News release:

Arlington GOP elects
Avella as new chairman

The Arlington County Republican Committee elected David Avella as its new chairman last night (April 24), as the party prepared for the 2003 elections.

"Our number one goal must be win a Republican majority by 2008 in county, state and federal elections here in Arlington, "said Avella. "And our road to being a majority starts this year." The new chairman pledged to promote the party's principles and candidates to citizens in all neighborhoods throughout the County.

Avella also called for full participation by Committee members. "I need every Arlington County Republican to search within yourself and determine the role you can fill to best serve our Committee over the next year," he said. "I am calling on every Arlington County Republican to give a year of service to electing our candidates."

Avella is senior vice president with the well-known campaign consulting firm of Hockaday Donatelli Campaign Solutions, and has participated as a faculty member in the Republican National Committee's "Nuts & Bolts" seminars for candidates and campaign workers. A native of Martinsburg, WV, he now lives Arlington's Shirlington neighborhood.

Avella succeeds Elise Kenderian, who stepped down from the chairman's seat this month due to restrictions on fundraising activities by Congressional staff members under the new federal campaign finance law.

Kenderian said she had been honored to serve as party leader, and she promised to remain actively involved in the Arlington Republican organization. Avella praised Kenderian for her success in attracting new volunteers and fundraising during her year as ACRC chairman. He also named Kenderian as the new head of precinct operations for the local GOP.

Also speaking at last night's ACRC meeting were announced candidates for the Republican nomination in this year's election: Rich Kelsey, for County Board; Kamal Nawash, for State Senate (31st District); and Tim Russo and Steve Sass, for State Delegate (48th District).

Avella encouraged all Republican voters in the County to participate in the upcoming Arlington Republican canvass, which will select the party's nominees for the November elections. That canvass will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 6-9 pm, at the Lyon Park Community Center, 414 N. Fillmore St. (See details.)

He also invited local Republicans to join the ACRC contingent in the annual Neighborhood Day parade, to be held Saturday, May 10.

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