Dear Mike,
You did it again — stepped in as interim chair to fill the vacuum left when John Whitbeck resigned in July — and the Republican Party of Virginia once again owes you a big thanks. You kept the party going until a replacement was voted on at today’s State Central Committee meeting.
Congratulations to new Chairman Jack Wilson who will finish out Whitbeck’s term.
We’ve been here before, haven’t we? As First Vice Chairman of the party, serving as interim chair is a role you have served a number of times in the past to preserve continuity in leadership. You have been asked before to take on the role yourself but you always said no. You seem to thrive working in the background, not in the spotlight of politics — always the reliable wind beneath the wings of whomever was chairman at the time.
The party owes you a huge debt of gratitude also for being the pillar that you are with a steady hand and even temperament and reliability to carry us through the rough patches. Your institutional knowledge is legendary — you are a walking encyclopedia of Virginia Republican politics — and we are amazed at your darn near perfect recall of facts.
During the battles that have occurred between factions, you have worked with all sides, listening and mediating and seemingly always available. Throughout the years not only have you worked with the grassroots but also with countless Republican elected officials who have turned to you for the same measured advice so appreciated by others.
For all that that and so much more, we thank you.
I looked through my photo archives from the past two decades because you know how I like to take pictures at Republican events. You’ve never told me no when I asked for a pic, patiently enduring my shutterbug over the years. Often what people don’t see in the photos I’ve snapped of elected officials is you off to the side, not seeking the limelight but every bit as important as those pictured.
So I compiled a few of those pictures from the multiple GOP events where we have run into each other. I have lots more but will save them for another time.
Just one more thing. Your friendship with many, patience with all, and wisdom from years of experience are truly appreciated by a party that probably doesn’t deserve you. I can just imagine that, as you handed over the gavel today to the new chair, you possibly gave a sigh of relief at resuming your role as First Vice Chair. All I know if we’re all grateful for your leadership. Thanks, Mike.
Best,
~Lynn
At Burgers With Bill Bolling, June 2017. Richmond.
[1]
The Republican Advance at The Homestead, 2011.
[2]Trixie Averill, former. Lt. Gov. John Hager, and Mike at the RPV State Convention in 2016.
[3]Mike and son Alec at State Central Committee meeting in Staunton, 2015.
[4]At Burgers With Bill Bolling, 2014.
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[6]Republican Advance in Williamsburg 2009.
[7]Election Night 2009 — Republicans swept Top 3 gubernatorial spots.
[8]Mike with son Alec and daughter Ashley at one of Eric Cantor’s Republican Roundups.
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Photobombed by RTD’s Jeff Schapiro while talking with former Gov. Bob McDonnell, 2016.
[11]Republican Roundup. Maybe 2012?
[12]With Juanita Ballenger at Republican Roundup in 2011.
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[14]With Paul Galanti and Judi Lynch.
[15]With Susan Allen.
[16]With Ben Marchi.
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With Martin Brown.
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[20]With Donald and Nancy Williams.
[21]RPV State Convention 2009.
[22]With my parents at the Republican Roundup in 2007.
[23]Barbecue at Susan and George Allen’s house in 2012.
With Polly Campbell, State Central Committee Secretary for 40 years, at the Republican Roundup.
With longtime GOP activist Trixie Averill. Election night 2009 in RVA.
Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
Cover photo of Mike at son Alec’s wedding in August 2018