Log Cabin Republican Club of Virginia
March 2006 Newsletter

February Meeting – Americans for Prosperity Represents All of Us

Members who were able to attend the Club’s meeting on February 21st heard Rob Whitney, state director of the Virginia chapter of Americans For Prosperity (AFP), tell us about his organization, a dedicated group of grassroots citizen-leaders mobilized to spread a pro-market, pro-entrepreneurship, and pro-liberty message to policymakers.  Rob expounded on issues that AFP is involved with in Richmond: transportation, property rights and eminent domain, repeal of the death tax, run-away education spending with minimal results, and Medicaid reform.  These are issues that many identify as typical “Republican” issues, and Rob did a good job of making the case for AFP’s perspective on those issues. 

Rob agreed with one questioner that much of the anti-tax movement has become too closely identified with the hardcore religious right, and that has limited the effectiveness of those making the case for tax restraint.  AFP’s challenge, he said, is to establish an agenda that focuses on typical Republican values of fiscal responsibility and accountability and steers clear of the hot-button social issues that many feel have hijacked the Republican Party.  This is an organization for all Republicans who are concerned about the runaway spending and taxes that have engulfed Virginia.  Members can get more information on Americans for Prosperity at www.AmericansForProsperity.org. 

March Meeting – Alexandria Republican City Council Candidates Will Appear

We’ve invited all five Republican candidates for Alexandria City Council to attend and tell us about their campaigns.  Bernie Schulz, Ken Foran, Pat Troy, Van Van Fleet, and Craig Miller are all vying in the May 2 election for the six open seats.  Bernie and Ken have confirmed they will be there and we hope to have all of them.  Ken Foran is currently the only Republican officeholder in Alexandria, serving on the Alexandria School Board.  He’ll hopefully have some insight on how we can elect more Republicans city wide.  Please join us to find out what we can do to help these five candidates.  The monthly meeting will be held next Tuesday, March 21, at the Boulevard Woodgrill,

2901 Wilson Blvd.

in Arlington.  As always, the meeting will begin promptly at 7:00.

Equality Virginia Commonwealth Dinner –

Get ready to celebrate!  The third annual Equality Virginia (EV) Commonwealth Dinner is on Saturday, April 8, in Richmond.  Equality Virginia is a non-partisan gay-and lesbian-rights organization that works to end discrimination against sexual minorities.  Each year, this gala event has grown as EV honors friends and supporters and celebrates progress towards legal equality in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

This year, former U.S. Senator Chuck Robb will receive the Equality Commonwealth Award.  The Arlington Gay and Lesbian Alliance (AGLA) will receive the Equality Community Award, and former Republican State Senator and Secretary of Health & Human Resources, Jane Woods, will receive the Equality Public Servant Award.  This black-tie-optional event will be held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center from 7:00-10:00 PM.  The Log Cabin Republican Club of Virginia will be hosting a table, as will our vice president and political director, David Lampo.  Tickets are $100 (VIP tickets $200), and you can register to attend at www.EqualityVirginia.org.  Click on the host at whose table you’d like to sit.  

Log Cabin Convention – National Leaders to Meet in Washington April 27-30

The Log Cabin National Convention and Liberty Education Forum National Symposium will be held in Washington, D.C. from April 27-30.  Programs will be held at the historic U.S. Chamber of Commerce Building, directly across the street from the White House.  The National Dinner will be held in the majestic Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.

Scheduled speakers include noted gay conservative Jonathan Rauch, author of  Gay Marriage: Why It Is Good for Gays, Good for Straights, and Good for America, gay Episcopal bishop Gene Robinson, and political commentator Amy Walter from the Cook Political Report.  Members may recall that both Jonathan and Amy have addressed our Club in the past.  The National Dinner on Saturday, April 29, will pay tribute to openly gay Congressman Jim Kolbe, who recently announced his retirement, and will feature former U.N. Ambassador and U.S. Senator John Danforth, a leading critic of those who use religion to divide the GOP and the nation.  For more information on the convention schedule and topics to be covered, check out Log Cabin’s website at www.LogCabin.org.

Annual Log Cabin PAC Fundraiser –Coming In May

Club officers are beginning to prepare for the Log Cabin Republican Club of Virginia PAC fundraiser, which we hope will be some time in May.  We are currently talking to possible speakers and will inform Club members as soon as plans are finalized.  Since its inception five years ago, our PAC has raised nearly $30,000 for inclusive state and local Republican candidates, and this event is critically important to our continued growth and influence within the Republican Party of Virginia.  Details will follow, and we hope you will be as generous as possible. 

Calendar of Events

Tuesday, March 21 – Regular monthly Club meeting at the Boulevard Woodgrill in Arlington.  The social begins at 6:30 and the meeting begins at 7:00 PM.  As usual, dinner is available afterwards in the restaurant upstairs.

Saturday, April 8 – Equality Virginia Commonwealth Dinner in Richmond, 7:00 – 10:00 PM.  See above for details.

www.VirginiaLogCabin.org
Log Cabin Republican Club of Virginia

PO Box 16611, Alexandria, VA 22302