Women from all over the state came together for the 5th Annual Suzanne Curran Republican Women’s Retreat at the Holiday Inn Valley View last Saturday. Sponsored by the 6th District Republican Women’s clubs, the event drew dignitaries and politicians from as far away as Richmond and Northern Virginia.
The event is named for Suzanne Curran, past 6th District Representative to the Virginia Federation of Republican Women (VFRW). Curran is a spokeswoman for Republican women all over the state and volunteers with Newt Gingrich and his “Drill Here, Drill Now” initiative.
Sandi Bird, president of the Roanoke Valley Republican Women (RVRW), chaired the event, and the honorary chair was Maryellen Goodlatte, wife of U. S. Congressman Bob Goodlatte and a Roanoke attorney.
Speakers included Pat Mullins, the new Republican State Party Chairman, who encouraged everyone to get involved at the grassroots level. Also speaking was James Manship, a.k.a. “George Washington.” Decked out in full costume, he spoke about being the first president – and about the real meaning of the constitution.
Maureen McDonnell, wife of the Republican nominee for Governor Bob McDonnell, spoke about women in politics and how to get more involved supporting the local and state candidates. Martha Foster, wife of the former Attorney General candidate Dave Foster and Susan Allen, wife of former Governor George Allen, discussed their lives on the campaign trail and how to balance family and politics. Both women encouraged more women to run for office.
Ken Cuccinelli, the Republican nominee for Attorney General, spoke at length about the difference between himself and Steve Shannon, his Democratic opponent. (Shannon appeared in Roanoke earlier in the week.)
Cuccinelli said he stood for property rights and charged that Shannon, a Northern Virginia delegate, has consistently voted against those rights. Cuccinelli also said he supports the marriage amendment, while Shannon was initially for it, and then opposed it.
“Shannon is a constant flip-flopper on the issues that matter the most to Virginians. He constantly changes his position,” charged Cuccinelli, who also stated that the recently passed Cap & Trade bill has some provisions that can be challenged under the 10th Amendment, which he intends to do if elected Attorney General. Cuccinelli will also run on two familiar GOP themes: small government and more governance at the state level vs. federal mandates.
During the luncheon, Bill Bolling, the current Lt. Governor who is running for re-election, spoke at length about his and Bob McDonnell’s opposition to the Cap & Trade bill, and to the new energy taxes on Virginia families and businesses that House Democrats are trying to enact.
Bolling said his opponent, Jody Wagner, “has refused to take a stand. In fact, Wagner has refused to take a stand on many issues facing Virginia.”
Four breakout sessions covered topics like the Fair Tax, getting involved at the grassroots level, how to write letters to editors and elected officials, and how to run a successful blog.
Tito Munoz, a.k.a. “Tito the Builder,” from the past presidential campaign, was also on hand. His contribution led to teary eyes and loud applause.
The final speaker was Suzanne Curran, for whom the retreat is named. Curran has been involved with the Republican Party for many years and is promoting the “Platform of the American People,” which says English should be the official language of government. Also an author, she has been actively involved in raising awareness of Depression era work programs and has been a guest on the Fox News Channel.
Curran urged women to get involved locally, statewide and nationally in politics, and not only in supporting roles.
“This retreat has been one of the most exciting, informative and motivating events of the year,” said Denise Bailey, current 6th District Representative to the VFRW. “Women have attended from all over our state and have gone home with a wealth of information, to move the Republican Party forward toward success in November.”