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Politics & Government

Fairfax GOP Kicks Off Election Season With Major Fundraiser

Raised more than $13,000 for candidates

More than 200 Fairfax County Republicans jammed the basement of P.J. Skidoos Restaurant in Fairfax City one night late last week for their first major fundraiser of the 2011 election season.

The Fairfax County Republican Committee event brought current lawmakers and candidates together and featured Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli as speaker.

Cuccinelli, who found himself in a close race in 2007, emphasized how crucial Republican turnout is in this off-cycle election year.

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Calling Northern Virginia "ground zero" for Republican support, Cuccinelli encouraged the crowd to promote voter participation.

"If we’re more ready than [the Democrats] are, it’s to our advantage," Cuccinelli said. "I know personally how much each vote counts."

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Local politicians were impressed with the event's turn out.

"Amazing. I haven’t seen an evening like this in a number of years," Delegate Tim Hugo (40th district) said. The recent Fairfax County Republican meeting had a higher than usual attendance, the caucus chairman added.

Delegate James M. LeMunyon (67th district) echoed Hugo. "The enthusiasm we saw in the elections of 2009-2010 is, if anything, even stronger now than it was then."

Fiscal responsibility concerns and praise for last year’s national election results for Republicans were consistent themes of the evening. Although Northern Virginia Tea Party members were in attendance, some candidates were ambiguous about their affiliation with the group.

There are 53 open offices across the county this year, according to Bedell. Among the new candidates attending was Wes Kammerer, a retired New York City Police Department Officer and U.S. Secret Service official.  A local resident since 1989, Kammerer said he is running for county sheriff largely to promote community relations between local, federal and state agencies.

Scott Martin, Republican candidate for the Senate’s 39th district, started his campaign a year ago to include education reform and to make the Commonwealth more veteran friendly. Martin said he has taught more than 20 years at four universities, and his mother was a World War II Marine.           

Fairfax County Board Supervisor Pat Herrity (Springfield) is running for re-election, and he said he wants to put the board of supervisors and school board "back on track."

Others seeking a shot at the Virginia General Assembly include Hugh "Mac" Cannon, candidate for the 36th district House seat, and Jason Flanary, who's seeking the 37th district Senate spot. Cannon expressed an interest in transportation and education issues. Flanary has an extensive business background, including running the government affairs department for the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce.

According to FCRC Chairman Anthony Bedell, the event raised more than $13,000 for candidates. Bedell said two more major county fundraisers will be held in the election run-up, including one featuring Governor Bob McDonnell.

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