Unfortunately, internet connection was not on my side yesterday.   I tried to live blog, but it ended up being that my computer would not connect to the wi-fi.  The morning began with Attorney General Bob McDonnell and governor candidate energizing the crowd and encouraging us to be footsoldiers for the party.  McDonnell indicated that we need to stand strong to our core principles and advocate for limited government.  The Legislative panel featuring:  Del. Bill Janis, Del. Ben Cline, Del. Chris Saxman and Sen. Ryan McDougle gave great insight on to why they entered public service and their legislative accomplishments during the General Assembly session.   I also moderated the Immigration panel, which featured former Del. Jack Reid and Greg Letiecq, who heads Help Save The Old Dominion and blogs at Black Velvet Bruce Li.  This panel touched on the current illegal immigration crisis and what needs to be done to address this issue.  

      The afternoon session featured U.S. Senate candidate and former Governor Jim Gilmore and U.S. Senate candidate Bob Marshall.  Gilmore and Marshall were making the appeals for delegates to vote for them at the State Convention.   Gilmore touted his record as Governor and discussed his policy proposals that would address improving the economy through tax breaks and controlled spending.  Another issue that Gilmore discussed was energy independence and encouraged drilling in Alaska to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. 

      Marshall addressed his record on upholding and defending the Constitution, and he discussed how he was the chief plaintiff in the lawsuit against H.B. 3202 (which would establish regional transportation authorities that would given the right to levy taxes) and how they won the lawsuit.   Marshall also discussed his victories for protecting the family through the passage of the Marriage Amendment and pro-life causes.   He ended with a great quote:  “You can’t win if you abandon your principles.”

      After hearing from the U.S. Senate candidates, we had the opportunity to hear from the Republican Party of Virginia Chairman candidates, John Hager and Del. Jeff Frederick.  Both Hager and Frederick addressed that we need to build the party.  Hager mentioned that we need experience, stability, and proven leadership for the party.   Hager mentioned that he has been devoting himself full-time to the chairmanship.  Frederick gave an exciting vision about his goals as Chairman, while emphasizing that we need to aggressive and proactive. Frederick mentioned that it was time for new leadership and to revive and articulate our conservative message.

        The YRs also heard from Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, who fired up the crowd by motivating them to get out the message and from the Young Republican National Federation Chairman Jessica Colon.   It was a great convention and check out the article from the Richmond Times-Dispatch about the YRFV.

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