It’s 2013. In Virginia, that means two things, among others – the General Assembly is back in session (guard your money and property) and it’s a big election year in the Commonwealth.

Three quick things:

1. As you may have heard, the (slim) Republican majority in the state senate passed a new, fairer redistricting bill. While their tactics in doing so were less than gentlemanly, it is good legislation that will correct some of the awful gerrymandering done to these districts a couple years ago – where neighborhoods were split up, and in some cases, parts of districts were literally no wider than I-95. Anyway, that bill is now before the House of Delegates where a procedural maneuver could kill the legislation. Click here to find and write your Delegate encouraging them to have the backbone to reject backroom deals and have a full and open vote on the bill.

2. Governor McDonnell has proposed a massive $2.4 billion tax hike for transportation. Yet, he lacks the integrity to level with the citizens of Virginia by being honest about that fact as he attempts to sell the bill as revenue neutral (i.e. not a tax increase). If you’re interested in some easy-to-understand details on the plan, click here. Otherwise, suffice it to say that this is a bad deal for Virginia taxpayers by taking more out of hardworking family pockets to (among other things) subsidize out-of-state travelers and put Virginia small businesses at a competitive disadvantage with their regional competitors. Worse, these tax hikes will hit struggling families the most at a time when many are fighting to make ends meet as is. Sure, increasing funds dedicated to transportation is very much a priority, but this legislation avoids doing so all together and instead poses simply as a mirage of a solution to supposedly earn political points for a governor who has his heart set on running for national office (as unlikely as success in that endeavor may be). This is a great example of a bad political solution masquerading as a policy solution. There is no denying it is a massive tax increase with little or no benefit to the Virginia commuter – and I’d encourage you to contact your legislators to let them know you’ll hold them accountable on this vote.

3. In this year’s election, Amy and I are strongly supporting Scott Lingamfelter for Lieutenant Governor and Rob Bell for Attorney General. We also have some serious concerns about the candidacies of Susan Stimpson and Mark Obenshain. Learn more about why I’m supporting Scott and Rob and not-so-supportive of Susan and Mark by clicking here.

Okay, maybe that wasn’t so quick… sorry. I tried. Either way, I trust you’ll take a few minutes to register your thoughts with those who represent you in state government, and that you find my thoughts on this year’s crop of candidates helpful in your own deliberations.

I hope and trust 2013 is off to a great start for you and wish you all the best in the months to come.

-JMF.

I hope and trust you and your family are well. All is good with the Frederick family, with one exception, and we’ve had a fruitful (and eventful) year. Grace and Isabel joined their first soccer teams; Michael is at the top of his swim class (probably aided by his buoyancy – he’s 20 months old and only one pound lighter than his 4 year old sister); Amy and her 60 Plus Association had unprecedented election year involvement; and I focused on the businesses and helped out where I could in the political space.

And, with one election year behind us, we in Virginia get to look forward to another just around the corner. Before we get much deeper into the campaigns, I wanted to share my thoughts with you on two of those races: Lieutenant Governor (LG) and Attorney General (AG).

For LG, Amy and I will be supporting our friend and (now) delegate Scott Lingamfelter. Scott and I served together in the House of Delegates where we were close allies. He was there for me in my tough re-election efforts, and in the early stages of my campaign for state party chairman, he offered his support without hesitation. Scott also was among the first people to encourage me to run for the state Senate last year. In that race, he went beyond the call of duty in helping me to lock up the nomination and was a true partner for the general election campaign. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that he served our nation in combat as an Army officer, retiring a Colonel. He is grounded by his wife Shelley, and is the father of three.

But in addition to all of that, Scott has a long and diverse voting record – and I can tell you it’s solid. During his time in elective office, he’s fought the right battles and has always stood strong for freedom and liberty. We can count on him to continue that fight as Lt. Governor, evidenced not simply because he says the right things now that he is seeking higher office, but rather because he’s got nearly 10 years of votes and sponsored legislation to prove it.

Finally, and importantly, for a guy who has spent his life in serving his Commonwealth and his country, having been awarded two titles of high honor (Delegate and Colonel), the titles he values most are husband and father. His service is rooted in faith and family. Period.

Learn more about Scott at his website, http://vote4scott.com/.

With respect to AG, we’re supporting Rob Bell, another former colleague of mine in the House of Delegates. I don’t think many would disagree that in his 5 terms in the House, Rob – a former state prosecutor – has distinguished himself as a top leader on judicial and criminal justice issues. There isn’t a property rights or criminal justice law passed over the last decade that didn’t have Rob’s fingerprints on it, and more likely, one that he wasn’t taking the lead on. Virginia is a safer place to live, work, and raise a family because of Rob’s work. Really. He is beyond qualified for the AG job.

Rob also has a solid voting record on all issues important to conservatives like me; he co-authored the Property Rights Amendment that just passed; is an Eagle Scout; and is married with two kids. Plus, Rob understands better than most that he works for the people who he represents and sets the standard for many in being responsive and accessible to his constituents. We often compared notes on that.

You can learn more about Rob at http://www.robbellforag.com/.

And, for both Scott and Rob, I’ve never seen either of them cast aside friends or principal in pursuit of some short term political opportunity. Which brings me to…

While I always prefer to be for someone than against someone, I’d be remiss if I wasn’t completely candid with you about serious doubts I have about a couple other candidates running for these offices.

During my time in public office I quickly learned that the real test of one’s character and commitment isn’t simply what they say. Talk is cheap. Rather it is how one conducts themselves — and more specifically, what they choose to do or not do when the heat is on. Are they consistent when the pressure is unbearable, or are they quick to sell out to relieve that pressure? Further, in this time when so many politicians say one thing and do another, I think it is instructive to take any and every opportunity to look beyond the rhetoric and try to determine who a candidate really is.

There are two people I’d like to warn you about.

I got to know Susan Stimpson (who is running for LG) during my time as RPV Chairman and in the period prior when I was seeking that job. I considered her a friend. Yet, she was a strong ally of Bill Howell (she owes her current elective office to his blessing in her seeking it). When she announced her candidacy for LG and in the subsequent time since, her rhetoric has reflected the exact opposite of the person I knew. Of course, she sounds great now (convenient as she pursues statewide office), but my experience is that she is a top-down establishment Republican who is more interested in position and power rather than her recent claims to be about people and principle. It is only because her public record is so brief that she has been so effective at leading others to believe she’s something she is not. And, I should mention that she was among the loudest voices in supporting the effort to reverse the will of the grassroots in removing me as state chairman.

Unlike Susan, Mark Obenshain (running for AG) does have a long voting record, and, in all honesty – it’s not bad. But for someone who I counted on as a friend and an ally in the legislature, I was shocked to find Mark’s name on a letter calling for my removal as RPV chairman. When I called him on it at the time, the best excuse he could muster was that he was now in the state senate party leadership and he had to go along with the other senate GOP leadership in coming out against me. Now, if he’s willing to compromise friends and principle because of some “leadership” position, it seems it wouldn’t take much for him to “go along” when something of real importance hangs in the balance — when politics dictates that doing so will further one’s ambitions — and especially for someone who is pursuing a position of even greater leadership.

I hesitated sharing this less-than-positive information with you, but putting aside any personal animosity I may have for these two people, there are few truly defining moments in political careers, particularly young careers. The battle – not for my chairmanship—but for our efforts to create a bottom-up, grassroots controlled, and effective Republican Party of Virginia was one of those watershed moments for our Party and these two people chose to stand with the status quo and the corrupt party establishment instead of the very grassroots they now claim to represent.

The nominations for these offices will be determined by a statewide Republican convention. If you’re interested in participating, please pay close attention to announcements from your local GOP unit committee on the process in becoming a delegate to the state convention. Generally, everyone/anyone who wants to go can, but you must participate in the process to get there – which will start not long after the new year. Feel free to reach out to any of the campaigns for further information – I’m certain they’d receive your interest enthusiastically. Of course, I’m happy to help however I can too.

All politics aside, as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, we should keep in mind how very blessed we are all to live in a nation where our freedoms to worship, assemble, and speak our minds is protected and encouraged. I’m grateful for the so many ways Christ has blessed me and my family, including being able to count you as a friend.

Look forward to the latest edition of our family Christmas card, but until then, best wishes for health and prosperity in these closing weeks of 2012.

-JMF.

P.S. That exception I mentioned earlier: Amy’s dad Pat. He doesn’t have much time left with us, but we are blessed by each new day – especially those in which he does not suffer – that he remains on this earth. Please keep him in your prayers.

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.