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LCRC Feud Enters Broad Run Race

By Charlie Jackson

(Created: Wednesday, March 21, 2007 2:03 PM EDT)

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A complaint lodged with state party leaders over the operation of the Loudoun County Republican Committee has added fuel to the heated Broad Run District primary battle.

LCRC member Jeffrey A. Wolinski wrote the letter calling for either the dissolution of the local committee or for state party leaders to nullify the published call for the June 9 Republican convention. Wolinski argued that the LCRC has become exclusionary, and the convention is set up in a way that could disenfranchise delegates or be unfair to certain candidates.

Wolinski, admittedly, is a supporter of Supervisor Lori Waters (R-Broad Run). This fact wasn't lost on Waters' challenger Jack Ryan whose campaign quickly fired off a statement suggesting Wolinski's motives weren't pure.

"Jeff Wolinski's outrageous demand to the 10th District Republican Party Chairman to revoke the Loudoun County Republican Committee's Call for a Convention in favor of a so-called 'firehouse primary' is a transparent attempt to confer political advantage on my opponent."

Ryan said Tuesday that he believes Wolinski is a paid operative of the Waters campaign and that the letter sent to state Republican leaders was a move to derail the convention.

Wolinski and Waters denied that charge. Waters said she knew nothing of the letter Wolinski sent 10th District Republican Committee Chairman Jim Rich, Republican Party of Virginia Chairman Ed Gillespie and RPV Executive Director Charlie Judd until after it was sent.

"Lori Waters is absolutely not 'making a last-ditch effort through Jeff Wolinski,'" Wolinski wrote in a response to Ryan's campaign. He goes on to state that his "biggest problem with the convention process is ... that nearly 300 of those citizens who took the time to file delegate forms will be told they are not worthy of participating in the candidate selection process."

Waters, whose re-election campaign has been targeted by those within her party advocating for increased development, said Tuesday she "absolutely" believes the deck is stacked against her concerning the convention process, rather than a primary that would be open to all registered voters who pledge to support Republican candidates.

Waters said 539 people have signed up to serve as delegates from the Broad Run District. But, the convention rules stipulate only 246 delegates from that district are allowed to participate. According to procedures established by convention organizers, a mass meeting will be held before the convention to determine which delegates can vote during the convention and which 293 will be sent home.

"I think a lot of barriers are being put up to not let people have a fair say," Waters said, adding that she'd like to see Ryan talk about issues-like the county budget-instead of party politics.

To that charge, Ryan said he has discussed those issues, and did so while signing up delegates. Ryan went on to say that a recent candidates' meeting, where he and Waters were present, was held to discuss the fairest way to choose which delegates will participate. Ryan said one potential solution, which will be put forward at the March 26 LCRC meeting, is to let all delegates participate.

But if that is not agreeable to local party leaders, or the committee in general, then the number of delegates for the Broad Run District will be whittled down.

And in another twist Tuesday, the LCRC's Communications Chairman Bob Maistros issued his resignation. Maistros, who is volunteering for Ryan, sent out Ryan's statements questioning the motivations of Wolinski's complaint to state leaders. Maistros said LCRC leadership approached him to serve as the LCRC's Executive Committee's communications chairman, after he was already volunteering for Ryan.

"The party leadership approached me knowing that I was working for Jack," Maistros said. "I understand this could be a concern."

Maistros was correct.

Waters said Tuesday that Maistros' position, in her opinion, presented a conflict.

"Clearly he is not a neutral person," she said.

Later Tuesday, in a letter to Protic, Maistros stepped down from his LCRC post.

"We both felt that the broader party-building efforts we intended for me to pursue did not represent a conflict with my role as a volunteer advisor to the Jack Ryan campaign," Maistros wrote. "However, because it is vital in the current environment to avoid even the appearance of partiality on the Executive Committee, I am hereby stepping down from my position ... until after the convention."

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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of Leesburg Today.
Total Comments: 19 comment(s)

Dean Settle wrote on Mar 25, 2007 12:33 AM:

" Ashburn Village, you said: " I live in Broad Run and signed up for Jack Ryan. He is by far the best candidate to represent the people of Broad Run." That is your right to opinion, but hardly square with the facts. You continue : " He has NO ties to developers and not a member of the LCRC. " Since Jack is Dale Polen-myer's personal choice after her first choice bailed on her, how can you keep a straight face when you type this garbage? "She (Lori Waters) increased my taxes 45% and counting in 3 years, can't bring in any business - commerical tax base has dropped to 14%" Let's be realistic here and look at voting records. Ms. Waters has been on the proper side of every vote that you've mentioned. She has sided with 3 other BOS members in support of stopping CPAMS that jacked your taxes (and mine). They were voted over by the furious five (STDS) with Jim Clem bringing the final vote to build over Loudoun. She has sided with 3 other BOS members in opposition to rezoning commercial property into residential property. Again, she was voted over by the furious five. Slow down, identify the "real" boogeymen, and go after them. If you need help, just holler. "

grayghost wrote on Mar 23, 2007 10:24 PM:

" concerned, how do YOU know that Ms. Waters is not under investigation? The llast I read, the F.B.I. refused to identify who was under investigation or even if there was an investigation. The only one who has said that their is an open investigation has been the Commonwealth Attorney's office and local metro bird cage liner. As I recall, Ms. Waters also voted in each and every one of the issues that were mentioned including the Saudi property purchase and all the issues that came from the Planning Commission. How can she not be also under investigation? If you are positive, then please tell all of us how it is that you know this! "

concerned wrote on Mar 23, 2007 10:53 AM:

" This is so hilarious! Keep up with the spin machine - Lori Waters is not under FBI investigation. Period. End of story. Was she interviewed? Certainly, as reported in the Post, as were most other board members. Jack Ryan's sponsor, Dale Polen Myers, appears to be the primary target, and we all know that she and Waters can't stand each other. That puts Lori Waters up on a pedestal for nearly all Loudoun citizens. Eugene Delgaudio is also receiving investigative attention, who sponsored Jack Ryan for the vaunted Financial Performance Audit Committee. Ryan is simply a tool for the good old boy network that's upset with Lori Waters because she won't take orders. "

Ashburn Village wrote on Mar 22, 2007 4:29 PM:

" concerned - I dont think it is called taking orders, but rather listening to your constituents and serving the interests of Broad Run - neither of which Lori has demonstrated the past few years. I find it neausating being represented by someone I hear is under FBI investigation........ "

concerned wrote on Mar 22, 2007 3:53 PM:

" Jack Polen Ryan is NOT the best candidate by any measure. Anyone else find it nauseating that Ryan's communications guy was also serving the same function for Protic and LCRC? The good old boy network continues to be upset with Lori Waters because she won't take orders from them. What a joke this whole fiasco is. "

Ashburn Village wrote on Mar 22, 2007 3:49 PM:

" I agree with huron chief, but the rules are what they are and everyone abided by them - even Ms. Waters agreed with them when they were voted on by the LCRC in November. Now that one side does not like the delegate counts they want to throw everything out and start over - I 'm with the other ashburn voter - sounds like a sore loser with a western political henchman.... "

huronchief wrote on Mar 22, 2007 3:02 PM:

" As a lifelong Republican living in Loudoun County for the past 12 years I am appalled at the leadership of the Republican Party simply handing over to the other political party next November's elections! Whoever thought up the idea of how to select our Republican nominees for office must have been a Democrat! "

Leesburg Citizen wrote on Mar 22, 2007 2:51 PM:

" The current LCRC reminds me more of the Facist party, than one with the best interests of the people at heart. I've been to their "meetings" and anyone voicing any sort of dissent (however miniscule) is promptly told to leave. These are scary, power hungry people who have no business running the show in this county. "

Ashburn Village wrote on Mar 22, 2007 2:03 PM:

" I live in Broad Run and signed up for Jack Ryan. He is by far the best candidate to represent the people of Broad Run. He has NO ties to developers and not a member of the LCRC. The Lori Waters crew typing in all live outside Broad Run and are misinforming people. She increased my taxes 45% and counting in 3 years, can't bring in any business - commerical tax base has dropped to 14%, density packed Ashburn area to the max. and left the West virtually untouched - She has not represented Broad Run at all, but rather where Wolinsky comes from Lovettsville....good riddance.... "

Mark Kay wrote on Mar 22, 2007 10:08 AM:

" Once again, the LCRC demonstrates how independent thinking is "BAD"! Why don't they change the name of this creepy organization to be more reflective of what it really is. Something like the DMGLC (Dale Meyers Greedy Landbarron Committee) has a nice ring to it. "

ashburnvoter wrote on Mar 22, 2007 9:03 AM:

" Unlike Polwatcher I am a resident of Broad Run and know Lori Waters as my County Supervisor. I strongly disagree with Mr Wolinski who like yourself does not live in Broad Run but unlike yourself is admitted to having very strong ties with Ms Waters. Ms Waters and Wolinski are simply using every last effort to Win this election by throwing out the original process of signing up delegates. Jack Ryan signed up over 300 delegates and got a huge support from Broad Run. She obviously failed miserably at this task, and is now trying to change the process. Wolinski is making Ms Waters look like a bad loser. "

grayghost wrote on Mar 22, 2007 8:15 AM:

" I have the same credentails as polewatcher in regard to not being in the Broad Run District, etc. But, I must disagree with him or her on this issue. This process back in January and one must wonder why the Water's campaign waited so long to complain and take issue. Could it be that Mr. Ryan's campaign simply outworked the Water's campaign for delegates?: Or, could it be that the Water's campaign sees the hand writing on the wall and is looking for a convenient excuse for their failure and the failures of their candidate? I do not know the answer but it seems to me that the time to complain is at the beginning and not in the middle. As for the date being a Saturday in June and the location being at a church, so what? If citizens want good government then they should be willing to sacrifice a Saturday for it. I*s that too much to ask? If they want good government, then they should be willing to go most anywhere to cast their ballot for the representatives that best supports their particular position. A church after all is just another building when used for things other than religious purposes. We have become an "instant gratification society" and cannot seem to accomplish very much unless it is in short bursts. Indeed, "Ten minutes tops. Good grief" is just what polwatcher says. We must take more than ten minutes of effort if we wish to secure good government, and those that are not willing to make that kind of sacrifice should sit quietly on the side and not complain when they do not get the kind of government that they want.Good grief indeed! "

Dean Settle wrote on Mar 21, 2007 9:26 PM:

" In my previous posting, I clearly meant "do NOT support Myer's-endorsed candidates.", and promise to proof read before I press the submit button. "

Dean Settle wrote on Mar 21, 2007 9:23 PM:

" I, like Wolinski, also support Lori Waters as she has turned a shaky start into solid support for the economic and residential concerns that concern many in the county. Mr. Wolinski and I are aquainted, and neither of us has taken a dime from any anyone at any time. Our driving force is three prong. Taxes reduction by alleviating large scale development. Restore integrity to the party that we've belonged to for over 20 years. Save the LCRC from Dale Polen Myer's hand-selected candidates, from the from the downward spiral of trust , the disenfranchizing of just under half of it's members , and even if it is from itself. Handing out voters lists to only those candidates who the party isolationists think are worthy of the list... Intentionally not holding a meeting to keep the membership out of the business at hand until they were safely past filing dates and hadve a plan in place to dismiss the delegates who support the Myer's-endorsed candidates.... and much, much more that has occurred under this LCRC cycle's watch. Look for more changes. This will not stand. "

Bohica wrote on Mar 21, 2007 6:49 PM:

" I allso do know Ms. Waters nor do I live in her district; I live in Leesburg. The best process to elect a candidate would be a firehouse primary as you will not be limited to delegates nor do you have to spend most of the day at a convention. I am cynical and do not trust the powers in place now want such a process. I always thougth Republicans stood for the idea of low taxes instead of pandering to a select few that profit greatly at other's expense, but not in Loudoun where our taxes will pay for run away growth. Bohica "

UC-IT-NOW wrote on Mar 21, 2007 6:08 PM:

" polwatcher - good point. But I went to one of these conventions a couple of years ago at Heritage HS and it was good. I actually met all the candidates. This was especially important in the Sherrifs race, when after meeting one of the candidates I completely wrote him off. I did NOT get a good understanding of him from the press. But a few minutes talking to him did the trick. "

alby wrote on Mar 21, 2007 5:21 PM:

" If Waters doesn't get the nomination, she should run as an Independent. I'll sign the papers to get her on the ballot here in Broad Run. Go Lori!!! "

Bohica wrote on Mar 21, 2007 4:25 PM:

" I live in Leesburg, also am not in Water's District nor have I ever met her. If a true candidate selection for an accurate vote would be the firehouse primary instead of a "convention". The current regime is not going to want their power being diluted. Wonder if the Republikans will continue to forget low taxes for the people instaed of the raping of Loudoun to benefit a few. Bohica "

polwatcher wrote on Mar 21, 2007 3:29 PM:

" I am not in any way associated with the Waters campaign, have never been paid for advice or volunteer time. I do not live in that district and barely know Ms. Waters. BUT, I share Wolinski's view that the convention is the wrong method to hold a candidate selection process. It is totally exclusionary, especially at a church on a Saturday in June, when everyone has something better to do with family and friends besides spending a whole day indoors at a convention. It's wrong and should be discarded. A firehouse primary is the only fair way to select a nominee for office. Show up, sign the pledge, vote, leave. Ten minutes tops. Good grief. "



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