Poll: Do you think RPV Chairman Jeff Frederick Should Step Aside?
There has been a considerable amount of buzz within the blogosphere and mainstream media about whether or not Jeff Frederick should step aside as Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia. There has been some convincing arguments from both sides, but I feel that we cannot remain unified as a party or win races with such infighting. This is why I have decided to remain neutral in even reporting this material and have kept my opinions silent on this matter. The decision now lies in the hands of the State Central Committee, and they will ultimately vote on what will be in the best interest of the party.
I have decided to create a poll gauging whether or not Jeff Frederick should step aside as the Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia.
Personally, I supported Jeff Frederick at last year’s convention, because I felt that he would lead our party in the right direction. I am now left wondering how he will be able to lead our party after all of the accusations and be able to work with the State Central Committee to ensure victory in November for all of our statewide candidates and retain a strong majority in the House of Delegates. We need to be unified or we will continue to lose. While Jeff Frederick has defended his record and submitted his rebuttal to the accusations, I am uncertain if we can work together with this cloud of controversy.
Now, I am not calling for anyone to resign, rather it falls on the hands of the State Central Committee, who decide to ignore the grassroots and not allow for Frederick to redeem himself in the 2009 elections. While I am a grassroots activist, it will become difficult to lead effectively with everyone going against you. Sometimes, when there is dissension, it can bring out true leadership. This will be interesting to watch how this plays out, if Frederick remains as the RPV Chairman.
While we have lost some major races in 2008, most of this had to do with a bad candidate at the top of the ticket (John McCain) and just a referendum on the Republican party at the national level. While many would argue on the real reasons why Virgil Goode and Thelma Drake lost last November, I would say it was the general attitude that many Americans held about the Republicans in Congress. It is not necessarily Jeff Frederick’s fault.
Then, we move onto the recent special election races, where two Republican candidates won (John Cook in Fairfax’s Braddock District and Barry Knight in the 81st HOD race) and three Republican candidates lost (Joe Murray in the 47th House District, Pat Herrity, who ran for Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors seat, and John Coggeshall for the Norfolk’s Commonwealth Attorney). There were lots of reports that the RPV did not provide adequate assistance with these races, and the sole pressure was placed on the unit chairmen (many of them, with the exception of Alexandria signed this letter). I always thought these local races were supposed rely on the strong leadership of the unit chairmen.
We can not always call for someone to step aside when things go awry. This is when real teamwork becomes essential. Maybe, it is time for all Republicans to work together for the common revival of our core principles of being advocates for limited government, lower and fair taxation, and calling the Democrats on their flawed policies. Attacking each other from within accomplishes nothing, and this is a lesson I have learned from observation.
It’s time to unite for the good of the Republican party. The decision will made on April 4th on who will emerge victorious in this fight, and whatever the outcome, it is time to work together to ensure victory in November.
**Cross Posted at Virginia News Platoon
Posted on March 21, 2009, in Virginia Politics and tagged 2009 Election, Chair, Jeff Frederick, Republican Party of Virginia. Bookmark the permalink. 23 Comments.
If you keep weeding them out like this, you won’t have much of a party, not that you have a very viable and effective one now.
Frederick is a self absorbed idiot. He, and supporters of his, are the reason Virginia went blue. Far right extremism will not help us get the Governor’s house or keep the house of delegates. HE NEEDS TO GO!!!
Yeah Kurt, far-right extremism will ruin the Republican Party. That’s why Republicans also need to stop running far-right candidates like John McCain for President. Wait,…what?
The thinking expressed by Kurt shows why the party is falling apart, the inability of the so-called moderate branch to tolerate and work with the social conservatives who actually go out and do the grunt work to get candidates elected. It’s true that some of the one issue voters have to expand their interests. However looking at the nice, but second place candidates that have been annointed by party leaders in recent years, we should probably be looking at some new SCC members. We really did not need this kind of polarization within the party with November elections coming up. What were they thinking?
I hope we have not snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.
Why America is in trouble, here’s the answer.
Americans do not care if a State is Red, Blue or whatever color you want to label a political group, but do care on having Representation that is equally represented with all views. And most importantly what is right for America and protecting our founding fathers principles and values.
It has been the political parties that have caused the distrust Americans have with our Government. Both Republicans and Democrats have been preaching to America the other party is the evil one and people should support their party.
Before our political process got out of control and becoming money hungry for contributions, we did have difference of views with both parties, and yet, we sat down to work things out to where their views and ours where EQUALLY represented.
I and many Americans now see our political parties as a bunch of whining babies who throw a tantrum if they do not get their way. There is backstabbing in both parties, corruption, dishonesty, thievery, bribes and a tremendous under the table dealing.
I as an American and a new Patriot participating on taking back America and doing what is necessary to replace anyone currently Representing us. Without this drastic and needed change, will leave cancerous Representatives in Office to corrupt new Representatives.
It’s time to clean house and replace the career politicians with new “blood” with term limits. Otherwise, a true 2nd American Revolution will take place which will make the 1st American Revolution look like a skirmish.
The choice is ours, when and what we will do, is the question.
So if both Parties would stop trying to out do each other, I am sure America would not have the issues we are dealing with today.
So go ahead GOP and continue pointing fingers or looking for someone to be the “patsy.” It is no one’s fault but your own for not listening to the People, and failed to have a set course.
Every email we receive from the GOP or any other group, starts with a message of either doom and gloom, or look what the other Party is doing and we need your donations to stop whatever.
The common message both Parties push is, we need your support and donation.
Well, here’s a news flash to both Parties, the People will no longer take the kind of crap both Parties are putting out. And further, change will happen, and everyone currently in political office will no longer be in office, sooner than anyone can imagine.
The 2nd American Revolution has begun, and the first shot was made, when both Parties stopped listening to the People and showing total disregard for our U.S. Constitution.
Side note: I am a registered Republican and not proud on the way the GOP has mishandled, or even tried responsibly, the GOP. Eric Cantor (Minority WHIP) for instance, has not one ounce of fortitude in standing up for GOP views or for what is right for America. I am not alone in my opinions, I speak what others are afraid of saying.
“the inability of the so-called moderate branch to tolerate and work with the social conservatives who actually go out and do the grunt work to get candidates elected.”
What?????
Look pal, I was Loudoun’s GOTV/Election Chair in 2008, and I can tell you that the excellent groundwork in Loudoun came from the moderates and a good deal of fiscal conservatives. The social conservatives…by and large….stayed home.
So, pass that crap off as the truth if you must, but it ain’t what happened in Loudoun…and coincidentally, depite the eventual loss of McCain, we passed PWC AND Fairfax by 6 points in the percentage for President. McCain/Palin lost by 9% in those counties, but the moderates, along with the fiscal conservatives delivered a 3% loss out here.
When we remove people from positions of responsibility, we shame them. If an official we decide to dismiss chooses to contest the matter, then we have an obligation to be open and honest about the reasons for the dismissal. By ignoring them, what you have implied with your post that you believe that charges are spurious. Yet you end with this statement.
If our commitment to our party’s leadership is going to be so insignificant, why should anyone want the job?
I do not have the expectation that we have to agree to work together. What I think that requires is honor and trust. What bothers me about this situation with Jeff Frederick is that I don’t see a lot of trust. Neither do I see much evidence of honorable behavior. Consider your post. Where is the discussion of the charges? Instead reviewing the charges, we have a discussion of Republican losses and who is to blame. And we have a poll. Is the election of our leader only about a shallow and thoughtless popularity contest. Is it only about our momentary feelings about who might be able to give us victory?
Jeff won the election at the convention fairly and deserves to serve out his full term. Social conservatives are the very backbone of the Republican party and the day that is abandoned is the day the GOP will surely sink – I hope to see the party of Lincoln and Reagan continue to serve as a beacon of our founding principles troughout the lives of my grandchildren, but all of this infighting makes us look less than competent to the rest of the state. The last few years of electoral results have been disasters for us – we need to unite behind our leaders if we hope to see our party pull out of the downward spiral.
To bring all, meaning ALL, into the light, this man must persevere to a decision point – and many, meaning MANY – should be on hand to view this decision – because the inquiry does not seem to pass the smell test so far. What’s going on with this? Who do you Republicans think you are, it seems to me like you’re bitching against your own for no damn good reason while “Rome” figuratively speaking, is burning? Bring it on, bring it all to light.
When there are only a FEW races on a given election day, the state party needs to devote serious attention to them because they serve as a prologue and moral-determinant for subsequent, broader elections.
Note how the NRCC and RNC are going full-auto in the NY special election – they are doing everything to make sure we win that one house seat.
RPV needed to do that – but failed. Maybe JFred was too busy applying for a minority set-aside government contract for his business.
Having been at the convention … I saw why the party got their head chopped during the last election.Thugism(if there is such a word) that used to be associated with only democrats seeped from the pores of the good ol boys. As long as you do not present a true conservative choice the republicans will CONTINUE to lose.
Because right now it is one demo-publican party with two heads and offers no choice.
Do not blame Frederick for losses that have been mounting for years, because of the games republicans played.
That is insane, it is untruthful.The party just reeped what it sowed: …(Bleeped out)…
I was not blaming Frederick. Instead, I am saying that 2008 was not his fault. In fact, there were many factors that led to our defeat in 2008.
As for the current situation, it will be a wait and see situation at this point.
I support Jeff Frederick. I’m not interested in sour grapes politics by people who are concerned that if they don’t get Jeff out now given his age he’ll never be replaced for years. He was freely elected. I’ve been happy with the way he has performed so far and if we remember the losses did not start under Jeff’s watch they began after Gov. Gilmore left office and Mark Warner won against Mark Early and our state Republicans began to destroy their brand as tax cutting fiscal conservatives in alligience with him. Also I don’t hold the opinions of Keith Olbermann or Rachael Maddow very close to my heart. If Jeff is the worst person in their world then he is perfect for the job. This is not the time to surrender our principles for political power that has been the problem up till this point.
Issues-
Losses: Republicans lost big in 2008 all over the country. WTH does that have to do with Frederick? We got our asses kicked in 2006 too. Considering the circumstances we did ok.
Experience: I’ve worked for a number of campaigns and by Far, Frederick’s was the mosty motivated and effective. Many campaings in VA have been pathetic and that’s being generous.
Osama comment: Big deal! Obama said rednecks cling to religion and guns. That was a hell of a lot worse. To blame Frederick’s comment for any loss is sanctimonious and ignorant. It was a comment to rally supporters.
People skills: Frederick sometimes takes his underlings for granted. He is focused on his goals and can neglect giving people strokes for a job well done. This is no reason for conducting a witch hunt run by the good ole boys in Southern “vuhginya”. You Chichester Republicans had your chance. Let’s see what Frederick can do. You’ve shown you can lead so get the hell out of the way!
sorry: “can’t lead”
Hey Pete:
“This is no reason for conducting a witch hunt run by the good ole boys in Southern “vuhginya”. You Chichester Republicans had your chance.”
Do you want to elaborate on what you mean by that comment? All Virginian’s who happen to live South of the Rappahannock are somehow Chichester Republicans? The truth is that the SOUTHERN VIRGINIA DELEGATES in the HOUSE OF DELEGATES were the ones who fought with Chichester and beat him time and time again on social and fiscal liberalisim when he started euspousing those issues. Your lack of Virginia political knowledge intersects nicely with your condescension. As such, your strong suits are certainly not indictitive of Virginia Values or the Virginia conservative movement.
I have not stated that all or most people South of the Rappahannock are Chichester Republicans. In fact, the Southern part of the state is generally far more conservative. I have implied that many against Frederick are “moderates” and/or members of the old guard still angry at his defeat of RINO Rollison in 2003. They don’t like young upstarts. Combine that with the 2008 election results and an alleged mini scandal and some now feel we need a scapegoat. Result: The classic witch hunt. Perhaps we should burn him at the stake or stone him? Yes, that will certainly help.
He is a proven winner because of his campaign strategies and methods which I have seen up close. Had the other campaigns I volunteered for and raised money for been run the same way we would have more Republicans in office. Right now I don’t see any good reason to remove him.
Perhaps you can list specifically the reasons why he should be replaced and who should lead in his place.
All that bipartisanship has done is ti give Va. to the socialists. I remember Jean Marie Devolites telling me that
then Gov. Warner was more like a Republican. Later he would describe what I am as a “threat to what is to be
American”! AS we know she was later soundly defeated. At this point in time we have a chance to win Va. back.
Being soft will not do this. The Democrat party is now the Socialist Party pure and simple. If people don’t stand
up and fight our freedom’s as we know them will evaporate before our eyes. There is no room for “moderation”.
I’m with Frederick.GBB
Pete:
You made this statement, and you own it, “This is no reason for conducting a witch hunt run by the good ole boys in Southern “vuhginya”. You Chichester Republicans had your chance.” In terms of Virginia geography, “southern virginia” from a macro perspective is defined as beginning south of the Rappahannock River.
Forgetting the moderates, there is a SPLIT between legitimate longtime conservatives regarding Frederick’s performance. The very grassroots that placed him in office are now having significant buyer’s remorse. Can you blame them when a portion of the money the sent into RPV to help Conservative Republican candidates was being directed to Jeff’s firm GSX Strategies?
Jeff is an electoral winner, in his own House of Delegates District. However, thus far he has failed to replicate his personal success into electoral victories for Virginia. He simply cannot lead others and has lost the confidence of Conservative elected officials, such as Rep. Whittman, Rep. Cantor, Rep. Forbes, Rep. Goodlatte, and Delegates Cox and Nixon and Senators Obenshain, Newman, and Martin. When Jeff popped up on the bigger stage, his head went quickly underwater–lack of results speak for themselves.
As for the charges against Jeff, here is a link to those charges:
Here is the list of charges: http://bearingdrift.com/2009/03/12/ap-10-charges-to-jeff-frederick/
If you need proof that Frederick used his company as a Vendor for RPV, read this story and click on the link in the story to view the Federal Elections Commission Expense Report from RPV to prove it. http://bearingdrift.com/2009/03/12/false-and-without-merit-says-frederick-or-is-it/
As for who should become the next RPV Chairman, that person will be a conservative who has the full support of the grassroots upon their election at the next convention. We should be hearing some names shortly
Frederick is a charlatan conservative who seems to have Jim Jones-like powers over his minions. He spent a whopping $130,000 to get elected RPV Chairman. His whole “grassroots” mantra is tired and not valid – he bought his way into his position, using other people’s money. He has done hardly anything to help anyone other than himself, and now his wife as he tries to set the stage to put her into his HOD seat. Pure nepotism, and nothing “conservative” about it.
Anthony Bedell, the current FCRC Chairman and head of Frederick’s transition would be a great pragmatic and competent conservative to take over RPV and return the respectability to RPV and the Chairman’s seat. He’s called for Frederick to resign along with nearly every other Republican of consequence in the state, including many solid conservatives. Frederick is an absolute embrassment who’s time is up.
I have taken the time to read down through all of the comments. Some are well thought out and make great points while others seem to have the mentality of the north end of a horse going south. I can see both sides of the argument but one thing remains clear, if the SCC does oust Jeff on April 4th there is going to be an uprising in the party and a mass exodus toward either the Libertarian or the Constitution Party.
We are far stronger together than we are apart and the true embarrassment will fall upon the party leaders when the Grand Old Party becomes the Teeny Weenie Party. Donations? Not from my hard earned money… Volunteering? No longer will I work bell to bell in the cold and rain at the polls or knock on doors for the “good of the party”.
Jeff Frederick has been to my house and he wasn’t even invited, he just showed up one day and knocked on the door. I glanced out the window and there was a stranger at my door which I normally would not answer but decided to see who was selling what. When I asked “can I help you” his reply was “actually sir I am here to help you”. 2 months later he beat out a long term Republican for his HOD seat and I was a part of that. Besides voting each and every election since my 18th birthday I had never been politically active. Since then I have been a firm Frederick supporter and a delegate at last years state GOP convention.
Jeff is not any of the negative things I have read above. When a good friend of mine was being unjustly impaled by the Virginia Child Support Enforcement, Jeff called him to Richmond to testify before a committee. When other friends of mine have had needs or wanted to express an opinion he has ALWAYS had an open line of communication. To everyone that has said derogatory things about Jeff above do you know him? …or are you going by what you have read in the press? I consider Jeff a friend and will regardless of what the “good ol’ boys club” does on April 4th. I can tell you that if he does go I will become extremely politically active, it just won’t be for the same team.
Sour grapes. The State Central Committee is made up of people who were duly elected at conventions, just like Frederick was, by more votes than frederick received. They are following the Party Plan, which is the law of the land at RPV. Some of you people are victims of some bizarre kind of cult of personality. I just don’t understand the Frederick worship.
I peeked in at the invitation of a member of your circle. who will be relieved that I don’t name him.
I don’t follow state politics but maybe I should, for apparently this Frederick fellow (we have a Frederick on our staff) had good conservative credentials, but did something awful, so has been so bruised as to be unable to lead by many’s reckoning. Ordinarily a year is too early to judge a leader in such a position, but Pres Obama, who may very well dismantle two hundred years of hard work, and two thousand years of prayers within a year, so maybe the executive bar has indeed been raised in that regard.
It does give pause about petty squabbling. There’s a war on, whether you want to participate or not, and it is a war over the Constitution. My people take that very personally, as do thousands across Virginia, especially in the grass roots, where, alas, many are not quite as able as others to articulate it as you are here.
I found two themes running in this debate; one over territory, the other over personalities. I am quite certain the Republican Party is dead, not just in Virginia, but all over, if it is driven by territorial issues (“southern” Virginia is a kind of code, isn’t it?) and personal vanities. What has sickened me the past ten-twelve years has been to learn that the Left has become more dedicated to their cause, even as ours is “self-evident” and based on the finest document ever written. But worse, they are more clever, better trained and more willing to slog it it out in the roughest of political terrain. Many parts of the national GOP now remind me of the French at Agincourt where the nobility refused to dismount and fight alongside common soldiers, and thus were defeated by an army one-tenth their size.
We have steadfastly asked the GOP to pick up the banner…I swear, are there really some of you who believe the Constitution and it’s promises to be a mere political faction in the political design of this nation?…of long held standards and institutions, and wave it proudly. If they did that one thing, the territory will take care of themselves, because of what the rank-and file of the party know how to do. That’s what the grass roots do best…making front office designers look better than they are.
Personally I like a fight if it’s over things that matter. Those are fights that have to be fought until there’s only one standing. Many of you are well-centered in this regards, so I’m naturally on your side. But North vs South, city vs rural, don’t matter to a hill of beans, and certainly personal vanities don’t.
Best of luck
Vassar