Jeb Bush! Manning the table at The Homestead

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Linwood Cobb

We had a fantastic time manning the Jeb Bush for President 2016 table at the Advance. It was like Grand Central Station as fellow Republicans stopped by to visit, pick up materials, and talk politics — the only presidential table that had real live people at it. The interest is high and Jeb is in it to win it. Not only does he have the ground game but also the money to sustain and make it through the primaries. He just filed to get on the ballot in Ohio — the first candidate to do so. #AllinforJeb #Jeb2016

Virginia Republicans gather at the Homestead

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Good people … the Thomas family. Mike, Alec, and Ashley.

Jeb Bush’s Virginia campaign announces 60 additional heavy hitter supporters

By Lynn R. Mitchell

From the Jeb Bush for President 2016 campaign:

Today, the day before the deadline to submit signatures for the Virginia ballot, the Washington Post reported, “Republican heavy hitters join Jeb Bush’s campaign in Virginia.”

This strong show of support for Jeb Bush comes after he submitted over 10,000 signatures on November 18, twice the amount needed to qualify for the Virginia ballot. The full list of support is below.

“Jeb Bush is the leader this country needs, and the Commander in Chief I want in the Oval office to protect my family and this nation,” said State Senator Ben Chafin, of Russell County.  “Further, Jeb understands Southwest Virginia and the challenges our families are facing.  He has an energy plan that embraces domestic coal production and will put people back to work.”

Governor Bush has been to Virginia three times in the past few months, including an appearance in Bristol in September to help raise money for the Senate Republican Caucus.  He also recently attended a candidate’s forum hosted by Pat Robertson at Regent University in Virginia Beach.

“When the primary is over, there is only one candidate who is capable of defeating Hillary Clinton, and that is Jeb Bush,” said State Senator John Watkins, from Chesterfield. 

This support comes in addition to Jeb’s previously announced Virginia Co-Chairs: Kay Coles James, former Virginia Secretary of Health; Eric Cantor, former House Majority Leader; and John Hager, former Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, and other lawmakers including Jerry Kilgore, former Attorney General of Virginia.

I am proud to be part of the Jeb Bush for President team of supporters in Virginia.

Additional Jeb Bush Supporters in Virginia:

·      Veronica Angulo, Grassroots Activist, Fairfax County

·      Graves Anthony, Chair, Hampden-Sydney College Republicans

·      Peggy Armentrout, Chair, Charlotte County GOP

·      Barbara Bowie-Wittman, Grassroots Activist, Alexandria City

·      Conrad Brinkman, College Republicans, Longwood University

·      James Burton, College Republicans, UVA

·      Victor Cabral, Business Leader, Arlington County

·      Brenda Campbell, Fmr. President, Virginia Federation of Republican Women, Henry County

·      Delegate Jeff Campbell, Virginia House of Delegates, Smyth County

·      Senator Ben Chafin, Virginia Senate, Russell County

·      Spencer Chaplain, College Republican, Ferrum College

·      Maggie Cleary, Vice President, Federalist Society, UVA Law

·      Linwood Cobb, Fmr. Chair, 7th District GOP Committee; Fmr. Member, State Central Committee, Henrico County

·      Ray Connor, Commissioner of Revenue, Chesapeake City

·      Chandler Crenshaw, Fmr. Chair, William & Mary College Republicans

·      Richard Cullen, Business Leader, Richmond City

·      Alex Owen Davis, Grassroots Activist, Radford City

·      Tom Farrell, Business Leader, Henrico County

·      Peter Finocchio, Former Chairman, UVa College Republicans, Grassroots Activist, Fairfax County

·      David Fonseca, College Republicans, Liberty University

·      Renee Fonseca, Grassroots Activist, Fairfax County

·      Heywood Fralin, Business Leader, Roanoke City

·      Dennis Free, Ret. Undersheriff Virginia Beach City; Ret. VBPD Police Captain, Virginia Beach City

·      Marvin Gilliam, Business Leader, Washington County

·      Bill Goodwin, Business Leader, Henrico County

·      Barbara Greiner, Grassroots Activist, Fairfax County

·      Marianne Horinko, Fmr. Acting Administrator of the EPA under President George W. Bush, Fairfax County

·      Tyler Johnson, Fmr. Chair, William & Mary College Republicans

·      Rear Admiral Jack Kavanaugh, Ret. USN; President, Downtown Norfolk Republican Club, Norfolk City

·      Harry Kelso, Grassroots Activist, Henrico County

·      Jay Lacano, Fmr. Chair, ODU College Republicans

·      Caroline Lane, Ret. USN; Grassroots Activist, Fairfax County

·      Ethan Lane, Grassroots Activist, Alexandria City

·      Anna Lee, Grassroots Activist, Fairfax County

·      Jorge Lozano, Grassroots Activists, Fairfax County

·      Shirley Miles, Grassroots Activist, Fairfax County

·      Elizabeth Minneman, Immediate Past Chair, College Republican Federation of Virginia

·      Lynn Mitchell, Fmr. Member, State Central Committee, Grassroots Activist, Augusta County

·      Tim Nank, Grassroots Activist; Fmr. Candidate, Virginia House of Delegates, Fairfax County

·      Sheila Noll, Member, Board of Supervisors, York County

·      Nina Ovieda, Community Leader, Arlington County

·      Eric Philipkosky, Grassroots Activist, Richmond City

·      Susan Ralston, Fmr. Special Assistant to President George W. Bush, Culpeper County

·      Dan and Sonia Runde, Grassroots Activist, Fairfax County

·      Isabel “Izzy” Santa, Fmr. RNC Hispanic Communications Director, Arlington County

·      Colin Sapko, Treasurer, George Mason College Republicans

·      Don Scoggins, Fmr. Candidate for Occuquan Supervisor, Prince William County

·      John Scott, Immediate Past Chair, Young Republican Federation of Virginia

·      Kathy Simmons, Grassroots Activist, Fairfax County

·      Gerrie Smith, Grassroots Activist, Fairfax County

·      Mark Smith, Grassroots Activist, Loudoun County

·      The Honorable John Snow, Fmr. Secretary of the Treasury, Richmond City

·      Theresa Speake, Fmr. Assistant Secretary, Department of Energy, Fairfax County

·      Phillip Stucky, College Republican, UVA

·      Mauricio Tamargo, Grassroots Activist, Fairfax County

·      The Honorable Nick Taubman, Fmr. U.S. Ambassador to Romania, Roanoke City

·      Breccan Thies, College Republican, University of Mary Washington

·      Greg Thies, College Republican, UVA

·      Tamara Thies, Grassroots Activist, Charlottesville City

·      Thomas Turner, Chair, Western Tidewater Young Republicans; Vice-Chair, Suffolk City GOP, Suffolk City

·      Rick Valentine, Grassroots Activist, Fairfax County

·      Adam Washington, 1^st CD Young Republican Representative; Fmr. Chair, Fredericksburg-Area Young Republicans, Stafford County

·      Senator John Watkins, Virginia Senate, Chesterfield County

·      Kristi Way, Member, State Central Committee, Henrico County

·      Rick West, Member, City Council, Chesapeake City

·      Fay Williamson, Fmr. President, Virginia Federation of Republican Women

·      Neb Yegezu, College Republican, NVCC, Fairfax County

Previous Endorsers

• State Co-Chair, Eric Cantor, Fmr. Majority Leader, United States House of Representatives
• State Co-Chair, Kay Coles James, Fmr. Member of the Virginia State Board of Education
• State Co-Chair, John Hager, Fmr. Lieutenant Governor of Virginia
• Jerry Kilgore, Fmr. Attorney General of Virginia
• Delegate David Yancey, Virginia House of Delegates
• Delegate Terry Kilgore, Virginia House of Delegates
• Delegate Will Morefield, Virginia House of Delegates
• Delegate Bobby Orrock, Virginia House of Delegates
• Sheriff Ken Stolle, Virginia Beach City
• Debbie Ritter, Member, City Council, Chesapeake City
• Stephanie Zemanek, College Republican, University of Richmond

 

*titles for identification purposes only

Jeb2016.com

Happy Birthday, Lt. Governor John Hager

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Former Virginia Lieutenant Governor John Hager with then-7th Congressional District Chairman Linwood Cobb … 2014.

Birthday greetings to one of the hardest working Republicans in Virginia — former Lieutenant Governor John Hager! He travels all over the Commonwealth to events and supports candidates, something he continues to do. He’s everywhere! Together with wife Maggie, they are in-laws to the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush, and former First Lady Laura Bush. Their son Henry is married to the Bush’s daughter Jenna. Here are just a few of the many photos I have taken of the LG at GOP events throughout the years with a sincere thanks for all he has done to advance the causes we all believe in. Happy Birthday, John Hager!

Virginia Republicans look to the future

Linwood Cobb and Eric Cantor

By Lynn R. Mitchell

It’s the Top 5 state offices: governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, two U.S. senate seats. Add to that president.

Virginia Republicans saw all those offices turn over to Democrats the past few years including the back-to-back loss for president that marked the first time Virginia carried a Democrat for president since the 1960s.

Frustrated at the string of losses and looking at the 2016 presidential election looming right around the corner, more than 100 Republican activists gathered Saturday in Richmond from as far away as southwestern Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley, Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, Southern Virginia, and the Richmond area. Representing every congressional district and looking to the future during the day-long event, they met in a casual atmosphere to hear positive messages from respected leaders and to network with fellow activists.  The message was one of how to grow the party and work together, how to reach diverse communities, and how to move forward to once again win statewide and presidential elections.

Video: Remembering the leadership of the Honorable Eric Cantor, Majority Leader

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Eric Cantor, Virginia’s congressman who rose to become the second most powerful Republican in Washington, steps down today from his role as majority leader.

Thank you, Leader Cantor, for your steadfast conservative leadership for the Republican Party.

GOP 7th Congressional District donates $$ to help statewide candidates

By Lynn R. Mitchell

After Wednesday night’s 7th Congressional District meeting, much misinformation has been circulating Virginia from those who disapproved of the actions taken by the majority of the committee.

The 7th under the leadership of former chairman Linwood Cobb, one of the most effective district chairmen in the state, and Majority Leader Eric Cantor was excellent at raising hundreds of thousands of dollars used to fund Republican candidates throughout the 7th and the rest of the Commonwealth. They were a team that helped grow the party and held two of the largest Republican events in the state each year with the Republican Roundup that drew thousands of attendees, and Eric Cantor’s annual breakfast that had 1,700 attending in 2014.

Photos #2 – Burgers with Bill … faces in the crowd

Two friends … Bob and Bill. The crowd sang “Happy Birthday” for these two whose birthdays were June 15. (In the background are Davis Rennolds, Charlie Judd, and others.) More photos after the fold….

Cantor challenger Brat stands up Grover Norquist

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Mr. Brat didn’t go to Washington on Wednesday.

The Dave Brat campaign set up a schedule of events for Wednesday in D.C. that included a meeting with Grover Norquist and made sure to spread the news to the press and social media and even the Washington Post.

Washington Post reporter Robert Costa wrote:

Brat, a primary challenger to House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.), made arrangements to attend two exclusive meetings Wednesday: anti-tax activist Grover Norquist’s weekly breakfast at the Washington offices of Americans for Tax Reform, and the Weyrich lunch, a Capitol Hill gathering of hard-right operatives named after the late conservative strategist Paul Weyrich.

Calls were made, details were confirmed, and on Monday, Brat said in an interview that he was excited … He was ready to make his pitch to the grassroots power brokers who have lifted conservative unknowns with their mailing lists and social-media reach.

Will tea party glee be short-lived?

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Anything can happen at political conventions. That was evident in the 2013 Virginia Republican State Convention with the candidates that were elected to represent the GOP on November’s ballot.  It was again proven at Saturday’s 7th Congressional District Convention when backers of Fred Gruber, head of the Louisa County tea party, turned out to vote for him as chairman over long-time Republican volunteer and incumbent Linwood Cobb.

Gruber win in 7th Congressional District doesn’t bode well for Republicans

By Daniel Cortez

A not unexpected event occurred when Fred Gruber defeated Linwood Cobb Saturday for the 7th Congressional District Chairman. They pulled an ole Ollie North tactic — bus in your supporters to win a battle but ultimately lose the war effort that may further divide the Republican base in November.

Bill Bolling: ‘Battle taking place for heart and soul of Republican Party’

Former Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling released a statement on the results of today’s Republican 7th District Chair race:

“I was extremely disappointed to hear of the results of today’s 7th district Republican Convention. Linwood Cobb has served our party well for years, and he deserved to be re-elected as the 7th district’s Republican Chair.

“Clearly, there is a battle taking place for the heart and soul of the Republican Party. We are seeing this battle play out all across our state. While the voice of every Republican should be heard, our challenge is to figure out how to be a conservative party, without allowing the most extreme voices of the day to control our party and determine its future direction.

“I remain committed to aggressive efforts to reform the Republican Party and get it back to a more mainstream place. If we cannot accomplish this, we will drive away more and more traditional Republicans and it will become almost impossible for us to reach out to the broader cross section of Virginians whose support we need to win elections and earn the right to lead.”

Linwood Cobb was the hardest working Republican district chairman in the state of Virginia, raising almost $1 million for Republicans, holding two of the top three Republican events in the state (behind the Virginia State Convention), and building the party in a way that will now be lost. It’s a sad day for Republicans.

Louisa tea party chairman wins 7th Congressional District chair — Eric Cantor’s district

By Lynn Mitchell

Tea party delegates came in by the busload Saturday morning to vote at the 7th Congressional District Convention in Richmond, Congressman Eric Cantor’s district. They were there to vote for Fred Gruber, someone put up for the position after no one else would run. They rallied around him and made him the poster boy of defeating “establishment” Republicans. Fred Gruber is head of the Louisa Tea Party.

Blogging the 7th Congressional District Convention

10:15 a.m. The ballroom is packed at the Richmond Hilton with a crowd of delegates representing the districts of the 7th Congressional District. Many familiar faces are here including former Governor Jim Gilmore and former Lieutenant Governor John Hager. Upward of 1,000 delegates were expected to participate. Congressman Cantor came in a while ago with his wife and family.

Covering the 7th Congressional District Convention

By Lynn R. Mitchell

I’ll be in Richmond Saturday for the 7th Congressional District Convention so look me up if you’re there. This is my growing-up stomping grounds so looking forward to many familiar faces. I’m totally in support of Chairman Linwood Cobb for re-election because he and Congressman Eric Cantor make a great team and have worked hard for the Republican Party. They have grown the party and raised funds for candidates — they have two of the largest Republican events in the state each year with the Republican Roundup that draws thousands of attendees, and Eric Cantor’s annual breakfast that had 1,700 attending this year. They provide great opportunities with wonderful fellowship that makes you feel good about being a Republican. Many thanks to them both for their leadership.