The Dartboard: Loudoun Republicans Prepare for State Convention

Glen Caroline is on his way to Richmond—and he’s bringing more than a few friends with him. While the official paid party members of the Loudoun County Republican Committee (LCRC) number at approximately 260, over 500 Loudoun residents have signed up to attend the state convention and cast their vote. According to Caroline, Chairman of the LCRC, approximately 11,000 Republicans have registered as delegates for the state convention—although the true test of the event will be how many truly arrive at Richmond’s Convention Center on Saturday.

Under the rules of the Republican Party of Virginia (RPV), voting delegates are not required to be a member of the county party. Even so, the Tuesday, May 26 LCRC meeting was well attended, almost overflowing the Boardroom at the County Government Center. Many of those attending came to hear from the large number of speakers—some of who are candidates for this weekend’s convention.

The Race for RNC Chairman

Both candidates for state chairman spoke to assembled crowd, sharing their particular vision for the RPV and how they would work to ensure a victory for the Republicans in the fall.

Pat Mullins in the current Virginia Party Chairman, having been named by the State Central Committee to fulfill the role after the removal of former Chairman Jeff Frederick. Despite where he currently resides (Louisa County) Mullins is not an unfamiliar face in Northern Virginia—having been a Chairman of the Fairfax County Republicans in the party.

“Loudoun County was not this big when I was in Fairfax,” said Mullins, who shared some good news regarding the party gleaned from his short time as state chair. According to Mullins, who has attended 11 county meetings in the last month, the increased activism in state Republican committees is not limited to Loudoun. According to Mullins, the number of people committed to volunteering and participating are unmatched since George Allen was elected Governor in 1993.

While extremely positive and winning over many with a Western Virginia accent and “war stories” of past campaigns, Mullins did have a caution for the assembled listeners.

“We’re going to have better candidates than they do,” said Mullins, “They’ll have more money.”

The change in financing advantage is a relatively recent problem for the Republican Party, traditionally very strong fundraisers. However, Mullins did note that meetings with National Party Chair Michael Steele has seen guarantees of financial and organizational support.

Mullins’ opponent for RPV Chairman, Bill Stanley, also addressed the crowd with similar enthusiasm and similar cautions. Chairman of the Franklin County Republicans, Stanley is also a familiar face to the state GOP, after serving as part of the team of attorneys supporting Paula Jones in her legal disputes against former U.S. President Bill Clinton.

While both Stanley and Mullins can be considered conservatives, Stanley emphasized returning the state party to the “grassroots”—echoing statements made by former Chairman Frederick in a public letter announcing his intention not to regain his position as chairman.

Caroline stated earlier in the evening that whoever emerges as the state chairman after the convention will have the full support of the Loudoun group.

Both Mullins and Stanley shared one sentiment—the belief the party is in the right place ideologically. This was a sentiment shared by those LCRC members in the room.

“We don’t need to move to the middle,” said Mullins.

Stanley echoed this, adding that he does not “believe that the party has to reinvent itself.”

Both would-be chairmen spoke the language that the LCRC wanted to hear. Mullins did appear more comfortable, especially when discussing his experience on past campaigns and highlighting his familiarity with different parts of the Commonwealth. Stanley gained points for an organized approach in his presentation, particularly his intention to make full use to new media and technology to improve the campaign.

The Candidates

While former Attorney General Bob McDonnell is running unopposed to receive the Republican nomination, incumbent Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling is facing a primary opponent in Patrick Muldoon, who spoke at Tuesday’s LCRC meeting offering “a voice with a choice.”

Muldoon proposed drawing a bright line around the principles, which define the party. Among his proposals was a return to 2006 spending, and a full repeal of the income tax.

The only candidate for Attorney General able to attend the May 26 event, Dave Foster also spoke to the LCRC—voicing the distaste many in the room had for that day’s appointment of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court (pending Senate approval.) With the deep voice of a radio star, Foster highlighted his extensive legal experience and his proven ability to be elected in areas traditionally considered Democratic strongholds.

While unavailable to attend himself, John Brownlee was one of the candidates who sent a surrogate to speak on their behalf. In the most charming part of the evening, Nancy Hoyler stood in front of an enormous Brownlee campaign sign and told the assembled crowed why Brownlee is the right choice for Attorney General. She should know, she’s his

mother.

“I’ve known him the longest,” said Hoyler.

She was also remarkably on point with Brownlee’s campaign message.

The Convention

The Republican Party of Virginia will select a state chairman and candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General at the state convention in Richmond on Saturday, May 30.

Check in with “The Dartboard” online on Friday and Saturday for updates on the events and news at the 2009 RPV Convention.