseball game. They have also been Chartered as an official chapter by the YRFV and have seated a representative on the 6th District Committee. Upcoming events will include volunteer days for Bob Goodlatte, a downtown Roanoke Happy Hour, and a Roanoke Area YRs kickball game.

Young Republicans Host Successful Debate for RPV Chairmanship

On Thursday May 22nd, a group of Northern Virginia Area Young Republicans from the Arlington-Falls Church, Fairfax and Prince William Clubs sponsored the only debate between the two candidates running for the Chairmanship of the Republican Party of Virginia. The Honorable John Hager and The Honorable Jeff Frederick met at Robert E. Lee High School in Springfield, VA to discuss the future of the Republican Party of Virginia and give delegates to the May 31st convention a chance to compare and contrast their visions and strategies side by side.

The debate was moderated by Arlington GOP Chairman Mark Kelly, a dues-paying member of the Arlington Falls Church YRs. Delegate Jeff Frederick is a dues-paying member of the Prince William Area Young Republicans. Chairman Hager, though no longer eligible, has been involved with Young Republicans in the past.

The debate featured ten questions, each asked of both candidates, concerned with their plans for building and stregthening the party in both the short term and the long term. All 10 questions and the opening and closing statements are available on the PWYRs YouTube page: http://youtube.com/user/pwyrclub.

Click below to view the Opening Statements:

Congratulations Mark Kelly; YR Wins Arlington County GOP Chairmanship and Seat on State Central

Mark Kelly recently won the race for Arlington County Republican Committee Chairman and on May 17th, picked up a seat on the Republican Party of Virginia's State Central Committee from the 8th District. Mark is also a strong supporter and member of the Arlington-Falls Church Young Republicans.

Mark made the following key goals a centerpiece of his campaign: 

First, we must ensure Northern Virginia is an integral part of our statewide strategy.

Second, I want to ensure the basics are covered, so that grassroots organizing is given just as much attention as fundraising and messaging. 

Third, I want to make sure the RPV and its candidates are offering Republican solutions to the problems facing our state and communities - making us the party of ideas again.

Fourth, I want to be sure we are investing in the use of technology to advance are objectives.

For more information, please visit: http://www.arlingtongop.org/

Congratulations to Mike Ginsberg; YR Wins Race for 8th District Republican Chairmanship

Young Republican Wins 8th District GOP Chairmanship

On Saturday May 17, 2008, former Arlington-Falls Church YR Chairman and former Young Republican Federation of Virginia Treasurer, Mike Ginsberg, defeated Noel Gibeson to succeed David Avella as the next Chairman of the Eighth District Republican Committee.

Chairman Ginsberg's campaign focused on three key areas: (1) Party-building, (2) Fundraising and (3) Community Outreach.

For more information about the 8th District GOP Committee, please visit: http://www.va8gop.org/

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