Category: Chairman Notes

“But my later experience has taught me two lessons: first, that things are seen plainer after the events have occurred; second, that the most confident critics are generally those who know the least about the matter criticised.” – Ulysses S. Grant, 18th President of the United States

Hindsight is 20/20, as they say. We’ve seen the Terry McAuliffe show before. Mobs tearing down statues. Growing state budgets. Support for all abortions, even those after birth. Secret backroom deals with China. We can see these events plainly now, but many still don’t. Many think that Virginia will be better off with the confident critics of freedom, of the rule of law, of gender, of men and women in uniform, of moving beyond race, of our way of life, of our faith, and of America.

Those are the people who know the least about what the other options are – tyranny and surrender.

Our fight is critical today, just as President Grant’s was in his day. We’re not in a war, but the threat to our country is every bit as real today as it was back then. It is a battle for hearts and minds. We must reach all of our neighbors with our message. We must stand together and show our values as we work to win. Virginia depends on it just as much now as it did 150 years ago.

SEPTEMBER 17th to NOVEMBER 2^nd GENERAL ELECTION

Early in person voting starts on Friday, September 17th. We need you to volunteer.

Election Day is November 2nd. We need you to volunteer for that as well.

We need your family and friends to help as well. We’ll have 27 precincts on Election Day, and one early voting location (the Courthouse) to cover for the 45 days before the election.

SEPTEMBER MEETING

Our September 2021 meeting will be held on Monday, September 13th at 7pm at 6 Bears and a Goat at 1140 International Pkwy, Fredericksburg. Meet with your fellow Republicans, and plan to win in November! Official call is below.

In Freedom,
Tony DeTora
Chairman

“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, but your government only when it deserves it.” – Mark Twain, American writer, humorist, entrepreneur, publisher, and lecturer

The events of the last week on the other side of the world really hit this message home. Elections have consequences. The federal government is not America. The President may be our chief executive, but isn’t our moral leader. The same goes for Virginia’s Governor.

America has had our vision, our ideals, printed and steering us from the start. We have often failed to live up to that promise, but our journey has been one of moving toward those ideals rather than away from them. We teach each generation this vision and each one has worked to bring us closer. We have setbacks, but we always rise stronger again when we can elect those who believe in that vision.

As I write this, 10,000 Americans are trapped in a hostile land with no clear means of escape or rescue. President Biden interrupted his Camp David time to announce to the world that, while the buck stops with him, he takes no responsibility. The White House refuses to commit to helping any of those Americans reach safety, to say nothing of the tens of thousands of Afghans who worked with us, and their families. I support my country wholeheartedly, and I pray for everyone involved.

But I am also fighting to win the next election. Elections matter at every level. They matter at the federal level. They matter at the state level, and they matter at the local level where we live most of our lives every day. We have one of the best slates of candidates I have ever seen, from the statewides, to the House of Delegates, the county Board of Supervisors, and the School Board. These people are patriots, and they will make us proud every day as they serve in these roles. As long as we can get them over the finish line.

Reminders – events this week:
This Thursday, August 19, the Glenn Youngkin campaign is hosting a volunteer training/meet and greet at the Fredericksburg HQ – 311 Central Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. Refreshments at 6pm and training afterwards. This will be a great opportunity to meet other volunteers and learn the ins and outs of the campaign software. The training will be critical to joining super Saturdays moving forward. You can RSVP by emailing [email protected]

Super Saturday this Saturday, August 21 at 9am. Meet at Senator Richard Stuart’s office – 150 Riverside Parkway, Suite 107, Fredericksburg, VA 22406. We will knock doors in Stafford until about 1pm, and then all the volunteers will be given an opportunity to get pictures with Tara Durant and Glenn Youngkin at Tara Durant’s Red, White, and Blue BBQ.

Tara Durant’s Red, White, and Blue BBQ – this Saturday, August 21 from 2-5pm. Please RSVP due to expected attendance. Anyone can RSVP here – https://taradurant.com/red-white-and-blue-bbq/

Prosecco on the Patio with Gina Ciarcia – this Sunday, August 22 from 2-4pm. Reserve your ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/prosecco-on-the-patio-tickets-166863377855

What’s Next:
Voting begins on September 17 and lasts through November 2. The things we do in the next month lay the groundwork for getting all of our voters to the polls. The work that we have put in so far will pay dividends, and we will retain control of our local boards. We will take back the House of Delegates. And we will elect our Republican nominees as the Governor, Lt. Governor, and Attorney General. That is a day I will be proud to support the government of Virginia once again.

In liberty,
Tony DeTora
Chairman

“If men were angels, no government would be necessary” – James Madison, 4th President of the United States

have a deep and abiding respect for the Father of the Constitution. In his sentiment that men are not angels, he clearly captures the ideals of America’s founding. Ambition must counter ambition, and only when sufficient support can be convinced can Congress act.

Of course, the Democrats want our federal government to run like a dictatorship. Like they run our state government. Trust in government at every level is incredibly low, a mistrust which is well earned. Yet they want the government at every level to have more power over our lives, over our choices, and over our thoughts.

We need our Republican candidates to win our elections in the Commonwealth this year. We need to knock doors, and make calls, and talk with our neighbors, and most of all make certain our supporters vote! We’re counting on each of you to do your part!

NOVEMBER 2^nd GENERAL ELECTION

Early in person voting starts on Friday, September 17th. We need you to volunteer. We need your family and friends to help as well. We’ll have 27 precincts on Election Day, and one early voting location (the Courthouse) to cover for the 45 days before the election.

ELECTION INTEGRITY WORKSHOP

The Virginia Fair Elections Coalition (VFE) consists of grassroots organizations and groups whose goal is to support free and fair elections in Virginia. As part of efforts to restore trust in Virginia’s elections, the coalition is hosting an Election Integrity workshop in Stafford at 6pm on Wednesday, August 11. The workshop was developed by Dr. Clara Belle Wheeler, a senior fellow with the Virginia Institute for Public Policy and a former member of the Virginia Board of Elections. Click here for more information or to register.

AUGUST MEETING

Our August 2021 meeting will be held on Monday, August 9th at 7pm at Amy’s Cafe at 103 W Cambridge St, Fredericksburg, VA 22405. Come and have dinner, a nice cocktail, meet with your fellow Republicans, and plan to win in November! Official call is below.

In Freedom,
Tony DeTora
Chairman

“Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery.” – Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom 1940-1945, 1951-1955

The Democrats love socialism. At least they don’t seem to understand how it works, because only a truly evil person could understand how bad socialism is and still try to impose it on others. We know better – we understand that our inalienable rights come from God. We understand that any attempt at socialism requires the political power to limit the pursuit of happiness, to undermine liberty, and eventually to take human life. It is not a mistake when that happens – it is built into the system.

We understand that all people are created equal and a just system requires equality before the law, and equality of rights. Unfortunately, those promoting socialism are confused and think the true path is to seek equality of outcomes, despite effort or ability. In order to achieve equal outcomes, you must oppress those who achieve and take the fruits of their labor. If people resist when socialists try to seize their property, the only answer is aggression – take things at the point of the spear in order to spread the wealth around.

As for me, I’ll take liberty! I’ll take free market capitalism every time! I’ll fight for these rights every time!

NOVEMBER 2^nd GENERAL ELECTION

I know that it seems a long time away, but mark your calendars now. We must be active and help our candidates win in November. And November is coming early again this year. Early in person voting starts on Friday, September 17th. We need you to volunteer. We need your family and friends to help as well. We’ll have 27 precincts on Election Day, and two early voting locations (the Courthouse and the Stafford Airport) to cover for the 45 days before the election.

JULY MEETING

Our July 2021 meeting will be held on Monday, July 12th at 7pm at Amy’s Cafe at 103 W Cambridge St, Fredericksburg, VA 22405. Official call is below.

You’ll also notice that we have an item for endorsements for county offices. The Republican party does not have a candidate for the Supervisor election for Garrisonville, and one of the candidates is seeking our endorsement. There are also four School Board elections taking place this year. At least one candidate is seeking our endorsement. Additional information will be sent to the active members before the July meeting.

In Freedom,
Tony DeTora
Chairman

Former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe on Gov. Ralph Northam:
  Feb. 1, 2019: “It’s time for Ralph to step down, and for the Commonwealth to move forward.”
  Apr. 8, 2021: “I am honored to have this great leader supporting me in my race for Governor.”

BATTLEGROUND STAFFORD – PART ONE

Honored! Great leader! Oh, Terry! It’s like you’re not even trying anymore.

And guess who the Democrats are about to nominate for Governor. Again.

I am looking forward to our Republican victories in November!

JUNE MEETING

June’s meeting will be in person, at the Paradise Diner at 260 Warrenton Road on Monday, June 14, 2021. The meeting will start at 7:00 PM. The Official Call is below with the agenda.

ELECTIONS 2021 – PRIMARY
Paul Milde and Cindy Shelton square off in the primary for the Aquia Supervisor nomination – at your usual Aquia precinct tomorrow, Tuesday, June 8, 2021.

FUNDRAISING

We are continuing our work towards two major fundraising events in 2021 – our Golf Tournament on June 14th, and our Lincoln-Reagan dinner in September.

Information about our Golf Tournament, including Sponsorship Opportunities can be seen here: Inaugural Golf Tournament

BATTLEGROUND STAFFORD – PART TWO

I agree with Terry McAuliffe that it’s time for the Commonwealth to move forward. Forward to free, fair, and honest elections. Forward to equal rights for everyone. Forward to accountability. Forward to open schools and open businesses. Forward to conservative leadership. Forward to Republican victories in November.

In liberty,
Tony DeTora
SCRC Chairman

Delegate for VA HD 28, Preacher, Millennial Idealist, Made in the 90’s, Hope Dealer. “I fight evil for a living!” [Raised fist] [Rainbow flag]–Twitter bio for Delegate Joshua Cole (@JoshuaCole)

BATTLEGROUND STAFFORD – PART ONE

In months past I’ve provided inspirational quotes from Republican Senators and Presidents. I’m going a different way this month. Above is the Twitter bio for Democrat Joshua Cole. He spends his time fighting against Republicans. As if his actions weren’t clear enough, his bio is clear – he thinks that we’re evil. He thinks that any time we make a proposal we have an evil intent. He and his fellow Democrats believe that they are justified in making up lies to tell about us. They think it is evil to want secure elections. They think it is evil to keep taxes and spending low. They think it is evil to say that people should live up to their responsibilities. They think it is evil to support law enforcement and honor those brave women and men who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

I am sick and tired of being called evil for believing in what it says in the Virginia Republican Creed. I want you to think about this, to think about Joshua Cole and how evil he thinks you are, and then I want to ask – how much time do you have to help elect and support Republicans this year?

APRIL MEETING

I was hopeful that we could hold our April meeting in person, but I need you to bear with me for one more month of electronic meeting. May’s meeting will be in person, even if I have to do it in a parking lot. We will hold our April meeting electronically over zoom next Monday, April 12, 2021. The meeting will start at 7:00 PM. The Official Call is below with login and call-in details.

ATTENDANCE AMENDMENT

Speaking of attendance at our meetings, we will consider an amendment to the SCRC bylaws as another step towards correcting our quorum problems. The link will bring you to the text of the amendment with a brief explanation. If there are any questions or concerns, please contact me so we can discuss.

ELECTIONS 2021 – PART ONE
The RPV Convention to select the Republican nominees for Governor, Lt. Governor, and Attorney General will be held on May 8, 2021.

In order to participate in the convention, you must pre-file as a Delegate by 5pm on April 17. Information about the candidates and how and where to pre-file are on our website. If you have questions not answered there, please contact me directly.

ELECTIONS 2021 – PART TWO
In three of our upcoming elections, we had only one qualified candidate file, making them our Republican nominees:
28th Delegate District – Tara Durant
Falmouth Supervisor – Meg Bohmke
Hartwood Supervisor – Darrell English

In two of our elections, we had multiple qualified candidates file (in order of filing):
88th Delegate District – Rich Breeden, Phillip Scott, and Holly Hazard

• Party Canvas will be held 10a-2p, Saturday, April 24
• Stafford votes at the William J. Howell Branch Library, 806 Lyons Boulevard

Aquia Supervisor – Paul Milde, and Cindy Shelton

• Primary will be held on Tuesday, June 8 at your normal voting location

And in two of our elections, we had no qualified candidates file:
2nd Delegate District
Garrisonville Supervisor

Important information will continue to be posted on the SCRC website about these elections. If anyone has questions not answered on the website, please contact me directly.

FUNDRAISING AND VOLUNTEERING

We are continuing our work towards two major fundraising events in 2021 – a golf tournament and a Lincoln-Reagan dinner.

We need your help to plan and run these events. We need your participation in many things that we do. If you want to help, please reach out and we’ll figure it out.

• Event Planning and Management
• Social Media
• Election Day Operations
• Outreach
• Letters to the Editor
• Social Events
• Other

BATTLEGROUND STAFFORD – PART TWO

Tomorrow is a meeting of the Board of Supervisors. They have been hearing from the Democrats, and hearing from them, and hearing from them. They need to hear from us. If you’re available, please consider attending the meeting. You can even spend a few minutes at the microphone to share your thoughts on what a great job our Republican officials are doing, or weigh in on the important issues they’re considering.

We work hard to elect Republicans, and then we mostly let them do their work. But it’s not enough for us to just elect the right people, we must give them continued support and feedback to ensure that they’re carrying out what we want. We must stand with them when things get hard, so they know they can stand firm. So they don’t yield on principle even if they must compromise on policy. Even if our opponents think us evil for doing so.

In liberty,
Tony DeTora
SCRC Chairman

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86019128305?pwd=K1c3ekh4R3pBQlN5ZE54aXNxSHZyQT09
Meeting ID: 860 1912 8305
Passcode: 938366
Or dial in:  +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)

“Little progress can be made by merely attempting to repress what is evil. Our great hope lies in developing what is good.”–Sir Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the United States of America

MARCH MEETING

We will hold our October meeting electronically over zoom next Monday, March 8, 2021. The meeting will start at 7:00 PM. The Official Call is below with login and call-in details.

DUES ARE DUE

Annual dues of $40 are due on March 3, 2021. According to our Bylaws, Members whose dues have not been paid may not vote in SCRC business meetings. Voting rights are restored upon receipt of payment. I now have an unusual request – if you will not be at our March business meeting, please wait until March 9th to pay your dues. This will help ensure a quorum at our meeting so we can take care of important business. Dues can be paid on the website: https://staffordgop.com/member-resources/ or by sending a check to our P.O. Box 2461, Stafford, VA 22555 or by arranging to drop it off with an SCRC officer.

QUORUM AMENDMENT

Speaking of quorum, I am proposing an amendment to the SCRC bylaws to correct the quorum problem I just mentioned. The link will bring you to the text of the amendment with a brief explanation. If there are any questions or concerns, please contact me so we can discuss.

RETIREMENTS

By now you have probably heard of the official retirements of Delegate Mark Cole and Supervisor Gary Snellings. Their tireless work on behalf of their constituents is an extraordinary legacy. These patriots will be truly missed by the people of Stafford.

Thank you, Gary!

Thank you, Mark!

ELECTIONS 2021

Stafford will have partisan elections in November for the following :

2nd Delegate District
28th Delegate District
88th Delegate District
Aquia Supervisor
Falmouth Supervisor
Garrisonville Supervisor
Hartwood Supervisor

Nominations will be made by primary (with the exception of the 88th Delegate District). Important information will be posted on the SCRC website about these contests. If anyone has questions not answered on the website, please contact me directly.

FUNDRAISING AND OUTREACH

We are planning two major fundraising events in 2021 – a golf tournament and a Lincoln-Reagan dinner. We are looking for volunteers to help plan and run these events.

We are also planning better outreach to people in Stafford. As Republicans, we have a lot to offer to communities throughout our county. We just haven’t done a good enough job reaching out to them where they are, sharing our beliefs and why they’re important, and listening to what they care about and how we can work together to achieve our common goals. We need volunteers to help us with this.

BATTLEGROUND STAFFORD

That Calvin Coolidge quote is not one of his most famous ones, but I think it shines a clear light on America today. Americans from all sides are focused on what’s evil and who’s to blame. I understand – there is a lot of blame to go around, and a lot of things that can only be explained through evil.

But we stand for something more. We stand for liberty and prosperity. We stand for peace through strength. We stand for supplying for human needs through the free market. We stand for inclusion for all who assume their responsibilities as citizens. We stand for belief in God as the foundation for the the moral fiber of America.

Together we stand up for truth and justice and hope and strength and freedom!

In liberty,
Tony DeTora
SCRC Chairman

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86019128305?pwd=K1c3ekh4R3pBQlN5ZE54aXNxSHZyQT09
Meeting ID: 860 1912 8305
Passcode: 938366
Or dial in:  +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)

“Some people’s idea of free speech is that they are free to say what they like but if anyone says anything back, that is an outrage.”–Sir Winston Churchillt

FEBRUARY MEETING

We will hold a meeting on zoom this coming Monday, February 8, 2021. The meeting will start at 7:00 PM. We will hear from candidates for upcoming elections, including the statewide races in 2021. Details and the login information is below.

In liberty,
Tony DeTora
SCRC Chairman

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84100561863?pwd=U1A2UE1IMS8rMnMvVkpjUUJOaFVmZz09
Meeting ID: 841 0056 1863
Passcode: 232372
Or dial in:  +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)

“It’s time to bring sanity back to Richmond.”–Heather Mitchell, Republican Candidate, 2nd Delegate District

2nd HOUSE OF DELEGATES DISTRICT – SPECIAL ELECTION

The Special Election is today until 7pm.

Republican nominee – Stafford’s Heather Mitchell – needs your vote if you are in the 2nd Delegate District.

How do I know if I’m in the 2nd Delegate District?
Look here: https://www.vpap.org/offices/house-of-delegates-2/redistricting/
Check here: https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov/

JANUARY MEETING

We will hold a meeting on zoom this coming Monday, January 11, 2020. The meeting will start at 7:00 PM. We will hear from candidates for upcoming elections, including the statewide races in 2021. Details and the login information is below.

In liberty,
Tony DeTora
SCRC Chairman

“Neither let us be slandered from our duty by false accusations against us, nor frightened from it by menaces of destruction to the Government nor of dungeons to ourselves. LET US HAVE FAITH THAT RIGHT MAKES MIGHT, AND IN THAT FAITH, LET US, TO THE END, DARE TO DO OUR DUTY AS WE UNDERSTAND IT.”–Abraham Lincoln, February 27, 1860 Cooper Union Address

2nd HOUSE OF DELEGATES DISTRICT – SPECIAL ELECTION

Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy resigned so she can focus on trying to move into a bigger house – the Governor’s mansion. We had an almost immediate turnaround on selecting a nominee for the 2nd Delegate District because the filing deadline to get on the ballot is Monday at 5pm. The district includes parts of Stafford and Prince William counties. The Special Election will be on January 5, 2021 so the new Delegate can participate in the legislative session in Richmond.

One candidate filed for the Republican nomination – Stafford’s Heather Mitchell. I can’t think of anyone who would better serve the 2nd District.

Now we need everyone’s help to win this seat back. Republicans have won the seat before and, with our help, we can secure a victory in the Special Election. I am asking each of you – even those who don’t live in the 2nd – to help contribute time and effort so we do everything we can to win back this seat.

DECEMBER MEETING

We will hold an unofficial meeting on zoom this coming Monday, December 14, 2020. The meeting will start at 7:00 PM. We will hear from candidates for upcoming elections, including the statewide races in 2021. Details and the login information is below.

2020 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

President Trump continues his effort to ensure that all valid votes are counted and that invalid votes are thrown out. This work has yielded an incredible backlash among the media, who have proven themselves to be no more than a PR wing for the Democrats. It is also clear that some of the lawyers and witnesses who made the largest claims of fraud weren’t able to provide enough evidence to convince state courts to take the measures that would be required. We’ll see how the Supreme Court handles the cases that have been appealed or filed there.

BATTLEGROUND STAFFORD

We worked hard. We fought together. And the ground shifted out from under our feet. They changed the rules – no photo ID needed to vote, extending Election Day for seven weeks, and they wanted to count ballots that were mailed AFTER Election Day.

We re-elected Rob Wittman, but Daniel Gade and President Trump both lost Stafford County.

But we have been given another chance – the 2nd Delegate District. Half of this district is in Prince William, but if we can get Stafford Republicans to vote in the January 5 Special Election, we can send Heather Mitchell to Richmond. I know that we all have a lot on our plate with Christmas and New Year and everything else. But this is our chance to say that Stafford County is not turning BLUE, we are staying RED. This is our chance to say that we believe in God and America and support our troops. This is our chance to say that choices matter, and our choice is freedom, justice, and family.

In liberty,
Tony DeTora
SCRC Chairman