Another reason to be sad that Glen Caroline is not running for re-election – a contested Chairmanship race between the new inclusive and focused LCRC and the old style divisive and exclusionary LCRC. I knew about Mark Sell’s announcement days ago but did not feel like giving it any credence by mentioning it here. Now that BPM and NVTH have put it out there, I may as well opine.
Candace Strother is relatively new to the LCRC, but has a political resume like no one else on the committee. She is polished and professional, and has the blessing of Glen Caroline to continue leading the LCRC in a positive forward manner. This woman exudes class and confidence. The LCRC is lucky to have someone of such skill willing to take the reigns.
On the other hand we have Mark Sell. Sure he’s been around a while and has paid his dues in many ways, but he is not leadership material. He is one of the three main PITA whiners about Glen Caroline’s leadership, which earned Caroline the Unit Leader of the Year Award from RPV. Sell was one of the LCRC big wigs in the failed Protic Era. Do we really want to go back there? No way. Sell should save himself the embarrassment of a bad beating and quit his Quixotic run now.
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Dec 20th by Loudoun Insider
LI, the insiders on committee may have already decided the outcome of the election three months from now, but if so, why not use their remaining time in office to change the rules to reflect that?
I would bet you that a wide variety of people who might be considering JOINING the committee to volunteer for the FIRST TIME have no clue who either one is.
If you guys really want to continue the inclusive momentum, don’t waste any time bashing the ones you DON’T endorse, work like hell to be positive for the ones you DO.
A one candidate election doesn’t give a lot of people a reason to get involved in voting, does it?
Hey Barb, this is my place for my opinion. I am not part of the current leadership committee. I really can’t believe Sell thinks he is the person for this job. Besides, he is often looked at as Suzanne Volpe’s patsy, something sure to fire up a few, but piss off many. At least Volpe won’t be writing another atrocious Call for this coming Convention!
LI, I understand it’s your blog.
My only point is the people who participate in committee, and in blogs, tend to be the very focused wonks, and the re-org probably isn’t even on the radar yet for a LOT of people who might make some great new teammates for everybody.
I don’t see a problem with more than one candidate.
LI, I didn’t post the information at http://virginiavirtucon.wordpress.com/ for the same reason. I do not want to give free publicity to Mark Sell.
I’m a wonk? Who knew? Or as one of our LCRC friends might say, Hooda thunk it?
Barbara, I gotta give you credit, when you’re right, you’re right. Mark Sell as a candidate will not be a problem.
For those who haven’t heard, the feds are closed for business tomorrow and LCPS and FCPS are closed for the week, and the next week is Christmas break.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with a contested chairman’s race. I too agree that it would have been the best if Glen had run again, but he didn’t and we’ll have a choice between two very good candidates. Looking at the big picture, i think its clear that Candace Strother is a leader in Glen’s tradition but let me be clear the committee has and must remain wide open to all aspects of the party and that includes the Sell/Volpe folks. We are strongest when we remain respectful of each other’s viewpoints and a keep our energy focused on electing Republicans like Frank Wolf, Jill Volgel, Eugene Delgaudio, Lori Waters and a host of new Supervisors and a new State Senator from the 33rd. The key is having a contested race that ends with the party united and focused and not in the disarray of 3 short years ago.
I would join both of you in saying Mark is a GREAT guy. The notion of him as “representing” a failed era is one that I do not happen to buy into, though I respect LI’s opinion in saying so. I would tend to look at Mark Sell as an equal part of the successful era that the LCRC just experienced.
Having had some communications with Candace, I am now very impressed with her. On top of that her candidacy was put on my radar a couple weeks ago, when several people whose opinion I respect – and who might not be expected to be on the same page on everything – all told me they were supporting her. On that basis I am supporting her too, for the sake of broadening that united front.
If Mark wants the office at some time in future years, I would consider supporting him. I would see absolutely not reason not to.
Unlike some here, I think Suzanne Volpe is an amazing person and did a great job as a planning commissioner, and for the LCRC. I cannot say, and will not say, one negative thing about her. I thought Mick Staton was unfairly attacked by Republicans. I like him a lot; he was incredibly studious, careful and deliberative. And I liked Paul Protic, too.
The problem with the LCRC was that silly emails to Steve Snow, and wild exaggerations about Dale Polen overtook the message of the Republicans here, and our elected officials did not have much support from our local committee. Instead of talking to each other, flame wars broke out.
What I saw Glen do, was work hard, with focus, and intensity, and no personal agenda, to put us all together as a group who had a lot of personal issues (like me and Dean, or me and LI) and focus all of our energy and intensity on the future, instead of infighting. We need that professional, positive touch, encouragement and fresh vision. I have already committed to supporting Candace, because I think it is important, especially now, to come together early, and to work our tails off to turn things around in our county.
Barbara, I wish you had stuck with the committee because you have a lot of institutional knowledge, and no doubt are very intelligent, and there are many new faces, all committed to winning the next elections and putting conservative principles on the forefront in our county.
If we are going to win, we need to leave behind special interests, agendas, hurts from the past, shake hands and work hard to let the citizens of Loudoun know that we are a hard working party with the utmost integrity, and a party with real solutions and of principles that will not be sold out….
[...] opinions I value greatly. Recently, another name has come up (mentioned at The Bulletproof Monk and Too Conservative): Mark Sells. I have to be honest in that I don’t really know Mr. Sells, either, but [...]
Copying my latest comment from NVTH on this matter:
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Barb, if it were not someone from the Protic inner circle I would not really have a problem with it. Hell, I have no real problem with this anyway – it is his right to run, but likewise it is my right to say why I think he is not worthy. And I will say that I like Paul Protic as a person – he seems to be a genuinely nice man. But he was little more than an absentee Chairman run by Volpe and Sell. His tenure was a complete disaster and embarrassment for the LCRC. All I have to repeat is “we may not win but at least we’ll be pure”. That is exactly the kind of attitude this committee doesn’t need going into the next local election cycle.
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This Chairman race is extremely important. If some people think I’m being mean to Mark Sell, then that’s just too bad. We cannot afford to go backwards.
LI, I’ll post here too in response.
You’re entitled to your opinion.
I just urge you to be FOR your candidate rather than AGAINST a fellow member.
As Cathymac eloquently pointed out at Joe’s (regarding those who were vocal against Cuccinelli pre-convention): “Perhaps those that did the finger pointing in the last election cycle would consider not making the same noise, if for no other reason than to actually promote the unity we all claim to desire.”
OK – no more re-posting!
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Read my response to your response over there.
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Sell is not a wise choice.
I agree with Barbara on this important point: I am for Candace, not against Mark. The LCRC needs to continue to expand its numbers, stay focused on the biggest issue which is following the lead of our 3 statewide elected officials and get more and more Republicans elected in Loudoun County. All the other stuff is garbage. Candace has my support for who she is and what she stands for.
There are irreconcilable differences. The truth is unity and inclusivity are mutually exclusive isn’t it?
Is Candace a pro-choice Republican? If not, would she welcome and support pro-choice members? Does she support government regulation to close the health insurance preexisting condition gap? What about gun show regulations? Would she welcome Republicans who support the CEP and believe anthropogenic climate change is a real problem?
LI,
Do you know how to support someone, in this case Candace, without attackin someone else? Face it, it is more about your personal dislike than it is about Candice’s qualifications. You are a shallow pond. Grow up. Keep the personal crap out of it. It is giving aid and comfort to Democrats.
Jacob,
Why do you say it’s personal? Do you see political differences between the candidates? What does LI mean by an “exclusionary LCRC”? Is that a personal opinion or an observation of something objective?
Dearest Jacob, I am plenty grown up and definitely not shallow. Grown up enough to know an easy choice when I see it. It is absolutely about Candace’s qualifications (which dwarf Sell’s) AND the future direction of a reinvigorated LCRC. The LCRC cannot go backwards if it wants to stay on a forward path. Get over yourself – this is my forum to express my personal opinion. You have your platform at NVTH, feel free to use it how you see fit.
Trickster, by exclusionary LCRC, I mean the ways of the past when certain people seeking to join the committee were singled out as RINOs and denied membership in the committee.
[...] Insider is playing that same ol’ cracked banjo, again. The only difference is now instead of Ken Cuccinelli it’s Mark Sell. He has not [...]
LI, who was denied?
Some made a motion to deny others who had supported Democratic candidates, but as I recall, no one was excluded. Was there any successful vote to do so, or only the motion?
That was the last meeting I ever attended, BTW.
There was enough anger on both sides to make me conclude there were better ways to spend time.
By the same token, some of the “unity” people were quick to denigrate and attempt to exclude those with whom they disagreed.
80%, right?
As Joe recommended, why not let the 20% go?
As far as the 80/20, for God’s sakes, there is a contested election about to be waged. All issues are up for discussion.
Jacob took my suggestion and is having a cow over at NVTH. Follow the pingback above to join in the fracas.
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Whether anyone wants to say it out loud or not, this is absolutely going to be a contest of old and new. Keeping it in the closet doesn’t do anyone any good.
Trickster,
So, you are pro-abortion, believe in anthropogenic climate change, and do not understand that the Hatch-Kennedy bill in 1992 actually came up with an equitable way of dealing with pre-existing conditions. Are you registered in the Democrat party already? Why do you want to the Republican party? Should an economy be planned? Should the government determine what is produced?
I remember SO well the meeting where at least six good Republicans were denied membership. They were separated out at the mass meeting and voted out at the following meeting, Paul Protic’s first as chairman, despite some of us who gave passionate speeches in favor of these good and truE Republicans, one of whom was a former Chairman from back in the day when you could count on the fingers of two hands the number of committee members. He was the head of Superfund at EPA under Rond Reagan. He and his wife were refused membership as were the others, save one. I’m not going to name any of them here, but it was a travesty and none of the “inside crowd” including the new chairman at the time and his pals would stand up for what was right. It was AWFUL. You couldn’t have been there and still have forgotten, Barbara. This is the same mass meeting that elected Dale Polen Myers into the committee, despite the fact that she ran against a nominated Republican for Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. I still have the sample ballot she handed out at the polls claiming to be an “Independant Republican”. And yet, she was not denied membership. It was one of the lowest times in this Republican Committee, but it managed to get lower.
Do not misunderstand here. The reason that I, and many other committee members support Candace is for the following reasons: she has the qualifications, the experience, the leadership abilities, the Reagan creds, the inclusiveness, the grace, and the intelligence to lead All Republicans into the next decade when we need her qualities the most to WIN ELECTIONS. WINNING IS THE KEY. All else, including bad history, pales in comparison to defeating the idiot Democrats who are goofing up our county, state, and country.
Regardless of how Mark Sell acted in the past or how much he contributed, he just can’t compare to Candace Strother in terms of the above qualifications.
I’m sure of it.
Mary Gail,
Great post. I totally agree. Candace has the credentials and the ability to lead us to more republican victories in Loudoun.
I will preface this by admitting I have not been involved in the LCRC as some. We need a chairman who is willing to work hard, and draw more people into the party. We have that person in Mark Sell. He worked tirelessly for Ken Cuccinelli during the nomination contest, as well as working tirelessly for our ticket after the election. I went door-to-door a number of times, and every time I saw Mark Sell campaigning as well. (For all the Volpe bashers, she spent more time campaigning then most people in Loudon.) He is also a strong supporter of the Tea Party movement, a group the Republican Party needs to reach out to as it continues to grow. If you elect Mark Sell chair you will not have a harder worker leading the committee. He will not just encourage others to volunteer, but will clearly lead by example.
It is interesting that this blog regularly preaches against the small minded exclusionist people who are tearing down the Republican Party. If that is the case, why do you start shredding someone the moment he enters the field to offer his services to the party? Let’s see what these two people have to offer and then vote at the mass meeting. While I haven’t met Candace yet, I’m sure she was a nice person. Just like everyone friends of mine on the committee had nice things to say about her.
No matter what we all need to work together after the mass meeting, and I hope Candace will reach out to supporters of her opponents if she wins, as I am sure Mark will. Most importantly after the race lets focus on reelecting Frank Wolf, and building the momentum to defeating Jim Webb and Barack Obama in 2012.
Jacob,
Reading comprehension is a good thing. I was asking if there are political differences between MS and CS and between an exclusive LCRC and an inclusive LCRC. No need to be defensive or to go on the attack, is there?
Trickster,
You ask about three *very* divisive topics, I ask you where are you coming from. You call me defensive? Right back at you. No offense intended, but while reading comprehension is important, so are sentence construction and choice of topic. I got your point, really.
I look at it this way. Conservatism’s bedrock principle in this country is Federalism. How much does an individual adheres to the true separation of powers. The dividing line between what is legal for a locality to do, such as Lo. Co. and what is permitted by the constitution for the Federal government. The separation of powers that spoken of today is that between the branches of the Federal government. While important, it is not the only separation set up by the constitution. Progressives are against the separation of powers, along both of the axes I set up above.
If someone wants to join, and they are an outright progressive, should they be allowed to join? Sure. Should they be allowed to drive the bus? No. According to Gallup, ~3/4’s of the Republican party is conservative. 3% is liberal. An individual who is for a Federal take-over of HC is not conservative by any stretch of the imagination. Join? OK. But why would someone who is that liberal want to join.
Let the rehashing of embarrassing LCRC events and meetings be done. I know there are important lessons to be learned but as a relative newcomer to the LCRC – some of this back and forth leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Considering the Committee is so much more robust, I am hoping this race can be above board and based on ability and leadership.
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That being said, I look forward to supporting Candace.
Everyone has a right to run for whatever position they want. It’s called the political process…no one should be villified for trying to serve in a leadership capacity…may the best person win.
Mary Gail, as I said, the last meeting I ever attended was the re org where the controversy blew up. I did not attend the subsequent meeting you describe.
I think Willie Deutsch raises a good point (probably because I’ve raised it myself–lol) that some who speak of unity are often themselves divisive.
I was not comfrotable with the passion to exclude those who had contrivbuted to Democrats some years ago, just as I was not comfrotable with those who joined the committee not long after to work against Republicans in 07.
But some who joined to purge those whom THEY thought were “bad Republicans” are still members in good standing (and now dissing a fellow Republican on the grounds that it promotes unity).
Okay, then: everybody get it out of their system NOW maybe?
Months before it is time to go to a meeting and select a new head?
If LI and I can have progressed to the point where we are able to dicuss AND DISAGREE without getting personal, then maybe anything is possible?
(Looks like I had my Pollyanna-Os for breakfast, doesn’t it?)
I have a new found respect and admiration for you Barbara. I agree that we should all bury some of the hatchets from the past.
Joe B. makes a great case for Candace:
http://novatownhall.com/2009/12/21/why-i-am-supporting-candace-strother-for-loudoun-county-republican-committee-chair/
I fully concur.
I think if you re-read my post, I was simply responding to Barbara, who claimed “no one was excluded” with an explanation. I certainly wouldn’t have brought it up out of thin air. She obviously didn’t have the whole story. The adage that “those who do not learn from history are bound to repeat it” applies here. We don’t WANT to go back. We need to continue moving forward, this year’s victories are sweet, but they can’t sustain us, we need to work harder and smarter.
In addition, I reiterated my complete support for Candace, who is such a great candidate that it’s hard to believe we’ve now had two in a row for our committee.
MGS, do I recall correctly that it was Mark Sell who put up the motion to exclude those folks?
“but as I recall, no one was excluded” As I remember….11 individuals were singled out. As Mary Gail points out…two of these folks were a former Committee Chair and his wife, and a whole bunch of others who wouldn’t sign up to remove Jim Rich at the 10th District Convention that year. The effort was to trim Rich representation in the Loudoun contingent. They attempted further malfeasance at the Convention itself on every attempt to slice those who supported Rich out of the process. A simple up or down vote— I can live with. But nefarious attempts to silence the numbers of a majority in order to win a vote will never fly, and some people are pretty lucky they weren’t prosecuted for violations of the Voting Acts.
Having said that, the main difference in Sell and Candace is that Candace will represent ALL LCRC members, as Glen did. I cannot say how Mark Sell plans
to run the LCRC, but his personal history does not reflect well on his intent for the Committee.
I’m the first to admit that I’ve actually enjoyed working beside Volpe and Sell as members of the Committee. I’ve repeatedly told everyone I run into…if you want phone calls made, Volpe is your girl. Noone that I’ve met has come close to getting phone lines warmed up like the woman can.
Mark authored the “No Meals Tax” resolution, which we all supported. He initially introduced it from the floor in the same old fashion as the butchered process from the Protic years. We shot it down in that form of presentation, and made him go thru the Issues Committee (per proper procedure)and when he did, it was again brought forward, and we even let him present it to the Committee, since he was the original author. It passed a vote in Committee unanimously at that point.
I actually like Mark, and will still stand and fight beside him under the direction of a knowledgable Chair. I do not believe Mark has the resolve or the strength to lead this Committee, but he will-if given the chance– become yet another Protic-like figurehead. We all liked Protic as a person, but he had no place “running” the Committee, because it became a free-fer-all under his Chairing.
Conversely, Candace will honor Parlimentary Procedures to the letter. Candace will represent EVERYONE she is elected to represent…from all parts of the Committee. Glen Caroline once said “there is not an inch of daylight between me and the most conservative among us. But, I realize that I must represent the whole Committee, not just portions of it.”
That formula has served us well, and we’ve prospered under the premise that we’re much stronger together. 2010 is right around the corner, and 2012 is right behind that. We can win both of these races, if we do not deviate from our current course. The Volpe and the Sell, and the many folks who’ve actually done us the most harm in the past are also some of the strongest links in the new direction. I just don’t want them to be able to steer us down a wrong turn that we can’t back out of in such important years for us.
We need to be on top of our game more than ever in these next two elections.
As a member of Candace’s steering committee might I suggest this is about Leadership. Candace has not only the credentials but the leadership characteristics needed moving forward.
Let me be blunt if I can. Our Country, Our State and our County are going to hell in a hand basket with Progressive Democrats running the show. These people are spending your money, your children s money and your grandchildren s money with reckless abandon. I don’t give a shit who shot who or dissed who back in the day. Let this personal crap go. it is small and petty. We have real issues to resolve. We have a local committee who under focused leadership has contributed to real progress. Let’s maintain that progress by electing Candace Strother as our next chairman. Much of this other stuff is institutional BS. Let it go, get focused and work hard moving forward.
I think Barbara and Greg nailed it. Let it go.
Jacob, I’ll fully “let it go” when the chief complainers about Glen Caroline “let it go”. I do my complaining here for all to see and participate in.
Mr Stone, I humbly submit to you that those who ignore the lessons of the past are often destined to repeat them.
Having said that, I do believe in putting Candace Strothers’ resume and mission statement out front, and that should show a clear majority of those in the Party the only way forward.
I hold no grudges against Volpe or Sell. We need them in the machine. They are some of the most important “boots on the ground” in the past two year cycles…and I need them right there….pulling that weight.
I received Candace’s email this morning announcing her candidacy and she has a fantastic Steering Committee and wide support. It invites people to contact her with questions, which is a wondeful olive branch. I hope those Committee members that have legitimate questions will reach out to her in earnest.
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One thing on Suzanne Volpe, she is one of the hardest working and generous LCRC members I have encountered. She brought me into the LCRC and “taught me the ropes” so to speak on election footwork – and was always available for questions. She has a vital role on the committee and I consider her a friend, so let’s please stop dragging people’s names out in these re-hashes. It does nothing but foster bad blood. Please remember these are people with families and a passion for our party and I am thankful for ALL their hardwork.
BPM, Great point on Suzanne and Mark – they are vital to our success.
Joanne Chase for LCRC Chairman please!
Yeah…good luck with that. I think certain people make us look like petty bickerers ..using outright lying and attempting to make the focus about them…and their personal problems brought about by their artificially high opinions of themselves.
JoAnn walked away from Dulles, as a District Chair, and forced a realignment in that district at an inoportune time when we really couldn’t afford a misstep or a hesitation.
I’ll remember that Jo Ann was much more focused on how important SHE was — than to the bigger and much more important efforts to get Republicans elected. Many more than just me will remember, too. In supporting challengers to offices as being a healthy process, I hope her supporters will remember this when Jo Ann is challenged in her next race.
I think that was a post in jest! At least I hope so!
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How about this – let’s have a real debate at the February LCRC meeting. The next meeting is already set and will deal largely with the bylaws. I assume both candidates will speak during public announcement time at the end of the meeting in January. February’s meeting would be a great time to have a substantive debate on a variety of issues, including the future path of the LCRC as envisoned by each candidate. If it isn’t proper or able to be fit into the regular meeting, then let’s set it up to occur immediately afterwards.
“Jacob, I’ll fully “let it go” when the chief complainers about Glen Caroline “let it go”. I do my complaining here for all to see and participate in.”
Go read my reply:
http://novatownhall.com/2009/12/20/republicans-cannot-afford-to-be-this-stupid/comment-page-1/#comment-31146
Dude! Rise above it. We are too much trouble to dwell, the house is on fire. You want to bitch about who was “mean” to you 5 years ago? Should I get you some tissues? Manning up is about walking away with giving a damn what others are doing. What are they gonna do? Argue with themselves? The people in the LCRC are in the main good people. Suzanne is a great organizer, and we need her. You want to harbor a grudge? Go ahead. The Democrats will thank you for it.
LI,
WITH REGARD TO YOUR LAST POST. Great idea!!!
Jacob, I’m not crying about it, I just won’t forget and do not want to see us go down that same path. I do not want that same group of people in charge of this committee again.
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We have an exceptinal woman coming forward to lead this committee, I suggest everyone meet her and throw their support behind her.
Loudoun Insider, I wasn’t joking at all. My post wasn’t in jest. Please don’t put words in my mouth!
Joanne has the experience, leadership and tenacity for the job.
Dean, recall that the meeting where 11 were singled out was not where anyone was voted out, and the mass meeting was the last time I went.
Mary Gail, I also recall Scott York running as an Independent Republican, and Eleanor Towe resigning from the LCDC in order to endorse York over her own planning commissioner, Democratic candidate Van Huyck.
If singling out was wrong for those who had supported Democrats in the most recent cycle, then singling out was wrong for everyone–including Dale.
The constant payback has to end somewhere, and now would seem to be a good time.
Dean.
Did Jo Anne “walk away”, or was she elected to state central?
Over the desires of some who preferred another candidate?
I received my campaign email today too.
I know you’re endorsing, but not on the list Dean.
Better part of valor–why not stop explaining yourself?
Praise your candidate–then if you can, stop before you slam another fellow member.
It’s gotten way old.
“Did Jo Anne “walk away”, or was she elected to state central?”
Read, Barbara.
She WALKED AWAY FROM HER POST as DULLES DISTRICT CHAIR. It was a self-importance matter. It had nothing to do with her later run as SCC.
And what part of “I hold no grudges against Volpe or Sell. We need them in the machine. They are some of the most important “boots on the ground” in the past two year cycles…and I need them right there…pulling that weight” do you not understand?
While I do not know Mark Sell or his track record of LCRC service, other than serving as Treasurer to Former Chairman Paul Protic, we need to appreciate the fact that the Chairman of the LCRC has to be a visable and inspiring leader and someone who can be invited to stand up on the podium with our finest GOP leaders, such as Frank Wolf and Bob McDonnell without having staff aides to these GOP leaders wince in pain.
Candace Strother is the kind of person who any of our finest GOP leaders would love to have as a visable symbol and spokesperson for the LCRC. Anyone who saw Ms. Strother up at the podium at the Leesburg pre-election Sunday night rally with McDonnell, Bolling and Cuccinelli can appreciate this.
I fear that electing Mr. Sell to the post of LCRC Chairman would be akin to electing John “Mr. Valerie Kelly” Grigsby to that post. I base this upon street theatre photographic evidence that anyone, including the Democrats, can view at:
http://www.publicadvocateusa.org/photogallery/gallery.php?id=125
Mr. Sell is the gentlemen in the blue “Thought Control Police” jacket. While street theatre has its place in political satire, I do not think that this is the image the LCRC wants its leader to project if we want to continue forward with the winning ways established under Glen Caroline.
For anyone who cannot recall who John “Mr. Valerie Kelly” Grigsby is
go to:
http://www.loudoun.gov/controls/speerio/resources/RenderContent.aspx?data=561e66132aa840a7bef74a1b1ac3e801&tabid=317&fmpath=%2FLetter++Opinions%2FCivil
Well, Jillian, that is exactly what I was referring to when I mentioned Sell’s baggage. I knew someone would find it, and I know the Dems have it as well – I think one of the Weintraubs posted one of those photos on their site some time ago. Sell simply is not Loudoun County Chairman material.
And sorry, DJC, I just found it inconceivable that someone such as yourself could really exist! Excuse me!
Sometimes our past does come back to haunt us. Mine does all the time.
Yes Dean, I heard you say Suzanne was good at making phone calls–which she’s been making a lot of since before you found the county, let alone the committee.
I volunteered for Jo Anne in Dulles (after Glen stepped down, for personal reasons, which everyone respected, BEFORE he stepped in as chair, with NO ONE assigning nefarious overtones to his choice to step down in Dulles) and found her to be a pleasant person and easy to work with. But all I was doing was working a polling place, being the official observer, calling in the results, and cleaning it up.
If important aides make faces when the wrong people stand near them, that sounds to me like skipping over statewide elected officials’ speeches on a video in order to watch shenanigans during a fellow Republican’s speech.
What on earth does John Grigsby have to do with who is running for chair?
Is HE running too, so therefore must die?
Dean, why don’t you have someone you respect read your comments, and if they tell you to shut up other than saying “I like Strother for chair”, give a long hard thought to listening to them.
I haven’t talked to either one and know NEITHER, and don’t want to form a wrongful negative pre-opinion of one simply because some of her supporters are self-importantly divisive.
In reading Judge Horne’s ruling in the Kelly v. Grigsby libel case, it pains me to see that our Attorney General-Elect was the losing lawyer.
http://www.loudoun.gov/controls/speerio/resources/RenderContent.aspx?data=561e66132aa840a7bef74a1b1ac3e801&tabid=317&fmpath=%2FLetter++Opinions%2FCivil
Ms. Thomas, have you checked with our Attorney General on that case? Perhaps you should before using his name in a smear of a longtime committee member and a misguided attempt to somehow use dirt to shine up a candidate most people haven’t met or heard of.
Ken Cuccinelli was generous enough to take that case inspit of his workload as a state senator, and provide much better representation to a family of hard working FELLOW REPUBLICANS than they could have otherwise afforded.
I know, because I was called as a witness and spent several days in the courthouse, and some time on the stand.
One of the most ridiculously over the top Dem activists, who had a long history of doing things quite as over the top as John’s in that case, had their husband sue for over $1M damages.
The trial was a circus, and the Grigsbys were IMO fortunate that John came away with a small fine and the costs, because the law is the law, and thanks to the hard and thorough work of Ken Cuccinelli.
If you weren’t there for either the event or the trial, please DO check with Mr. Cuccinelli before using that sad chapter in the life of a good family as some sort of twisted support for your chosen chair by way of attack.
I hope to see some of the people I respect who endorse Ms. Strother on here SOON telling her misguided good “helpers” to shut up before they do her any more damage by association.
Oh boy, can we try to keep this somewhat on topic? And I don’t buy your guilt by association stuff, Barbara. Candace Strother and only Candace Strother speaks for herself.
I don’t buy guilt by association either LI, which is why I don’t see six degrees of Kevin Bacon that somehow implies that marke Sell = John Grgsby = a blot on Ken Cuccinelli = Frank Wolf’s aide’s lip will curl = only Candace Strother for chair.
This has gone beyond direct attack on Sell (not productive) to stupidly ugly spilling over on to other committee members.
It does their candidate no good.
Barb, noone has told me to shut up…because, unlike you, they are seeing the objective discussion, and not the one you’ve pictured in your noggin.
I get on quite well with Ms. Volpe and Mr. Sell, so do go about YOUR business, and stop trying to assign values to me that I do not hold.
Thanks in advance.
Dean, I see little objective in the subjective negative comments, from a standard bearers of “unity”.
The attack on the Grigsbys is egregious.
Your “praise” for those you denigrate in the same post is sometimes laughable.
Seriously, try saying “I like Strother for chair.”
Just that.
You’ve got enough on deposit in the negativity department to be taking a chance even with that.
“The attack on the Grigsbys is egregious.”
And you saw me participate in that??? Who
s objective, now?
I’ve done no more than support Candace Strother and point out that prior performance of a candidate is quite basically a major lead in where that candidate might still have a desire to go. That area of “go” is a particularly dark chapter with nefarious dealings. True…most of those who propogated the worst of those days are now gone. Myers last meeting was in July. Although the elements did try to hijack a meeting back in August or September by bullying Mr. Caroline.(not the smartest move in their lengthy history)…
But lacking in all of this was Patricia and Jack Shockey, and a number of other Profit Rights Whackos. I notice that when they left, we stopped being a Country Club for wannabees, and we actually began to win some serious election races and gained massive volunteer bases.
Suzanne and Mark have been part of that, and I commend both.
The new way or the old way ?
How about the right way. let’s get away from this tired , old , worn out and unproductive banter. We have real challenges and a mission. That mission is to build on recent success with the most capable team available. That team includes Mark Sell , Suzanne Volpe and anyone else who wants to get in the boat and row. This is about doing our part in the massive electoral changes required to begin both fixing and taking the country back from out of control leftists.
Locally our best bet on maintaining our momentum is to elect Candace Strother as our Chairman. This is not about how many hours one has logged as a party activist but about leadership. Candace has the leadership qualities to both win and lead
Ok, now I am starting to think I made a bad decision in who I am supporting. So now besides saying Mark is a problem we now have my friend John Grigsby being dragged into it? I know what happened in that episode. Some of you people have your heads up your asses, if you will pardon my french.
I hope if Candace happens to win she will start off cracking some skulls.
Dean, where did I say you attacked the Grigsbys?
You were busy attacking some others while damning with faint praise.
Unity doesn’t mean “except for a, b, c who are also members in good standing”.
ENOUGH WITH THE GRIGSBYS!
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Holy moly, let’s get back to the subject folks.
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Joe, please don’t reconsider your well reasoned decision based on anything anyone other than Candace Strother says about anyone in this contest. This is extraneous noise – the only comment s that should really sway anyone should come from the mouths (or fingers) of the candidates themselves.
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And for all those bitching about my criticisms of fellow republicans (and there have beena nd will be plenty) be sure not to miss my criticism of Kelly Burk above. But just watch, that will get one-tenth the number of comments this post does, and those criticizing me will soon again tell me to start criticizing the Dems for a change.
Jacob,
I’m a fiscal conservative and a social “leave me alone” libertarian. I ask about the issues that are important to me and are important to understanding the differences between the factions in the LCRC. You could even say that when it comes to choice, I’m a single-issue voter. I’ve had two abortions and don’t regret either one. I was raped and impregnated as a teenager and I terminated an ectopic pregnancy. Those were my decisions and luckily, I was free to make them without government meddling. I’ve also counseled a family member not to terminate a pregnancy and to let another family member adopt. Her decision was also a choice. I don’t see how having this discussion can do anything but strengthen the LCRC.
I’m afraid that your political science is way over my head because I can’t make heads or tails out of your discussion of “both axes”. Were you talking mathematical dimensions – axis? Even so, I don’t get it, and I don’t get your reference to the Hatch-Kennedy bill. People with preexisting conditions are denied insurance coverage. That’s a fact. Argue with the facts all you want.
I took a quick look a Candace’s resume and at Mark’s “Thought Control Police” outfit. Candace seems over qualified for a county-level chair position. Why is she running? Mark looks like somebody who is overcompensating for certain sexual urges that he’d rather not have. He should just go date one of those cute young boys in the stripes and get it out of his system.
I am still uncertain over the distinction between the “exclusive LCRC” and the “new way”. I know that at least as far as my single issue goes, there is one group that virulently opposes choice. Andrew Sullivan refers to them as “Christianists”. Is that what this is all about? Are the Christianists the “exclusive LCRC”?
I didn’t plan on weighing in on this thread, but now feel compelled. Let me offer the following:
1) First, in full disclosure, and as I have and will continue to note, I am wholeheartedly supporting Candace Strother. I am FOR Candace, as I think she is the best candidate to build and expand upon our recent GOP successes. I am Chairing her election Steering Committee, and am honored and proud to do so.
2) ALL of us on this thread that consider ourselves Republicans ARE–REPUBLICANS! That means we are ON THE SAME TEAM. Our opposition is not one another. Our opposition is the misguided Democrats.
3) Some on this thread have dug up issues, incidents and people that few in the real world, outside the insular echo chamber of local blogs (vital as they are), know of or even recall. Why focus so much on divisive issues of the past, when we have so much to celebrate and be proud of from RIGHT NOW?
4) Let’s drive this car in a forward gear, not in reverse looking in the rearview mirror. Candace is my choice for Chair. I want her to win and I will work toward that end. But, at the end of the day, if we all unite in our common GOP purpose, and work to compete for volunteers and voters in Loudoun–rather than re-hashing past baggage that we have rightly set down over the past few years–WE WILL WIN! I don’t know about the rest of y’all, but I certainly enjoyed the day after THIS YEAR’S Election Day much more than I did in recent years!
We are winning. I have friends and supporters throughout this thread. Not all may choose to support Candace (though I urge and encourage them to do so!). I’d prefer to build on the commonality in purpose and unity we built over the past two years to achieve FUTURE VICTORIES, rather than harp within our GOP family on matters that are old and stale and that got our movement going in the wrong direction in the first place.
Looking FORWARD to VICTORY…
Glen Caroline, LCRC Chair
As usual, Glen is right. Let’s cut out this junk and just support our candidate without tearing anyone else down or dragging up old junk.
Amen.
Well said, as always, and another reason why the LCRC will be missing Glen Caroline.
The dove of peace lands firmly on the olive branch. Ravi does not know Mr. Sell or Ms. Strother but hopes to be present for the massive meeting to watch and to learn of these handsome people.
As always Glen emerges as the clear leader among all.
I think its also worth noting that both Candace and Mark are likely horrified by this thread and the downward sprial it has taken. I know them both pretty well, they are quality individuals and I feel safe saying they are both far above this type of nonsense. I hope they personally will continue to stay above the fray.
Now lets focus on something important people, its Christmas!
Many of us are horrified by the twists and turns in this thread! Our own Loudoun county soap opera, “As the Stomach Turns”, with no lack of comment relief, “JoAnn Chase for Chair”! My diet Dr. Pepper came right up outta my nose with that one! Doncha hate when that happens?!
Glen,
I found your zeal to eradicate history to be chilling:
3) Some on this thread have dug up issues, incidents and people that few in the real world, outside the insular echo chamber of local blogs (vital as they are), know of or even recall. Why focus so much on divisive issues of the past, when we have so much to celebrate and be proud of from RIGHT NOW?
Are there divisions that need to be healed? Do you think that they will heal all by themselves? Do you think that you can erase history and just start from “RIGHT NOW”.
Does anybody else find this disconcerting?
I don’t think he’s trying to eradicate history at all, Trickster. He’s simply doing what he has always done – focus on the big picture and winning elections and trying to get people to move past the past. That’s exactly what i would expect an effective leader of a diverse often squabbling group of politicos to do. That’s why he was so good.
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Any political committee will have divisions, but some are worse than others. Those on the LCRC have been squelched pretty good, but that doesn’t mean they will stay that way forever. Which is exactly why I believe Candace Strother is the right person for the job and Mark Sell is not. One represents the current and future winning tradition, the other doesn’t. My opinion, no one have a cow over it.
trollster, why NOT start from right now?
Even you, ‘vill-E girl–why not reread the Chairman’s post, and see if you can’t keep your Dr. Pepper where it belongs?
Trickster,
You sound angry and bitter enough to be a democrat! Yikes! Oversharing too, classic sign of an angry liberal. Sorry dear. Hope you feel better, real soon.
Besides all the reasons already pointed out on this thread, all this snipping is a reason some people don’t come back to the LCRC, newly join the LCRC or seek leadership roles in the LCRC. If you all want to enjoy drama-drama island, do so off-line.
*
Glen and Kristin, Thanks for your words of wisdom. Same to you G. Stone.
An out of control leftist ate my homework.
An out of control leftist ate my homework.
edmundburkenator
on December 22nd, 2009
Why in the hell would you allow Hopey Changey anywhere near your homework ?
Delgaudio has sent out an email endorsing Mark Sell. Here we go again.
Delgaudio has sent out an email endorsing Mark Sell. Here we go again.
Loudoun Insider
This should be of no surprise, Mark has worked with Supervisor Delgaudio for some time. I disagree with Supervisor Delgaudio however, I understand his decision.
I would like to point out that Candace Strothers list of endorsements is impressive. Her support is both broad and deep. Activists and elected officials alike recognize and are rallying to Candace’s leadership potential.
Especially since they engage in snazzy street theater together!
Things continue to go downhill at NVTH:
http://novatownhall.com/2009/12/21/why-i-am-supporting-candace-strother-for-loudoun-county-republican-committee-chair/comment-page-1/#comment-31203
“Most importantly after the race lets focus on reelecting Frank Wolf, and building the momentum to defeating Jim Webb and Barack Obama in 2012.”
Willie….Amen, brother.
“I disagree with Supervisor Delgaudio however, I understand his decision.
I would like to point out that Candace Strothers list of endorsements is impressive. Her support is both broad and deep. Activists and elected officials alike recognize and are rallying to Candace’s leadership potential.”
Stone — Very aptly put, and refreshingly, that number includes people who previously did not even like each other. That’s the power of shouldering a load towards a common goal.
LI, I’d say that downhill slide began right in this thread when a poster decided to attack Sell by dredging up an old unrelated court case to try and make some pretty wild accusations.
The downhill slide continues over there with some “unity” folks bashing other committee members.
Why not everybody give it a rest over Christmas?
The pie fights don’t make either candidate look good, if endorsers are throwing some of the muddiest pies.
I think I’m learning to embrace the mud. It has a healing aspect. Maybe we’ll get some good blog traffic out of it.
Eugene’s endorsement of Mark is definitely no surprise; there’s going to be some veterans from the trenches going back years who could not be expected to do otherwise. Initially.
Joe, our very good friend, G.Stone has spoken. He put it in such wonderful terms, and cleared up ANY misdirection that I had very little to add. And I thank the gentleman.Joe…. do you remember all of us 2 years ago? We did not speak or engage each other in any large civility…until Caroline forged the alliance in those battle trenches. Now look at us.
We can all tell immediately who wants to kick democrat ass in 2010, now…can’t we?
We’ll all go down to the range and have a day of this. I look forward to it. Just avoid days with Snow or ice. I’m still digging out here, and if the forcasted rain is actually ice, I’ll miss the family Christmas.
>if we all unite in our common GOP purpose
Glen,
What exactly is that purpose? If Lyndon LaRouche was running as a Republican through some trick of fate, would you really want Republicans to vote for him? If the only purpose of the party is to elect people regardless of what they stand for, then lets just close it down and join the Dems. That is all they care about (with checking every political poll before they decide what they stand for or against).
I Hope we have not degraded to such a point.