Heading into a pivotal year for Republicans at all levels of government, Ed Gillespie, former Republican National Committee Chairman and Counselor to the President, has been named Chairman of the Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC). The RSLC is the nation’s largest caucus of Republican state leaders – focused on electing Republican Attorneys General, Lieutenant Governors, Secretaries of State and state legislators. Gillespie will provide strategic guidance on political and communication activities – with a particular focus on 2010 political redistricting efforts. In addition, former NY Congressman and National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman (NRCC) Tom Reynolds - who also served in the NY State Assembly – will serve as Vice Chairman and lead the redistricting effort.

“There is a great deal of momentum for Republicans this election year, but momentum alone will not guarantee success. We are looking at every opportunity to increase and obtain legislative majorities – and Ed Gillespie’s record of winning will help our winning cause,” said Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) President Scott Ward. “There is a lot at stake this year because state elections will determine who draws state legislative and Congressional district boundaries after completion of the 2010 census. These elections will help shape the political landscape for the next decade and we are fortunate to have Ed’s steady leadership guiding us through this election year.”