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Northern Va. GOP update

August 2009

• Aug. 8 - Republican gubernatorail candidate Bob McDonnell talked about jobs as he delivered the national GOP response to the President's weekly radio address. His remarks focused on the adverse impact of Democratic proposals in Congress for union card check, cap-and-trade, and nationalized health care. Check news coverage of the response, and watch the video clip.

• July 25 - The Arlington GOP summer picnic attracted nearly 100 guests at Potomac Overlook Park. Former Sen. George Allen gave a strong endorsement of the 2009 Republican state and local ticket. Also speaking were delegate candidates Eric Brescia (47th), Aaron Ringel (48th) and Vicki Vasques (45th). See more on the Arlington picnic.
• July 25 - Republican Bob McDonnell scored high points against Democrat Creigh Deeds in the 2009 campaign's first gubernatorial debate. McDonnell pressed Deeds on his lack of a plan for transportation, and his continued silence on pending federal legislation that would hurt Virginia businesses. See press coverage in state campaign news.
• July 22 - After waiting for two weeks, Gov. Kaine agreed with Republican attorney general candiate Ken Cuccinelli and called a special session of the General Assembly for emergency revisions to Virginia drunk-driving laws. The changes are needed in light of a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision; the session will begin Aug. 19. See more in state campaign news and from RPV.
• July 22 - GOP gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell unveiled a far-reaching transportation plan in Arlington on July 21. It includes proposals for additional funding (including tolls and proceeds from privatizing state liquor stores); and support for much-needed projects (including HOT lanes and I-66 capacity in Northern Virginia. See more in state campaign news and from RPV.
• July 21 - After weeks of stonewalling, Gov. Kaine finally agreed to release records of his out-of-state fundraising trips as head of the Democratic National Committee. The state GOP had requested the information in mid-June, and many news media asked as well - but Kaine refused to release any information, until now. See more in state campaign news and from RPV.
• July 19 - Dozens of Northern Virginia Republicans turned out for a campaign recpetion for Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling in Alexandria. The successful event was held at Pat Troy's Ireland's Own restaurant in Old Town. See event photo from the Bolling campaign.
• July 9 - GOP delegate candidate Vicki Vasques (45th Dist.) kicked off her campaign at a well-attended reception in Alexandria. Vasques emphasized her background in education, and promised to put families first in her campaing. The event was held at the Union Street Pub in Old Town. See more from the Vasques campaign.

• June 30 - Local Republicans will be visible at Alexandria and Reston festivals in early July. Visit the GOP booths at the Alexandria Birthday Party on Sat., July 11 (see details), and the Reston Festival on July 11-12 (see details).
• June 24 - Prospects improved for GOP delegate candidate Jay McConville in the 44th District (southeast Fairfax Co.), with the unexpected retirement of incumbent Democrat Kristen Amundson. McConville will now face Fairfax Democat chairman Scott Surovell for the open seat. (See news article and 44th District information).
• June 23 - The Democratic National Committee finally agreed to reimburse Virginia for security expenses related to Gov. Kaine's out-of-state fundraising trips. But Kaine again refused to release information on his travel schedule. See more in state campaign news.
• June 22 - Former Sen. George Allen will be featured guest at two summer events in the area:
  • at the Fairfax County GOP family barbecue on Sat., June 26, at Mason District Park in Annandale (see details).
  • at the Arlington County GOP summer picnic on Sat., July 25, at Potomac Overlook Regional Park in North Arlington (see details). .
• June 19 - State GOP Chairman Pat Mullins called on Gov. Kaine to release information on his out-of-state travels for the Democratic National Committee. See more in state campaign news.
• June 16 - Republican Vicki Vasques announced her campaign for State Delegate in the 45th District (Alexandria, Arlington & Fairfax). See more on the 45th District race.
• June 13 - Alexandria City Council voted to move the date of city elections from May to November, despite overwhelming opposition from citizen groups. The vote by the outgoing Council (including two Democrats defeated in May) was 5-2, and was orchestrated by the city's Democratic machine. See more in Alexandria news.
• June 9 - Republican Eric Brescia filed to run for State Delegate in the 47th District (Arlington), an open seat this year. See more on the 47th District race.
• June 1 - The new McDonnell/Bolling/Cuccinelli ticket held its first Northern Virginia rally at Dulles Airport, outlining plans to promote jobs, opportunity, small business and energy production. (See more in state campaign news).

• May 30 - More than 7000 delegates attended the Republican State Convention in Richmond. Former Atty. Gen. Bob McDonnell was officially nominated for Governor. Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling defeated Patrick Muldoon to win renomination for a second term. And State Sen. Ken Cuccinelli won a three-way contest over John Brownlee and Dave Foster for the nomination for Attorney General. The new statewide ticket will travel around the state on June 1. (See more in state campaign news).
• May 30 - Republican State Chairman Pat Mullins won election to the full term of office (until 2012) at the GOP State Convention. Mullins is a former chairman of the Fairfax County GOP.
• May 11 - GOP gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell began running TV ads, including the Washington DC market. (See more in state campaign news and the McDonnell video gallery).
• May 5 - Republican Frank Fannon and independent Alicia Hughes were elected to Alexandria City Council in the city election on May 5, defeating two incumbent Democrats. Republicans had been shut out from City Council since 2003. (See more in Alexandria news.)
• May 4 - Former state chairman Jeff Frederick announced he would not run for the position again at the GOP State Convention in late May. (See more in state news coverage)
• May 2 - The Republican State Central Committee elected longtime party activist Pat Mullins as the new Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia, to succeed Jeff Frederick (who was removed in early April). Mullins was Fairfax County GOP Chairman in the early 1990s; and he had been serving recently as party chairman in Louisa County (central Virginia). Mullins will run for election again at the State Convention in late May. (See more in state news coverage)
• May 2 - Cong. Eric Cantor (R-VA), former Gov. Mitt Romney (R-MA) and other GOP national leaders visited a small restaurant in Arlington to launch the new National Council for a New America. (See news coverage and NCNA site.)

• Apr. 28 - Amy Frederick announced she would not for for State Delegate in the 52nd District (Prince William Co.), leaving Rafael Lopez as the only announced Republican in the race. Incumbent Del. Jeff Frederick had earlier announced he would not seek re-election. (See more on the 52nd District race.)
• Apr. 17 - Republican Aaron Ringel filed to run for State Delegate in the 48th District (Arlington). See more on the 48th District race.
• Apr. 14 - The campaign kick-off for GOP delegate candidate Barbara Comstock (34th Dist. - Fairfax Co.), featuring Gov. Haley Barbour (R-MS), has been rescheduled for Mon., April 20, in McLean. (See details from the Comstock campaign.)
• Apr. 10 - Two more Republicans filed for State Delegate in Fairfax County: Mark Whited in the 36th District (Reston area) and Chris Merola in the 53rd (McLean/Merrifield). (See more on the State House races.)
• Apr. 4 - The Republican State Central Committee removed Jeff Frederick as state chairman, following charges of mismagement, by a vote of 57-18 (see more in state news). A new chairman will be elected in May.

• Mar. 28 - Former Atty. Gen. Bob McDonnell launched his campaign for Governor at a rally in Annandale, with a speech focusing on jobs. (See more in state news.)
• Mar. 11 - Republican John Cook won the special election for Braddock District supervisor by 89 votes. The counting of votes was completed by mid-afternoon Mar. 11. (Check the latest news and detailed election results.)
• Mar. 10 - Republican John Cook had a slight lead in the preliminary results of the special election for Braddock District supervisor in Fairfax County. One precinct had not reported (due to voting machine malfunction); the vote count will resume on Mar. 11.
• Mar. 10 - The six Republican leaders of the State Senate called on Virginia GOP Party Chairman Jeff Frederick to resign. (See more on state news.)
• Mar. 7 - The Washington Post endorsed Republican John Cook for Braddock District supervisor in the special election on Mar. 10. (See Post editorial.)
• Mar. 6 - More than 440 Arlington Republicans signed up to be delegates tot the 2009 State Convention by the local filing deadline (Mar. 5). More filings are expected to arrive by mail; the final number will be announced next week. (See more from the Arlington GOP.)
• Mar. 5 - The Alexandria Republican City Committee called on State Party Chairman Jeff Frederick to resign. The resolution was overwhelmingly adopted at the City Committee meeting on Mar. 5.
• Mar. 5 - Many members of the Republican State Central Committee started proceedings to remove State Party Chairman Jeff Frederick from office. The vote will take place at a State Central meeting on April 4.
• Mar. 3 - The three Republican candidates for Attorney General participated in a debate at George Mason Law School in Arlington, moderated by former Gov. Jim Gilmore.
• Mar. 2 - The campaign kick-off event for GOP delegate candidate Barbara Comstock, featuring Gov. Haley Barbour (R-MS), was postponed due to weather. (See details from the Comstock campaign.)

• Feb. 26 - The General Assembly unanimously elected Bill Mims as Attorney General, to succeed Bob McDonnell (who stepped down to run full-time for Governor). Mims was McDonnell's deputy in the AG's office. He was previously a State Senator from Loudoun County.
• Feb. 16 - Dozens of Republicans marched in Alexandria's annual George Washington's Birthday parade, including GOP Council candidates Phil Ceferatti and Frank Fannon.
• Feb. 13 - Tax reform activist Grover Norquist was featured speaker at the annual Lincoln Day Dinner of the Republican Club of Greater Reston.
• Feb. 13 - Ed Gillespie, former chairman of both the RNC and RPV, will serve as chairman of the McDonnell for Governor campaign this year. (See Campaign '09 news.)
• Feb. 13 - Del. Jeff Frederick (R-Prince William) announced he will not seek re-election this year in the 52nd House District.
• Feb. 12 - Two Fairfax County Republicans have announced their campaigns for Delegate this year: Barbara Comstock (34th District) and Jim LeMunyon (67th District). (See more on the '09 House races.)
• Feb. 10 - Republican civic leader John Cook will be the GOP candidate in the special election for Braddock District Supervisor to succeed Sharon Bulova. He'll face Democrat School Board member Ilryong Moon. The special election will be Tue., Mar. 10. (See more on the Cook campaign).
• Feb. 7 - Alexandria Republicans nominated Phil Cefaratti and Frank Fannon for City Council, at a party canvass. The city election will be on May 5. (See more on the Alexandria Council campaigns).
• Feb. 7 - Attorney General Bob McDonnell met with Republican activists in Fairfax County, to provide an update on his campaign for governor.
• Feb. 4 - Vote canvass by Fairfax County Elections Board confirmed yesterday's unofficial results in the special election for Board Chairman. That leaves a vacancy for Braddock District Supervisor; a special election for that position will be held in March. (See more in Fairfax news. and election returns.)
• Feb. 3 - Another close special election -- this time, for Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Republican Pat Herrity finished just 1200 votes (1%) behind Democrat Sharon Bulova, one of the GOP's strongest showings in years. (See more in Fairfax news. and election returns.)
• Feb. 3 - Attorney General Bob McDonnell announced he'll resign effective Feb. 20, to campaign full-time for Governor. (See Campaign '09 news.)

• Jan. 31 - Former Md. Lt. Gov. Michael Steele was elected as the new chairman of the Republican National Committee.
• Jan. 28 - Arlington filing procedures were adopted at the County Committee meeting. Delegates to the State Convention must file by March 5. (See details and filing form from ACRC.)
• Jan. 26 - The recount in the special election for Delegate (46th District) upheld the preliminary results. Republican Joe Murray finished just 16 votes behind Democrat Charniele Herring. (Read more about the special election and recount from ARCC.)
• Jan. 26 - Prince William filing procedures were adopted at the County Committee meeting. Delegates to the State Convention must file by March 14. (See details and filing form from PWCRC.)
• Jan. 23 - The Alexandria filing period has closed. About 250 Alexandria Republicans filed to be delegates to the State Convnetion. (See details from ARCC.)
• Jan. 22 - Fairfax County filing procedures were adopted at the County Committee meeting. Delegates to the State Convention must file by March 7. (See details and filing form from FCRC.)
• Jan. 15 - State campaign finance reports show that Bob McDonnell has an early lead in fundraising in the race for Governor. (See Campaign '09 news.)
• Jan. 13 - The special election for Delegate (46th District) was held, and the results were incredibly close. Preliminary results show Republican Joe Murray just 16 votes behind Democrat Charniele Herring, and some absentee ballots are in dispute. (Read more about the special election from ARCC.)
• Jan. 6 - Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani was featured guest at a fundraiser for Bob McDonnell in downtown Washington. (See Campaign '09 news.)
• Jan. 3 - Democrat Terry McAuliffe officially announced for Governor, which means a three-way contest for that party's nomination with State Sen. Creigh Deeds and former Del. Brian Moran. (See Campaign '09 news.)

• Dec. 17 - Joe Murray won the Republican nomination for Delegate from the 46th District in a three-way party canvass. The special election will be Jan. 13. (Read more about the special election from ARCC.)
• Dec. 16 - Gov. Kaine proposed a new budge with higher taxes and cutbacks in school funding. (See Campaign '09 news.)
• Dec. 16 - Attorney General Bob McDonnell proposed election reforms to reduce lines at polls, improve accuracy of registration lists, and overturn the ban on political clothing. (See Campaign '09 news.)
• Dec. 12 - Del. Brian Moran (D-46th) resigned, and Gov. Kaine called a special election for Jan. 13. Republicans in the district (Alexandria and Fairfax) will select their nominee in a party canvass on Dec. 17.
• Dec. 11 - Arlington Republicans held their annual Volunteer Dinner in Lyon Village. Attorney General Bob McDonnell was featured speaker. The party recognized outstanding contributions from John & Barbara DePauw (for service to the party), John Vihstadt (for community service) and former Cong. Tom Davis (for fundraising).
• Dec. 7 - The state party announced that six candidates for statewide office had filed enough petition signatures to run at the State Convention in May 2009. For Governor, Atty. Gen. Bob McDonnell was the only candidate to file (and will be unopposed). For Lt. Governor, incumbent Bill Bolling and attorney Patrick Muldoon filed. For Attorney General, former U.S. Atty. John Brownlee of Roanoke, State Sen. Ken Cucinelli of Fairfax, and former Arlington School Board chairman Dave Foster all qualified. (See Campaign '09 news.)
• Dec. 4 - Alexandria filing procedures were adopted at the City Committee meeting. The filing deadline for State Convention delegates and City Council candidates is Jan. 23. (See details and filing form from ARCC.)
• Dec. 2 - Anthony Bedell was elected as Fairfax County GOP Chairman at the County Committee meeting. He succeeds Jim Hyland, who stepped down after nearly two years in the position.

• Nov. 20 - New projections indicate the state budget deficit may exceed $3 billion. (See Campaign '09 news.)
• Nov. 19 - Former Arlington School Board chairman Dave Foster formally announced that he's running for Attorney General. That sets up a 3-way contest for the GOP nomination. (See Campaign '09 news.)
• Nov. 4 - Results of Election Day 2008 were disappointing in many parts of Virginia. Democrats carried the statewide races: for President (53%-47%), for U.S. Senate (65%-34%); and also two of the Congressional races in Northern Va.: 8th District (68%-30%) and 11th District (55%-43%). But Republican Frank Wolf won re-election in the 10th District by an impressive margin (59%-39%), even though Obama carried that District for President. (See Campaign '08 news.)
• Nov. 1 - Thousands attended a rally with John McCain in Springfield. The rally was McCain's third campaign appearance this fall in Northern Virginia. (See Campaign '08 news.)

• Oct. 30 - Elections officials report high levels of absentee voting, both by mail and in person. (See Campaign '08 news.)
• Oct. 28 - The State Board of Elections also decided that registrars must count absentee mlitary ballots, again overruling the Fairfax registrar. (See Campaign '08 news.)
• Oct. 27 - Gov. Sarah Palin drew a large crowd at a campaign rally in Leesburg. (See Campaign '08 news.)
• Oct. 26 - Attorney General Bob McDonnell ruled that registrars must count absentee mlitary ballots, taking issue with the Fairfax decision. (See Campaign '08 news.)
• Oct. 23 - The Fairfax County registrar said he would disallow most absentee ballots from military overseas for technical reasons. Other local registrars disagreed with his view. (See Campaign '08 news.)
• Oct. 13 - Thousands came to see Sen. John McCain at a campaign rally in Woodbridge. (See Campaign '08 news.)
• Oct. 15 - State election officials announced an increase of 10% in voter registration in Virginia this year.
• Oct. 14 - The State Board of Elections voted to retain its rule that bars display of political clothing or badges inside polling places. (See Campaign '08 news.)
• Oct. 13 - Sen. John McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin again drew big crowds at a campaign rally in Virginia Beach. (See Campaign '08 news.)
• Oct. 3 - GOP Senate candidate Jim Gilmore announced his opposition to the large financial bailout package. (See Campaign '08 news.)

• Sep. 25 - Attorney General Bob McDonnell announced plans to voluntarily reduce his office budget, to show willingness to help address growing state budget deficit. (See Campaign '09 news.)
• Sep. 10 - More than 20,000 people gathered in Fairfax City for a massive campaign rally with Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin. (See Campaign '08 news and video coverage.)
• Sep. 4 - Sen. John McCain delivered a moving acceptance speech at the Convention. More than 100 local Republicans to watch the speech at the Arlington GOP watch party (See Campaign '08 news.)
• Sep. 3 - Gov. Sarah Palin electrified the nation with her acceptance speech at the GOP National Convention. (See Campaign '08 news.)
• Sep. 2 - Republican Congressional candidate Mark Ellmore debated Democrat incumbent Jim Moran at the annual Arlington Civic Federation candidates forum. (See Campaign '08 news.)

• Aug. 29 - In a surprise move, Sen. John McCain selected Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. Republicans in Virginia and elsewhere were pleased by the selection. (See Campaign '08 news.)
• Aug. 28 - Democrat Mark Warner shocked many when he announced his refusal to participate in a statewide televised debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters. GOP candidate Jim Gilmore restated his willingness to debate. (See Campaign '08 news.)
• Aug. 12 - The special election for Alexandria School Board was held. Marc Williamson was the winner in a four-way race. (See more on the election from ARCC.)

• July 20 - Alexandria School Board candidate Bernie Schulz held his campaign kick-off in Parkfairfax for the Aug. 12 special election. Schulz is a former GOP candidate for City Council. The School Board election is non-partisan. (See the Schulz campaign.)
• July 19 - GOP nominee Jim Gilmore scored points against Democrat Mark Warner in the first Senate candidates debate, by pressing Warner on his opposition to energy exploration to lower gas prices. (See campaign news and video clip.)
• July 9 - Congressional nominee Mark Ellmore will open a fundraising reception on Wed,, July 23, in Kingstowne. The campaign will open its new headquarters in Tysons Corner on Mon., July 28. (See calendar for details.)
• July 7 - A special election for Alexandria School Board will be held on Tue., Aug. 12. Voters in District "B" of the City will elect a member to fill out the term of Claire Eberwein, who resigned and moved out of the area. School Board elections are non-partisan.

• June 27 - The McCain campaign appointed Mike Reynold as Virginia campaign director. Reynold comes from the political staff of state Attorney General Bob McDonnell.
• June 24 - The Republican National Committee announced that Nick Meads will head up the RNC's "Victory 2008" program for coordinated support of GOP Presidential, Senate and Congressional campaigns in Virginia, Meads had been working for Cong. Tom Davis (R-Fairfax).
• June 23 - Arlington Republicans sadly report the passing of longtime local activist Frances Finta on June 18. Finta ran the GOP headquarters in Arlington; she had been elected this year to the 8th District Commtitee, and also to serve as president of the Arlington Civic Federation. A funeral mass will be held on June 27 in Arlington (see details).
• June 17 - GOP Senate nominee Jim Gilmore announced his support for expanded drilling for oil and gas in the U.S., as an important step to help bring down soaring gasoline prices. See news articles.
• June 16 - Former Sen. Fred Thompson will be featured speaker at a fundraiser for the McCain for President fundraiser on Tuesday, July 24, at Westwood Country Club in Vienna.
• June 10 - Mark Ellmore won the Republican nomination for Congress in the 8th District, with a 56%-44% victory over Amit Singh. More than 5800 Republican voters participated in the primary. Ellmore goes on to face discredited incumbent Democrat Jim Moran in November. (See more on the 2008 campaigns.)

• May 31 - Former Gov. Jim Gilmore won the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate at the Republican State Convention in Richmond. He'll face Democrat Mark Warner in the fall. (See more on the 2008 campaigns.) The convention also elected Del. Jeff Frederick as the new state GOP chairman.
• May 19 - The McCain for President campaign and Republican Party of Virginia opened their joint Virginia Victory/McCain 08 headquarters in Arlington (Crystal City). The office will serve as a phone bank for the GOP ticket and is open to volunteers. McCain campaign manager Rick Davis and RPV Chairman John Hager spoke at the opening event.
• May 17 - Several Republican candidates addressed the 8th District GOP Convention:
  • Former Gov. Jim Gilmore and State Del. Bob Marshall, who are running for U.S. Senate (nominee to be selected at the State Convention);
  • Mark Ellmore and Amit Singh, who are running for Congress in the 8th (nominee to be selected in the June 10 primary);
  • Atty. Gen. Bob McDonnell, the likely GOP nominee for Governor in 2009;
  • three candidates for Attorney General in 2009: State Sen. Ken Cuccinelli, former Arlington School Board chairman Dave Foster, and former U.S. Attorney John Brownlee.
  Also speaking were John Hager, chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia, and Amy Frederick on behalf of Del. Jeff Frederick, who is challenging Hager for the chariman's job (to be selected at the State Convention).
• May 17 - The 8th District Convention was held in Arlington, with 350 delegates in attendance. The convention elected Mike Ginsberg as the new District Chairman, along with other party officials and delegates to the national convention. Several statewide candidates also spoke. (See more on the 2008 convention and candidates elected.)
• May 13 - Democrat Gov. Tim Kaine proposed a new wave of statewide tax increases for transportation. Republican legislative leaders and RPV Chairman John Hager expressed GOP opposition to the plan. The issue will be debated at a special legislative session in June. (See more on transportation taxes.)
• May 1 - Former Arlington School Board chairman Dave Foster said he's considering a run for Attorney General in 2009. (See more on Campaign 2009.)

• Apr. 30 - Nearly all Republican leaders in Virginia, including GOP members of Congress and state legislators, GOP district chairs and state party officers, endorsed the Bob McDonnell/Bill Bolling ticket for 2009. (See the complete list of endorsers.)
• Apr. 29 - Arlington Republicans elected Mark Kelly as the new County GOP Chairman at a party canvass election. (See more on the Arlington canvass.)
• Apr. 20 - Republican women's clubs in Northern Virginia elected Frances Finta of Arlington as their new representative to the 8th District Republican Committee.
• Apr. 12 - Fairfax County Republicans re-elected Jim Hyland as GOP Chairman at the County Republican convention. Candidates for U.S. Senate and Congress (8th, 10th and 11th Districts) also spoke at the gathering.
• Apr. 12 - Two candidates filed for the Republican nomination for the 8th Congressional District seat by the deadline (April 11): Mark Ellmore and Amit Singh. Voters will select the nominee in the party primary on June 10. (See more on the 2008 campaign.
• Apr. 3 - The two GOP Congressional candidates announced their campaign kick-off plans: Amit Singh on Friday evening, Apr. 4, in Old Town Alexandria; and Mark Ellmore on Tuesday evening, April 22, in Baileys Crossroads. (See details on our events calendar.)
• Apr. 1 - Sen. John McCain spoke at Episcopal High School in Alexandria (his alma mater), on Day 2 of his "Service to America Tour". (See more on the national campaign tour.)

• Mar. 31 - State Sen. Ken Cuccinelli (R-Fairfax Co.) announced that he's running for Attorney General in 2009. (See Campaign '09 news.)
• Mar. 26 - The Arlington County Republican Committee voted to reopen the filing period for County Chairman (until April 10), and reschedule the canvass election for Tue., Apr. 29. Two candidates have announced: Mark Kelly and Landey Patton. (See more on the Arlington canvass.)
• Mar. 25 - Two candidates filed for Fairfax County Republican Chairman: Jim Hyland and Kamal Nawash. The position will be elected by the County GOP Convention on Sat. Apr. 12; delegates to the convention must file by Sat., Mar. 29. (See more on the Fairfax filing rules.)
• Mar. 24 - Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling announced he'll run for re-election next year. That leaves Atty. Gen. Bob McDonnell as the likely GOP nominee for Governor. (See Campaign '09 news.)
• Mar. 19 - Arlington Republican Chairman Rafael Béjar announced he won't run for a full term, in view of new job commitments. The matter will be discussed at the Mar. 26 meeting of the ACRC; and the canvass election (which had been scheduled for Mar. 29) will be rescheduled.
• Mar. 8 - The Republican State Central Committee voted to select the party's nominee for statewide offices in 2009 by convention rather than by primary. (See Campaign '09 news.)
• Mar. 4 - Sen. John McCain clinched the GOP nomination for President after winning four more primaries. Former Gov. Mike Huckabee withdrew from the race.

• Feb. 29 - The State Supreme Court struck down the 2007 transportation package, which set up a regional authority to impose taxes and fund highway/transit projects. (See news coverage.)
• Feb. 27 - Two candidates filed for Arlington Republican Chairman: Rafael Béjar and Landey Patton. A canvass election will be held on March 29. (See more on the Arlington canvass.)
• Feb. 23 - Alexandria Republicans re-elected Chris Marston as City GOP Chairman at a canvass election. (See details on the Alexandria canvass.)
• Feb. 18 - Two candidates filed for Alexandria Republican Chairman: Chris Kachouroff and Chris Marston. A canvass election will be held on Sat., Feb. 23.
• Feb. 15 - Prince William County Board Chairman Corey Stewart announced that he's running for Lieutenant Governor in 2009. Former State Sen. Jay O'Brien also announced for the position.
• Feb. 13 - The Fairfax County Republican Committee adopted a filing deadline of Sat., Mar. 29, with district canvasses (if needed) on Apr. 5 and the County Convention on Sat., Apr. 12. Filing forms should be available shortly. (See Reorganization 2008.)
• Feb. 13 - Amit Singh of Arlington announced that he's running for Congress in the 8th District. Also, Bob Berry of Fairfax County announced that he's running for U.S. Senate.
• Feb. 12 - Se. John McCain won the Virginia Republican Presidential primary (see details).
• Feb. 9 - Falls Church Republicans held a mass meeting and elected Jonathan Krive as the new City GOP Chairman, to succeed Shayam Menon. Republican Senate candidates Jim Gilmore and Bob Marshall also addresed the gathering.
• Feb. 7 - More than 30 candidates filed for the 11 positions to be elected at the 8th District Republican Convention in May. There will be contested races for District Chairman, for three seats on the State Central Committee, and for three Delegates and three Alternate Delegates to the National Convention. See full list of candidates. Those wishing to vote at the District Convention must sign up through their local committees by the local filing deadline.

• Jan. 30 - Cong. Tom Davis (R-11th) announced he won't run for re-election this year. Davis has represented the 11th District since 1994.
• Jan. 23 - The Arlington County Republican Committee adopted a filing deadline of Feb. 26 for ACRC offices and convention delegates, with a canvass (if needed) on Mar. 29. (See Reorganization 2008.)
• Jan. 22 - Congressional candidate Mark Ellmore announced that his campaign will be chaired by Gary Baise, the GOP nominee for chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 2007.
• Jan. 22 - Former State Sen. Jay O'Brien announced that he's considering a run for Lieutenant Governor in 2009.
• Jan. 8 - The Falls Church City Republican Committee adopted filing deadlines of Feb. 6 for City Chairman and Feb. 8 for City Committee and convention delegates, with a mass meeting to be held on Feb. 9. (See Reorganization 2008.)
• Jan. 8 - Former Gov. George Allen announced he won't run for Governor in 2009. (See Campaign '09 news.)
• Jan. 7 - State Del. Bob Marshall (R-Manassas) announced for U.S. Senate. (See Campaign '08 news.)
• Jan. 4 - The 8th District Republican Convention will be held May 17 at Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Arlington. (See Convention 2008.)

• Dec. 31 - 8th District Republican Chairman David Avella announced he won't seek re-election in 2008.
• Dec. 19 - Cong. Jim Moran (D-8th) launched another anti-war tirade on the House floor, accusing the U.S. of having "ethnically cleansed most of Baghdad".
• Dec. 14 - Six candidates filed for the Virginia GOP Presidential primary: Rudy Guilani, Mike Huckabee, John McCain, Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, Fred Thompson. (See Presidential campaign 2008.)
• Dec. 11 - State Del. Rob Wittman (R-Montross) won an impressive victory in the special election for Congress in Virginia's 1st District, with more than 60% of the vote. He succeeds the late Jo Ann Davis, who passed away in September.
• Dec. 6 - The Alexandria Republican City Committee adopted a filing deadline of Feb. 14 for ARCC offices and convention delegates, with a canvass (if needed) on Feb. 23. (See Reorganization 2008.)
• Dec. 1 - State Del. Chris Saxman (R-Staunton) announced he won't run for U.S. Senate. (See Campaign '08 news.)

• Nov. 30 - The Republican State Central Committee withdrew the requirement for voters in the GOP Presidential primary to sign a pledge.
• Nov. 30 - The State Central Committee elected Kathy Hayden Terry as the Republican National Committeewoman from Virginia. She succeeds Anne Petera, who stepped down due to job requirements.
• Nov. 26 - State Senate Republicans elected Thomas Norment (R-Williamsburg) as the new GOP Senate Leader.
• Nov. 19 - Former Gov. Jim Gilmore announced for U.S. Senate. (See Campaign '08 news.)
• Nov. 18 - State House Republicans re-elected Bill Howell (R-Falmouth) as Speaker, and Morgan Griffith (R-Salem) as Majority Leader.

• Oct. 30 - The Washington Post endorsed GOP candidate Mike McMenamin for Arlington County Board.
• Oct. 25 - Cong. Tom Davis (R-11th) announced he won't run for U.S. Senate. (See Campaign '08 news.)
• Oct. 15 - The Washington Post endorsed State Sen. Jeannemarie Devolites Davis (R-Fairfax) for re-election.
• Oct. 13 - The Republican State Central Committee voted to select the party's nominee for U.S. Senate in 2008 by convention rather than by primary. (See Campaign '08 news.)