The GOP leadership in Virginia is engaging in a bitter and very public battle with Delegate Jeffrey Frederick, chair of the Virginia Republican Party.
A majority of the state central committee called for an April 4 meeting to discuss removing Frederick from his position. However, removing the chair requires a three-quarters vote.
In the meantime, Frederick has taken on about every prominent elected official in the state, calling them “insiders.” The former state Attorney General, all Republican Congressional members, the entire state Senate leadership and the state House speaker have called for Frederick’s removal.
Frederick’s critics have listed 10 reasons they oppose him, including mismanaging the party’s funds, reputation and effectiveness. In response, Frederick laid forth a point-by-point rebuttal.
Frederick maintains support from some rank and file because of his support for an uncompromised conservative platform – opposition to abortion rights, rejecting all tax increases, etc.
Frederick has no intention of stepping down, and there is no guarantee that a three-quarters majority can strip Frederick of the chairmanship.This turmoil threatens to cripple the Republican Party’s attempts to put a coordinated campaign plan together as it heads into next year’s elections.
