As you know, the Republican state convention is this Saturday, June 16.  Political conventions are always fun and something folks tend not to forget.  Congrats on being selected as a delegate to this year’s event.

Our Republican Party needs help.  Sure, we’ve had some gains as of late — but there is still a very needed battle going on for the heart and soul of our Party.  As a former chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia and state legislator, I know a thing or two about the need for such a battle.

Will the GOP in Virginia and beyond continue to be a top-down organization controlled by party bosses and establishment types who are more concerned with power instead of principle; title and position instead of service and purpose?  Or, will we take the necessary steps to become a bottom-up party — one firmly in the grasp of the grassroots?

Will we become a party that continues to be simply an appendage of whatever (of whomever) the current statewide flavor of the year is, to rubber stamp whatever they might do, consistent or not with our principles; or a party that is a major partner in electing solid candidates to public office, and importantly, one that can hold our office holders accountable?

At this year’s state convention, we have an opportunity to take a big step in the right direction by electing Donna Holt as our national committeewoman.

Our national committeewoman sits on our state party’s governing executive and central committees, and represents us on the Republican National Committee (RNC) — our national party’s governing committee.

I know Donna well, and I know her opponent (the current incumbent for the job) well.  I’ve worked closely with both of them, and I can tell you — without a doubt — our current national committeewoman is part of the problem with our Party.

Sure, she might be a nice lady and says she’s a “conservative” — but what good does that do if you simply do what you’re told by the very people you should be holding accountable.  We have enough establishment, top-down folks in Party leadership positions.  And after having four years as our national committeewoman, I know of nothing significant the incumbent has done except to arrogantly reject the collective voice of the grassroots and be the status quo’s yes-woman on the national committee.

Donna, on the other hand, is exactly the kind of person we need representing us on both our state and national committees.  She’s as grassroots as they come — and she’s got a fantastic track record of success. She’s built massive coalitions that have effectuated positive change for our Party and for our Commonwealth.  She’s mobilized tens-of-thousands to action, all the while being a humble grassroots warrior and a consistent voice for liberty and freedom.  Donna has produced some real tangible results not only for our Party, but also for our principles and philosophy – and she is one who we can count on to stand just as solid and firm after being elected as she has been before being elected.

Donna Holt is the only true conservative choice for national committeewoman.

There’s a big difference between these candidates.  One believes the establishment should dictate the direction of our Party; the other believes you should.

I hope you’ll join Amy and me in supporting our friend Donna Holt for National Committeewoman at this weekend’s convention, and in so doing, taking a very significant step in putting the Virginia GOP back in your hands.

There’s much to accomplish this year and in the years to come in ensuring our communities, Commonwealth, and country are headed in the right direction. Donna is just the person we need representing us on the RNC.

Best wishes —

-JMF.

First, this is primarily for residents of Prince William County, but others may nevertheless be interested in what’s been going on here.

I have often expressed disdain for the “discretionary” (I like to call them “slush”) funds provided to members of our County Board of Supervisors, but recent information has surfaced that sheds a whole new light on what some of our locally elected officials have been doing with those funds.

And, I’m disappointed to report, that it appears that some members have been using these taxpayer dollars for personal benefit — as they vote to raise our taxes here.

I would strongly encourage you to visit sheriffofnottinghampwc.blogspot.com to learn more, check the facts, and come to your own conclusions about what is going on.

The worst offenders need to be held accountable. However, with respect to stopping this from happening in the future, there will be a vote this Tuesday by the Board itself to put an end to their slush funds.

I’d encourage you to email or phone your Supervisor to let them know how you feel about this issue and how you expect them to vote on Tuesday. You can get contact info for each Supervisor at the county website.

Thanks for your time and consideration, and for being a partner in our efforts to make our community, Commonwealth, and country a better place to live, work, and raise a family.

-JMF.

It’s hard to believe, but it’s June already. That means it is primary season in Virginia!

I’m not sure if you are planning on voting in the Republican U.S. Senate primary on Tuesday, June 12, but some folks have asked for my thoughts on that contest, and so I figured I’d share them with you also.

As you may know, there are four candidates running.  I know them all well and have worked with them to varying degrees.

One of those candidates has held this position before.  His record in the U.S. Senate includes voting for $3.1 trillion in new national debt; four increases to the debt ceiling; a 46% increase in federal spending; 40,000 earmarks; his own salary increase; and voted against Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac reform – among a long list of other things during his 6 years in the Senate.

Is that the kind of record you want representing you and your family in the United States Senate?  Not me.

We hear a lot about the problems in Washington, and as you know, both Democrats and Republicans have been part of those problems.  There are enough career politicians in Congress representing the Party establishment and political elites – we need someone there representing us – hard working Virginia families who are more concerned about their children’s future than one’s own political future.

I believe that person is Jamie Radtke.  Right now, she holds the best title one could have: “mom”.  She has a successful track record in private enterprise, non-profits, and community leadership.  But most importantly, Jamie is also a solid constitutional conservative who isn’t afraid to take on the political establishment of any party.  She will make a fantastic citizen legislator in a body where there are few, and she’ll be someone we can count on to fight for us – without regard for what might be politically advantageous.

Washington must learn to live within its constitutional and legal limits, and within its financial means – just like families and small businesses must do day in and day out (who actually fund Washington).  Jamie will be a strong advocate for these principles, and Amy and I are proud to support her campaign.

And, Jamie’s got some great ideas. To name one: her “Two Cents” proposal.  Jamie shares my view that if we don’t deal with spending, nothing else matters.  Simply described, if you freeze spending at current levels and cut two cents off of every federal dollar spent, you can balance the budget in five years, while keeping the economy stable. PoliFact recently said those claims are true – that her plan would work just as described.

The other two people in the race are good men with the best of intentions, and could likewise be a breath of fresh air in Washington.

Yet, with respect to fighting the status quo and getting our nation’s fiscal house in order (my top concern), I think Jamie is the best candidate to fight those battles on behalf of my family and all Virginians.

I hope you’ll join us in supporting Jamie Radtke on June 12.

Best wishes —

-JMF.