By Russ Wright
Like many of you, I became active in politics because I was concerned and frustrated about the direction of the country. Once I finally found the Republican Party, I knew I was in the right place.
I was delighted that the Republican Party of Virginia confidently published a concise and unwavering set of principles superior to anything offered by any other party. To add to that, I learned that an individual, working in the Republican Party, could directly affect national politics just by getting involved.
I was raised to disdain politics and politicians, being told they were “all dirty crooks,” and I would have believed it had I not worked hundreds of hours beginning in 2012 with so many good Republicans of honor and integrity—from ALL wings of the party.
In 2012 and 2013, I witnessed several nomination processes that did not appear to be fairly run. Through all this, I resolved to work for a fair process for all Republicans. When I was elected to the Executive Committee in Hanover as Corresponding Secretary, I successfully pushed to ensure that we followed the rules and also pushed for an overhaul of the bylaws to achieve three goals:
1. Re-align with the state party Plan;
2. Clarify ambiguous parts of the bylaws; and
3. Move decision making closer to the full unit committee in every opportunity.
Good party leadership means welcoming all those holding Republican principles. Leadership requires the nurturing, training, and raising up of new leaders. My highest aspiration as a leader is to work myself out of a job by developing competent and principled replacements for myself and those holding other leadership positions. Leading is helping others in their aspirations to be better.
The Hanover Republican Committee is blessed to have a contested election this Thursday. An election where there is a stark contrast in the choice of candidates.
I am the candidate who has worked with all wings of the party for hundreds of hours over the last 4 years to advance Republican causes. I’ve worked in local, state, and federal nomination contests, and just as hard in general election contests.
I am the candidate with a vision for growing the party and for using sound management principles to organize and focus that growth. I am the candidate who believes that the Republican Party’s principles are superior to any other, and who will work to put those principles into practice.
I am the candidate who believes we are a party of, by and for the people and that our members have a passion for actively supporting Republican principles.
Our leadership at all levels should work to administer party operations fairly, openly and with honor. I pledge to be that kind of Chairman… a Chairman who is no better than any other Republican willing to work hard for this country by electing principled Republicans to office.
The last best hope for this country is the Republican Party; I see no other option than to hold the Republican Party accountable to our shared principles.
We are in this together.
The Hanover County Republican Committee is holding its mass meeting to elect a chairman and members of the Committee on Thursday, March 10 at 7:00 pm.
