For IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 3, 2009

 – REPUBLICANS ELECTED TO GOVERNOR, ATTORNEY GENERAL, LT. GOVERNOR; INCREASE MAJORITY IN HOUSE OF DELEGATES BY 6 SEATS –

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Not since the late ‘90s have the Republicans had such a strong victory in the Commonwealth – but tonight former Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell was elected Governor, Bill Bolling re-elected Lieutenant Governor, and State Senator Ken Cuccinelli was elected as Attorney General.  In addition, the Republicans increased their majority in the House of Delegates by six – picking up seats in Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads and Southwest Virginia. After trending “blue” over recent years Virginians are sending a strong message to Washington, D.C., that enough is enough.  The Republican State Leadership Committee, the nation’s largest caucus of Republican state leaders, contributed more than $1.5 million to state races in the Commonwealth this year.

“Tonight is a tremendous victory for the taxpayers of Virginia. This overwhelming victory is due to individuals who trust free people and free enterprise – and want government to get out of the way,” said Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) President Scott Ward. “Our candidates listened to the voices of the people, and offered a clear vision of fiscal responsibility and economic growth that attracted not only Republicans, but Independents and Democrats as well, to our winning cause.  They understand taxpayers are the owners of the government – and that the government ought to let individuals determine their destiny rather than government gimmicks that reduce their freedoms.”

In addition to the over $1.5 million in contributions, the RSLC implemented a new media strategy to heighten the awareness of the importance of winning these seats.  Not only did Republicans have an exceptional night in Virginia, but since November of last year, Republicans have won 26 special elections for the state legislature – gaining eight seats previously held by Democrats.

The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) is the only national organization whose mission is electing Republicans to the office of Attorney General, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State and State Legislator. The RSLC is the largest caucus of Republican state leaders in the country – making a national impact one state at a time.  During the 2008 elections, the RSLC helped maintain the number of Republican Attorneys General and Lieutenant Governors across the U.S. In addition, the RSLC was able to deliver new Republican majorities in the Montana, Oklahoma and Tennessee state senates, as well as an unprecedented majority in the Tennessee House of Representatives.

The RSLC has over 80,000 donors from all 50 states supporting the RSLC’s goals to pursue a pro-growth agenda, including reforming the tax code, healthcare and legal systems; promoting a better educational system; encouraging sound energy initiatives; and advocating public safety through tough, crime-fighting policies.