Recently, the Republican State Central Committee asked Jeff Frederick to step down for the following reasons, according to Bearing Draft:
State central members say that asking Frederick to resign is not due to any political disagreements, but that poor fundraising, the loss of three congressional seats and the US Senate last November, and his preference to use a technology firm which he has a personal interest in have caused the loss of confidence.The question now is who can produce in the Fall Elections? Local pundits are calling upon Tom Davis, former 11th District Congressman and Chairman of the NRCC.
For Davis's defense, he, as the chairman of the NRCC, was able to help republicans win 8 seats in the house, which helped to solidify their majority. Only 3 times previous to this win has a party who occupied the White House also picked up seats in the House during an off year. In addition to this significant win, the NRCC was able to raise more than $210 million, almost 2 times the amount raised in 2008 (1).
Factions in the Commonwealth's Party of Old have differing opinions of Davis as a potential future chairman. In addition to the discontent of said factions, Davis' voting record would not be one that could be considered solidly conservative by any stretch of the imagination.
The question here is what does a Chairman of the RPV do, and what are his responsibilities? Do Virginia Republicans want a chairman that is preoccupied with being the most conservative? What is the role of the RPV on 2009?
I am afraid that when a RPV chairman, or any party chairman for that matter, starts focusing solely or primarily on ideology, the party looses sight of tactics and winning elections. The Party's primary responsibility is to win elections.
With that said, I personally believe that it is possible to have a conservative RPV chairman. I believe that it is possible to have a conservative. But, to oust moderates in the party, either directly or indirectly, is a concoction that will cause both Republicans and Conservatives alike much pain in the 2009 elections.
The Young Americans for Freedom - Virginia does NOT endorse Rep. Tom Davis for Chairman of the RPV or for any other elected public office. We do not endorse or oppose candidates.
