On May 22nd, the 10th congressional district GOP will have its first new chairman in two decades. For the last five months, the campaign to replace Jim Rich has been fought across the 10 localities of the 10th district. Tonight, one of the contenders for this key intra-party position held an unprecedented fundraiser featuring Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.
For those outside of the 10th or unfamiliar with intra-party history, Jim Rich has never been known for avoiding controversy. He was often a dissenting vote on party plan amendments at state central committee, notably on an amendment stating that in party-run nomination processes, voters would be asked to sign a statement identifying with the principles of the party, their intent to vote for its nominees and renouncing affiliation with any other party. Throughout his tenure as chairman, Rich enjoyed the support and endorsement of Congressman Frank Wolf as well as the strong support of nearly all members of the 10th district committee. During his tenure, Rich faced unsuccessful challenges from Steve Whitener, Doug Domenech, and Heidi Stirrup. Stirrup was endorsed by then state senator Ken Cuccinelli in 2006. In 2008, Rich was unopposed; however, a team of three delegates running for the 10th district committee and endorsed by Cuccinelli swept past those endorsed by Rich, elected to 10th district leadership in an unusually large 10th district convention.
All that background sets up the present race for 10th district chairman. Current candidates, Dave Schmidt and Howie Lind, have run respectful campaigns: recruiting delegates, visiting unit committees, making personal phone calls to delegates and sending mass emails. To date their campaign has lacked the negative tone and personal attacks that had characterized prior chairman’s races in the 10th.
Yet the candidates have clearly distinguished themselves, laying out for convention delegates how they expect to lead, as well as outlining their goals and concerns. I have just returned from an unprecedented fundraiser for Lind, featuring not only Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, but Congressman Joe “you lie!” Wilson and a “who’s who” list of northern Virginia GOP leaders and activists. The first thing I saw as I walked into the event, held in a private home, was Congressman Frank Wolf’s yard signs. Lind’s campaign theme of “PAINT THE 10th RED” has clearly resonated with me and many other delegates seeking a chairman who will not only fight for Congressman Wolf’s re-election but also take an active role leadership role across the tenth district – campaigning for other Republican nominees and supporting the grassroots in each unit.
At tonight’s Lind event, 150 people cheered for an open, energized party, conservative principles, and, above all, liberty. Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, who endorsed Lind in January, spoke to the need to bring Lind’s leadership to the congressional district, beginning with the need for greater transparency in party leadership. Cuccinelli also took several questions from the attendees. The room cheered loudly for the AGs lawsuit as Cuccinelli summarized the suit. Cuccinelli also explained the nature of the EPA Mann inquiry. “We are the fraud police,” he said, explaining that the inquiry was very narrow and concerns not scientific inquiry, but use of taxpayer dollars. Rep. Wilson reflected on his virginia roots and friendship with Lind and many others in the room. He drew attention to Lind’s work on behalf of American troops abroad and his loyalty and dedication to principle. Wilson also spoke of his respect for Virginia’s Attorney General: “Ken Cuccinelli is no shrinking violent.”
Video of Wilson:
Lind’s fundraiser was unusual in bringing a sitting GOP Congressman to another GOP Congressman’s district to campaign for a GOP Congressional district chairman. It was also unusual in bringing so many supporters out to an evening event, including a “who’s who” of local activists and electeds. While coffees and receptions are normal in such an intra-party race, the size of this event demonstrated unique enthusiasm for Lind’s campaign. Among the leaders seen in the room were Delegate Tim Hugo, Delegate Bob Marshall, Delegate Jackson Miller, former Delegate Dick Black, Jim Hyland, Loudoun GOP Chairman Mark Sell, Congressional candidate Keith Fimian, former Virginia GOP Chairman Pat McSweeney, Prince William Supervisor John Stirrup and many others.
Rep. Frank Wolf’s re-election is all but guaranteed and he has not endorsed either candidate for 10th District Chairman. Both candidates are strongly supportive of Congressman Wolf.
Schmidt, a Leesburg town council member, has gained the endorsement of outgoing chairman, Jim Rich. He has also been endorsed by John Brownlee, who sought the GOP nomination for Attorney General in 2009, and numerous Loudoun County elected officials, including Delegates May, Rust and Greason.
