Byler wants to be 2nd District Chair. Why?
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Gary Byler, longtime GOP activist in Virginia Beach and husband to the late RPV National Committeewoman Jennifer Byler, is seeking to become the chairman of RPV’s Second Congressional Committee. Byler has decided to challenge current committee chair, Bruce Meyer, who has the backing of, well, just about everyone, including, and perhaps most importantly, Rep. Thelma Drake.
Under Meyer, the congressional seat has stayed Republican, despite some serious adversity, which included the unplanned resignation of former Rep. Ed Shrock and a serious challenge last election from Virginia Beach Commissioner of Revenue Phil Kellam. Meyer has done his job well; maintaining the congressional seat “Republican” is the party’s district chairman’s first and foremost responsibility.
To this point, Meyer has performed brilliantly, even growing the party and starting an aggressive outreach strategy. So, the move by Byler really is a perplexing one. And the question has to be, why now?
I was a volunteer on Gary Byler’s 2nd District Chair challenge in 2002. He came within one ballot in Hampton of defeating Dave Hummel.
That said, I’m 150% behind Bruce Meyer. I backed his run for RPVB Chair in 2000, and Bruce looked after me as a Republican City Committee backbencher. Bruce is as dedicated, decent, and knowledgable as anyone in the Republican Party organization. I’ll be at the 2nd District Convention on May 3 to vote for Bruce.
For anyone in Virginia Beach who wants to help reelect Bruce, the filing deadline to be a delegate to the 2nd District Convention is this Friday (the 21st). Forms are available at RPVB HQ.
Byler? He had his opportunity. Does he think time is passing on him?
Then again, why not. Like most, I agree Bruce Meyer has done a superb job. But then again, shouldn’t a party chair move along perhaps seeking another position within the party structure with different challenges? There are many willing and qualified to serve in various positions within the local, state, and national party; they should be encouraged, not discouraged.
Permanence in politics does not necessarily serve a party structure well. Understandably, elected politicos seek eternalness. Going unchallenged is considered good fortune; unfortunately, among politicians it leads to compliancy, arrogance, and disingenuous attitudes.
Gary Byler is seeking chairmanship just as Bruce has and for the same reasons: to give freely of himself for the betterment of the Republican philosophy. Running for a chairmanship of this nature should not be construed as a competition to be compared with a political office. All too often it is a friendly-to-friendly consensus within a family without animosity. There is enough divisiveness in politics without screwing up the party structure.
When it comes to supporting a qualified aspirant for a position in the party structure, I would hope one would think, “Whose turn should it be?”
With deference to your blog, I hope your intent is not to cause disunity and controversy between two dedicated highly qualified individuals like Bruce and Gary.
Henry, I’ve missed you at the last couple dozen Republican Party meetings. I have seen you post against Chris Stolle, a Republican, when he ran against a Democrat. “Fear Chris Stolle” were your words, I believe.
And Wally was an officer with the Libertarian Party, but I do think his comments are wonderful…I agree with his sentiments.
It’s just funny how the first two folks to comment on a Republican chairmanship are people who aren’t even Republicans.
As far as Bruce, if he’d like credit for Thelma’s victory, I guess that’s about as fair as giving him credit for Paula Miller, Joe Bouchard and Bobby Mathieson.
Brian,
So I’m no longer on City Committee and didn’t support Chris Stolle. However, I did some work in 2007 for John Welch and Nick Rerras.
If supporting a Stolle is your definition of being Republican, then there are alot fewer Republicans in Virginia Beach than you’d like people to think.
Henry, I don’t attack my own side. I never understood why you do.
Evaluating candidates on their merit as individuals doesn’t sound like such an awful idea to me, Brian. If being a Republican means being a myrmidon, you can keep it, thanks.