For IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 14, 2009

– REPUBLICAN BRINGS ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT TO STATE HOUSE –

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Republican Phil Williams is headed to the Alabama House of Representatives with his victory tonight in the special election for the 6th District.  With Williams’ strong victory tonight, and Paul Sanford’s special election win last month for the Alabama Senate, Republicans have picked up a seat previously held by Democrats in both chambers of the Alabama Legislature.  Williams’ win tonight continues the number of Republicans winning at the state level in special elections following the November Presidential Election.

The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC), the nation’s largest caucus of Republican state leaders, congratulated Williams on his election win in Alabama.

“During this crucial time in our economy, individuals are looking for a leader who understands their desire of resurgence through job creation in the private sector – not through growing the government.  Phil Williams has created jobs in his district, and brings an entrepreneurial spirit to the Alabama House that will make a real impact on the lives of the people he represents,” said Republican State Leadership Committee President Scott Ward.  “This is the second Democrat seat Republicans have won in the Alabama legislature in special elections this year.  As we continue to rebuild the Republican Party by creating a farm team for the future at the state level, we are delighted to welcome Phil Williams to the team.”The RSLC implemented a new media strategy focusing on the special elections in state legislatures across the country – including Alabama – to heighten the awareness of the importance of winning these seats.  In addition to Williams’ success tonight, Republicans have won twelve other special elections for the state legislature since November, including: Barry Knight from the 81st House District of Va. in the backyard of DNC Chairman Governor Tim Kaine; 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.; and Rosa Rebimbas from the 70th House District of Conn.

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 election 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 75,000 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.