The Club would like to thank our gracious hosts for this year's annual summer picnic, social director Daniel Gri and his partner, James Abbott, for opening up their beautiful home for our summer fun.  The location, food, and weather were perfect and a great opportunity to mingle and socialize.  We would also like to thank our special guests, Representative Tom Davis, his lovely wife, Senator Jeannemarie Devolites-Davis, as well Gary Baise, candidate for chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (and his wife Ann), and Vellie Dietrich-Hall, candidate for the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors from the Mason District.  We always welcome politicians and candidates to these functions because it reinforces that we are all Americans, we are all Republicans, and we share many of the same goals and purposes.   Since we in Virginia are always in an election year, the picnic coincides as closely as possible with the traditional end of summer, Labor Day, and the start of the fall campaign season.  The lazy days of summer are now almost behind us, and the frantic race towards November 6th is on!

          Please join us at our regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 11, when the Club will be screening the award-winning documentary, “Goldwater on Goldwater.”  This HBO documentary by Senator Barry Goldwater’s granddaughter, CC Goldwater, chronicles the man’s rise from a local Arizona businessman to a hugely influential U.S. Senator and presidential candidate.  

            Although Senator Goldwater never achieved his dream of winning the presidency, he paved the way for Ronald Reagan’s election in 1980, which vindicated the conservative agenda that Barry Goldwater had championed: limited government, free enterprise, separation of church and state, and a strong national defense. 

            Despite being branded as pro-war and anti-Civil Rights during the 1964 presidential campaign, Barry Goldwater later supported issues like abortion rights and gay rights that were diametrically opposed to those of the “new right” leadership in the Republican Party.  This personal and political evolution underscored the distance that the country had traveled during the last four decades of his life, and it was characteristic of his dogged independence.

            Please come and enjoy this 90-minute profile of an American political icon and conservatives’ conservative at our September meeting on Tuesday, September 11^th, at the Rhodeside Grill, 1836 Wilson Boulevard, in Arlington.  As usual, the social period begins at 6:30 and the program will start at 7:00 PM.  A cash bar and a la carte dinner can be enjoyed during the program.

If you or someone you know has not made a contribution to the LCR-VA PAC this year, it is not too late to do so.  This year, all 140 seats in the Virginia legislature are up for election, and many local elections will have repercussions for years to come.  For the first time ever, Log Cabin’s PAC participated in several Republican primary races on June 12, including support of Senate Majority Leader Walter Stosch, who won, and Sen. Brandon Bell, who unfortunately lost his bid for re-election by 75 votes.  It is vital that Log Cabin Republicans participate in as many races as possible, so we ask that you make a check payable to LCR-VA PAC and mail it to LCRC of VA, P.O. Box 16611, Alexandria, VA  22302.

Tuesday, September 11 – Regular monthly meeting at the Rhodeside Grill, Arlington.  Social period begins at 6:30 and the 90-minute documentary on Senator Barry Goldwater’s life begins at 7:00.  As usual, dinner is available during the meeting.

Tuesday, September 18—Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce debate for candidates for chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.  Republican Gary Baise is running against incumbent Democrat Gerry Connolly.  Debate to be held at the Westin Tyson’s Corner, 7801 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church.  Call 703 749-0400 for more details.

Tuesday, September 18—Arlington County GOP Committee fundraiser with former Gov. Jim Gilmore, 7 to 9 PM at the  Boulevard Woodgrill, 2901 Wilson Blvd., Arlington.  Call 703 685-2488 for more details.

Thursday, September 20—Alexandria GOP Committee picnic and miniature gold tournament, 6 to 8 PM at Cameron Run Regional Park, Alexandria.  $20 for adults.  Call 703 823-1801 for more details.

Saturday, September 22—Gary Baise for Supervisor fundraiser with Rep. Tom Davis.  Contact info@votebaise.com for more details.

Monday, September 24—Fairfax County GOP Committee Fall Reception and Lifetime Achievement Award Presentation to Vince Callahan, Westwood Country Club, Vienna.  Call 703 766-4467 for more details.

Wednesday, September 26—Mike McMenamin for Arlington County Board of Supervisors fundraiser with Attorney General Bob McDonnell.  Call 703 638-2379 for more details.

Tuesday, October 9—Regular monthly meeting at the Rhodeside Grill, Arlington.  Social period begins at 6:30 and the meeting at 7:00.  This meeting will be devoted to Republican candidates running for state and local office.

Sunday, October 14—Log Cabin Brunch, noon till 5.  Details to follow in next newsletter and on our website.  Please note this is a separate event from our regular meeting.  Please join us for a fun afternoon.

Tuesday, November 6 – Election Day.  Polls in Virginia are open from 6:00 AM until 7:00 PM.