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We’ve been making the case that our 25th Anniversary Gala speaker, Congressman Mike Pence (R-Ind.), is one of the leading conservatives in America. Well respected by his colleagues and those in the conservative media, his star is shining brightly among the grassroots now, too, as Saturday he won the closely watched Values Voter Summit Presidential Straw Poll with 24 percent of the vote over 17 potential candidates (see Politico.com).

The 2,000 summit attendees voted (see Outside The Beltway’s Doug Mataconis) last year’s gala speaker, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, second. The others who received votes in the straw poll, in alphabetical order, were Haley Barbour, Jan Brewer, Chris Christie, Mitch Daniels, Jim DeMint, Newt Gingrich, Bobby Jindal, Bob McDonnell, Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, Marco Rubio, Paul Ryan, Sarah Palin, Rick Santorum and John Thune.

This year’s gala not only will be a chance to hear one of the leaders and intellectual forces behind the conservative movement, but also to share in the celebration of 25 years of fighting the good fight for traditional and family values. Already, more than 900 people have bought tickets to the event (nearing last year’s record), and you will want to see for yourself why Congressman Pence is so respected by thousands of conservative grassroots leaders and activists from around the nation.

This very special Family Foundation event, one that will be remembered long after it is over, is Saturday, October 9, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center at 6:30 (5:15 sponsors reception with Congressman Pence). To order your tickets or for sponsorship information, get complete details here, e-mail us at Gala@FamilyFoundation.org, or call The Family Foundation at (804) 343-0010.

See the speech that drove Values Voter Summit attendees to vote Mike Pence its 2012 presidential favorite:

Pence, commonsense and common values: “Those who would have us ignore the battle being fought over life, marriage and religious liberty, have forgotten the lessons of history. As in the days of a house divided, America’s darkest moments have come when economic arguments trumped moral principles.”

The video below is making the rounds, primarily because the man speaking in it, Donald Berwick, President Barack Obama’s choice to head the agency that runs Medicare and Medicaid, said to a crowd of true believers in Britain that socialized medicine is the way to go. People speak from the heart when with fellow ideologues, so there is no misunderstanding here, and when one is so infamously outspoken, it’s near impossible for the president not to know this man’s philosophy. So, what does that tell you? Exactly! (See David Limbaugh.)

But his adamant insistence that health care “by definition” means, “we must, must redistribute wealth!” has obfuscated his three other extraordinarily extremist statements — no easy feat in a sound bite a little more than two minutes long:

1. “tough choices and planning supply” (a government planning supply = rationing); 

2. “darkness of private enterprise” (a definitive condemnation of free markets and choice, and an embrace of government control over commerce); and

3. “single route of finance” (an unapologetic plea for “single payer” or government-run health care).

Combined with the president’s own words (“spread the wealth around” and “I do think at some point you’ve made enough money,” among an inexhaustibly list), it no longer is a question of the president’s philosophy, and not even of whether what to expect of him (he told us he wanted to “fundamentally transform America,” while giving lip service to centrism).

Rather, it’s a matter of himself and his government, admitting it clearly and plainly, and why he thinks government control of industry is preferable to the system of free commerce that created the highest standard of living and largest economy known to man. (Nancy Pelosi’s lame rationalization is a symptom, not a cause, so to speak, and doesn’t come close.) After all, the Soviet Union would be thriving still today if the government-run system was equal or superior to the “darkness of private enterprise” (a shameful remark that slaps at the core of American ingenuity that has given so much to the world).

Not that the president is alone in this. Even Republicans, with the rare exception of some such as Newt Gingrich, won’t call it what it is (see Bobby Eberle). But, in the meantime, here is Mr. Berwick, praising socialist Britain and slamming America for the evil that it is.

Donald Berwick at home in England while hammering America the awful.

Below is the first part of a two part interview with nationally known political scientist Dr. Bob Holsworth, a regular commentator on Virginia and national politics. His articles and commentary can be read in publications and on the Internet, and heard on television and radio. He is a frequent speaker to numerous organizations, heads a consultancy, and is the editor of the widely read blog, Virginia Tomorrow. Today, we talk about the current session of the General Assembly and touch on national politics.

FamilyFoundationBlog.com: Dr. Holsworth, it’s a great honor to have you answer some questions on our blog about the General Assembly and Virginia politics in general. So, thank you very much for participating in this interview. We greatly appreciate your valuable time and look forward to your insights and are big fans of your blog, Virginia Tomorrow. Are you ready for some questions?

Dr. Bob Holsworth: Thanks very much for the opportunity to be on your site.

FamilyFoundationBlog: Has anything surprised you about this session of the General Assembly? Has the Republican sweep and increased House of Delegates majority created a visible difference or is it too early to tell (i.e., waiting for the budget)?

Dr. Holsworth: Certainly, the Republican sweep in the House has made it even easier for the GOP to control the legislative outcomes in that chamber. But the Democratic control of the Senate can still pose substantial hurdles for the Governor and the House GOP. I was surprised that five Democrats in the Senate supported the Health Care Freedom legislation, symbolically repudiating former Governor Kaine and President Obama. All of these Democrats are in districts where the GOP could field competitive challengers and this tells you just how concerned Democrats have become about the impact of the national mood here in Virginia. At the same time, Senate Dems have summarily dismissed part of the McDonnell agenda such as dedicating royalties for off-shore drilling to transportation and changing the budget cycle. What will happen with the overall budget is still up in the air as Senate Dems actually disagree if they should present a budget that includes some of the tax increases in (former) Governor Kaine’s recommended document or acknowledge the political reality that there will be no major tax increases and present a budget accordingly, even if it inconsistent with what they would really want to propose.

FamilyFoundationBlog: Governor Bob McDonnell ran on a jobs-creation platform and de-emphasized social issues. But social issues do play a role in the budget. Do you think he will go so far as to de-fund Planned Parenthood?

Dr. Holsworth: I think that you have phrased the question well. Some folks have said that McDonnell ran as a “moderate.” My sense is that he ran as an economic conservative and gave less priority in the campaign to his social conservatism. I fully expect that McDonnell will sign almost all bills with a “social conservative” orientation that emerge from the legislative process. What’s not entirely clear is how far his own proposals will move in this direction. He obviously made a symbolic change when he removed sexual orientation from the non-discrimination executive order with respect to state government workers. The question of whether he’ll propose a budget amendment to de-fund panned parenthood will be seen by many of his supporters as a test of whether he will implement the values of social conservatism in the budget. If he does, there will be a substantial fight in the Senate and the media will surely portray it as a switch from the “moderation” of the campaign. If he doesn’t, he’ll disappoint a segment of his core supporters.

FamilyFoundationBlog: If Governor McDonnell proposes a host of “fees” instead of taxes to close the budget gap, how will that affect his support on the right? creation

Dr. Holsworth: If McDonnell is perceived as simply playing semantics with taxes, it will harm him not only with the right, but with many independents as well. He was very clear during the election about his belief that revenue increases should primarily come from economic growth and I would be very surprised if he has a post-election conversion to a different point of view, especially in this political environment.

FamilyFoundationBlog: Governor McDonnell is getting a lot of positive attention right now — giving the GOP response to the State of the Union, doing several national interviews, even one for Newt Gingrich’s newsletter. Does he runs the risk of raising his own expectations?

Dr. Holsworth: I think of the smartest moves the new Governor made was to cancel his national interviews the day after his SOTU response. Virginians have made it clear that his first priority as Governor should be the Commonwealth and, in the long run, McDonnell’s national stature will be most enhanced by having a strong approval rating in-state.

FamilyFoundationBlog: What chances do you give of real reforms this or next year in areas of budgeting and in recalculating SOQ spending?

Dr. Holsworth: The Senate has already rejected a key McDonnell proposal on changing the two year budget cycle. Recalculating SOQ spending has been an issue that many House Republicans have pointed to over the last few years as a reform necessary to rein in future budget increases. We’ve seen some willingness from both parties to look at items such as staffing ratios regarding non-instructional personnel. If there ever would be a time where the entire SOQ calculation would be readjusted, it would be in the kind of fiscal environment we have now. But polls show that schools remain extremely high on the public’s priority list. In aggregate, school groups (teachers, superintendents, school boards, and principals) are extraordinarily well organized and very politically effective. Moreover, Virginia schools overall seem to perform extremely well — just this week, we ranked third in the nation in AP testing. I believe that the effort for major permanent structural changes in school funding will have substantial hurdles to overcome.

FamilyFoundationBlog: What are your thoughts on former Governor Doug Wilder calling for Tim Kaine’s removal as Democrat National Committee chairman?

Dr. Holsworth: Former Governor Wilder noted that he had supported Tim Kaine for Vice-President, but did not feel that the DNC Chair was the best fit for his talents and skills. My guess is that there are a number of Democratic activists who are more comfortable with the sharp edges of a Howard Dean than the more cerebral approach to the position of Tim Kaine. The proof, of course, will be in the November pudding. Kaine will succeed if Democrats do far better than expected. But if November is a Democratic debacle, Kaine will be fingered for part of the blame.

Be sure to check back with us tomorrow afternoon for part two of our interview with Dr. Bob Holsworth as we look at next year’s Congressional elections in Virginia, Senator Jim Webb’s prospects in 2012, and the Tea Party movement.

Since we brought up pastors events and Winning Matters 2009 last post, we thought we’d review a major event that we had a hand in from earlier this month that, in essence, was a launch to the whole idea of more civic activism from people with a Biblical perspective. The Virginia Renewal Project took place at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel on June 4 and 5, and you know it was an important event when certain groups raised hackles about it. 

More than 450 pastors from across Virginia attended, and represented every denomination and ethnicity. The hotel’s grand ballroom was packed as speakers such as historian David Barton, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and House Speaker Newt Gingrich spoke of the need to return America to its Godly heritage. 

Barton was especially moving as he related how the Founding Fathers all gave credit for their inspiration to the pastors of the day. We often hear that the Founders were a bunch of  deists and secularists, but Barton’s research and documentation convincingly proves what used to be a common notion taught in America — that this nation was founded primarily by Christians on Judeo-Christian principles. 

Pastors at the conference were encouraged to engage the culture and make a difference by being salt and light in all arenas, even in the political realm.  They were told that despite the threats of the ACLU and People for the American Way, no church has ever lost its tax-exempt status. Everyone left encouraged and inspired to make a difference in our Commonwealth and in our nation.

The Family Foundation and Pastors For Family Values invite pastors from across the Commonwealth to the Virginia Renewal Project’s upcoming Pastors’ Policy Briefing, June 4 – 5, in Norfolk. This Rediscovering God in America briefing is vital for pastors throughout this nation. Fortunately, through VRP, we have an opportunity to make a start in that rediscovery here in Virginia.

God has called men and women of faith to be shining lights in this dark world, but often we fail to shine because we lose our way, our purpose and our direction. We all play a role, and a small way you can help is to make sure your pastor attends this critical event as we continue our daily struggle to reclaim the foundation that has kept America strong for so many generations. 

The briefing has an incredible lineup of speakers (see below), meant to encourage pastors and their congregations to take a stand for morality in their daily lives — and hotel accommodations and all meals are complimentary to pastors.

Please make sure that your pastor is not left out of this important event. Forward this link to him or her, or print it and deliver it personally. 

__________________________________________________

The Family Foundation and Pastors For Family Values

and the

Virginia Renewal Project

Cordially invite you to participate in the

Virginia Renewal Project Pastors’ Policy Briefing:

 Rediscovering God in America

With Special Guests

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich
Rediscovering God in America

Historian David Barton
WallBuilders

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee

The Honorable Bob McEwen

Lt. Col. Oliver North

and

Lou Engle
Dr. Jerry Falwell, Jr.
Dr. Mat Staver
Dr. Laurence White
as well as other guest speakers

Sheraton Norfolk Waterside
777 Waterside Drive , Norfolk, VA 23510
Thursday, June 4 – Friday, June 5

Meals and lodging are complimentary
and will be provided by the Virginia Renewal Project.

To reserve your space, please RSVP no later than May 21,
by calling (800) 992-5596 or visiting https://the.maxcelreg.net/VAbriefing.

Hotel information will be distributed the week of May 25 2009.
Reservations are limited and will be accepted on a first call basis.

__________________________________________________

Today, more than ever, we need men and women who are willing to take a stand for the Biblical principles handed down to us by our forefathers. Please don’t let this opportunity pass by your pastor — be sure your pastor is aware of this outstanding event.

It’s April so that means three things in Virgilankingnia politics: Veto Session, Shad Planking and campaigns in full swing. They usually coincide to some (or large) degree. But there’s something different this year:  Gubernatorial candidate Senator Creigh Deeds (D-25, Bath) is avoiding the Shad Planking. That’s almost unheard of for a statewide candidate. Who knows? If he wins the governorship, maybe it’ll start a trend.

Meanwhile, Governor Tim Kaine faces veto override threats on several bills, including those dealing with the death penalty and accepting strings-attached “stimulus” money for extended unemployment insurance — paid for by tax increases on business, since the fees it pays into that program fund it.

In another state’s news that may have national implications, Iowans are fighting back against the edict by its supreme court inventing a “right” to same-sex “marriage.” Also, Newt Gingrich talks, albeit briefly, about his conversion to Catholicism. Finally, check out one legal organization’s unique avenue to challenge the federal bailout to AIG. 

News:

Kaine’s vetoes facing his foes (Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star)

Deeds Will Not Speak At Shad Planking (Washington Post Virginia Politics Blog)

Big money flows to Virginia race for governor (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Deeds files petitions for Virginia governor’s race (Norfolk Virginian-Pilot)

McDonnell calls for unity after leading ouster of party chairman (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Rejected GOP Chief To Run Again in Va. (Washington Post)

Battle over bingo laws in Va. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

National News:

Conservative Iowans fight to preserve traditional (OneNewsNow.com)

Does AIG Bailout Violate Establishment Cause? (OneNewsNow.com)

Gingrich tight-lipped on Catholic conversion (OneNewsNow.com)

Today in Washington, D.C., there is a meeting of the vast right wing conspiracy. Big surprise, The Family Foundation is in the midst. Although the left might prefer we were the only ones in the room, we are not. The Values Voter Summit hosted by the Family Research Council Action has drawn more than 2,000 people to the historic Washington Hilton. Speaking to this energized crowd is quite a line up of thinkers and doers including CNN host Lou Dobbs, Joe Gibbs, Newt Gingrich, Michael Medved, Stephen Baldwin, Alveda King, Michael Steele, Star Parker, Dr. Bill Bennett, Laura Ingram, Ben Stein, Chuck Colson and many more. 

Casual conversations with folks indicate that they really wish Governor Sarah Palin was joining us but they respect the fact that she is in Alaska deploying her son and since she just drew 23,000 people in Farfax this week, they’ll cut her some slack. Michael Steele told us what he has told the media this past week, “I know Sarah Palin and you don’t want to mess with Sarah Palin. She shoots moose, what do you think she is going to do to a donkey?” 

The leadership of all of the family policy councils around the country have been here much of the week pow-wowing about marriage amendments on the ballots in Ariz., Calif., and Fla., and much more. A smaller segment of the group is discussing not just issues, but tactics. In particular, a conclusion has been reached by those of us that aren’t 50+ year old white men (no offense to those that are) that our movement has not yet grabbed the tools and terminology needed to reach the ever important 18-29 year old voting block. While we don’t have all the solutions, I’ve heard that the first step is acknolwledging the problem. 

Lou Dobbs encouraged conservatives in the room to diversity our issues. Although his comments were aimed at the fiscal issues, closed door meetings have discussed not allowing the left to claim the issues of poverty and social justice. Indeed the greatest efforts toward giving every citizen a shot at the American dream are those that go straight to the root problem — solutions that secure and stablize a nuclear family. A bunch of brainiacs shared some embargoed research with a small group of us yesterday and it continues to be clear that if we want men, women and children to succeed in any way (financial, education, etc.), we must stop the out of wedlock births, cohabitation and divorce. If we want our young men to grow up and not end up on the street or in our prison system, they need their dads! That’s not a moral opinion, its a social science fact. Clearly, we need to be a part of making sure we love our neighbor by making sure they know where their next meal comes from, but working to solve poverty runs so much deeper than a bunch of government programs. 

Interestingly, Dobbs acknowledged that FRC President Tony Perkins has been instrumental in his “conversation” to believing that values voters matter and need to have a voice in the public square. Dobbs hasn’t always believed that way and said he was used to pursuading people to his point of view, but Tony turned the tables on him.

One thing is for sure, the energy level among values voters has received a monumental shot of adreneline with Sarah Palin joining the Republican ticket. These people are ready to go home across the nation and go to work. That impact will no doubt be felt election day.

Our interview with Rich Galen, the national GOP strategist, television pundit, former press secretary to Newt Gingrich and Dan Quayle, creator of mullings.com and just named senior counselor to U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) will be posted by 1:30 today.

Mr. Galen was gracious enough to take time out a busy transitional period in his career to answer our questions late yesterday afternoon. We hope you come back to read his responses and leave us your comments.

I’m hanging out at the state GOP Convention this afternoon, yada yada yada, rules fight (Gilmore forces won) yada yada yada, just looking for some people to hang out with, when the session’s keynote speaker is introduced. I forgot there was one. Turns out it is Fox News and CNN political pundit, GOP consultant, and former Newt Gingrich and Dan Quayle Press Secretary Rich Galen (bio here), whose mullings.com is perhaps the most important national political blog.

After the session is over I’m talking with some friends and I see him just walking through the crowd talking to folks. I thought big shot national speakers get whisked in and out by drivers supplied by the hosting organization. Who knew he’s just hang out and talk with the grassroots? But his speech was all about the importance of the grassroots so it should have been no surprise.

Just watching him talk with a group, a light went off in my head. Why not be bold. So I tracked him down through the crowd as he left the hall into the hallway. I introduced myself to him, told him how I’ve always enjoyed his commentary, that I blog and would you consider doing a blog interview at familyfoundationblog.com?

Without hesitation Mr. Galen said, “Yes. Just call me. I’ll be glad to do it.” He gave me his card and we talked about this blog and The Family Foundation and he seemed somewhat impressed. He reiterated his intentions that he’d blog with us and reminded me to call him.

Wow! Just call him? Don’t big time pundits have secretaries and layers of people to get through? So cool!

Later I met the state coordinator of Catholics For McCain. She wanted me to sign a card. I don’t do anything without a quid pro quo. “What’s in it for me?” I thought. Hmmm. Well, why not? So I blurted out, “I’ll sign it only if you get Senator McCain to do an interview on our blog.” She said she’d try “but in case I can’t . . .” (which, by her hesitation, seemed a pretty big ask) she started to murmur what became a counter offer: “How about Senator Sam Brownback? He’s the national chairman of Catholics For McCain.”

“You can get Senator Brownback? You got a deal!”

I signed her card, she gave me her number, and low and behold the wheels are turning to get Senator Brownback (R-Kansas), a former presidential candidate himself, here on this very blog. We’ll let you know when the details get worked out for both Rich Galen and Senator Brownback. That’s not all. There could be more surprises ahead. Keep checking back with us.

Gotta go. Hospitality suites await. More contacts to make.