Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from all of us at LynnRMitchell.com

The reason for the season….

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men.” Luke 2:8-20

The true meaning of Christmas … a time for the Christian world to pause and celebrate the birth of the son of God.

As 2014 comes to a close, we are thankful for a successful year and especially for our readers who contribute and share the posts we publish at LynnRMitchell.com.

It is a time to remember those who have special meaning in our lives. We are grateful to have our core group of contributors –Kurt, David, Daniel, and Lynn — working together as each brings a unique perspective that is shared in our writings:

Election Day 2014 … Ed Gillespie for U.S. Senate

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Election Day 2014. It’s all over except the voting.

We live in a free country where men and women have fought to protect our freedom to vote. As contributor Daniel Cortez wrote yesterday,  An Independent Political Perspective: Vote your conscience … but vote.

All of us at LynnRMitchell.com endorsed Ed Gillespie for U.S. Senate (see LynnRMitchell.com endorses Ed Gillespie for U.S. Senate), and guest poster Lee Talley shared his reasons for voting for Mr. Gillespie (see Lee Talley: ‘I am a dad and I’m voting for Ed Gillespie’).

Former Delegate Lacey Putney, long-time legislator in Richmond and an Independent, gave a rare endorsement by backing Gillespie (see Lacey Putney endorses Ed Gillespie, not impressed when Warner was governor).

Many newspapers endorsed Gillespie including the Richmond Times-Dispatch (see Ed Gillespie endorsed by Richmond Times-Dispatch).

In the Republican red Shenandoah Valley, LynnRMitchell.com managing editor Kurt Michael reminded that upping the voter margin is a major responsibility of the GOP to off-set Democratic-rich northern Virginia, Richmond, and the Hampton Roads areas (see Valley Republicans needed to up the vote margin).

Gillespie, who has worked for years in Republican politics including with President George W. Bush in the White House, received endorsements from his old boss (see President George W. Bush surprises Gillespie’s ‘G-Force’ phone conference) and President George H.W. Bush #41 (see George H.W. Bush #41 endorses Ed Gillespie).

Dana Perino has said for months that Ed Gillespie is the tortoise in this senate race but on Monday she was joined by fellow “The Five” panelist and Democratic strategist Bob Beckell in predicting an upset win in Virginia (see Dana Perino, Bob Beckell predict big upset win for Gillespie).

Constitutional Amendment: Vote YES. Help our military widows by providing a tax break on their real estate taxes.

Election Day 2014 … make it count.

Lee Talley: ‘I am a dad and I’m voting for Ed Gillespie’

By Lee Talley

There have been many, many wonderful endorsements of Ed Gillespie over the last few days. Former Presidents and other folks of stature and success have all told us how they feel he is the man to be our next Senator in Virginia. I’m not somebody famous or someone of great political or cultural stature. I am one thing even greater than President in my eyes. I am a father; I am Dad!

Saturday’s Autism Society’s 5K Walk-Run, RVA, and Team Cantor

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Harry Talley raised $425 for the Autism Society’s 5K Walk/Run Saturday at Innsbrook’s Snag-a-Job Pavilion, a proud achievement for the 11-year-old who  had his fifteen minutes of fame, so to speak, when he was interviewed by the WRIC TV-8 news crew (see interview video).

Together with his dad Lee, they were joined by more than 50 Team Cantor participants wearing red tee shirts who were running, walking, and pushing baby strollers to raise money for a good cause. It was a family happening of laughter and high-spirited fun that made Team Cantor the third largest group out of 1,600 participants for the Autism Society’s annual event.