“I am really gratified Mike Lowry and Lou Preysz placed letters to the editor of the News Gazette endorsing my reelection as Chairman of the Rockbridge Area Republican Committee. I am motivated by deep love of this community and this country. This journey started as a high school student at the old Lexington High School when I campaigned for Ronald Reagan’s reelection in 1984. I’ve been doing it in one form or another ever since. There has never been a question of where I stand or what I support. That will never change.” —Roger Jarrell
Two years ago Roger Jarrell II was elected chairman of the Rockbridge Area Republican Committee and, in the time since then, has diligently worked to build the party, support Republican elected officials, and recruit candidates to run for public office including adding a Republican to the Board of Supervisors and electing a new Commonwealth’s Attorney.
The Rockbridge Area Republican Committee is part of the 6th Congressional District that is represented by Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-6th District).
Roger, a Lexington native who attended local schools, is well known in the community and has won support from residents and the business community. After graduating from Lexington High School and Virginia Military Institute, he went on to earn his law degree at Washington and Lee University and now is in private practice. His involvement in politics began more than 20 years ago when he worked on Congressman Bob Goodlatte’s campaign for Congress as well as campaigns for Oliver North and John Warner.
Now up for re-election, the meeting to vote for him will be on Saturday, April 2, at 10:00am, at Rockbridge County High School.
His dedicated work for the committee has earned endorsements from many in the community. On Facebook, he noted:
“With the Mass Meeting for my Re-election as Chairman of the Rockbridge Area Republican Committee rapidly approaching on Saturday, April 2, I am pleased to announce that all local Republican officials have endorsed my candidacy: Delegate Ben Cline, Commonwealth Attorney Chris Billias, Treasurer Betty Trovato, Supervisor Ronnie Campbell, and Supervisor D.D. Hinty.
“Virginia is going to play a pivotal role in electing a Republican president in 2016 and I look forward to leading the way here in Rockbridge County, Lexington, and Buena Vista.”
During Roger’s chairmanship, the Rockbridge Area GOP has concentrated on increasing voter turnout during elections, focused on voter registration drives, expanded their social media presence, worked to submit more letters to the editor in the local newspaper, and increased fundraising efforts as well as expanded contacts with the Wild Turkey Federation, NRA, and other Second Amendment groups.
Those who have worked with him know the hard work that has gone into the committee. Mike Lowry, a member of the committee, noted:
“Roger has been instrumental in improving the Republican brand in Rockbridge County. The Party has expanded to have meetings at the Marshall Center and at the Paxton House in Buena Vista now under restoration. Guest speakers have ranged from the economic development director in BV, Project Horizon, to political leaders on the local and state level. In the last election, all Rockbridge Republican candidates won by substantial margins. A drive around Rockbridge County on even the most back road would let you know Rockbridge County is Republican country. That didn’t just happen, it has been leadership we need to maintain here in Rockbridge County.”
A commenter on Facebook added more:
“The last two years have been great years for the Rockbridge Republican Party with increased voter support, strong candidates and fantastic turn out. It didn’t just happen. Thanks Roger for great leadership of a fired up, revitalized Republican Party and the literally hundreds of people who put up signs, got out the vote, wrote letters, donated to the cause, hosted events, took part in events in big and small towns in the county, and showed the Democrats we are a force to be reckoned with at election time!”
The man challenging Roger for chairman has no experience in the Republican Party but has, instead, been part of the Constitution Party and a board member of the Shenandoah Valley Tea Party Patriots.
The job of a GOP chairman is everything that Roger has accomplished. On Saturday, Republicans in Rockbridge, Buena Vista, and Lexington have the opportunity to continue the rational, common sense, proven leadership that he has provided.
