- REPUBLICANS SWEEP IN VIRGINIA; TEN REPUBLICAN PICK-UPS IN STATE LEGISLATURES FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE TO WASHINGTON STATE -

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   November 4, 2009                                         

 ALEXANDRIA, VA – Voters across the country last night from New Hampshire to Washington state sent a loud and clear message – Americans want a limited, less overreaching government.  Not only did Republicans win all three statewide offices in Virginia for only the second time in history, but gains were made by Republicans in state legislatures in Virginia (+6), New Hampshire (+1), New Jersey (+1), Michigan (+1) and Washington state (+1).  The Republican State Leadership Committee, the nation’s largest caucus of Republican state leaders, contributed more than $2.2 million to state races across the country this year and focused on a new media strategy to heighten awareness of these races.  

       
“There will be a lot of talk about what last night’s election means.  One thing is crystal clear – the American people have had enough. These overwhelming victories in ‘blue states’ are the result of strong Republican candidates providing commonsense solutions to the real problems facing all Americans,” said Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) President Scott Ward. “Our candidates listened to the voices of the people, and offered a clear vision of fiscal responsibility and economic growth that attracted not only Republicans, but Independents and Democrats as well, to our winning cause.  They understand taxpayers are the owners of the government – and that the government ought to let individuals determine their destiny rather than government gimmicks that reduce their freedoms.”
 
In addition to the over $2.2 million in contributions, the RSLC implemented a new media strategy to heighten the awareness of the importance of winning these seats.  Not only did Republicans have an exceptional night last night, but since November of last year, Republicans have won 29 special elections for the state legislature – gaining nine seats previously held by Democrats.  
 
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.