Happy Birthday, Mike Thomas … and Thank You

Mike Thomas, First Vice Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia’s State Central Committee, has a birthday today. What would Virginia Republicans do without this pillar of the party whose steady hand and even temperament have carried us through many rough patches? His institutional knowledge is legend — he is a walking encyclopedia of Virginia Republican politics. During the battles between factions that occur, he has worked with all sides, listening and mediating and seemingly always available. For that, we owe him a big thank you. I hope he is enjoying his birthday without too much politics interfering with his day.

I went through my photo archives and looked for pics of Mike from the past 15 years at Republican events around the Commonwealth. Here are a few of them. Thanks, Mike — your friendship and wisdom are truly appreciated. Happy Birthday!

New citizen applauds RPV Republican primary decision

Naturalization ceremony held at Mt. Vernon on July 4, 2015.

By Daniel P. Cortez

Jessica Hatchley of Fredricksburg proudly became a citizen last week during 4th of July ceremonies at Mt. Vernon. And as one the nation’s newest voters she can’t wait to vote for the next president during the Virginia primary scheduled for next March.

That was the contentious issue recently in Staunton, where the tea party wing of Virginia’s Republican Party attempted to force a convention and discriminate against their family.  That’s what it would have been.

Originally from Kaiserslautern, Germany, she met her Marine husband Robert, now stationed at Quantico, online.  They married and have a 13-month-old son, Robert Hatchley III.  They consider themselves independent voters.

As nonparty members they would have been excluded from voting for their candidate for president at a republican convention.  Not because he is in the military, but because only party members would be allowed to vote.  As a fellow independent voter who may lean conservative, I call that intense discrimination promoting exclusion.

Fortunately, a primary was recently chosen by 42-39 vote in Staunton by republican members of the state central committee.  Eric Herr, chairman of the First Congressional District Committee, and Steve Albertson, chairman of Stafford’s Republican Committee, both spoke in support of a convention.

Mike Thomas responds to baseless claims by blogger

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Republican Party of Virginia First Vice Chairman Michael Thomas responded to the latest click bait rambling attack of blogger Tom White and his baseless accusations on Donald Williams, the Chesterfield County Republican Committee, the Hanover County Republican Committee, and by extension, the Republican Party of Virginia. Mr. Thomas wrote:

Dear Tom:

I believe you are way off base with your attacks on Donald Williams and the Chesterfield County Republican Committee. There are no requirements for RPV or any local committee to allow audio or video recording of meetings. None. Not in IRS regs, not in federal or State code, not in the RPV Party Plan.

In fact, the RPV General Counsel provided guidance in 2008 that committees MAY adopt restrictions – or even a prohibition – on recordings. Quite a number of committees have such a policy, including the Chesterfield County Republican Committee, which adopted one over 5 years ago. Not last week. Not last month. Not even last year. More than five years ago.

Birthday wishes for Mike Thomas, Virginia’s Republican pillar

Mike Thomas

By Lynn R. Mitchell

LynnRMitchell.com sends happy birthday wishes today to one of our guest writers and good friend Mike Thomas … husband to Stacey, father to Sarah and Alec, grandfather, and children’s church leader.

Mike is greeted by Susan Allen.

Born and raised in Virginia, Mike began his political career with the College Republicans while earning a political science degree at the University of Richmond. It would lead him to the highest reaches of Virginia politics, serving in the administration of former Governor and Senator George Allen, who remains a close friend. He held positions as Chief of Staff and State Director during Allen’s time in the U.S. Senate, and served the Commonwealth of Virginia over the years as both the Secretary of Administration to the Commonwealth, and as Director of the Virginia Department of Information Technology.

The happiest of days

[Earlier this week Mike Thomas celebrated his grandson’s eighth birthday with a Facebook post that was, quite simply, a love letter from grandfather to grandson. If having grandchildren is even half as much fun as the relationship he has with Aiden, bring it on! Mike graciously agreed to share his post that began, “The happiest of days …” Thanks, Mike.]

By Michael Thomas

Eight years ago today, God blessed us with the birth of our first grandchild, Aiden.

Energetic, curious and focused – all at the same time – Aiden has a heart that is much, much bigger than most kids his age (certainly bigger than mine). He is a protective big brother, a loving, cuddly son (with exceptions, of course) and an encouraging, fun loving grandson.