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Welcome!

Arlington's Republican Party

Coming events
• Mon., Feb. 15: Presidents' Day
• Mon., Feb. 22: YR meeting
• Wed., Feb. 24: Arlington GOP filing deadline
• Wed., Feb. 24: County Committee meeting
For details and more upcoming events, see our online calendar

McDonnell names Foster to State Board << New!

Gov. Bob McDonnell appointed former Arlington School Board chairman Dave Foster to the State Board of Education. Foster was elected to two terms on the Arlington Board (1999-2007), and has an extensive record of civic involvement.

McDonnell gives GOP response to State of Union

Gov. Bob McDonnell outlined Republican ideas to the nation on Jan. 27, when he delivered the GOP response to the President's State of the Union address. McDonnell called for greater restraint in government, and for economic policies to promote job growth.

Gearing up for 2010 << Updated

Arlington Republicans are getting ready for the 2010 campaigns. Our activities in the new year include nominating candidates for County Board and Congress this fall. Five GOP candidates have announced for the Congressional seat (see Campaign 2010).

Landslide in 2009!
McDonnell, Bolling, Cuccinelli in GOP sweep

Virginia voters elected Republicans to the top three state offices on Nov. 3 by wide margins - the largest GOP win since 1993. Bob McDonnell was elected Governor, with a decisive 59-41 victory over Democrat Creigh Deeds. Voters also re-elected Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling over Jody Wagner, and chose Ken Cuccinelli for Attorney General over Steve Shannon.

Republicans also increased their majority in the House of Delegates by picking up six seats (including four in Northern Va.), while losing only two.

GOP progress in Arlington, too

Bob McDonnell won 34% of the vote in Arlington in 2009 -- the best showing by a statewide Republican in over a decade, and a major improvement compared to local results in the 2005 governor's race.

The three GOP candidates for Delegate also did well on Nov. 3, improving on previous Republican showings. Vicki Vasques had 39% in the 45th District (which includes much of Alexandria); Aaron Ringel had 38% in the 48th; and Eric Brescia had 32% in the 47th (a 3-way race).

All three ran strong campaigns. At the Civic Federation's candidates forum in September, they outlined plans to promote jobs and transportation, hold the line on taxes, and improve Arlington's representation in Richmond. In late October, Brescia and Ringel were endorsed by the Washington Post.

McDonnell campaigns in Arlington

Republican Bob McDonnell brought his "New Jobs, New Virginia" campaign to Arlington in October. The GOP candidate for governor toured Company Flowers in Cherrydale, and discussed his plans to promote small businesses across the state.

County Board plays race card

The Arlington County Board hit a new low in August 2009 by charging that smoother traffic flow on I-395 would somehow constitute racial discrimination. The frivolous allegation was in the County's lawsuit to block high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes. It marked yet another example of over-the-top litigation by the all-Democrat Board, as it continues to stifle highway improvements in Arlington.

In October, the Prince William County Board of Supervisors (who also oppose the project) refused to join the Arlington lawsuit, because of the County Board's outrageous race-baiting.

GOP stars visit Arlington for '09 events

The Arlington GOP's 2009 fundraising series drew leading GOP figures and scores of local Republican activists. Thanks to everyone who participated!

The programs included a book-signing reception with U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) (Oct. 7); the Italian dinner night with state GOP Chairman Pat Mullins (Sep. 17); and the party's summer picnic (July 27) with former Sen. and Gov. George Allen. Proceeds from the events helped to support the fall campaigns in Arlington.

County budget: Taxes and fees up again

Arlington's all-Democrat County Board decided to raise taxes again in 2009, along with hiking various fees, even though many citizens called for greater budgetary restraint. The final decision was announced in late April.

The Board increased the real estate tax rate by 2.7 cents. That's a $50 increase in the average homeowner's tax bill, since property values in Arlington have declined only slightly. The County Civic Federation had recommended a smaller increase (just 1.7 cents), but the Board ignored that suggestion. Most localities in Northern Virginia reduced average homeowner tax bills, but Arlington continues to tax more.

Arlington trash collection and water/sewer fees will also go up by an average of $65 per household.

The County Board did back down on plans to charge for evening/weekend parking in the Clarendon garage, and for a whopping increase in the vehicle-decal fee. But the bottom line is yet another year of higher taxes and fees for Arlington residents.

Contribute online

Show your financial support for Arlington's Republican Party, and help us prepare for 2010 and beyond. You can contribute online by credit card, or send a check.

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