Big news. We're excited to announce that Congressman Eric Cantor, the second ranking Republican in the House of Representatives, will be attending and speaking at our Olde Salem Days breakfast. Don't miss this opportunity to meet one of our Party's up and coming superstars.
We have a few tickets left that can be purchased by mailing $20/ticket to Salem Republican Committee, P.O. Box 151, Salem, VA 24153. Confirmed attendees include House Majority Leader Morgan Griffith, Senator Ralph Smith, Congressman Bob Goodlatte, Congressman Eric Cantor, Senator Ken Cuccinelli and Bob McDonnell.
Congressman Cantor is asking for a donation of up to $2400 per election from an individual’s own funds (or up to $5000 per election from a multi-candidate PAC or a political party committee). He is not asking for funds from corporations, labor unions, or minors.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Carter Turner Endorses Ward Armstrong's Republican Challenger
Friday evening, Carter Turner sent out what can only be described as the most bizarre campaign email we've ever seen in the 8th District. Screwed up formatting, bad grammar, misspelled words, no disclaimer and uncomfortable O.J. Simpson references. Making it even stranger was the fact that 2 hours later they sent out an edited one that added the disclaimer and fixed a misspelling but left the major flaws unaddressed. There was even a randomly xenophobic "Carter Turner is one of us" line that is uniquely out of place when challenging a lifetime 8th District resident like Morgan Griffith.
Anyway, the point of the email was to attack Morgan Griffith for having the audacity to dedicate his life to the citizens of the 8th District for 15 years. No policy disputes, no major issues. The entire point was "a lot happens in 15 years so let's throw Morgan out."
My first response? Ward Armstrong isn't going to be happy. Who is Ward Armstrong? He is the Minority Leader for the Dems in the House of Delegates - the group Carter wants to join. He's been in the HOD for 17 years. If Carter thinks 15 years is too long, he must really hate Ward Armstrong and his 17 years. Good to see that he's doing something about it and supporting Ward's Republican challenger. I guess it should come as no surprise that Carter's requests for support from the Democratic Caucus have been rejected. Attacking your own leadership isn't a great way to win friends.
I said from Day 1 that Carter was a nice guy. However, he's working hard to change my opinion of him. So far his campaign has been nothing but negative personal attacks with no substance. I take solace, however, in knowing the message the voters of the 8th District are going to be sending him in November.
Anyway, the point of the email was to attack Morgan Griffith for having the audacity to dedicate his life to the citizens of the 8th District for 15 years. No policy disputes, no major issues. The entire point was "a lot happens in 15 years so let's throw Morgan out."
My first response? Ward Armstrong isn't going to be happy. Who is Ward Armstrong? He is the Minority Leader for the Dems in the House of Delegates - the group Carter wants to join. He's been in the HOD for 17 years. If Carter thinks 15 years is too long, he must really hate Ward Armstrong and his 17 years. Good to see that he's doing something about it and supporting Ward's Republican challenger. I guess it should come as no surprise that Carter's requests for support from the Democratic Caucus have been rejected. Attacking your own leadership isn't a great way to win friends.
I said from Day 1 that Carter was a nice guy. However, he's working hard to change my opinion of him. So far his campaign has been nothing but negative personal attacks with no substance. I take solace, however, in knowing the message the voters of the 8th District are going to be sending him in November.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Creigh Deeds Is The Radical When It Comes To Abortion
Almost certainly because of his terrible poll numbers and the endorsements of Planned Parenthood and NARAL, the Deeds campaign has suddenly made abortion the most important issue in their campaign. I'm not going to spend a lot of time analyzing whether or not this is a smart tactic.
What I think is more important, now that he's put the issue on the table, is to look at exactly what it is about McDonnell's record that makes him such a "radical" in Deeds' eyes.
The Deeds campaign is claiming McDonnell patroned 35 bills limiting abortion and they've now released a video identifying the 35 they're referring to. Someone should teach the Deeds campaign how legislation works because many of the 35 are the same bill in different form or in different years. Nonetheless, let's accept that the number really is 35 and look at the bills that Deeds says makes McDonnell a radical.
What I think is more important, now that he's put the issue on the table, is to look at exactly what it is about McDonnell's record that makes him such a "radical" in Deeds' eyes.
The Deeds campaign is claiming McDonnell patroned 35 bills limiting abortion and they've now released a video identifying the 35 they're referring to. Someone should teach the Deeds campaign how legislation works because many of the 35 are the same bill in different form or in different years. Nonetheless, let's accept that the number really is 35 and look at the bills that Deeds says makes McDonnell a radical.
- Banning partial birth abortion
- Parental notification
- Parental consent
- Appointment of guardian for minor abortions
- Informed consent for abortions
- Collection of abortion complication data
- Education about abortion alternatives
- Limiting abortions in the 3rd trimester
Since Deeds has called McDonnell a radical on the issue of abortion, I think it's time for Deeds to stand up and say specifically which of these abortion related positions makes McDonnell the radical. The truth is, when the two men's relative records are analyzed, it is Deeds that is WAY out of the mainstream on this issue. Using Deeds' own words, I guess that makes him a radical.
Bob Goodlatte - Putting an End to the Bailout Culture in Washington
Guest Post from Congressman Bob Goodlatte
Late last year the Congress passed, without my support, the Financial Stabilization Package, which was supposed to stabilize the growing financial crisis currently facing our country. In fact, this legislation represented one of the largest corporate bailouts in American history by taking 700 billion dollars of taxpayers’ hard-earned money and handing it over to the very companies that made the bad decisions which led us into this mess in the first place. We literally rewarded those financial institutions who engaged in risky behavior to the tune of up to $8,000 for every family of four in the U.S.
As economic uncertainty continues, many across our nation are looking to the government for leadership during this difficult time. In these challenging economic times it is even more important for government to control spending and enact fiscally responsible solutions that are actually likely to turn our economy around. Unfortunately, instead of supplying real solutions, the Majority in Congress has responded to the call with unprecedented, wasteful spending of taxpayers’ dollars.
Recently I joined in introducing the Consumer Protection and Regulatory Enhancement Act, to protect American consumers and taxpayers by modernizing the regulatory structure of the financial services industry and putting an end to the “bailout culture” in Washington, which seemed to start with the passage of the Financial Stabilization Package.
The Consumer Protection and Regulatory Enhancement Act is designed to ensure that the government stops picking winners and losers, that taxpayers are never again asked to pick up the tab for bad bets on Wall Street, and that market discipline is restored. This legislation pushes insolvent non-bank financial institutions into the bankruptcy system, rather than the current policy of granting them a government bailout. It creates a Market Stability and Capital Adequacy Board that is charged with monitoring the interactions of various sectors of the financial system, and identifying risks that could endanger the stability and soundness of the system. It strengthens consumer protections by creating a single point of contact with the government, providing more investigative and enforcement tools, and increasing civil and criminal penalties. It also ends the taxpayer subsidies of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This legislation presents a clear alternative to the “too big to fail” government policy that has taken hold in Washington.
Nothing is more important to me than ensuring the future growth of our economy and we can all agree that Congress has a responsibility to act to ensure that credit, the lifeline of our economy, remains available to individuals, families, students, and small businesses all across this country. The Consumer Protection and Regulatory Enhancement Act will help stabilize our economy without penalizing taxpayers for the sins of those on Wall Street and I strongly encourage the Majority in Congress to bring it to the floor for a vote.
Late last year the Congress passed, without my support, the Financial Stabilization Package, which was supposed to stabilize the growing financial crisis currently facing our country. In fact, this legislation represented one of the largest corporate bailouts in American history by taking 700 billion dollars of taxpayers’ hard-earned money and handing it over to the very companies that made the bad decisions which led us into this mess in the first place. We literally rewarded those financial institutions who engaged in risky behavior to the tune of up to $8,000 for every family of four in the U.S.
As economic uncertainty continues, many across our nation are looking to the government for leadership during this difficult time. In these challenging economic times it is even more important for government to control spending and enact fiscally responsible solutions that are actually likely to turn our economy around. Unfortunately, instead of supplying real solutions, the Majority in Congress has responded to the call with unprecedented, wasteful spending of taxpayers’ dollars.
Recently I joined in introducing the Consumer Protection and Regulatory Enhancement Act, to protect American consumers and taxpayers by modernizing the regulatory structure of the financial services industry and putting an end to the “bailout culture” in Washington, which seemed to start with the passage of the Financial Stabilization Package.
The Consumer Protection and Regulatory Enhancement Act is designed to ensure that the government stops picking winners and losers, that taxpayers are never again asked to pick up the tab for bad bets on Wall Street, and that market discipline is restored. This legislation pushes insolvent non-bank financial institutions into the bankruptcy system, rather than the current policy of granting them a government bailout. It creates a Market Stability and Capital Adequacy Board that is charged with monitoring the interactions of various sectors of the financial system, and identifying risks that could endanger the stability and soundness of the system. It strengthens consumer protections by creating a single point of contact with the government, providing more investigative and enforcement tools, and increasing civil and criminal penalties. It also ends the taxpayer subsidies of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This legislation presents a clear alternative to the “too big to fail” government policy that has taken hold in Washington.
Nothing is more important to me than ensuring the future growth of our economy and we can all agree that Congress has a responsibility to act to ensure that credit, the lifeline of our economy, remains available to individuals, families, students, and small businesses all across this country. The Consumer Protection and Regulatory Enhancement Act will help stabilize our economy without penalizing taxpayers for the sins of those on Wall Street and I strongly encourage the Majority in Congress to bring it to the floor for a vote.
Editorial in Today's Roanoke Times
Cleaveland gets the private economy
Bill Cleaveland is the candidate for the 17th House District who espouses limited government, promotes true conditions for economic growth and understands the average citizen in the private sector. He has successfully started his own business and has a firm grasp of what it takes to achieve the American Dream. He has worked tirelessly, taken risks, remained committed to principle and sacrificed when needed.
His opponent believes that government largesse is the answer to our woes -- that we in the Roanoke Valley are recession-proof due "specifically to city and county government, which employ significant numbers," (tinyurl.com/mtmwq8) I still wonder if the small business owners in Roanoke who don't have the luxury of a fixed government salary feel that we are recession-proof.
Gwen Mason is a candidate who has spent her entire career on the government dole. How can she possibly understand economic development without ever experiencing the private economy? The cold hard truth is she can't.
We need Cleaveland in Richmond for the simple fact he understands the way the world actually operates. The federal government cannot provide all with jobs, housing, food and health care -- for if it could, we would all be eating borscht.
CHRIS WALTERS
ROANOKE
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
VA Governor's Race - What The Endorsements Tell Us
I've always been told that you can tell a lot about a person by who his friends are. Well, in the case of politicians, I think you can tell a lot about a person by who supports/endorses him. In the Governor's race, recent endorsements tell us just about everything we need to know.
McDonnell
National Federation of Independent Business
Virginia Farm Bureau Federation
Virginia Realtors
Virginia Credit Unions
Deeds
National Abortion Rights Action League
Planned Parenthood
AFSCME (labor union)
I'm just saying...
McDonnell
National Federation of Independent Business
Virginia Farm Bureau Federation
Virginia Realtors
Virginia Credit Unions
Deeds
National Abortion Rights Action League
Planned Parenthood
AFSCME (labor union)
I'm just saying...
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Douglas Walker Included in VPAP Honor Roll
From a press release:
At 1:00PM yesterday the Virginia Public Access Project, VPAP, released its Honor Roll of local candidates who e-file their campaign finance reports. In doing so VPAP has recognized those candidates who have embraced full disclosure and have made their campaign’s financial records easily accessible to the public. In local races candidates are permitted to file with the registrar; however these records are not electronically accessible. Noticeably absent from this list was Mr. Walker’s opponent Sherman Holland. Holland’s office has undergone previously scrutiny from the media in response to Municipal Auditor Drew Harmon’s report in 2005, and Holland’s subsequent decision to ban Mr. Harmon from further interaction with the Commissioner’s Office.
At 1:00PM yesterday the Virginia Public Access Project, VPAP, released its Honor Roll of local candidates who e-file their campaign finance reports. In doing so VPAP has recognized those candidates who have embraced full disclosure and have made their campaign’s financial records easily accessible to the public. In local races candidates are permitted to file with the registrar; however these records are not electronically accessible. Noticeably absent from this list was Mr. Walker’s opponent Sherman Holland. Holland’s office has undergone previously scrutiny from the media in response to Municipal Auditor Drew Harmon’s report in 2005, and Holland’s subsequent decision to ban Mr. Harmon from further interaction with the Commissioner’s Office.
Friday, August 21, 2009
The Cuccinelli Session
Dr. Bob Holsworth, well-known and respected non-partisan political and business analyst, tells it like it is. This time, he makes the best case possible for why Ken Cuccinelli should be our next Attorney General and why Steve Shannon is not ready for prime time.
Click here to read his article.
I encourage everyone to read this article and to share it will all your friends.
Click here to read his article.
I encourage everyone to read this article and to share it will all your friends.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Bill Cleaveland Responds to Budget Shortfall
Bill Cleaveland’s Statement on Virginia’s Budget Shortfall
Roanoke, VA—Bill Cleaveland, Republican candidate for the 17th House of Delegates seat, today released the following statement:
“The financial situation facing the Commonwealth poses unprecedented challenges to Virginia’s families and businesses. The Democratic administration has mismanaged the Commonwealth’s finances through a series of unrealistic revenue projections, raids on our “rainy day fund” and misguided attempts to increase Virginians’ taxes. These irresponsible fiscal policies do not make sense and only further aggravate our present financial situation.
Yesterday, a press report stated my opponent believed the budget shortfall is “in the very least $700 million.” Today, the Governor adjusted the official figure to a half a BILLION dollars more than my opponent’s projection. Underestimating economic difficulties and simply hoping for the best are the origins of the current shortfall.
I will work to restore fiscal responsibility to state government. Virginia’s families and businesses are making tough budgetary decisions and we need leaders in Richmond who are willing to do the same.
Government cannot continue to expand when families and businesses are forced to tighten their own belts. Government cannot continue to increase spending at an astounding rate when we are worried about keeping the job we have or finding another job to replace the one we just lost.
Virginians deserve leadership that will produce realistic budgets based on realistic projections not wish lists based on misplaced optimism.
We need to grow our economy, not add to the tax burden. The Democratic Party’s repeated calls to increase taxes show they are out of steam and out of ideas.
I look forward to working with Bob McDonnell to pursue policies that will grow our economy, not place limits on it.
The tough choices that Virginia now faces are the same tough choices facing our families and businesses. This is why we need “common sense leadership” that will lead us to recovery. That is why I pledge to bring that kind of leadership to the 17th District.”
Roanoke, VA—Bill Cleaveland, Republican candidate for the 17th House of Delegates seat, today released the following statement:
“The financial situation facing the Commonwealth poses unprecedented challenges to Virginia’s families and businesses. The Democratic administration has mismanaged the Commonwealth’s finances through a series of unrealistic revenue projections, raids on our “rainy day fund” and misguided attempts to increase Virginians’ taxes. These irresponsible fiscal policies do not make sense and only further aggravate our present financial situation.
Yesterday, a press report stated my opponent believed the budget shortfall is “in the very least $700 million.” Today, the Governor adjusted the official figure to a half a BILLION dollars more than my opponent’s projection. Underestimating economic difficulties and simply hoping for the best are the origins of the current shortfall.
I will work to restore fiscal responsibility to state government. Virginia’s families and businesses are making tough budgetary decisions and we need leaders in Richmond who are willing to do the same.
Government cannot continue to expand when families and businesses are forced to tighten their own belts. Government cannot continue to increase spending at an astounding rate when we are worried about keeping the job we have or finding another job to replace the one we just lost.
Virginians deserve leadership that will produce realistic budgets based on realistic projections not wish lists based on misplaced optimism.
We need to grow our economy, not add to the tax burden. The Democratic Party’s repeated calls to increase taxes show they are out of steam and out of ideas.
I look forward to working with Bob McDonnell to pursue policies that will grow our economy, not place limits on it.
The tough choices that Virginia now faces are the same tough choices facing our families and businesses. This is why we need “common sense leadership” that will lead us to recovery. That is why I pledge to bring that kind of leadership to the 17th District.”
Goodlatte Announces Town Hall Meetings
Congressman Bob Goodlatte announces his town hall meeting schedule. He will be seeking opinions and suggestions from constituents on health care reform and other key issues facing the 111th Congress.
The Schedule is:
Roanoke Valley
Thursday, September 3rd
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Hidden Valley High School
5000 Titan Trail
Roanoke
Shenandoah Valley
Saturday, September 5th
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Turner Ashby High School Auditorium
800 North Main Street
Bridgewater
Lynchburg/Central Virginia
Further details to be announced soon
The Schedule is:
Roanoke Valley
Thursday, September 3rd
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Hidden Valley High School
5000 Titan Trail
Roanoke
Shenandoah Valley
Saturday, September 5th
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Turner Ashby High School Auditorium
800 North Main Street
Bridgewater
Lynchburg/Central Virginia
Further details to be announced soon
Monday, August 17, 2009
Congratulations Mark Peake - New RPV SCC Member
Longtime RPV State Central Committee member Wendell Walker recently got a "promotion" to the position of Western Vice Chairman. This opened up his old SCC-Presidential seat.
2 great candidates stepped forward to pick up the ball. They were Carl Tate, current UR law student and long time Republican activist and volunteer as well as current Lynchburg City Republican Chair Mark Peake. These are both fine men, fine conservatives and real leaders. Ultimately, the 6th District Committee elected Mark Peake.
Mark has done a great job as a leader in Lynchburg and on the 6th District Committee and I look forward to the impact he'll make statewide as a member of the SCC. As for Carl, the future is very bright for him and I look forward to working with him for many years to come.
Thanks to both of you for being willing to take on this responsibility and thanks to Wendell for all you've done over the years and for all we know you'll do going forward.
2 great candidates stepped forward to pick up the ball. They were Carl Tate, current UR law student and long time Republican activist and volunteer as well as current Lynchburg City Republican Chair Mark Peake. These are both fine men, fine conservatives and real leaders. Ultimately, the 6th District Committee elected Mark Peake.
Mark has done a great job as a leader in Lynchburg and on the 6th District Committee and I look forward to the impact he'll make statewide as a member of the SCC. As for Carl, the future is very bright for him and I look forward to working with him for many years to come.
Thanks to both of you for being willing to take on this responsibility and thanks to Wendell for all you've done over the years and for all we know you'll do going forward.
Donuts With Bob McDonnell - August 22nd @ 9:00 am
Bob McDonnell, the next Governor of Virginia, will be in Roanoke this coming Saturday. He'll be stopping by the GOP HQ for donuts and coffee. 9:00 am sharp. Everyone is welcome.
View Larger Map
View Larger Map
Friday, August 14, 2009
2009 Olde Salem Days Republican Breakfast
WHAT: OLDE SALEM DAYS BREAKFAST
WHEN: SEPTEMBER 12, 2009 from 8:00-9:30 a.m.
WHERE: SALEM CIVIC CENTER
COST: $20 per person (under 5 free)
Confirmed attendees include Bob McDonnell, Ken Cuccinelli, Bob Goodlatte, Morgan Griffith, Ralph Smith and more.
Please email or call (815-8028) for more information or to buy tickets.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Stay Tuned For A Big Salem GOP Announcement
First of all, let me apologize for the dearth of posts recently. Adding a third kid to an already busy life kind of puts a crimp in one's blogging.
Anyway, we have secured a fantastic location for our GOP HQ this year in Salem. We have a little cleaning up to do before we unveil it though. I'll just say it is a great location, great space and will serve us well this summer/fall. Stay tuned.
Anyway, we have secured a fantastic location for our GOP HQ this year in Salem. We have a little cleaning up to do before we unveil it though. I'll just say it is a great location, great space and will serve us well this summer/fall. Stay tuned.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
It's time to show the Dems the 17th is GOP country
On Tuesday August 18, 2009 from 5:30pm-7:30pm there will be a dinner at The Plantation on Sunnybrook to raise money for our House of Delegates Candidate Bill Cleaveland.
I encourage all of our readers to attend as single tickets are very resonable at $30 per person.
To donate at higer levels or RSVP for the event e-mail info@billcleaveland.com
The address for the event is 7342 Plantation Road Roanoke, VA 24019
Checks can be made out to Friends of Bill Cleaveland or you can donate on-line at http://www.billcleaveland.com
If you have not yet met Bill please do everything you can to attend he is a great candidate and will make an even better Delegate for the 17th.
I encourage all of our readers to attend as single tickets are very resonable at $30 per person.
To donate at higer levels or RSVP for the event e-mail info@billcleaveland.com
The address for the event is 7342 Plantation Road Roanoke, VA 24019
Checks can be made out to Friends of Bill Cleaveland or you can donate on-line at http://www.billcleaveland.com
If you have not yet met Bill please do everything you can to attend he is a great candidate and will make an even better Delegate for the 17th.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Morgan Griffith's New Website
Morgan Griffith launched a brand new redesigned website this week and it looks fantastic. Check it out at www.morgangriffith.com. The new site is also linked on the sidebar to the right. They've also beefed up the Facebook page which can be found here. Go check them both out and let us know your thoughts.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Carter Turner - The Candidate That Cried Wolf
So the Carter Turner campaign has been all excited about some "huge endorsement announcements" coming out today. They were all using the type of language you expect for a shocker. Well they've announced the endorsements. Who were they you ask? High profile local business people? Republicans crossing over? Nope, three extremely partisan Democrats. Not just that, two of them were recycled from a couple weeks ago. Really huge news there. I guess this is more of the "bipartisanship" Carter has been yelling about - an "endorsement" from fellow liberal Democrats including the person recognized as the single most partisan Constitutional Officer in the area. Congratulations.
This is Carter's first time running for office so we'll cut him a little slack but he may want to go read the story of the boy who cried wolf before he goes hyping such a non-event next time.
This is Carter's first time running for office so we'll cut him a little slack but he may want to go read the story of the boy who cried wolf before he goes hyping such a non-event next time.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Sarah Palin Coming To Salem?
Just got a call from an AP reporter from Alaska. He wanted to know about the Sarah Palin event he heard was occuring in Salem next week.
Hated to break it to him but I had to tell him he's about a year late...unless...
Hated to break it to him but I had to tell him he's about a year late...unless...
Sunday, August 2, 2009
What are your thoughts on the Amphitheater?
The Star City Harbinger has recapped what has happened leading up to tomorrow's vote on the study for the Roanoke City Amphitheater, the 3rd one in a month. My thoughts are that this is not the time for an Amphitheater run by the Gov. I would support a private entity with profit motive building and running this project. But with the City Gov running this and the Civic Center both will require huge operating subsidies and there seem to be more pressing priorities in our city.
Please comment.
Please comment.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
