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.

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.

For those that signed up to be a delegate to the First (Congressional) District Convention on Saturday, May 12, this is for you.

It’s actually great news you’re a delegate. Why?

Because you will have the opportunity to elect a new chairman of the First District.

If there’s anything the First District needs, it’s new leadership. Believe me, I know. (I really, really know…)

The Republican Party, as an organization, is weak in Virginia, largely because it is a top-down Party controlled by party bosses and establishment types who are more concerned with power instead of principle; title and position instead of service and purpose.

Our district Chairman not only leads our district committee, but also serves on our Party’s governing state executive and central committees. I’ve got a lot of experience with these groups, and changing them is the first and most important step to creating a strong, principled, bottom-up Virginia GOP that not only is a major partner in electing solid candidates to public office, but also one that can hold our office holders accountable.

Eric Herr is just the man for the job. Eric learned his leadership skills during his 26 years in the Air Force (retiring as a Colonel) as a combat pilot flying F-15 Eagles (how cool is that!). More recently, as Chairman of the Stafford GOP, he took his county from having a Democratic majority on the Board of Supervisors to today, where not a single Democrat holds elected office in Stafford. (Learn more at his websitewww.ericherrforchairman.com.)

Those are some of the results he’s produced — but let me tell you about the kind of person he is as it relates to this job he’s seeking.

Eric is a strong conservative who is absolutely committed to changing politics-as-usual in our district and our Commonwealth. He wants to turn the status-quo on its head and put our Party firmly back in the hands of the grassroots. All long over due.

That’s why Amy and I are proud to be supporting Eric. I hope you’ll join us, as well as Delegates Marshall, Lingamfelter, Cole, Anderson, and Dudenhefer, among many others.

And, I hope you’ll join us at our home this Tuesday (May 8) at 7pm. We are hosting a Meet-and-Greet for Eric so you can have an opportunity to get to know him before the convention. Of course, Amy and I will be there (it’s at our house), but if that’s not enough, Delegates Scott Lingamfelter, Rich Anderson, and Mark Dudenhefer will also be joining us — as well as our newest Prince William GOP Chairman, Bill Card. Please find the details below.

There’s much to accomplish this year and in the years to come in ensuring our communities, Commonwealth, and country are headed in the rightdirection. Eric is just the person we need at the First District helm.

Hope to see you Tuesday.

Best wishes —

-JMF.

P.S. Above, I mentioned the need to change the State Central Committee. In addition to electing Eric, you will be able to elect new members to that committee to represent our district. We are strongly supporting Steve Albertson and Jeanine Lawson for two of the three slots that are available. We’ll make some real progress by getting Eric, Steve, and Jeanine in there.

My friend, Colin Brehm, interviewed former Republican Delegate, and former Chairman of the Virginia Republican Party Jeff Frederick. The interview was conducted December 8, 2010.

VG: What is the most anticipated race for the 2011 state elections (like Reeves v. Houck in the Senate, or Delegates)

JF: At this point, it’s hard to say. This cycle, there is so much uncertainty going into the election year due to redistricting, I don’t think you can label any race “most anticipated” this early. I think the two biggest questions are: a) what impact does the TEA Party have on nomination processes (i.e. do people like Norment, Stosch, etc. fail to get the GOP nomination) and b) does the current anti-Dem* mood of the electorate persist 11 months from now?

*the GOP didn’t win this year, the Dems lost, similar to 2008 where the Dems didn’t win, but the GOP lost.

VG: Would you consider a return to politics or party politics in the near future?

JF: Party politics, no. I firmly believe God has a plan for my life, and I’m still trying to figure out how that plan included the whole Chairmanship thing. We overwhelmingly won an incredible election for that job, firmly defeating the establishment, only to find that the status quo was still strongly in place in just about every other state party position available, most of whom would stop at nothing to sabotage me – and from the moment my victory was announced, they sought to “fix things”. It didn’t matter that I raised more in my first 6 months than any of my predecessors or my successor; got the Party out of debt and better equipped online; and started to decentralize things (this being one of the biggest beefs of the establishment) to better represent the grassroots and better position the Party to both positively impact our candidates but also hold our GOP-electeds accountable. No matter if I parted my hair wrong or failed to use a turn signal, any excuse was a good one to get rid of me. Allegations, no matter true (I had my company do work for the Party, but for free) or untrue (the twitter fiasco), it didn’t matter – any and every excuse was used to tar and feather me. Now the RPV is back in debt, raising little, has no permanent field staff, and is controlled by the current statewide flavor of the year, top-down instead of the bottom-up approach I advocated. But, that whole experience made me realize something I really should have realized earlier (especially given my approach to running and winning public office) – I’m not that good of a partisan. This whole “we good, they bad” approach is wrong and only contributes to the disgust so many people have with politics, as well as the paralyzation of the process. The fact is, Democrats sometimes do good and Republicans sometimes do bad. Both parties have trouble with intellectual honesty and they are filled with people who choose power (real or perceived) over principle, not to mention hypocrisy over consistency/integrity. I’d rather label myself as a “keeping-it-real-principled-conservative” than a “Republican”, and that sort of inherently conflicts with being the Party’s top cheerleader.

Sorry to digress a bit.

Regarding public office, honestly, who knows. I’m open to it, but not itching to get back in and have no imminent plans to do so. If a door opens where Amy and I feel like we can contribute to making our community, Commonwealth, and country a better place to live, work, and raise a family – and better the secure the future of our children – then we’ll take a serious look at it and see where God leads. If not, that’s fine too. We really are enjoying private life these days, and are excited about some opportunities we have at contributing in other ways.

VG: Has a new generation of young/moderate republicans been ‘shoo-ed’ away from the GOP by the Tea Party?

JF: As the youngest RPV chair in memory, and the first/only Latino chair ever, I do think new generations of Republicans are being “shoo-ed” away, but not by the TEA Party – but by the status quo who discourage institutional change in their pursuits of power without purpose. The TEA Party, I believe, has had the opposite affect by empowering these new generations and former non-activists to get involved in the process and simply go around the Party establishment. That’s kind of what we did in winning my chairman’s race, but the now current depth and broad nature of the TEA Party movement makes it much more difficult for the Party bosses to shut down; 57 votes on the State Central Committee won’t work today. The new generation (which isn’t necessarily just made up of young people) is now empowered by the TEA Party movement.

With respect to moderates in the Party, my view is simple. It’s okay to be a moderate if that’s who you truly are and what you truly believe – and you have been consistent in that (i.e. not one day being a conservative to appease an electorate and then moderating once safely in office – or vice versa). We need to welcome them. It’s far easier to work with someone of whom you know where they stand than someone who is constantly sticking their finger in the wind and adapting based on what they think the public and/or special interest(s) mood is(are). It’s exceedingly difficult to find common ground with a moving target. Thus, much of the gridlock you find in legislative bodies these days. It’s okay that people might disagree on things, but if you know where folks consistently disagree on principle, you’re more likely to find the openings to forge agreement. Does that make sense?

VG: Who would you like to see be the GOP nominee for US Senate in 2012?

JF: I have some thoughts on who I like, but I’m not ready to discuss that publically just yet. What I can say is that I will not support George Allen. He was complicit in all the big government conservatism that came out of the Congress during his years in the Senate, cheerleading for it all and never leading against it. Allen was a go-along member of the GOP majority that lost power because it lost its principles, and he really is the opposite of the ideal candidate for those of us looking for a constitutional, first-principles, non-GOP-status-quo type of candidate. George Allen is the poster child for the establishment.

VG: What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment, both as the Chair of RPV and a Delegate?

JF: Looking back at my legislative career, we really got a lot done in my 6 years. Sure, I filed a lot of bills because I thought the legislature needed to at least consider a lot of new things. Most of those things ultimately failed, but they got people talking. And, in sheer numbers of actual accomplishments (i.e. not a percentage of bills filed and passed but the stand-alone number of bills passed), I had a better record than just about anyone of my seniority.

We got landmark stuff done on land use, protections for military personnel, and giving community college students better access to our 4 year colleges/universities. We made progress on making health care more affordable (in a free-market based way) for small businesses, provided some (but not enough) tax relief, and got some much needed transportation funding for Eastern Prince William County. But, the thing I’m most proud of – which has literally saved lives and helped families – is our reform of the metabolic screening laws for newborns in Virginia. It’s not the sexiest of accomplishments to talk about, but it is by far the most impacting. I was/am very proud to have been able to be a small part of HB1824 (2005).

In a less tangible context, as Delegate, I am very proud of my record in reaching out to new folks, and bringing a diverse group of people – if not into the GOP – into my campaigns and legislative efforts. While my voting record was among the most conservative in the General Assembly, I had lots of Democrats and Independents supporting me (and even contributing to my campaigns). We didn’t always agree all the time, but Amy and I don’t agree all the time. My constituents and I, I think, had a mutual respect and trust. I knew that folks sincerely cared, and folks knew that I worked my butt off to serve them and the best interests of our community and Commonwealth. Opinions varied on how to make progress, and I was always available to listen to and consider those opinions and be up front and honest about my own. I never forgot who I worked for and who my bosses were. My district wasn’t the most conservative-friendly one around (64% Obama district, actually), but I truly loved representing the people of Eastern Prince William and wouldn’t have traded any of them for voters more favorable to my personal political philosophy.

The question is a bit harder to answer with respect to my accomplishments at RPV, since I spent so much time of my chairmanship fighting off the Executive Committee who seemed intent on having me ask permission to order staples or give the staff a bathroom break. I guess the top of the list was that we largely succeeded in implementing my “100 Day Plan” (although it took a bit more than 100 days), including putting permanent field staff all around the state, making RPV resources tangibly available to unit and district chairs – since the true strength of our party is in our local communities, not on Grace Street in Richmond. We put on a fantastic national convention experience for our delegates and guests in 2008, and had (I think) one of the most enjoyed Advances in years. As I said earlier, we raised more in my first six months than any prior chairman, and refocused the Party to have a real impact online and with technology. I also turned a lot of attention to the fact that RPV was largely useless to our candidates and began to provide tangible services to them (but RPV discontinued those candidate services after I left). I gave unit chairs a seat at the table, and made communication between me and our local levels a priority (hosting a bi-weekly call with them). Finally, partly due to the necessity of having a lot to do to get RPV up to speed and partly to decentralize Party operations, I created a bunch of committees to share the load and spread out the operations of the Party. I was widely criticized for establishing all these committees (as well as talking to unit chairs directly and regularly), but those committees are mostly all still operating. Heck, most of the changes I made (those not dependent upon finances) are still in effect – the most prominent and obvious of which being the RPV logo.