Frederick Takes On Several Local GOP Chairs

Del. Jeffrey M. Frederick (R-Prince William) appears to be in full campaign mode as he fights to hold onto his job as chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia.

Frederick now has a rapid response strategy, a sign both he and his critics are engaged in a heated public relations battle.

Earlier today, conservative blogs reported that nine local Republican committee chairman, including Fairfax chair Anthony Bedell, joined the growing list of GOP officials who want Frederick to resign.

"After reflecting on recent events, we have concluded that it is time for new leadership of our Party so that we can unify, and win this November," said the letter, which was also signed by the chairmen of Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesterfield, Henrico, Stafford, Hanover, Rockingham and Chesapeake GOP committees

Within hours, Frederick released his response. He noted "only nine" chairmen signed the letter and they represent just "7 percent of 130 local GOP units in Virginia."

"While I greatly respect the hard work our local unit chairman perform on behalf of our party....I think the news here is who did not sign the letter," Frederick said.

Frederick, who is accused of mismanagement and incompetence, also accused the chairman of "expressing an individual opinion."

"There is no evidence suggesting they are speaking on behalf of the people they represent," said Frederick. "I would hope before jumping to conclusions on what is best for our party, they would carefully weigh the evidence and the long-term consequences to our party."

But there are risks associated with Frederick's efforts to marginalize his latest critics.

Although Frederick is correct in noting just 9 of 130 local committee chairs signed the letter, he failed to mention many of those counties play an out-sized role in Virginia politics.

Fairfax, Chesterfield, Henrico, Stafford, Chesapeake and Virginia Beach have all been rapidly trending Democratic, and are among the state's most populous locations.

If the Virginia GOP does not find a way to stop the bleeding in each of those suburban areas, they will almost certainly not only lose this year's governor's race but also, within a cycle or two, control of the House of Delegates.

By Tim Craig |  March 19, 2009; 10:19 PM ET  | Category:  Tim Craig
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Posted by: Bulletproof | March 25, 2009 5:18 PM

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