For IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 3, 2009

– NOFS IS 21ST REPUBLICAN TO WIN SPECIAL ELECTION SINCE NOV. ’08 –

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Michigan Republicans increased their numbers in the State Senate tonight with the special election victory of Mike Nofs for the open 19th District seat.  Nofs’ special election victory tonight is the 21st win for Republicans in state legislative special elections across the country since November 2008, and increases the Republican majority in the Senate, where the Republicans have held the majority for 25 years.  With Nofs’ election, Republicans have now gained 7 seats 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 Nofs for his win – adding a strong voice for commonsense, conservative principles in the Michigan Senate to bring more jobs to the state.

“The people of Michigan will have a fighter for them in the Michigan Senate working to create needed jobs.  His victory in this democratic district sends a strong message that individuals want the ability to determine their own destiny by electing state leaders who will limit the growth of government and expand their opportunity for individual success,” said Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) President Scott Ward.

The RSLC implemented a new media strategy focusing on the special elections in state legislatures across the country – including Michigan – to heighten the awareness of the importance of winning these seats.  In addition to Nofs’ success tonight, Republicans have won 20 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.