News

RSLC Launches GOPro

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:37:00 GMT

Check out a Daily Caller article today the takes a look at the new RSLC program, GOPro, which offers candidates an inexpensive way of getting a professional and easy to use website:

Gillespie’s organization, the Republican State Leadership Committee, has made a six-figure investment in an initiative that promises to replace poorly designed candidate websites with sophisticated, yet inexpensive sites.

The average budget for a state senate campaign is only $190,000, said RSLC press secretary Adam Temple. But a complete website created by the group’s GOPro program only costs Republican candidates $550.

“They can’t afford to use a major DC firm, and a lot of times they end up using local yokels who end up charging them two or three times that,” said Michael Luethe, a political consultant in North Carolina who has run four campaigns using the program.

“Candidates really are stuck in a difficult position between having to choose a crappy website or something that looks professional,” he told The Daily Caller. “And usually professional ones are cost-prohibitive.”

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RSLC Chairman Ed Gillespie Addresses RNC Winter Meeting On Hispanic Recruitment Efforts

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:25:00 GMT

RSLC Chairman Ed Gillespie Addresses RNC Winter Meeting On Hispanic Recruitment Efforts

Updates GOP on Future Majority Project

Alexandria, Va. (January 12, 2012) - RSLC Chairman Ed Gillespie joined New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez to address Republican officials at the RNC Winter Meeting today regarding the ongoing state level Hispanic recruitment efforts and the RSLC’s Future Majority Project (FMP). Gillespie highlighted the need to engage, recruit, support and successfully elect Hispanic candidates to help grow the Republican Party and help it thrive in 2012 and beyond.

“If the Republican Party nominee in 2020—just two elections after this one-- gets the same percentage of the white, African-American, Hispanic and Asian-American vote, according to current projections the Democrat will win the White House by 14 percentage points,” said Gillespie.

“Efforts such as the FMP are significant and needed if our party wants to establish long-term success, not only among Hispanic voters, but the entire electorate. I have always believed that to compete for Hispanic votes, Republican candidates must look each person in the eye and communicate their vision to create jobs, improve education and reform the way government functions. Hispanic voters overwhelmingly agree with so much of the Republican Party’s message – but we need to begin to take major steps in articulating that vision this election cycle,” said Governor Martinez, who is a Future Majority Project advisory board member.

This summer, the RSLC launched the FMP, aimed at building support for Republican candidates among Hispanics, women and the youth, three pivotal constituencies that leaned strongly Democratic in 2008. Many of FMP’s efforts are aimed at candidate recruitment, including our Hispanic initiative to spend $3 million and work with Republican organizations to identify 100 new state level Hispanic candidates and elect 30.

As part of the FMP, the RSLC has been extensively reaching out to Hispanic communities and organizations to foster increased cooperation, messaging and coordination. The RSLC will also be working with other key national groups to do extensive microtargeting, data work, message testing and focus groups to identify the right voters and the right messages.

In 2011, candidates in New Jersey and Virginia received direct financial and programmatic assistance through the FMP.

“Americans of Hispanic descent, like an overwhelming majority of Americans, first and foremost want to know how candidates articulate their plan for jobs and economic recovery,” said Gillespie. “Our Party has better solutions to these challenges, and we will focus on presenting them. Our focus and determination will drive us to success.”

About the RSLC
The RSLC is the largest caucus of Republican state leaders and the only national organization whose mission is to elect down ballot, state-level Republican office-holders. Since 2002, the RSLC has been working to elect candidates for the office of Attorney General, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State and State Legislator. The RSLC has more than 100,000 donors in all 50 states. The RSLC raised more than $30 million for the 2009-2010 cycle as part of an effort that picked up 20 legislative chambers, six Attorneys General, three Lieutenant Governors and seven Secretaries of State. The RSLC spent $4.5 million during a successful 2011 that resulted in a net pick up of more than 20 seats and control of two new chambers.

RSLC Chairman Ed Gillespie Statement on the Death of NJ Assemblyman Alex DeCroce

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:08:00 GMT

Alexandria, Va. (January 10, 2012) – Republican State Leadership Committee Chairman Ed Gillespie issued the following statement following the death of Assemblyman Alex DeCroce, Republican leader of the New Jersey Assembly:

“We are shocked and saddened to hear about Alex’s death late last night. He was a friend for many years and his sudden passing is a loss for all of us at the RSLC. We offer our heartfelt condolences to Betty Lou, the DeCroce family and the NJ Assembly."

About the RSLC The RSLC is the largest caucus of Republican state leaders and the only national organization whose mission is to elect down ballot, state-level Republican office-holders. Since 2002, the RSLC has been working to elect candidates for the office of Attorney General, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State and State Legislator. The RSLC has more than 100,000 donors in all 50 states. The RSLC raised more than $30 million for the 2009-2010 cycle as part of an effort that picked up 20 legislative chambers, six Attorneys General, three Lieutenant Governors and seven Secretaries of State.

Indiana braces for Wisconsin-style showdown

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:52:00 GMT

From the Christian Science Monitor:

Democrats in Indiana are replaying a scene from last year by refusing to allow the state’s House to come to session and vote on a controversial bill that they say will weaken unions. The Indiana House returned Wednesday for a 10-week session. On the agenda: a so-called right-to-work bill that would ban negotiations between a union and company if workers are forced to pay fees for representation. Democrats did not show up for the legislative session and instead remained in private meetings, which prevented the Republican majority from having a quorum to start the session. Indiana law is written so a quorum is needed for every vote, whether or not it involves spending money.

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Indiana Republican Brian Bosma leading the fight against unions and for jobs in 2012

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 21:59:00 GMT

INDIANAPOLIS — Nearly a year after legislatures in Wisconsin and several other Republican-dominated states curbed the power of public sector unions, lawmakers are now turning their sights toward private sector unions, setting up what is sure to be another political storm.

The thunderclouds are gathering first here in Indiana. The leaders of the Republican-controlled Legislature say that when the legislative session opens on Wednesday, their No. 1 priority will be to push through a business-friendly piece of legislation known as a right-to-work law.

If Indiana enacts such a law — and its sponsors say they have the votes — it will give new momentum to those who have previously pushed such legislation in Maine, Michigan, Missouri and other states. New Hampshire’s Republican-controlled Legislature was the last to pass a right-to-work bill in 2011, but it narrowly failed to muster the two-thirds majority needed to override a veto by the Democratic governor; an Indiana law would re-energize that effort.

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RSLC Chairman Ed Gillespie on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:09:00 GMT

Part 1:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Exclusive - Ed Gillespie Extended Interview Pt. 1

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor & Satire Blog

The Daily Show on Facebook

Part 2:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Exclusive - Ed Gillespie Extended Interview Pt. 2

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor & Satire Blog

The Daily Show on Facebook

RSLC Chairman Ed Gillespie on FOX News Sunday - 12/4/11

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:07:00 GMT

GOP AGs Co-Host Republican Presidential Forum with Mike Huckabee

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:39:00 GMT

Saturday night, Attorneys General Pam Bondi (Florida), Scott Pruitt (Oklahoma), and Ken Cuccinelli (Virginia), appeared on FOX News with Mike Huckabee to question the Republican primary candidates for President.

Watch the whole thing below:

GOP AGs Co-Host Republican Presidential Forum with Mike Huckabee

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:39:00 GMT

Watch the whole thing below:

Republican State Attorneys General to Co-Host FOX Republican Presidential Forum with Mike Huckabee

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:29:00 GMT

Alexandria, Va. (November 29, 2011) - The Republican Attorneys General Association, a caucus group with the Republican State Leadership Committee, announced today that members of RAGA will join FOX News’ Mike Huckabee in co-hosting a Republican presidential candidate forum on Saturday, December 3, 2011.

The participating Attorneys General include Pam Bondi (Florida), Ken Cuccinelli (Virginia) and E. Scott Pruitt (Oklahoma). The event will be moderated by former Arkansas governor and host Mike Huckabee and will air live from 8 - 10 p.m. (EST).

“This forum is an excellent opportunity to engage each of the candidates in a candid conversation about issues that are important to voters in our state and across the nation,” Bondi said. “This will be a historic election, and I am excited to play a part in helping voters gain a better understanding of candidates’ beliefs on fundamental issues such as constitutionalism and the role of government.”

The forum is an opportunity for state attorneys general and the presidential candidates to elevate the discussion of constitutional issues and the federal government’s overreach into state matters. The format will be one-on-one questioning of the candidates directly from the attorneys general.

“What excites me most about this forum is that my colleagues and I will have the time to engage in meaningful discussion on complex issues like immigration, federal overreach and sanctity of life issues with each candidate one-on-one to get to the core of candidates’ beliefs” Pruitt said.

Cuccinelli stated, “Although we are Republican attorneys general posing questions to Republican presidential candidates, we are going to put the tough questions to them to test their fidelity to limited government. Voters care deeply that their individual freedoms are protected by the federal government, not diminished by it. The next president will have a major role in reversing the current course of an overreaching federal hand."

In addition to the ongoing health care litigation, attorneys general are on the front lines of checking the power of the federal government and monitoring the constitutionality of laws passed by Congress. They often challenge arbitrary actions and rules of unelected Washington bureaucrats at federal agencies, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the National Labor Relations Board.

“Through their efforts to challenge the constitutionality of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, passed by President Obama and congressional Democrats, Republican attorneys general have provided the American people with an effective voice to challenge the president’s massive explosion of government and overreach into the states,” said Chris Jankowski, RSLC President.

Confirmed candidates include Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, Texas Congressman Ron Paul, Texas Governor Rick Perry, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum.

About the RSLC

The RSLC is the largest caucus of Republican state leaders and the only national organization whose mission is to elect down ballot, state-level Republican officeholders. Since 2002, the RSLC has been working to elect candidates for the office of Attorney General, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State and State Legislator. The RSLC has more than 100,000 donors in all 50 states.

The RSLC raised more than $30 million for the 2009-2010 cycle as part of an effort that picked up 20 legislative chambers, six Attorneys General, three Lieutenant Governors and seven Secretaries of State.

MI: Republicans use advantage in Michigan Legislature

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:36:00 GMT

Republicans working to move Michigan forward.

From the Detroit Free Press:

Republicans are making the most of their majority in Michigan's state government, approving an above-average number of new laws in the first 11 months of the state Legislature's 2011-12 session.

Republican Gov. Rick Snyder and Lt. Gov. Brian Calley have combined to sign 231 new public acts since taking office in January. The bills were sent their way by a Legislature that has Republican majorities in both the House and Senate.

The new laws affect a broad range of topics from the state budget to schools to how financially struggling local governments are managed. About 95% of the new laws come from legislation whose primary sponsor was Republican.

Legislative productivity has been aided by the Republican majority and a relatively good working relationship between Snyder, Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville and House Speaker Jase Bolger. The three Republican leaders typically meet once a week and talk more frequently than that.

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RSLC Chairman Ed Gillespie on Meet the Press - 11/20/11

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:56:00 GMT

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

RSLC Cements Louisiana State House Gains

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 05:01:00 GMT

Alexandria, Va. (November 19, 2011) – The Republican State Leadership Committee applauded Louisiana Republicans for further increasing their majority in the State House of Representatives in tonight’s elections.

"Tonight’s gains in the House of Representatives demonstrate that Louisiana continues to be a key red state with voters committed to the conservative causes which are crucial at this time in our nation’s recovery. The RSLC is proud to have helped play a role in the election, and we are eager to work with the new leadership," said RSLC President Chris Jankowski.

The gains come on the heels of the November 8th elections where Republicans dominated in state elections across the country, picking up control of two legislative chambers, while increasing the number of Republican legislative seats by at least 18.

In 2012, the RSLC will exceed the $30 million it spent electing record numbers of Republicans to the offices of Attorney General, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State and State Legislator during the 2010 cycle.

About the RSLC
The RSLC is the largest caucus of Republican state leaders and the only national organization whose mission is to elect down ballot, state-level Republican office-holders. Since 2002, the RSLC has been working to elect candidates for the office of Attorney General, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State and State Legislator. The RSLC has more than 100,000 donors in all 50 states. The RSLC raised more than $30 million for the 2009-2010 cycle as part of an effort that picked up 20 legislative chambers, six Attorneys General, three Lieutenant Governors and seven Secretaries of State.

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RSLC Announces Former IA Speaker as New Board Member

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 23:45:00 GMT

Alexandria, Va. (November 16, 2011) – The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) announced, today, that former Iowa House Speaker Christopher Rants will serve as a board member for the Committee.

"The addition of Christopher Rants will strengthen the oversight of Committee activities and he will be a source of tremendous advice and strategy as we enter the 2012 cycle, adding to our successes in 2010 and 2011," said RSLC Chairman Ed Gillespie. "His extensive experience as a legislator and speaker combined with his numerous advisory roles make him a great addition to our board."

Rants served 18 years in the Iowa House of Representatives, serving four years as Speaker. During his legislative career, Rants was also elected as Majority and Minority floor leader by his peers. Rants is a former co-chair of the National Conference of State Legislators' Taskforce on Telecommunications and Electronic Commerce. He is also a past board member of both the National Speakers Conference and the Legislative Leaders Foundation.

Rants has served as a strategist and consultant on numerous presidential and gubernatorial campaigns. He is the President of inSight Communications and a partner at Rauschenberger Partners.

Rants is the third new board member added by the RSLC this year. In February, the Committee announced the additions of former Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum and former South Carolina Speaker David Wilkins.

About the RSLC
The RSLC is the largest caucus of Republican state leaders and the only national organization whose mission is to elect down ballot, state-level Republican officeholders. Since 2002, the RSLC has been working to elect candidates for the office of Attorney General, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State and State Legislator. The RSLC has more than 100,000 donors in all 50 states. The RSLC raised more than $30 million for the 2009-2010 cycle as part of an effort that picked up 20 legislative chambers, six Attorneys General, three Lieutenant Governors and seven Secretaries of State.

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Washington Times: Elections give GOP a solid hold on South

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:10:00 GMT

Victories at the local level are key to national politics:

"As the last state legislative races were called this week from the Nov. 8 votes in Virginia and Mississippi, the party of Abraham Lincoln now controls both chambers of every state legislature in the 11 former states of the Confederacy, with the sole exception of Arkansas. And Arkansas Republicans need to flip only a handful of seats in 2012 to make the trend unanimous...

"The 2010 midterm vote was 'a record-breaking year for Republicans in the state legislatures. There were a couple of benchmarks set that made it a banner year, and what the last election showed is that it hasn't died down,' said Adam Temple, a spokesman for the Republican State Leadership Committee. 'It doesn't paint a pretty picture for Democrats in 2012.'

Read the full article here.