February 18, 2021
Fellow SCC Members,
I’m writing to report to you on the situation that confronts us on the selection of a nomination method for our statewide candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General.
As you know, 31 SCC members have asked for an SCC meeting this Saturday, February 20th, at 1pm. This request has been contentious and I have received dueling opinions about the propriety of such a meeting. Wanting to get it right, I have sought outside guidance—devoid of perceived Virginia biases—by consulting with a credentialed parliamentarian who has been retained by the RNC in the past to advise state parties on parliamentary matters.
The guidance I received was that a new meeting may not be called while the SCC is already in session (by virtue of having adjourned our January 23rd meeting to continue our discussions at a future meeting). For that reason, I conclude that the call for a February 20th meeting is not properly before the SCC. I don’t make this decision lightly because I respect all views and know this question is a contentious one, which is why I wanted outside and independent advice.
I am on the threshold of calling an SCC meeting to continue our discussions, but first want to weigh the outcome of another series of meetings now in progress. Over the last several weeks, several representatives from the two SCC groups with differing views on candidate nomination methods have engaged in non-binding, small-group discussions to identify a way ahead. I knew little about the substance of their discussions and hoped they would find a breakthrough themselves, believing in the power of small-group solutions. In an effort to help those efforts along, I asked each side to designate three representatives to meet with me via a Zoom call to discuss the proposal in the February 20th meeting call. We met on Tuesday night, February 16th.
During that call, we discussed a wide range of options. Representatives from both groups agreed to report the results of our discussions to their full groups in the hopes of reaching a consensus. We will again meet tonight, Thursday, February 18th, for follow-on discussions.
You are likely aware that a hearing has been scheduled at 11am tomorrow morning, Friday, February 19th, on a lawsuit filed by one of our statewide candidates in Richmond. After tonight’s meeting and tomorrow’s hearing, I will be best positioned to provide you with a comprehensive update on both matters. Armed with those data points, I will also include my views on how we will proceed.
Sincerely,
RICHARD L. ANDERSON
Chairman
Republican Party of Virginia
