First District Republican Chairman Eric Herr announced tonight that he is dropping out of the race to replace the retiring Pat Mullins at the helm of the Republican Party of Virginia, and is lending his support to Tenth District Chairman John Whitbeck. The move essentially clears the way for Whitbeck to become RPV’s next Chairman, barring entry of additional candidates.[read_more]
Citing the fact that there is very little difference on key questions between himself and Whitbeck (“In fact, on some issues you couldn’t drive a piece of paper between us”), Herr told a group comprising supporters of both men that unifying behind Whitbeck is the best thing for moving the Party forward.
I don’t think there is a better candidate than John Whitbeck. He will take us though a very treacherous year, where unity is going to be more important than ever in facing the challenges ahead of us.”
We join John Whitbeck in praising Eric for his leadership on this question:
I can’t say enough about the gentleman Eric is. It’s clear he wants to help the Party above all. He didn’t have to do this. He will be a great RPV chairman should he decide to do so in the future. He is one of the most important people I could ever want backing me.”
John Whitbeck faces two opponents, former Speaker Vance Wilkins and Virginia Beach Pastor Aaron Wheeler, for the contest to be decided by the RPV State Central Committee at a meeting scheduled for January 31, 2015. Whitbeck is far and away the front runner.
We join Eric Herr in heartily endorsing John Whitbeck!
UPDATE: Apparently we’re in good company backing John. We have now learned that Sen. Mark Obenshain has now publicly endorsed Whitbeck for RPV Chairman. Congratulations, John!
12 comments
[…] 10th CD chair John Whitbeck will be the next chair of the Republican Party of […]
From what I have seen of Mr. Whitbeck in the 10th District over the years he is an individual that is able to generate and entertain new ideas and more importantly operationalize them effectively with little angst, hand wringing or conflict. He seems organizationally adept yet able to say no when it is called for in the pursuit of stated goals, he will not in my opinion be simply a cipher in the party leadership role, which may cause some invested in the existing consultancy model of state governance heartburn, but if he is elected the grassroots voter should rest assured they will have an advocate in the top party position.
This was a win-win situation, and I’m glad that Eric and John are united for the good of the Party.
I commend Eric for stepping back for the moment, and supporting John. I hope that Eric will be Chairman at some point, but for now he is a great District Chair, and a great asset to the RPV. I look forward to continuing to work with him in 1st District.
If more people in our Party would follow the example of Eric and John, we could take advantage of the opportunities for victory that we have been missing while battling each other.
John Whitbeck will be a great Chairman! He has done amazing things for the 10th District and I am confident he will take RPV to the next level.
Great news that conservatives do not have to wrestle with the choice between Whitbeck and Herr. I am happy to add my support to Whitbeck for Chairman.
Interesting. Not being as close to this as you insider guys are I have some more digging to do. Will want to know 1) Who will more closely adhere to the Republican Creed i.e. promote principles of limited government? 2) Who will try and put an end to the dirty play like we had last winter/spring – with the disfranchisement of Committee & District members not being able to vote? These 2 questions can boil down to last one – 3) Who will NOT try to squash the Tea Party component?
These are all legitimate concerns. After the rules are determined this weekend and we solidify the candidates that are running you will hear more on these points directly from me, and likely from the other writers at TBE. I look forward to the critiques of discerning readers.
This is indeed good news. John Whitbeck will make an excellent RPV chair. I might add that Mark Obenshain agrees and has endorsed Whitbeck for Chairman.
A world-famous violinist once said after a successful performance of Beethoven’s violin concerto: “I have a beautiful score, a lovely violin, and a very good bow. When I put these three together I only need to step aside.” In leadership, when you have a great mission, great purpose, and a great team, all you have to do is step aside and then watch others take the lead. No longer are we looking for those who lead us with control and manipulation. No longer are we looking toward business to be produced, powered, and possessed. The world has changed, and with it our expectations of ourselves has too. We are looking for purpose and meaning. We want to be valued and to be appreciated for our gifts. People expect to have an opportunity to allow their talents to play a part of the bigger picture. We want to be associated with something beyond ourselves. And we want to play their part. We are drivers of innovation. There are brilliant innovators and solitary geniuses. But most of us must allow for innovation and creativity to collaborate, to make it a collective process. Innovation must be about involving others, playing to their strengths, and showcasing their talent. Sustainable innovation comes about when everyone has an opportunity to contribute their slice of genius. We are leaders who encourage a sense of community. It is great to be able to orchestrate, but it’s better when we allow all the talent, all the gifts, all the skills, to come together within a community. We need everyone in the collective to make it happen—the vision makers, the talent takers, the skill setters—to come together as a community and use their gifts as a collective. When we step aside to allow innovation and creativity to emerge, we are not abrogating our leadership responsibilities or turning our backs on our business acumen. What we are really doing is simply becoming the musicians we are meant to be—the leaders we know we are, building businesses into what we know they can become. Be known as the leader who is the gatherer of collective talent, with the collective genius to make the right thing happen. Lead from within: Those leaders who become the musicians of their business are most likely to be different. They are willing to believe in others, they are willing to step aside- so that other can take the lead. And so I ask you as a leader: Are you stepping aside to make beautiful music?
for some reason this posted twice. I really like this article and keep it up in my office for when i am with many chiefs in a political room and not enough indians…..Lolly has a way with words.
A world-famous violinist once said after a successful performance of Beethoven’s violin concerto: “I have a beautiful score, a lovely violin, and a very good bow. When I put these three together I only need to step aside.” In leadership, when you have a great mission, great purpose, and a great team, all you have to do is step aside and then watch others take the lead. No longer are we looking for those who lead us with control and manipulation. No longer are we looking toward business to be produced, powered, and possessed. The world has changed, and with it our expectations of ourselves has too. We are looking for purpose and meaning. We want to be valued and to be appreciated for our gifts. People expect to have an opportunity to allow their talents to play a part of the bigger picture. We want to be associated with something beyond ourselves. And we want to play their part. We are drivers of innovation. There are brilliant innovators and solitary geniuses. But most of us must allow for innovation and creativity to collaborate, to make it a collective process. Innovation must be about involving others, playing to their strengths, and showcasing their talent. Sustainable innovation comes about when everyone has an opportunity to contribute their slice of genius. We are leaders who encourage a sense of community. It is great to be able to orchestrate, but it’s better when we allow all the talent, all the gifts, all the skills, to come together within a community. We need everyone in the collective to make it happen—the vision makers, the talent takers, the skill setters—to come together as a community and use their gifts as a collective. When we step aside to allow innovation and creativity to emerge, we are not abrogating our leadership responsibilities or turning our backs on our business acumen. What we are really doing is simply becoming the musicians we are meant to be—the leaders we know we are, building businesses into what we know they can become. Be known as the leader who is the gatherer of collective talent, with the collective genius to make the right thing happen. Lead from within: Those leaders who become the musicians of their business are most likely to be different. They are willing to believe in others, they are willing to step aside- so that other can take the lead. And so I ask you as a leader: Are you stepping aside to make beautiful music? – See more at: http://www.lollydaskal.com/leadership/step-aside-watch-others-take-lead/#sthash.BxsyrRWS.dpuf
Great news! John Whitbeck will make a superb RPV Chairman. Eric Herr deserves credit for throwing his support to John.