RNLA Elects New Officers and Board of Governors Members

Today, the RNLA recognized the new officers and members of the Board of Governors elected at its recent annual board meeting:

RNLA President Elliot Berke stated: “I welcome our new and returning board members, as well as our new and returning officers to what I expect to be an historic year for the RNLA. It’s an honor to serve as your President during this important time in our history.” 

RNLA Executive Director Michael Thielen agreed: “I am honored to work for and with these distinguished Republican attorneys. I am especially pleased that, after having our first female chair last year in Kimberly Reed, there are now four women officers leading the RNLA. We look forward to a strong year.” 

Five new officers were elected for 2018. John Ryder of Memphis, Tennessee, was elected Chair. . . . Joanne W. Young of Washington, DC, was elected Co-Chair. . . . Harmeet K. Dhillon of San Francisco, California, was elected Vice President for Communications. . . . Thomas Wheeler of Indianapolis, Indiana was elected Vice President for Programming. . . . Audrey Perry Martin of Sacramento, California was elected Vice President for Membership. . . .   

Three new members of the Board of Governors were elected for 2018, joining the 43 incumbent members of the Board of Governors. 

Marc Ellinger of Jefferson City, Missouri, . . . Linda A. Kerns of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, . . . [and] Chris Marston of Alexandria, Virginia . . . .

For more information about the new officers and members of the Board of Governors, please read the full press release here.  The RNLA looks forward to an excellent year under these new leaders and the existing leadership they joined.

The November Races in Virginia Are Tightening...

Virginia features the only race for Attorney General this year, as well as important contests for Governor and Lieutenant Governor.  This year, we need your help to ensure fair, open, and honest elections.

Two of the last three elections for Attorney General have gone to a recount. In 2005, we narrowly won; and in 2013, we narrowly lost.  This year, the polls in the statewide race are neck and neck.

Despite strong headwinds, our candidates have closed the gap, but we need help to ensure a fair election and to be prepared for a recount in one or more of the three statewide races. There are also many important races for Virginia's General Assembly where the Democrats are contesting more Republican-held seats than they have since Republicans secured their first post-Reconstruction majorities in the late 1990's.

Below is a list of statewide polls which show how close this race really is:

Statewide Polls

September 25 Wason Center (Margin +/-4)

Gillespie 41%; Northam 47%

Vogel 42%; Fairfax 46%

Adams 42%; Herring 47%

September 21 Fox News (Margin +/-4)

Gillespie 38%; Northam 42%

September 18 Suffolk University (Margin +/-4)

Gillespie 42%; Northam 42%

General Assembly Contests 

2017 - 60 Major Party Contested Seats 

Contested House Seats - 2005-2017

The RNLA is committed to ensuring that elections in Virginia remain open, fair and honest.  There will be a series of CLE trainings throughout the state, starting with a two-hour training in Washington, D.C. tonight.  For more information, or to RSVP, click here.

-Chris Marston, RNLA Virginia Chapter Chair