For IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 3, 2009

– NEALEY IS 26th REPUBLICAN TO WIN SPECIAL ELECTION SINCE NOV. ’08 –

ALEXANDRIA, VA – With the victory tonight of Terry Nealey, Republicans have increased their numbers in the State House.  Nealey’s successful campaign for the open 16th District seat is the 26th win for Republicans in state legislative special elections across the country since November 2008.  In addition, Nealey’s win secures eight seats for Republicans previously held by Democrats in state legislative special election contests during this time.  The Republican State Leadership Committee, the nation’s largest caucus of Republican state leaders, congratulated Nealey on his exciting victory and determination to help restore fiscal responsibility to the Washington House.

“Terry Nealey ran an excellent campaign and was victorious because of his hard work, determination and clear message that fiscal responsibility must be restored in state government,” said Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) President Scott Ward. “As with other special election wins in democratic districts across this country, Republicans, Independents and Democrats voted for the candidate who has the plan to get the economy moving again.  The people of this district will have an outstanding representative who will go to work for them in Olympia.”

The RSLC implemented a new media strategy focusing on the special elections in state legislatures across the country – including Washington state – to heighten the awareness of the importance of winning these seats.  In addition to Nealey’s success tonight, Republicans have won 25 other special elections for the state legislature since November, including: Tom Kovach from the 6th District of the Del. House, which includes Vice President Joe Biden’s hometown; Joan Huffman came from behind to win in a run-off election for the Texas Senate; Marilinda Garcia in the 4th House District of N.H.; Rosa Rebimbas from the 70th House District of Conn.; and Barry Knight from the 81st House District of Va. in the backyard of DNC Chairman Governor Tim Kaine.

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.