by Kasha Nielsen
During my time traveling the Commonwealth of Virginia over the past year, I have seen and experienced the passion of a young Republican wave taking hold in this state, and it has started with the College Republicans.
The Federation stood strong this past weekend at our Annual College Republican Federation of Virginia Convention with a diverse group of Republicans, representing 27 institutions of higher learning in Virginia. Our Federation is expanding, and in this expansion we have celebrated the diversity of conservative ideas that make up our party – always finding common ground in supporting numerous candidates and causes.
My team and I have already begun working and taking the proper steps to lay the groundwork for the continued expansion of our Federation.
My focus as a leader in the party and a leader in the College Republican Federation has always been to work with individuals, helping to give them the tools to succeed in growing our large and diverse party. This is why my ticket carried the name “Empower CRFV.” We’ve championed coalition building and productive discussion. As a result, we earned support from College Republicans from across the Commonwealth, elected officials like Congressman Hurt, Congresswoman Comstock and conservative champions like Pete Snyder. They agreed with our message of inclusiveness and unity, and understood our resolve for working hard. Our ticket and our wide base of support illustrate that it is possible to have a united Republican Party.
We have a number of huge tasks ahead of us, but I know that College Republicans are capable are conquering them. Under my leadership, and that of my colleagues Devon Flynn, Jake Lee, Nathan Ritchie, and Kim Gibbons, I am looking forward to the fight ahead of us. In 2015 we need to hold the State Senate and keep our Virginia House red, while supporting Republicans at all levels of government. I could not be more excited to lead our Federation as we are called to one of our biggest challenges yet, and a challenge that I am confident will result in some of our largest grassroots wins.
I look forward to continuing to build up our current leaders and helping find and nurture future leaders of the Republican Party in Virginia, while also continuing to promote and celebrate the numerous ideas our party supports and champions.
2015 is going to be a great year!
Kasha Nielsen is the Chairwoman of the College Republican Federation of Virginia
