June 19 (Fairfax, VA) – The Republican Liberty Caucus of Virginia announced its endorsement of Patricia Phillips today in her race for the Senate of Virginia in District 33. She has the Republican nomination in hand, and will face incumbent Democratic Senator Mark Herring in November.

Virginia RLC Secretary Rob Kenyon observed: “Patricia‟s dedication to federalism and liberty will be a breath of fresh air in the Senate, a body that desperately needs it. She‟s also a longtime advocate of good stewardship of taxpayer dollars, as evidenced by her opposition to the Dulles Metrorail boondoggle, and the effective selling off of the Dulles Toll Road, for example. Patricia will also be a voice in Richmond against unconstitutional federal mandates like the Affordable Care Act, and understands the duty of the state government to interpose itself in such cases.”

Phillips will represent a change from “business as usual‟ in the Senate of Virginia, and a welcome contrast to the unmitigated disaster that is incumbent Mark Herring’s votes for big government. The Republican Liberty Caucus of Virginia and its Board of Directors is proud to offer its endorsement to Patricia Phillips.

The Virginia RLC was founded in 2007 and has formal chapters in northern Virginia and central Virginia. Members meet periodically to discuss issues, lobby, and endorse candidates.

………………JUNE
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• San Jose Area RLC Monthly Meeting
June 20, San Jose
RSVP/learn more.

• Utah RLC Convention
June 21, Draper
RSVP/learn more.

• Los Angeles RLC Chartering Meeting
June 22, Los Angeles
RSVP/learn more.

• Virginia RLC at TV Filming Tutorial
June 22, Fairfax
RSVP/learn more.

• Minnesota RLC Meeting
June 22, S. Saint Paul
RSVP/learn more.

………………JULY
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• Arizona RLC Meeting
July 9, Tucson
Contact us for details.

• Los Angeles RLC Meeting
July 13, Los Angeles
RSVP/learn more .

• Central Texas RLC Meeting
July 15, Austin
RSVP/learn more.

• Lake County (Indiana) RLC Meeting
July 16, Schererville
RSVP/learn more

• Arizona RLC Social
July 19, Tucson
RSVP/learn more.

………………AUGUST
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• Heartland Liberty Conference
(Sponsored by the Nebraska RLC)
August 6, Omaha
RSVP/learn more.

• Central Texas RLC Meeting
August 12, Austin
RSVP/learn more.

• Gary Johnson at the National Press Club
Topic: Social Issues and the Republican Party
August 19, Washington, DC
RSVP/learn more.

• Calvin Coolidge Clambake with Gov. Gary Johnson
(Sponsored by the Maine RLC)
August 26, Portland
RSVP/learn more

Republican Party of Bloomfield Hosts Rep. Justin Amash
(Sponsored by the Michigan RLC)
August 29, Metro Detroit
RSVP/learn more.

Each of the candidates talked about their campaigns and Del. Anderson talked about his work in the legislature.

About 30 people attended the event, which was held in northern Virginia. At the business session, members elected the following officers and board members:

George Primbs, Chairman
Steven Latimer, Vice Chair
Robert Kenyon, Secretary
Cliff Dunn, Treasurer
Nick Cote, Rick Sincere, Mitchell Bemos (At-Large Board members)
Eric Brescia, Shelby McCurnin (Alternate Board members)

Thank you to the RLCVA speakers and to our newly elected RLCVA Board!

A draft of the new RLCVA website can be found online and photos of the event follow.

U.S. Senate candidate Tim Donner spoke to RLCVA members.

Virginia RLC members look on.

Delegate Rich Anderson of the Woodbridge area spoke to RLC members

Aaron with Tim Donner.

………………APRIL
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• Gary Johnson at South Michigan Area Republican Club
April 2, Berkley
RSVP/learn more.

• Central East Florida RLC Meeting
April 4, Indian Harbour Beach
RSVP/learn more.

• Orlando Area RLC Meeting
April 7, Winter Park
RSVP/learn more.

• Northeast Florida RLC Meeting
April 5, Jacksonville
RSVP/learn more.

• Los Angeles Area RLC Meetup with Governor Gary Johnson
April 7, Los Angeles
RSVP/learn more.

• Central Texas RLC Meetup
April 8, Austin
RSVP/learn more.

• Colorado RLC Organizing Meeting
April 9, Boulder
RSVP/learn more.

• Gary Johnson in Orlando, Palm Beach, Boca Raton
April 13-16
RSVP/learn more here, here, and here.

• Silicon Valley RLC Meetup
April 18, San Jose
RSVP/learn more.

………………MAY
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• Central East Florida RLC Meeting
May 2, Indian Harbour Beach
RSVP/learn more.

• Colorado RLC Organizing Meeting
May 7, Denver
RSVP/learn more.

• Michigan RLC Convention with U.S. Rep. Justin Amash
May 14, Wyoming (Grand Rapids area)
RSVP/learn more.

• Wisconsin RLC Outreach at State GOP Convention
May 21, Wisconsin Dells
Contact Michael to volunteer.

………………JUNE
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• Maine RLC Leadership Conference
June 4, Augusta
RSVP/learn more.

• Virginia RLC Convention
June 4, Arlington
RSVP/learn more.

• North Carolina RLC Outreach at GOP Convention
June 3-5, Wilmington
Contact David to volunteer.

• North Carolina RLC Convention
June 4, Wilmington
RSVP/learn more.

• Utah RLC Convention
June 16, Draper
RSVP/learn more.

The activities began on Wednesday evening when RLC’ers Dave Nalle, Aaron Biterman, George Primbs, Shelby McCurnin, and Julian Babbitt set up the CPAC outreach booth. On Thursday, the day began bright and early with Republican Liberty Caucus outreach efforts at CPAC. This marked the first RLC outreach efforts at the conference in almost a decade.

Dave Nalle brought impressive RLC literature, pins, and t-shirts to distribute to attendees. RLC’ers used the World’s Smallest Political Quiz to help attendees identify their political leanings. Throughout the two-day conference, members and supporters of the RLC wore “I am the RLC” stickers and RLC pins to express unity and shared commitment to individual liberty and limited government.

Some RLC members attended speeches by Ron Paul, Rand Paul, Governor Gary Johnson, and events hosted by those three leaders of the libertarian Republican movement. On Thursday evening, both Johnson and the Pauls had their own respective events. On Friday, both Ron Paul and Gary Johnson spoke before CPAC attendees and were well received. On Saturday, the straw poll results from the CPAC conference were announced, with Ron Paul placing first with thirty percent and Gary Johnson placing third (after Mitt Romney) with six percent.

Clearly the momentum at CPAC has shifted over the past two years. The RLC is pleased with the inclusiveness of the CPAC event and is very excited about how popular the liberty message is with CPAC attendees. Congratulations to Dr. Ron Paul for placing first in the CPAC straw poll for the second year in a row!

On Saturday, Republican Liberty Caucus members from across the country — over 125 liberty activists from more than 30 states — gathered to attend the RLC National Convention. The day opened up with a presentation on libertarianism from an expert on the topic, Cato Institute Executive VP David Boaz.

After Mr. Boaz answered questions, a panel about the Tea Party’s relationship to Ron Paul and libertarian ideas ensued. The panel, moderated by Corie Whalen and including former RLC National Board member Dr. Murray Sabrin, columnist Todd Seavey, Ron Paul campaign veteran Joe Seehusen, and Tea Party organizer Chip Tarbutton, was well very timely considering the possibility of both Ron Paul and Gary Johnson running for President in 2012.

Also in the morning session, Christopher Doss of the Leadership Institute gave a presentation about communication skills and a group of RLC members who are active in their local Republican Parties discussed how to form RLC state chapters and influence the party organizations.

One highlight of the day was the panel of current and former elected liberty Republicans. The panel featured three former State Representatives, Ken Lindell of Maine, Terri McCormick of Wisconsin, and Jamie Callender of Ohio, as well as New York City Councilman Dan Halloran (see photo below).

Congressman Justin Amash, the second youngest member of Congress and a fan favorite of RLC members, met with RLC delegates while discussing the current Congress during the lunch session. Representative Amash is cautiously optimistic. World famous Professor Randy Barnett, the most notable intellectual critic of the Obamacare health law, presented his ideas related to “The Libertarian Roots of the Republican Party,” which centered on Salmon P. Chase.

The afternoon sessions focused on civil liberties, privacy, the War on Drugs, foreign policy, how to run a winning campaign, and constitutional reforms. Panelists discussed voting methods like Instant Runoff Voting, ballot access laws, term limits, recall, and initiative & referendum.

Gary Johnson won the 2012 RLC Presidential Straw Poll with 45 percent of the vote to Ron Paul’s 38 percent of the vote. Newt Gingrich received five percent and other candidates totaled ten percent.

The recommended Bylaw, Statement of Principles, and Rule changes were adopted without modification — with one exception: Proposed Amendment to Article III, Section 6 was modified to the following wording: “Any membership may be suspended or revoked by a majority vote of the Board of Directors of the Caucus or the applicable Chartered State executive committee for just cause, which may include malfeasance in office, misappropriation of funds, misrepresenting the positions of the Caucus, or conduct which reflects poorly on the Caucus, or conduct which reflects poorly on the Caucus. Any member suspended or revoked by a State charter organization shall have the right to appeal to the National Board of Directors within 90 days, and the National Board of Directors shall render a decision within 90 days of notification.” Delegates added a statement defending Personal Liberties to the RLC Statement of Principles.

The following individuals were elected to positions on the RLC National Committee: Dave Nalle (TX), Chair; Aaron Biterman (VA), Vice Chair; Jason Hellenberg (FL), Secretary; Matthew Nye (FL), Treasurer; and Ed Lopez-Reyes (NH), Bill Westmiller (CA), and Corie Whalen (TX) were elected At-Large Board members. Regional directors will be selected by state RLC chapters within 30 days after the Convention. Alternate Board members elected included Aleq Boyle (GA), Shelby McCurnin (VA), Jeff Palmer (NC), Erik Setzer (FL), John Underwood (NC), and Eric Wall (FL).

Delegates adjourned until dinner. The dinner portion of the Convention was particularly exciting. The co-keynote speakers were Peter Schiff, who gave booming yet pessimistic predictions about the future, and Governor Gary Johnson, who outlined what he did in New Mexico. Both speeches were very well received and showed the different styles of the two speakers.

Veteran RLC member Cliff Thies presented “Bye, Bye Miss American Pie” as “Bye, Bye Miss Liberty Bye,” which prompted an audience sing-along. And Laura Crockett, a longtime RLC member from California, presented a very special pictorial history of the Republican Liberty Caucus.

Convention award winners included: Aaron Biterman (Virginia RLC), Chairman’s Award for Service; Laura Ebke (Nebraska RLC), Outstanding Activist; Michael S. Murphy (Wisconsin RLC), Activist of the Year; and the New Hampshire RLC, Most Successful State Chapter of 2010.

After dinner, Convention attendees were joined by Campaign for Liberty members and other assorted liberty activists at Baileys Pub in Ballston (Arlington) for a reception hosted by the Virginia RLC. The after-party featured Governor Gary Johnson playing RLC’ers in checkers (and apparently winning!) and was attended by commentator and columnist Jack Hunter.

Twenty years. Fifty states. One goal: Liberty. The Republican Liberty Caucus National Convention was the place to be on Saturday. Some additional Convention photos can be found here. Thank you to Republican Liberty Caucus delegates and officers as well as our generous sponsors — each of whom did their important part to make the Convention a tremendous success.

REPUBLICAN LIBERTY CAUCUS WILL HOST NATIONAL CONVENTION IN ARLINGTON, VA: Convention Will Mark Twenty Years of Organization and Will Be Largest Gathering of Liberty-Minded Republicans in the Country

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA – On Saturday, February 12 at the Hilton Hotel-Ballston in Arlington, the Republican Liberty Caucus (RLC) will host its biennial Convention. The Convention will mark 20 years of the Republican Liberty Caucus, which was founded in 1991 to advance libertarian ideas in the Republican Party. The keynote speakers at the Convention will include David Boaz of the Cato Institute, Congressman Justin Amash from Michigan, financial analyst Peter Schiff, former New Mexico Governor Gary E. Johnson, and Georgetown University Professor of Law Randy E. Barnett.

Republican Liberty Caucus Convention Delegates from over 30 states will be in attendance, including many local or state officers from RLC chapters throughout the nation. The over 100 attendees will participate in panel discussions, hear remarks from liberty-minded elected officials, and learn training from experts in communications and campaigns. The Convention will also include a business meeting at which new officers will be elected and organizational bylaws will be revised.

The banquet luncheon will feature a presentation from Professor Randy Barnett entitled “Rediscovering the Libertarian Roots of the Republican Party” and the banquet dinner will explore how former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson implemented libertarian principles while serving as the Republican Governor from 1994 to 2003.

Every two years since 1991, the Republican Liberty Caucus has hosted its National Convention. This year marks the first time the Convention has returned to the DC area since 1996. Interested parties may learn more about the Convention at http://www.rlc.org/2011-national-convention/. A full agenda is below.

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The Republican Liberty Caucus is a nationwide grassroots organization which promotes individual liberty and limited government within the Republican Party. You can find more information about the Republican Liberty Caucus at www.rlc.org.

Convention Agenda
Saturday, February 12

8:30 to 9am: Convention Registration and Booth Setup (2nd floor of the hotel)

9am: Welcome to the Convention!
….Introduction and Welcome – Dave Nalle and Aaron Biterman
….Recognition of Convention Sponsors (Become a sponsor!)
….Update on Virginia Health Care Lawsuit from Rich Nilsen

9:10 to 9:45am: “Introduction to Libertarian Ideas” with David Boaz of The Cato Institute

9:45 to 10:25am: “Tea Parties and the Ron Paul Revolution”
….Panel with Ron Paul 2008’s Joe Seehusen, former candidate Dr. Murray Sabrin, columnist Todd Seavey, and Roanoke Tea Party President Chip Tarbutton

10:25 to 10:30am: Break

10:30 to 11:25am: Breakout Sessions** on Changing the Direction of the Republican Party
….Session 1: “Building Your RLC Chapter and How To Change the Republican Party”
……….Panel with Laura Ebke of the Nebraska RLC, Cindy Jones, and Lois Kaneshiki of the Pennsylvania Precinct Project
….Session 2: “Thoughts from Elected Liberty Republicans”
……….Panel with former OH State Rep. Jamie Callender, NYC Councilman Dan Halloran, and former WI Rep. Terri McCormick

11:30am to 12noon: “Effectively Communicating Our Liberty Message”
….Presentation by Christopher Doss, The Leadership Institute

12noon to 12:20pm: Congressman Justin Amash

12:20 to 1pm: Presentation by Professor Randy Barnett: “Rediscovering the Libertarian Roots of the Republican Party”

1:05 to 2:00pm: Breakout Sessions** on War and the Health of the State
….Session 1: “War, the State, and You: Debating Foreign Policy and Civil Liberties”
……….Panel with Dr. Cliff Thies, John Dennis, and Will Haun of the Young Conservatives Coalition
….Session 2: “Topics in Liberty: Privacy and the War on Drugs”
……….Panel with the Marijuana Policy Project’s Rob Kampia, former Md. Delegate Don Murphy, and former NC Congressional candidates Dr. Dan Eichenbaum and Nathan Tabor

2:05 to 3pm: Breakout Sessions** on Campaigns and Political Reforms
….Session 1: “Electoral & Constitutional Reforms: What Should We Support?”
……….Panel with Paul Jacob, Citizens in Charge; Philip Blumel, U.S. Term Limits; and Bill Redpath, Libertarian Party
….Session 2: “How to Run a Winning Campaign”
……….Presentation/Seminar with Vic Berardelli, “The Politics Guy”

3 to 3:15pm: Break

3:15 to 5pm: Convention Business
….“Parliamentary Procedure” – Presentation by Louis William Rose
….Officer, Bylaws Committee, Credentials Committee Reports
….Nominations for National Committee
….Bylaws and Statement of Principles Revisions
….RLC Elections
….State Chapter Reports

5:00 to 5:20pm: Candidate Lightning Round (or Convention Business extended)
….Elected officials and current/past candidates may introduce themselves.

6:30pm: Dinner Check-in

7 to 9pm: Dinner Program

….7pm to 7:30pm: Welcoming Remarks / Dinner

….7:30pm-7:45pm: “Celebrating 20 Years” Video Montage with Laura Crockett

….7:45pm-7:55pm: Clifford Thies, Ph.D.

….7:55-8:15pm: Peter Schiff

….8:15pm-8:45pm: Special Address from Governor Gary E. Johnson

….8:45pm-8:55pm: RLC Awards Presentation

….8:55-9pm: Departing Remarks

The top ten reasons you should register and attend the Convention:

10. You will be able to hear from RLC leaders in other states to see how their chapters operate.

9. It promises to be really fun — an exciting and uplifting event. Check the agenda.

8. Panels will offer intellectual discussions from key figures in the liberty movement related to the Tea Party, foreign policy, drug policy reform, electoral reform, and other topics.

7. Training on communications and campaigns will be offered by experts in these fields.

6. Over 100 activists from 30 states will gather to network, socialize, learn, and mobilize.

5. The Convention will mark the largest pro-liberty gathering of Republicans in the country.

4. The RLC will celebrate its 20 year anniversary at the Convention, having been founded in 1991.

3. Justin Amash, the 30-year old Congressman-elect from Michigan, and former New Mexico Governor Gary E. Johnson will share their thoughts and experiences.

2. Prof. Randy Barnett’s speech “Rediscovering the Libertarian Roots of the Republican Party” will make the case for libertarian participation in the Republican Party.

1. Registered delegates will be eligible to vote in the RLC’s 2012 Presidential Straw Poll!

Don’t miss out — register today!

The Republican Liberty Caucus of Central Virginia played host to the northern Virginia contingent as well as several activists from Charlottesville, Newport News, and Virginia Beach. The day began with a RLC business meeting over coffee and breakfast. RLC’ers brought various literature and brochures to the event to distribute, and the Central Virginia RLC paid three folks to hand out our literature to everyone in attendance at the various events of the day. Chairman George Primbs made “I am the RLC” stickers that everyone ended up sporting.

The Board nominated Shelby McCurnin and Rob Kenyon to alternate positions on the Board of Directors. The Board also chose to endorse Republican Delegate Harvey Morgan’s bill to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana possession in the state of Virginia, HB 1443. After the business meeting, the RLC took a group photo (Note: other RLC members were not present at our initial gathering, but met up with us later in the day):

Then RLC members met up at the Capitol to meet with legislators. RLC Board member Rick Sincere met with Senator Creigh Deeds, a Democrat, to discuss non-partisan redistricting in the state. A small group of core RLC members met with Senator Mark Obenshain (R) to discuss his constitutional amendment to protect private property rights. Rick Sincere, who also runs his own blog, was able to get the Senator on audio discussing his legislation. The same group of RLC members had an excellent meeting with a new delegate, retired air force Colonel Rich Anderson (R), who represents a Democratic area west of Woodbridge. Delegate Anderson expressed that he may attend the RLC National Convention and enjoyed hearing from RLC members on the need to end government growth and, in particular, our support for HB 1443 to decriminalize marijuana. Each meeting was fruitful.

RLC members then went to a gun rights rally outside of the legislative office building.  After a break for lunch at the historic Tobacco Lounge, RLC members caught the tail end of Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli’s speech — which an estimated 200 people attended. Cuccinelli talked about his lawsuits related to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Obamacare bill.

After the speech, RLC members went to testify and express support to the Criminal Justice Committee of the House of Delegates on HB 1443, Delegate Morgan’s bill to decriminalize marijuana. RLC’ers went with the intent of swaying a single Republican member of the Committee to consider allowing the bill to be considered in the General Assembly.  RLC member Rick Sincere testified in support of the bill, as did a large crowd from NORML and LEAP. Unfortunately, the bill was killed in Committee by a Democrat-Republican coalition of legislators.

Ultimately, this was one of the most productive meetings of the Republican Liberty Caucus of Virginia. In addition to participating in the lobby process and showing unity at a Tea Party event/rally, the RLC also was able to engage a wide variety of allies on the organization’s mission as well as invite them to attend the 2011 Republican Liberty Caucus National Convention in Arlington, Va. on Feb. 12. Thanks to the RLCVA members who came out to join us.  To become active in the Virginia RLC, please e-mail us.

Those of us in Northern VA are planning a carpool down to Richmond; contact Aaron to ride-share. There will be at least one car departing from Charlottesville; contact Steven to participate in the ride-share. The northern VA group will meet with the Central Virginia RLC group and other interested members/supporters from across the state on Monday morning at 8:45am. If you are planning to attend this event, let us know.

Our goals will be:
1. To meet other RLC members from across the state of Virginia.
2. To gather as a group to show a united front for individual liberty and limited government.
3. To hand out 2011 RLC Convention flyers and general RLC flyers (supplied by the Central Virginia RLC) to prospective members/supporters.
4. To talk to legislators about issues in the coming legislative session.
5. To listen to speakers, learn, educate, and mobilize.

VIRGINIA RLC 2011 LOBBY DAY AGENDA
7:15am – Northern Virginia Contingent Departs
8:45 - 9:30am – Virginia RLC Meeting at 821 Cafe
9:45 – 11am – Lobbying Legislators at Capitol (RLC members break out into small groups)
11am to 1pm – RLC Group Lunch (with various discounted options available)
1 to 2pm – Rally in front of Capitol Bell Tower
2pm – 4pm – Reception w/ Tea Party groups/legislators at Sam Miller’s Restaurant
4 – 4:30pm – Depart Richmond

Confirmed Rally Speakers:
• Parke West, Just Liberty – Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance
• Angie Parker, CoLA Committee VTPP
• John Taylor, Tertium Quids
• Donna Holt, Va Campaign for Liberty
• Bob Shoemaker, ANCIR
• Keynote: Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli

Click to view a summary of the Coalition Freedom Bills 2011.

Parking will be free because it is a federal holiday.

You may also RSVP to our event on Facebook. Please let us know if you plan to attend.

Health Care’s Individual Mandate Struck Down Thanks to RLC Endorsed Attorney General

Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli did not have to battle on the issue of health care. He could have taken the easy path and simply focused on other issues. Instead he decided to put principle first and filed suit against the federal government’s individual mandate that forces Americans to purchase a product.

The Virginia legislature and the Tea Party also deserve credit because the Health Care Freedom Act they passed in anticipation of the Obama health law gave Cuccinelli grounds to file the suit.

Today U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson ruled that the individual health insurance mandate “exceeds the constitutional boundaries of Congressional power” and it’s ultimately “about an individual’s right to choose to participate.”

The Republican Liberty Caucus of Virginia selected Attorney General Cuccinelli as its only statewide-endorsed candidate in 2009. He has demonstrated why through his continued efforts to uphold the rule of law and protect individual rights.

In 2008, then-State Senator Cuccinelli addressed members of the RLC at a meeting in Fredricksburg, Virginia. You can hear his remarks here, here, here, and here.