Louisa County Republican Committee

Upcoming Events for June and July

2010-05-27T15:45:00.003-04:00

The Committee has scheduled the following events for June and July. Check back frequently as more events may be added or changes made. If you know of a local community service event in which the Louisa Republicans should participate, click here to mail us details, and we will consider your request.

June 8-Noon, Roma's-Monthly Lunch Meeting with Guest Speaker Willy Gentry, Chairman of the Louisa County Board of Supervisors
June 29-6 PM Dinner, 7 PM Business Meeting, Roma's
July 13-Noon, Roma's-Monthly Meeting with Program TBA
July 17-Republicans Booth at the Que and Cruz Festival, Small Country Campground**

**Volunteers are needed to man the booth. Contact Brandy to help out!

2010-03-22T20:36:00.002-04:00

Following is some information about Virginia Boys State. At our March meeting, it was agreed that our committee would help publicize the scholarship efforts of the Louisa American Legion Post. We encourage all our members and the greater community to help fund scholarships for area youth to attend this valuable public service leadership experience. Please give generously.

"Our Louisa County American Legion Post 116 sponsors high school student(s) to participate each year in Virginia Boys State. Post 116 tries to send 3 young men to Boys State, but the cost is high for our small organization. We are seeking donations from local individuals and organizations to help with the expense. Each attendee costs Post 116 almost 300 dollars."

"On March 26, Post 116 will interview candidates recommended by Louisa County High School. Shortly after the interviews the Post must select its nominees and send the registration and tuition payments to Virginia Boys State. Your timely support of Virginia Boys State will help Post 116 decide how many young men it can sponsor."

"Anyone who is able to contribute is asked to send a check payable to American Legion Post 116. The Post 116 mailing address is Post Office Box 859 Mineral, Virginia 23117-0859."

Mass Meeting Notice

2010-03-08T09:38:00.000-05:00

OFFICIAL CALL
Mass Meeting of Louisa County Unit
of the Republican Party of Virginia

As Chairman of the Louisa County Committee of the Republican Party, and pursuant to the Plan of Organization and as recommended and directed by the Committee, I, Patrick Mullins, do hereby issue this call for a Mass Meeting to be held in the Community Meeting Room at the Louisa County Branch of the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library, 881 Davis Highway, Mineral, VA, starting at 7:00 pm local time on Tuesday March 30, 2010 for the following purposes:

To elect a unit chairman, first vice chairman, second vice chairman, third vice chairman, treasurer, secretary, and members of the unit committee; and, for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the mass meeting.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR PARTICIPATION

All legal and qualified voters under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, regardless of race, religion, national origin or sex, who are in accord with the principles of the Republican Party and who, if requested, express in open meeting either orally or in writing as may be required, their intent to support all of its nominees for public office in the ensuing election, may participate as members of the Republican Party of Virginia in its mass meetings, party canvasses, conventions or primaries encompassing their respective election districts.

FILING REQUIREMENTS

Candidates for election for Unit Chairman at said mass meeting shall file a written statement by mail or in person, to Committee Secretary John Nolin, 59 Amick Road, Louisa, VA 23093, which must be received not later than 9:00 pm, Tuesday, March 23, 2010, and accompanied by the fee as noted below.

Candidates for election to other offices or as Members of the Louisa County Republican Committee at said mass meeting shall file a written statement with the Committee Secretary not later than 7:00 pm, Tuesday, March 30, 2010 immediately prior to the convening of the mass meeting, accompanied by the fees noted below.

PREFILING/REGISTRATION FEES

Unit Chairman and Other Committee Officers - Annual Dues for 2010 of $25 plus $5 prefiling fee.

County Committee member - Annual Dues for 2010 of $25.

Please make checks payable to Louisa County Republican Committee.

Paid for and Authorized by the Louisa County Republican Committee

Important Meeting Date

2010-01-19T11:21:00.002-05:00

This is to give official written notice, in accord with the State Party Plan, that Louisa County Republican Committee Chairman Patrick Mullins has called a meeting of the Louisa County Republican Committee, to be held on Tuesday, January 26, 2010, at 7:00 pm in the banquet room at the rear of Roma’s Italian Restaurant in the Glen Marye Shopping Center on E. Main Street, Louisa. As is our custom, those wishing to eat and socialize with other members should plan to arrive at about 6:00 pm and order their food and drinks from the menu. We will welcome any registered voters of Louisa County to attend and if they wish to do so apply for membership in the Louisa County Republican Committee. However, only those who are committee members in good standing when the meeting is called to order will be permitted to vote on matters coming before the committee. While dues of $25 per member for calendar year 2010 are not yet past due, this would be a good opportunity to give your dues to the Committee Treasurer.

The business to come before the Louisa County Republican Committee is as follows:

To determine the method of selection of up to 280 delegates with 56 votes from Louisa County to a Seventh Congressional District Convention, scheduled to be held at 10:00 am on Saturday May 8 for the purpose of electing a District Committee Chairman. We are also to determine the date and time of the election of these delegates, and any pre-filing requirements and fees therefore. A District Convention will not be held if the current District Chairman is unopposed for election to that office, as determined by prefilings required to be completed by 5:00 pm Wednesday, February 3, 2010.

To determine the method of electing the County Committee Chairman, vice chairmen, secretary, treasurer, and the members of the unit committee for the next two years, along with the date and time of such election and any pre-filing requirements and fees therefor. To facilitate this process, a draft of an Official Call for a Mass Meeting will be distributed to and reviewed by the committee members at the meeting on January 26. This Call, with any amendments, will be authorized by majority vote of the Committee members present and officially issued by the County Chairman.

Such other business as may be appropriately brought before the Committee.

For those wishing to consult the State Party Plan for more information as to the requirements for these determinations and election processes, the Plan as amended is on the web site at www.rpv.org.

By Direction of Chairman Patrick Mullins.
John Nolin, Secretary
Louisa County Repubican Committee

The Stakes Have Never Been Higher

2009-11-02T15:27:00.001-05:00

Vote!

2009-11-02T15:21:00.003-05:00

Need we say it? Get out and Vote tomorrow!

The Louisa Republicans remind you to vote-

McDonnell for Governor
Bolling for Lt. Governor
Cuccinelli for Attorney General
Janis for House of Delegates
Bill Small for Supervisor

If you have time to help at the polls tomorrow, call Brandy Polanowski right now 967-0538. We welcome your help!

George Allen to Visit Louisa

2009-10-14T13:53:00.002-04:00

Join George Allen and the "Hands Off My Healthcare" bus tour at the Louisa County courthouse, Friday Oct. 16 at 11:00 AM.

New Video From GOP Doctors

2009-10-14T13:44:00.000-04:00

New McDonnell Ad

2009-10-07T12:30:00.002-04:00

October Meetings

2009-10-07T12:05:00.000-04:00

[From John Nolin]

Fellow Republicans and Friends,

The election is now less than one month away. Let's get serious about working to elect our Republican candidates. There is much to be done, and the help of every one of you is essential. Our two meetings in October will be devoted to planning for our work during the final days of the campaign and on election day. Your attendance at one of or preferably both of these meetings is critically important for our success.

We have asked campaign staffers from RPV, Cantor for Congress, Janis for Delegate, and Small for Supervisor to attend both meetings and assist us in our plans, to the extent their schedules will allow. Our day meeting will be next Tuesday, October 13, at 12:00 noon at Roma's Restaurant in Louisa. Our County Chairman and State Republican Chairman Pat Mullins is hoping to be able to attend the noon meeting on October 13 to speak about the campaign progress state-wide. Our evening meeting will be on the fourth Tuesday, October 27, at 6:00 pm at Roma's Restaurant.

As a "reward" for your attendance at these meetings, we have a small supply of the "three candidate" bumper stickers, and hope to have a few "three candidate" yard signs. We will also have details of the free election night results-watching party at Small Country which the Committee is sponsoring as a Thank You to our volunteers who will have done so much to help our Republican candidates win big in Louisa County.

I hope to see all of you at one or both of the Committee Meetings. If for some reason you can't come, but want to help with the election, please contact me by reply e-mail and I will put you in touch with one of our election volunteer coordinators. Please don't put off taking action. Your good thoughts and actions on November 4 will not be much help.

John Nolin, Secretary, Louisa County Republican Committee

Louisa Ag Fair Pictures

2009-09-29T13:15:00.009-04:00

Thank you to Michael Moore (no, not the Hollywierd one) for sharing his photos from the Louisa Ag Fair, and thanks also to all who turned out to work the GOP booth. See you next year!

Another High Profile Conviction in Louisa

2009-09-28T23:00:00.004-04:00

Louisa Commonwealth's Attorney Thomas Garrett, Jr. announced the conviction of Robert Cox, 19, of Richmond for a sexual solicitation charge of a minor today. Garrett, who was elected on the promise of putting serious offenders behind bars, delivered again on the commitment he made to the people of Louisa County.

From today's press release:

The defendant was arrested in an undercover operation by the Louisa County Sheriff's Department on October 18, 2008 as part of CSI Louisa (Child Safety Initiative.)

"It is difficult to understand why others would prey on children and is troubling when that person works at a day care center. CSI Louisa is making a difference and we are proud of the work of the Louisa County Sheriff's Office."

CSI Louisa was launched in February 2008 with the goal of helping to protect children of Louisa County and making Louisa the model jurisdictions for others to follow. CSI Louisa has nabbed over a dozen predators across the state to include the former Howard Soccer Coach Joseph Okoh and not one came from Louisa.

Cox's prosecution was part of the fully operational Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force ( ICAC) prong of CSI Louisa. For more information on CSI Louisa visit the website at www.louisacounty.com/LCca.

Cox will be sentenced on December 21, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.

FOP Endorses McDonnell

2009-09-24T15:10:00.002-04:00

Click below for details

New Video

2009-09-23T12:21:00.001-04:00

What are our priorities indeed. Take a look....

NRA Endorses Bob McDonnell

2009-09-14T14:57:00.002-04:00

As expected the National Rifle Association has endorsed Bob McDonnell's bid for Governor.

RICHMOND- Bob McDonnell, Republican gubernatorial nominee and former Attorney General of Virginia, was endorsed today by the National Rifle Association. The NRA is recognized as America’s foremost defender of Second Amendment rights, and the group has over 120,000 members in Virginia. The association interviewed Bob McDonnell and Creigh Deeds prior to making the endorsement, in addition to reviewing questionnaires filled out by the two candidates, and thoroughly reviewing their voting records and policy positions.

Speaking about the endorsement, McDonnell remarked, “Over the course of my career in public service, I have worked to protect and uphold the Second Amendment rights guaranteed in the Bill of Rights to the United States Constitution. The Second Amendment rights of law abiding Virginians must be respected and protected. That is what I did while serving as Virginia’s Attorney General. We worked to stop unauthorized attempted straw purchases by outside agents operating in the Commonwealth. We moved quickly to make the Commonwealth one of the first states to file an amicus brief in support of the individual right to bear arms in the historic Supreme Court Case of District of Columbia v. Heller. As governor I will continue to defend the individual right to keep and bear arms, and stand on the side of Virginia’s law abiding gun owners. The National Rifle Association is committed to protecting our constitutional rights and I am honored to receive this endorsement.”

....read more

In Case You Missed It...

2009-09-09T12:44:00.004-04:00

Delegate Janis and Louisa supporter John Nolin share a word.

Photo courtesy of Bill Janis.

Delegate Janis has received the endorsement of the Virginia Farm Bureau.

“I am honored to again receive the endorsement of the farmer-members of the Virginia AgPAC. Farming and forestry are critically important sectors of the Virginia economy, and account for thousands of jobs especially here in Henrico, Goochland and Louisa counties. More importantly, locally grown Virginia produce feeds families throughout the region, the Commonwealth and the world. I am happy for this vote of confidence in me by the farmers of the 56th District.”

Deeds--Let Us Introduce You PSA

2009-09-09T12:36:00.002-04:00

Hat Tip to Bearing Drift and RPV for this one.

Gerson on the Virginia Governor's Race

2009-08-28T11:14:00.004-04:00

Michael Gerson posted an interesting article Friday about Bob McDonnell and the Virginia race's national implications over at Townhall.com.

McDonnell Endorsements

2009-08-27T13:25:00.004-04:00

Bob McDonnell's bid for Governor has received four key endorsements in the past 12 days. The following is from Ed Gillespie at the McDonnell for Governor headquarters:

Over the past 12 days there have been some remarkable developments in this year’s governor’s race. In an election centered on jobs and the economy, Bob McDonnell has now received the endorsements of four of the most important job-related organizations in the Commonwealth.

First the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, with over 147,000 members, announced they were backing Bob. Then Virginia’s Realtors, with over 33,000 members, threw their support behind our campaign. Two days ago they were joined by the Virginia Credit Union League, representing 194 credit unions statewide. And just yesterday, the Virginia Chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business, representing nearly 6,000 small businesses statewide, endorsed Bob as the best choice to lead Virginia over the next four years.

That’s a momentous 12 days! Four major endorsements from men and women who understand what we need to bring new jobs to Virginia: Farmers. Realtors. Credit Unions. Small Business Owners. All united in support of Bob McDonnell for Governor.

The endorsements are coming so fast and so often that The Washington Post noted about yesterday’s announcement: “Republican Bob McDonnell received yet another endorsement from yet another business group today.”

Yard Sign Do's and Don'ts

2009-08-27T13:00:00.003-04:00

Attention volunteers and supporters. Thank you for your support and your willingness to "show your colors" with yard signs.

Only place signs on property where the owner has given permission or requested a sign.
Show respect for property and inviduals at all times.
Make sure your signs are completely on private property. Signs placed in VDOT rights of way and on public property will be removed.
Never deface or vandalize campaign signs.
Never remove signs unless you are the landowner and the signs were put up without permission.
If you observe individuals removing or defacing signs placed on private property, contact the committee and the sheriff's office. Try to provide the license of any cars, and names or descriptions of the vandals. If you can get a picture via your phone, let us know and we will forward it to the appropriate campaign headquarters and to the Virginia State Board of Elections.

Show Your Support! Yard Signs and Bumper Stickers

2009-08-27T12:50:00.003-04:00

If you live in Louisa County and would like to obtain yard signs or have a good location for larger signs, click here to let us know. We can also point you in the right direction for bumper stickers. Signs and stickers do make a difference-let your neighbors know whom you support!

We can hook you up with signs and stickers for Bob McDonnell, Bill Bolling, Ken Cuccinelli, Bill Janis, and Bill Small. While you're at it, won't you consider a donation to the Louisa Republican Committee to offset our expenses?

At a rally one time, Senator George Allen said that a bumper sticker on a car was the equivalent of a $100 TV or radio spot. A bumper sticker on a pickup truck was as good as $200. Help out!

New McDonnell Ad

2009-08-27T12:41:00.000-04:00

Get Out the Vote Event

2009-08-10T22:13:00.002-04:00

“Get-Out-The-Vote” Rally and Pig Roast Set for September 19

LOUISA – Louisa Republicans are organizing a “Get-Out-The-Vote” Rally and Pig Roast at Small Country Campground on Saturday, September 19. Last year more than 350 stalwarts attended.

Among the luminaries expected are Delegate Bill Janis, Commonwealth Attorney Tom Garrett, and Bill Small, candidate for Supervisor in the Patrick Henry District. The event is a fundraiser this year, with proceeds going to the Friends of Bill Small campaign and the Republican slate statewide. Tickets are $15 or $25 for a couple, with kids under 12 free.

“This is a great opportunity to eat award-winning pulled pork, beans, potato salad, and cole slaw with neighbors and friends,” said John Nolin, Secretary of the Louisa County Republican Committee. “Democrats, Independents and Republicans will attend to support Bill Small for Supervisor.”

“It’s good for the entire Republican team this year, when so many people are disgusted with what is happening in Richmond and Washington, DC,” Small said. “Jobs and taxes are of great concern locally, while health care reform and global warning are leading the debate at the national and state levels. This rally is an opportunity for taxpayers to voice their concerns and bolster their positions…as well as getting a darned good meal.”

The mixer will start at 4 PM with dinner beginning at about 5 PM. Advance reservations are required for a head count. Everyone is welcome. Make your check to “Louisa County Republican Committee” and mail to PO Box 2020, Louisa, VA 23093.

Cantor Statement on Delay of Administration’s Six-Month Report on Guantanamo Bay Terrorist Prison

2009-07-21T13:46:00.001-04:00

Congressman Eric Cantor (VA-07) issued the following statement after the Administration delayed its six-month report, as ordered by the President’s executive order to close the Guantanamo Bay terrorist prison by January 2010:

“Closing the terrorist detention facility at Guantanamo Bay is a complex issue, and it is incumbent upon President Obama to outline a careful, clear and smart plan to the American people. The delay of the report makes clear that the Administration still has no answers for the millions of Americans that do not support closing the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and bringing terrorists to America’s shores.

“Just six months remain before the Administration’s arbitrary closure deadline of the Guantanamo Bay facility. Our top priority must be to ensure the safety and security of the American people, and to close Guantanamo without any idea of where to put the world’s most dangerous terrorists is ludicrous.”

Schilling to Visit Louisa

2009-07-17T11:43:00.001-04:00

On Tuesday, July 28, at 7:00 pm, in the County Office Building, there will be a special "public forum" meeting for all Louisa County citizens who are concerned about the nation's problems and want answers and action. Workable solutions are needed for the problems of the economy, the soaring national debt, the threats of higher cost of living and higher taxes, and possible nationalization of our medical care, industries, and schools. Are political parties and politicians more interested in old-fashioned politics and pork barrels than in the needs of the people? The meeting will be sponsored by the Louisa County Republican Committee, and is open to all.

The 7:00 pm meeting will be opened by the singing of the National Anthem by Louisa County residents Michael and Becki Atkins Moore (the nationally-known singing duo "Mickey and Becki").

Speaking at the meeting, and exchanging ideas with the audience, will be well-known Charlottesville radio talk show host Rob Schilling. "The Schilling Show" airs every weekday from noon to 2 pm on AM radio station WINA (1070), and is a venue for advocacy and change. Rob takes a strong stance on issues, but welcomes all points of view on his show. Beyond his radio duties, Rob is a Contemporary Christian recording artist and worship leader, member of Good News Jail and Prison Ministry's President's Council, and Realtor.

Rob Schilling and his wife Joan moved to Central Virginia from Southern California in 1998. In 2002, he was elected to the Charlottesville City Council, the first Republican on the Council in 16 years. A recent news article described him as "a pull-no-punches conservative." His not-too-conservative shoulder-length hair set him apart from other conservative commentators on the Fox News Channel during his June appearance on "Fox and Friends."

Green Springs District resident Dwayne Lloyd, is the project leader for this special meeting. He wrote this in his invitation to Rob Schilling: "I have a particular interest in the issues of personal freedom and responsibility, and how both are being eroded by the move in our country to have the government try to solve every problem we face. I also really enjoyed your recent show on the 10th amendment. ... very important as we face this next election."

Louisa County Republican Chairman Pat Mullins, who is also the State Chairman of the Republican Party, had this to say about Rob Schilling: "I have been on Rob's show several times and he is a great American. I hope we get a crowd out as he will be a powerful and entertaining speaker."

From John Nolin

2009-07-17T11:08:00.000-04:00

There is a big victory coming in next November's election here in Louisa County. We are going to take a first big step in correcting the national disaster being imposed upon us by the Democrat White House, Congress and State Executive. But this will not happen because of good well-intentioned Republicans sitting on the sidelines and bemoaning what our country is going through. Let's reserve the sideline seats for the Democrats after the November election. Your help is needed now.

We need volunteers to join with Bill Small and Bill Janis at the Republican booth at the Small Country Campground on Byrd Mill Road TOMORROW Saturday, July 18 from 9:30 am to about 5:00 pm. If you can spend a couple of hours with us blowing up balloons, passing out leaflets and stickers and signs, please sign up with Bob Becker (call him on 894-4789 or e-mail him at bob@flowerhillcottage.com). If you can't commit to working a shift, just come anyway for what time you can spare. This is a benefit event ($5 donation) for the Zions Fire Dept and Childrens Charities, and will be a lot of fun. I plan to be there all day.

We also need volunteers for the County Agricultural Fair Friday July 31 and Saturday August 1, from about 10 to 6 each day. Our booth will be for the campaigns of McDonnell/Bolling/Cucinelli, Janis, and Small, as well as recruiting members for our County Republican Committee. Sign up for a couple of hours shift with Bob Becker at the phone or email address above.

Bill Janis' Op Ed From Sunday's TD

2009-06-09T14:58:00.002-04:00

Success Against Poverty Requires Thousands of Fathers

BY BILL JANIS
Published: June 7, 2009

Of all the rocks upon which we build our lives, we are reminded today that family is the most important. And we are called to recognize and honor how critical every father is to that foundation. They are teachers and coaches. They are mentors and role models. They are examples of success and the men who constantly push us toward it. But if we are honest with ourselves, well admit that what too many fathers also are is missing -- missing from too many lives and too many homes. They have abandoned their responsibilities,acting like boys instead of men. And the foundations of our families are weaker because of it.
-- Barack Obama, 2008

Last month, Gov. Tim Kaine announced that he is creating a Poverty Reduction Task Force. In announcing the creation of this group, the governor said that providing for the neediest Virginians will be a tough political sell, and then went on to criticize House Republicans.

If this initiative -- coming as it does in Tim Kaine's last six months as governor, but in his first six months as DNC chairman -- is really only a cynical partisan exercise to score political points in an election year, then I am afraid that we will miss an opportunity to help the nearly 13 percent of Virginia children who currently live below the federal poverty line, and that would be a shame.

On this issue we should be able to put aside partisanship and build consensus for a bipartisan solution. And we do not have to wait until January to get started. There is "instant financing" available right now.

Social scientists and economists are an argumentative lot. They seldom agree about anything. But nearly all agree on one point: The decline of marriage, and of the two-parent family, is a major cause of child poverty, which, in turn, contributes to increased risks for children and greater demand for social services. The collapse of the family is a pandemic that poses a clear and present danger to all Virginians today.

Approximately two-thirds of poor children live in single-parent homes. The collapse of marriage is also a major contributor to welfare dependence, crime, abuse, drugs, failure in school, and teen pregnancy.

A recent Brookings Institution report states: "A child born to a mother who is a teenager, has not finished high school, and is not married is nine times more likely to be poor than if the mother is an adult who has finished high school and is married."

According to a report authored by the Heritage Foundation Center for Data Analysis, two-thirds of poor women currently having children out of wedlock would be lifted out of poverty immediately if they were married to the fathers of their children. While we sometimes shy away from saying it directly, we all know that broken families are the single largest cause of poverty in America.

In 1996, Congress passed and President Bill Clinton signed the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act, finding that "marriage is the foundation of a successful society" and that "marriage is an essential institution of a successful society which promotes the interests of children."

Three of the four key goals of the welfare reform legislation were marriage related: promote marriage, encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families, and prevent and reduce out-of-wedlock births.

Implementation of welfare reform nationwide has focused almost exclusively on the fourth goal of ending welfare dependence by promoting job preparation and work, known as welfare to work. In Virginia, this strategy has been so successful that, through programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), we have reduced the number of Virginia families dependent on welfare by 53.8 percent, from 61,905 families in August 1996 to 28,585 families in June 2008 -- a reduction of 33,320 families.

But even dramatic progress in reducing poverty by moving Virginians from welfare dependency to work, has been limited by the lingering problem of absent fathers. Most experts agree that the way to confront the lingering effects of this pandemic is to implement the remaining three strategies.

Encouraging marriage, "fireproofing" existing marriages, and promoting responsible fatherhood are the keys to reducing poverty. How could we implement these strategies here in Virginia?

A Virginia Healthy Marriage and Fatherhood Initiative (VHMFI) would be designed (1) to strengthen families and build healthy marriages through accessible marriage education services; (2) to strengthen the role of the father in a child's life through programs that support healthy marriage activities; and (3) to promote responsible parenting and foster economic stability within the community by bolstering the economic stability of the two-parent family.

The initiative would focus on encouraging marriage and preventing divorce through marriage education programs delivered by nonprofit community and faith-based organizations, foundations, local government, social service entities, schools, health care providers, and state agencies. It would serve voluntary participants throughout Virginia, and especially in low-income communities.

It would focus on supporting programs that encourage responsible fatherhood -- helping fathers overcome barriers that may prevent them from being an effective and nurturing parent within a marriage. The initiative should include a media campaign to emphasize the importance of marriage and responsible fatherhood, which would build public awareness of the consequences for children of family breakdown -- as well as support for marriage as an institution and support for efforts to promote marriage and two-parent families.

These programs could be delivered through grants or contracts with public and private sector service or program providers, and be administered by Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources Marilyn Tavenner, who will co-chair the governor's task force.

A Virginia Healthy Marriage and Fatherhood Initiative could be funded entirely with surplus funds from the current Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant, provided annually to the Virginia secretary of health and human resources by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families, under the welfare reform legislation of 1996.

To start a pilot program for VHMFI, we could allocate as little as $10 million, based on reviews of the costs of similar healthy marriage initiatives in other states, particularly Oklahoma, which has a successful statewide marriage initiative.

Funding for VHMFI could be drawn entirely from surplus TANF block grant dollars resulting from Virginia's successful implementation of welfare reform since 1996.

Because TANF dollars come with no strings attached, $16 million in surplus TANF money has been redirected to other state programs in the current state budget, with $9.8 million allocated to the Department of Social Services for unspecified "eligible activities."

Secretary Tavenner could recover almost immediately some portion of the TANF money redirected to other programs as the initial seed money for a healthy families initiative -- without any additional congressional or General Assembly action required. We could also dedicate a portion of Virginia's share of new dollars appropriated in the recent federal stimulus bill.

The governor's Poverty Reduction Task Force could devote its very first meeting to the actual development of a Virginia Healthy Marriage and Fatherhood Initiative, with involvement by experts in the marriage and pro-family movements, including ministers, economists, social workers, and even some legislators. Actions to implement the initiative include the following:
• Establish a Governor's Working Group on Healthy Marriage and Fatherhood.
• Convene a meeting of marriage and family experts.
• Review research and information to establish a program grounded in solid social science data and best practices from other states.
• Develop a draft initiative for coordination.
• Provide opportunity for public comment and input.
• Communicate with members of the General Assembly and key staff throughout the process, as needed.
• Finalize the proposed initiative.
Ronald Reagan used to say, "There is no limit to what you can achieve if you don't care who gets the credit." His Democratic contemporary, former Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan of New York, said, "The principle objective of American government at every level should be to see that children are born into intact families and that they remain so." That's statesmanship.

But even in politics, success has a thousand fathers. When an idea has the support of social scientists, economists, ministers, and politicians from Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Tim Kaine to Bill Janis, it would hardly be a "tough political sell," especially when every Virginian could benefit so profoundly from that idea.

Electronic Version

June Monthly Meeting

2009-06-09T06:53:00.001-04:00

Today at Noon in the banquet room of Roma's Restaurant in Louisa, the Louisa County Republican Committee will hold its regular monthly meeting. We will have a discussion of our plans for the upcoming election campaign. Do you know what's happening on July 18? How about July 31? August 1? Come find out at lunch today!

Convention Parking

2009-05-27T16:06:00.002-04:00

Worried about where to park for the state convention in Richmond this weekend? Try here for a Coliseum parking map. Hat tip to Ken Cuccinelli for passing this along.

Women's Group Organizational Meeting

2009-05-26T15:04:00.002-04:00

The Louisa Republican women's group organizational meeting has a new date. The meeting will be held on June 7, 3:00 PM at the Louisa County Library. All interested women are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Brandy Polanowski 967-0538.

View Larger Map

Bob McDonnell's TV Ad

2009-05-14T10:00:00.001-04:00

In case you haven't seen it on TV.

Emmitt Tyrell on McAuliffe

2009-05-14T09:15:00.003-04:00

From Townhall.com; Emmitt Tyrell poses the question of whether Terry McAuliffe is really the man Virginia Dems want leading the ticket this year. Read the entire article online--for a preview, here are a few quotes from Tyrell's piece:

...As for McAuliffe's boast that he started five businesses in Virginia, creating jobs for large numbers of Virginians, the Post reported, "It turned out that all five are investment partnerships, with no employees, registered to his home address in McLean...

...As with his patrons, the Clintons, McAuliffe gets into trouble for no particularly good reason. Do the Virginia Democrats really want to put up a candidate with a penchant for self-inflicted wounds? I leave it to them on June 9.

Do You Feel Safer?

2009-05-08T11:21:00.007-04:00

This video courtesy of the House Republicans.

Planning for the GOP's Future

2009-05-06T16:44:00.003-04:00

Kathryn Jean Lopez shares her conversation with Congressman Cantor about the National Council for a New America on the Corner today. It's worth a read.

Pat Mullins Elected State Party Chairman

2009-05-04T15:35:00.005-04:00

The following statement comes from John Nolin, Secretary of the Louisa Committee.

Republicans in Louisa County can take great pride in the fact that our own county chairman Pat Mullins has been selected by the State Central Committee to serve as State Chairman. There can be no doubt he will do a stellar job in a very difficult time for the party, just as he has done previously in Fairfax County and Louisa County.

Along with many others around the state who know Pat well, I look forward to the State Convention, when I will cast my vote as a delegate for him to continue as State Chairman.

For more:
Politico.com
Bearing Drift
Times Dispatch
Washington Post

Women's Meeting May 3

2009-05-01T09:36:00.001-04:00

The Women's Meeting originally scheduled for May 3 has been postponed and will be rescheduled. For more information, call Brandy at 967-0538.

Tax Day Tea Parties

2009-04-14T08:58:00.002-04:00

April 15, tax day, will see Tea Party tax protests across America. Americans fed up with out of control taxation and big government will gather together to express their dissatisfaction with the state of affairs in Washington. For information about Tea Parties in Virginia, try here.

April Meeting--Tuesday April 14

2009-04-08T11:17:00.005-04:00

This post comes from John Nolin, committee Secretary. Thanks John.

This is just a quick reminder of our next Louisa County Republican Committee Meeting. As usual, it will be held at 12:00 Noon on the Second Tuesday of the month, in the banquet room at the rear of Roma’s Restaurant in the Glen Marye Shopping Center on East Main Street in the Town of Louisa (look for the McDonald’s sign at the parking lot entrance). For those wishing to eat lunch, Roma’s has a very nice buffet luncheon for under $10, which you can get and carry back to the meeting room, where water and ice tea will be available. The buffet is all you can eat, but please try to finish eating before 12:30, when the meeting will be called to order.

This meeting will be really special. Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling of our neighboring Hanover County will be the guest speaker, and will be introduced by our Delegate Bill Janis. I doubt if any of you need to be told that these are both gifted advocates for the Republican Party in Virginia, and their remarks are always worth whatever effort you need to make to hear them.

No RSVP is needed. I hope to see you there at 12 Noon, Tuesday, April 14.

John Nolin, Secretary, Louisa County Republican Committee.

Women's Organizational Meeting

2009-04-02T16:19:00.003-04:00

Update: This meeting will be rescheduled due to conflicts. The meeting for May 3 will not take place as planned.

On May 3, 2009 at 3:00 p.m., an organizational meeting for the Louisa Women's Republican Committee will take place at the JMRL Louisa County Library. The purpose of the meeting is to finalize a name, bylaws, officers, etc. Associated committee paperwork and a plan for future meetings will be completed . Marie Quinn from State Central Committee will be joining the meeting to assist and advise. Please contact Brandy Polanowski 967-0538 or at bpolanowski@hotmail.com for more information.

Muldoon to Visit Louisa

2009-03-16T15:41:00.003-04:00

There will be a Meet and Greet with Patrick Muldoon, candidate for Lieutenant Governor Sunday , April 19th at the Louisa County Library from 2-4 pm. The event is open to the public. For more information please call Brandy Polanowski at 967-0538.

AG's Race

2009-03-11T08:31:00.003-04:00

There's a pretty good summary of last night's AG candidates' debate in Northern Virginia over at Bearing Drift this morning. It's always worthwhile to see if the statements made in front of a Northern Virginia audience are the same ones we hear in Louisa. Good news; based on this analysis, each candidate's statements are entirely consistent with what we've heard during their visits to our monthly meetings over the past quarter. If you want to see for yourself, attend the debate in Culpeper next week.

Eric Cantor Gets Attention From the Left

2009-03-10T18:42:00.007-04:00

You know your Congressman's being effective when he gets under the skin of the opposition's leadership and MSNBC's unrepentant attack dog Keith Olbermann. See Patrick O'Connor's article from Politico.com detailing the Democratic attacks on Congressman Cantor.

Louisa County Republican Women

2009-03-05T11:59:00.002-05:00

A Louisa County Republican Women's group is in the organizing stages. Be among the first to join! Marie Quinn from the 7th Congressional District Committee will attend the March 10 meeting at Romas and provide more information about how to get organized. Come hear more about this opportunity, or click here to get involved!

Monthly Meeting

2009-03-03T10:47:00.003-05:00

The March meeting of the Louisa Republican Committee is Tuesday, March 10 at Roma's Restaurant at Noon. The featured speaker will be State Senator Ken Cuccinelli, one of the candidates seeking the nomination for Virginia Attorney General. The public and representatives from the media are invited to attend.

Reagan Dinner

2009-03-02T11:58:00.002-05:00

Not to be derailed by last night's snowstorm, tonight's Reagan Dinner at Lake Anna Winery is still on. The parking lot is cleared and George Allen will be there as scheduled. We are good to go....see everyone there.

Cantor Campaign Breakfast

2009-02-27T13:50:00.003-05:00

Bearing Drift has a post up about this morning's annual Cantor for Congress campaign breakfast. Meg Whitman, former E-Bay CEO and newly announced California gubernatorial candidate spoke about the importance of keeping government regulation and taxation from stifling the growth of small business. Several Louisa supporters made the early morning trek to Richmond for the event.

Attorney General Candidates' Debate

2009-02-24T09:14:00.004-05:00

The 30th District Republican Committee, along with the county committees from Orange, Madison, and Culpeper are hosting a debate of the Republican candidates for Virginia Attorney General. All three candidates have agreed to attend. This debate will take place Monday, March 16 from 7:00 to 8:30 P. M. at Germanna Community College's Daniel Technology Center in Culpeper and is open to the public. For those planning to attend the State Convention in May, this is a great opportunity to learn more about the candidates prior to our Mass Meeting on the 23rd.

Thank you Ed Scott, 30th District Member of the House of Delegates for the heads up via Facebook.

Reagan Dinner

2009-02-23T12:41:00.005-05:00

A limited number of tickets still remain for the joint Louisa and Spotsylvania Republican Committee Reagan Day Dinner, March 2 at Lake Anna Winery . Tickets are $50 with proceeds benefiting the activities of the Republican Committees in Louisa and Spotsylvania. The featured speaker will be former Governor and United States Senator George Allen. For more information please click here.

Richmond Update

2009-02-17T16:55:00.004-05:00

This bit just in from Delegate Janis on Week 5 of the General Assembly. If you'd like to subscribe to Bill's E-Newsletters click here.

Greetings!

This past week, we had some of the longest days of the session, completing our work on all bills filed by Delegates and approving a package of amendments to the 2008-2010 Biennial Budget. That made for some particularly long days spent indoors, with 99 of my "good friends" in the House Chamber.

I am happy to report that the vast majority of the bills I introduced on behalf of my constituents this session have passed a floor vote in the House and are now under consideration in the Senate. House Bill 1712 passed through the House with a vote of 98-0 and is currently under consideration in the Senate's Privileges & Elections Committee. House Bill 1712 helps reduce procedural voting hurdles for Virginian's serving abroad in the armed services. House Bill 1866 would allow Courts to permit individuals owing court fees and costs to discharge those costs through community service. This bill passed through the House with a vote of 96-0 and is under consideration in the Senate's Courts of Justice Committee. House Bill 1868, increasing the punishment for underage drunk driving, passed through the House with a margin of 96-0. It has also been assigned to the Senate's Courts of Justice Committee.

Additionally, I've introduced resolutions commending the Virginia Councils of the Boy Scouts of America for their history of service and dedication to the Commonwealth, recognizing the Richmond Royals U18AA ice hockey team for their win at the International Silver Stick Tournament in Ontario, Canada and commending Richmond Royals Bantam A youth ice hockey team for making the semi-finals of the International Silver Stick Tournament.

It was another very busy week in the General Assembly, but I was able to enjoy visits with several groups of constituents. This past week I was able to meet with constituents and students from the Salem Christian School, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Virginia Military Institute and James Madison University. I also met with Dominion Virginia Power employees, State Farm Insurance Employees, Virginia Land Title Association Members and members of the Jewish Community Federation. I had the pleasure of meeting with upstanding young citizens from Boy Scout troops throughout the Commonwealth as well. Meeting with and hearing from constituents firsthand has always been one of the most enjoyable aspects of my duties as a Delegate.

Many house staffers have worked this session on various charitable activities. As a result, fundraising efforts among legislative staffers in the building collected more than $6,400 for the Richmond Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Additionally, staffers secured cash and food donations in the General Assembly to benefit the Central Virginia Food Bank

Mass Meeting Call

2009-02-17T13:28:00.005-05:00

OFFICIAL CALL

Mass Meeting

of LOUISA COUNTY UNIT

of the Republican Party of Virginia

As Chairman of the Louisa County Committee of the Republican Party, and pursuant to the Plan of Organization and as recommended and directed by the Committee, I, Patrick Mullins, do hereby issue this call for a Mass Meeting to be held at the Extension Service Meeting Room, Second Floor, Louisa County Office Building, 1 Woolfolk Ave., Louisa, VA, starting at 7:00 p.m. local time on Monday, March 23, 2009, for the following purposes:

Electing up to 49 Delegates and an equal number of Alternates to the Republican Party of Virginia State Convention, to be held on May 29 and 30 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 29 for the purposes of nominating a candidate for Governor, Lt. Governor and Attorney General. Each unit is entitled to one (1) Delegate Vote per 250 Republican votes for Governor and President at their last election, so that the Louisa County Unit is entitled to 49 Delegate Votes. Qualified persons seeking election as delegates or alternates are required to prefile on or before the day of this Mass Meeting, or be present in person at the Mass Meeting. They must state in writing that they meet the qualifications set forth in the official call, and furnish their name, postal address, e-mail address if any, and telephone number. Prefiling by mail or hand delivery must arrive before 7:00 pm, March 23, 2009 at Louisa County Republican Committee Secretary, 59 Amick Road, Louisa, VA 23093. A voluntary registration fee of $35.00 for each delegate and alternate will be requested of those elected and will be forwarded to the Republican Party of Virginia by the Louisa County Committee Treasurer;

and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the mass meeting.

Qualifications for Participation

All legal and qualified voters under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, regardless of race, religion, national origin or sex, who are in accord with the principles of the Republican Party, and who, if requested, express in open meeting either orally or in writing as may be required their intent to support all of its nominees for public office in the ensuing election may participate as members of the Republican Party of Virginia in its mass meetings, party canvasses, conventions, or primaries encompassing their respective election districts. Voting by proxy is not permitted at the mass meeting.

In addition to the foregoing, to be in accord with the principles of the Republican Party, unless otherwise stipulated by the appropriate Official Committee, a person otherwise qualified hereunder shall not have participated in Virginia in the nomination process of a party other than the Republican Party after March 1, 2004, or in the last five years, whichever is more recent.

A single exception to this shall be approved for a voter that renounces affiliation with any other party in writing, and who expresses in writing that he/she is in accord with the principles of the Republican Party and intends, at the time of the writing, to support the nominees of theRepublican Party in the future. Any voter that utilizes the foregoing exception, and thereafter participates in the nomination process of a party other than the Republican Party, shall not have the benefit of the exception thereafter.

Registration Fee

There will be a voluntary registration fee of $5.00 requested of participants in this mass meeting, to help defray advertising and other costs incident thereto. Members of the Louisa County Republican Committee who have paid their dues of $25 for calendar year 2009 will be deemed to have thereby paid this voluntary registration fee.

Authorized by the Louisa County Republican Committee.

Convention Pre-file Preview

2009-02-17T10:13:00.002-05:00

The date has been set for the 2009 Louisa Republican Mass Meeting. The official call will be posted on this site shortly. For planning purposes, the meeting will occur on Monday, March 23 at 7 PM in the Extension Service meeting room on the 2nd floor of the Louisa County Office Building. Delegates to the State Convention will be elected at the Mass Meeting. Information concerning the Mass Meeting and optional pre-filing will be contained in the official call, which will be posted here and in local media when available.

Monthly Committee Meetings

2009-02-12T13:48:00.007-05:00

The Louisa Unit of the Republican Party of Virginia meets every second Tuesday at Noon at Roma's Restaurant. Along with committee business, the meetings feature interesting speakers and important information concerning upcoming elections and events. The meetings are open to the public and information about membership is available as well. The lunch buffet is about $10, and we promise to be done by 1:00 so you can get back to work on time.

2009 promises to be a busy year for Louisa Republicans. This year we will send Bill Janis back to the House of Delegates for another term, as well as supporting our GOP statewide candidates Bob McDonnell for Governor, Bill Bolling for Lieutenant Governor, and our Attorney General candidate, all of whom will be nominated at our Party's State Convention in May.

For more information about the committee and this year's races, click here.