Dave Schmidt For 10th District Chairman.

With a special letter from Jim Rich below the post.

Republican delegates to the 10th District Convention in May, 2010, I would like you to meet one of the hardest working Republicans you weren't aware of. So many times we see folks who work when they have to, but who will eagerly step over others to get to the spotlight. But this is a man who's worked under the radar and behind the scenes, wishing no glory for himself, but only working for the image of the candidates he supports.

Meet Dave Schmidt. He has been elected to the Leesburg Town Council, not once, but twice... 2000-2004 and 2008

As you'll read down this page, Mr. Schmidt is generous with his money, and his time in pursuit of electing great Republicans to office. As an activist, myself..I know the amount of hours and the meetings, and the labor of love Mr.Schmidt commits a large portion of his life to. Just for fun, you can compare the amount of money that Dave has given the 10th District over the years to the one time contribution Howie Lind gave to run for office...and it's arguable that even that was on Howie's personal check.


As a proud life long Republican I have been active in every presidential campaign since I was six years old, after seeing Barry Goldwater speak in Cincinnati. I have volunteered for Republicans in state and local elections in Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisiana, Texas, and Virginia. - Dave Schmidt

Professional Experience:
President & CEO, International Food Information Council -- also held the positions of Executive Vice President, and Vice President.
Frequent speaker on food safety and nutrition
Serves on the National Advisory Board for Risk Communications Research at the University of Maryland
Serves on the Steering Committee for America’s Heartland
Presidential Appointee in the President George H.W. Bush Administration, Schedule C/Director of Information and Legislative Affairs, USDA Food. Safety and Inspection Service
Elected Councilman for the Town of Leesburg, 2000-2004 and 2008

Political Experience:
Heritage Precinct Captain, McDonnell, Bolling, Cuccinelli, McCain/Palin (2008), Senator George Allen and Congressman Frank Wolf
Has given strong financial support – 10th District Events - Oktoberfest and Jefferson Dinner.
Elected At-Large Delegate from Virginia to the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis, 2008, and elected Alternate Delegate in 2004
Delegate to 10th District Congressional and Virginia State Conventions
Contributor to McCain for President, RNC, RPV, LCRC, Frank Wolf for Congress, Bush for President, Joe May For Delegate and a regular contributor to numerous Republican Candidates and Organizations
Leesburg Coordinator, George W. Bush for President (2000 primary)
Member of the Republican National Committee since 1980, Loudoun County Republican Committee
National Delegate Nominee/Phone Bank Chairman, Dallas County Bush for President (1988 primary and general election)
Founder & President, Students for Reagan, Vanderbilt University(1979-80)

It should be crystal clear which one of these gentlemen can form the Tenth into an enviable entity, worthy of a similar moniker that the "Fighting Ninth" enjoys today.
Vote Dave Schmidt, and let's make that a goal for the coming year under his excellent leadership.

UPDATE: Endorsements have started coming out for Dave's opponent.
They include these doozies:
JoAnn Chase, who has bad-mouthed the #1 Unit Chair of Virginia.
Pat McSweeney, former Chairmanof RPV, who went so far in Loudoun as to actually raise money and funnel it to an independent instead of the republican.
Mike McHugh, Warren County- The #1 instigator and loudmouth at the 10th District Convention of 2006.
David Ray, Fairfax County- who was on hand to coordinate the fiasco at the LCRC meeting that detained members for an additional hour and a half- over nothing.
John Grigsby- all around off-balance, and part of the lame attempt to influence a committee outcome with Ray and Volpe.
Willie Deutsch, Vice President, Virginia College Republicans-

This reads like the who's who of Jeff Frederick supporters...and will probably revert the 10th District to that kind of rule. We should avoid this team at all costs.

Jim Rich endorses Dave in a letter sent out this week.

James E Rich
Chairman

Dear Fellow 10th District Republican:

I wanted to let you know directly from me about my political plans for the future. After 20 years of service as congressional district chairman (I believe that I may be one of the longest serving district chairs in the history of the Commonwealth), I will not seek reelection to that position.

Prior to the district chairmanship I served 3 terms as Fauquier County Chairman. For over 30 years I have been a precinct chairman. Beginning in 1984 and every 4 years thereafter, I have served as a delegate or alternate delegate to the Republican National Convention and in 1988, I served on the Platform Committee. One of the most memorable times was in 1976 when I was a press aide and advance man for Governor Reagan who was making a run for the presidency. I have lost track of all of the races and candidates I have supported over the years.

It has been an honor and privilege for me to have held leadership positions in our great party. I believe that our principles of limited, Jeffersonian government, freedom and opportunity as set forth by our Founders are the best hope for America. Ever since I was old enough to read serious publications and literature, I read biographies of all of the greats: Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Patrick Henry, Robert E. Lee, Churchill, Reagan, John Adams, among others. They inspired me to believe that if I could do just a small part to promote freedom and limited government, it would be a worthwhile endeavor. All of the hours on the phone banks, at the polls, going door to door, attending meetings and chicken dinners have all been worth it. Additionally I have had the opportunity to work with many great people who love their country. It has been a very special opportunity to work closely with one of the most dedicated, principled and honorable Member of Congress—Frank Wolf.

This is a great time to be a Republican. We have reason to be proud of the big victories in Virginia, New Jersey and Massachusetts. The American people are rediscovering concepts of federalism, limited government, the importance of our free enterprise system and sensible frugal spending policies. We have many hard working volunteers in the 10th District and we have played our part in these recent victories. The 10th District provided landslide victories for Bob McDonnell and the statewide ticket with many of our units at the top of statewide lists for highest McDonnell percentage, winning margin and Republican shift. Statewide, we increased our margin in the House of Delegates by 6 seats. 3 or half of those winning seats came from the 10th District with the election of Tag Greason, Jim LeMunyon and Barbara Comstock. The 10th District pumped thousands of dollars into key 2009 races. 10th District Loudoun County GOP Chair Glen Caroline was named outstanding unit chair in the Commonwealth and Fairfax County was named the best unit statewide. Our units are well organized and headed by effective and hardworking chairs.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported in a January 19 article written by Gerald F. Seib that Wall Street Journal/NBC polls clearly show America is a conservative or center right country: 34% are conservative, 38% are center and only 21% label themselves as liberal. In Virginia about 30% of the people are Republicans, 30% Democrats and 30% Independents. When we nominate conservatives like Ronald Reagan, Bob McDonnell and Frank Wolf who can communicate our philosophy along with concern for kitchen table quality of life issues such as jobs, education, transportation, we win big. As we stay true to our core principles, we must work with center right Independents. The latter don’t vote for party label. They look beyond the label to look at the contents. Wasting time with circular firing squads trying to force an artificial 100% unanimity within our base will lead to certain defeat at the polls. Remember President Reagan’s 80/20 rule. Let us understand that our role as party officials is to elect candidates to office. Only they can cast the votes necessary to ensure freedom and opportunity. Let’s reach out to Independents with the confidence that our message of freedom and opportunity will be well received if articulated well. The politics of addition will lead us to retake the Congress in 2010 and the White House in 2012.

Thanks again for giving me the opportunity to serve and for all of the hard work that so many have given freely. A chairman is nothing without wonderful allies and volunteers who care about America and our Commonwealth.

I am optimistic about our future and will continue working for our great cause of liberty. My optimism for the future of the 10th District is also founded on the knowledge that we have a very well qualified, thoughtful conservative ready and willing to lead in the 10th District and the Commonwealth—Dave Schmidt. I strongly endorse Dave as the next 10th District chair. He is a limited government Jeffersonian, a successful businessman, a hardworking Republican who has put in years of service for our cause including strong support for 10th District activities and events. He knows how elections are won as he himself has won a seat on the Leesburg Council. Dave has always supported Congressman Wolf and Republican stalwarts like Ronald Reagan and Bob McDonnell. Most important, he is a man of character. Please give Dave your favorable consideration. See you on the campaign trail.

Best wishes.

Jim Rich