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February 02, 2012
DC GOP
A message from Paul D. Craney, Executive Director of the DC Republican Committee.
A Message From

Paul D. Craney
Dear DC Republican,
Friday, February 10th will be my last day as Executive Director of the DC Republican Committee. I will be moving to Massachusetts, closer to family, and I will be starting a new position as the Executive Director of a statewide organization. Please make sure to stay in contact. The new Executive Director of the DC Republican Committee will be announced shortly, stay tuned.
During my time as the Executive Director, under the leadership of Chairman Bob Kabel, the DC Republican Committee has experienced a tremendous amount of growth, both financially and in the press. Some of my most treasured memories are with the members who make up the DC Republican Committee. Without the support from loyal and committed members like you, the DC Republican Committee could not be as successful as we are.
In 2010, we ran four excellent candidates for DC Council. Tim Day and Dave Hedgepeth both received the Washington Post endorsements. Later on, the DC Republican Committee and the efforts of Tim Day would be credited for removing disgraced Ward 5 DC Councilmember Harry Thomas from office. Without the hard work of Tim Day and the DC Republican Committee, it's very possible Thomas would still be stealing money from DC taxpayers.
In 2010, the DC Republican Committee and the efforts of Patrick Mara, would prove to be enough to win us a seat on the State Board of Education. It's not too often that incumbents lose their reelections, especially in DC, and we were a driving force to get Patrick elected in 2010. His work on the School Board will help our city for years to come.
More recently, in the special election in 2011, we came in a close 2nd, despite beating the incumbent Councilmember and running a special election campaign with very little time to prepare.
As we gear up for what's ahead in 2012, the DC Republican Committee goes into the New Year with virtually no debt and a substantial surplus. That is only possible because of the hard work from so many dedicated individually who make up the leadership of the DC Republican Committee.
The hard work of our Chairman, the loyal support from the Executive Committee members, the generosity of our Advisory Council members and the dedication from our candidates and our past candidates have re-branded the DCGOP in a way that we should all be proud of. I am truly grateful for having the opportunity to be part of it. Thank you.
Sincerely,
During my time as the Executive Director, under the leadership of Chairman Bob Kabel, the DC Republican Committee has experienced a tremendous amount of growth, both financially and in the press. Some of my most treasured memories are with the members who make up the DC Republican Committee. Without the support from loyal and committed members like you, the DC Republican Committee could not be as successful as we are.
In 2010, we ran four excellent candidates for DC Council. Tim Day and Dave Hedgepeth both received the Washington Post endorsements. Later on, the DC Republican Committee and the efforts of Tim Day would be credited for removing disgraced Ward 5 DC Councilmember Harry Thomas from office. Without the hard work of Tim Day and the DC Republican Committee, it's very possible Thomas would still be stealing money from DC taxpayers.
In 2010, the DC Republican Committee and the efforts of Patrick Mara, would prove to be enough to win us a seat on the State Board of Education. It's not too often that incumbents lose their reelections, especially in DC, and we were a driving force to get Patrick elected in 2010. His work on the School Board will help our city for years to come.
More recently, in the special election in 2011, we came in a close 2nd, despite beating the incumbent Councilmember and running a special election campaign with very little time to prepare.
As we gear up for what's ahead in 2012, the DC Republican Committee goes into the New Year with virtually no debt and a substantial surplus. That is only possible because of the hard work from so many dedicated individually who make up the leadership of the DC Republican Committee.
The hard work of our Chairman, the loyal support from the Executive Committee members, the generosity of our Advisory Council members and the dedication from our candidates and our past candidates have re-branded the DCGOP in a way that we should all be proud of. I am truly grateful for having the opportunity to be part of it. Thank you.
Sincerely,
--Paul
Paul D. Craney
Executive Director
DC Republican Committee
Twitter @dcgop @PaulDiegoCraney
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January 12, 2012
DC GOP
Read the DC Republican Committee's press release about DC Mayor Vincent Gray's postponed taxpayer funded trip to New Hampshire to lobby for DC Statehood.
Press Release
For Immediate Release
January 12, 2012
Contact: Paul Craney
Mobile: (202) 550-1450
GRAY & DC COUNCIL SHOULD VISIT MD & VA
SNOW NOT STOPPING CITY LEADERS IN SPEAKING TO DEMOCRATS FROM MD & VA
# # #
For Immediate Release
January 12, 2012
Contact: Paul Craney
Mobile: (202) 550-1450
GRAY & DC COUNCIL SHOULD VISIT MD & VA
SNOW NOT STOPPING CITY LEADERS IN SPEAKING TO DEMOCRATS FROM MD & VA
Washington, DC: The DC Republican Committee made the following statement today regarding DC Mayor Vincent Gray's postponed trip to New Hampshire. The scheduled trip, with several DC Councilmembers, was postponed due to weather conditions in New England. City leaders are using taxpayer recourses to schedule visits around the country to lobby for DC Statehood. New Hampshire is only 26% Democratic in the State Representatives and 20% in the State Senate. DC leaders were planning to use taxpayer resources to send a DC delegation to New Hampshire that is almost entirely Democratic.
"You don't need to travel to Concord when the Democratic Senators from Virginia and Maryland oppose DC Statehood. Our Mayor and DC Councilmembers should save our city money and start in Richmond and Annapolis. Instead of putting DC taxpayers on the hook for their trips up to New England and around the country, we should be focusing on our neighbors," stated Bob Kabel, Chairman of the DC Republican Committee.
"Taxpayer funded DC Democratic trips around the country will produce great photo opportunities for incumbents seeking difficult reelections and very little for actual results in speaking with elected Democrats and Republicans about DC issues," stated Kabel.
"Our elected leadership thinks sending DC Democrats to talk to only a few Democrats in NH is how to effectively advocate for DC Statehood. Serious questions should be asked, like why isn't our DC delegation bi-partisan and why aren't we speaking to Senators Webb, Warner, Mikulski, Cardin and Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer," concluded Kabel.
"You don't need to travel to Concord when the Democratic Senators from Virginia and Maryland oppose DC Statehood. Our Mayor and DC Councilmembers should save our city money and start in Richmond and Annapolis. Instead of putting DC taxpayers on the hook for their trips up to New England and around the country, we should be focusing on our neighbors," stated Bob Kabel, Chairman of the DC Republican Committee.
"Taxpayer funded DC Democratic trips around the country will produce great photo opportunities for incumbents seeking difficult reelections and very little for actual results in speaking with elected Democrats and Republicans about DC issues," stated Kabel.
"Our elected leadership thinks sending DC Democrats to talk to only a few Democrats in NH is how to effectively advocate for DC Statehood. Serious questions should be asked, like why isn't our DC delegation bi-partisan and why aren't we speaking to Senators Webb, Warner, Mikulski, Cardin and Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer," concluded Kabel.
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January 10, 2012
DC GOP
Read Bob Kabel's official statement regarding the resignation of former Ward 5 DC Councilmember Harry Thomas. As you may recall, in 2010, after the Democratic Primary, former Ward 5 Republican DC Council candidate, Tim Day & the DCGOP were the first to report irregularities from Team Thomas.
A Message From Chairman

B O B K A B E L
Dear DC Republican,
It's a good day for the District of Columbia. A corrupt elected official was forced to resign due to many factors including the DC Republican Committee.
As you may recall, in 2010, after the Democratic Primary, former Ward 5 Republican DC Council candidate, Tim Day & the DCGOP were the first to report irregularities from Team Thomas. Team Thomas was the alleged "non-profit" operated by former Ward 5 DC Councilmember Harry Thomas. Mr. Thomas used his DC Council office and staff to solicit public and private funds, yet failed to report the income. Subsequently, the DC Attorney General began his own investigation. The Attorney General brought civil charges against Mr. Thomas and Mr. Thomas agreed to repay back the city $300,000 yet refused to admit guilt. Ward 1 School Board member, Patrick Mara, was the first elected official to call on Mr. Thomas to resign. Until this week, Mr. Thomas defended himself, accusing the media, the Washington Post editorial page and the DCGOP for hyping up false charges against him.
It's a good day for the District of Columbia. A corrupt elected official was forced to resign due to many factors including the DC Republican Committee.
As you may recall, in 2010, after the Democratic Primary, former Ward 5 Republican DC Council candidate, Tim Day & the DCGOP were the first to report irregularities from Team Thomas. Team Thomas was the alleged "non-profit" operated by former Ward 5 DC Councilmember Harry Thomas. Mr. Thomas used his DC Council office and staff to solicit public and private funds, yet failed to report the income. Subsequently, the DC Attorney General began his own investigation. The Attorney General brought civil charges against Mr. Thomas and Mr. Thomas agreed to repay back the city $300,000 yet refused to admit guilt. Ward 1 School Board member, Patrick Mara, was the first elected official to call on Mr. Thomas to resign. Until this week, Mr. Thomas defended himself, accusing the media, the Washington Post editorial page and the DCGOP for hyping up false charges against him.
(Picture of former Ward 5 DC Councilmember Harry Thomas after pleading guilty. Picture by the DCGOP)
Some of our elected leaders and their lack of ethics is unfortunate and appalling. Some of our elected leaders believe their actions have no repercussions. Tim Day, the DCGOP, many in the media, the DC Attorney General and US Attorney deserve a lot of credit. Without these people and organizations, it's very possible Mr. Thomas would still be playing golf and driving his expensive SUV and motorcycle using taxpayer funds.
Below is a picture graph provided by the US Attorney's Office outlining how Mr. Thomas spent some of the misappropriated funds for his personal use.
Below is a picture graph provided by the US Attorney's Office outlining how Mr. Thomas spent some of the misappropriated funds for his personal use.
(Picture from Fox5 reporter Matt Ackland)
Below are quotes from Federal authorities from last Friday's press conference outlining the ongoing investigation. The investigation is expanding to staff, associates and even the DC Young Democrats. Here are some quotes:
"Almost immediately after taking office, (Mr. Thomas) made a decision that he was going to steal money intended for our youth."
"Thomas stole money designated for substance abuse programs for at-youth risk -- directly comes from taxpayers when they mark box on return."
"Almost immediately after Thomas started stealing, Thomas viewed the city as his personal piggy bank."
The ongoing Federal investigation by the US Attorney's office also included new revelations about Mr. Thomas. Mr. Thomas used the Children and Youth Investment Trust Corp, a quasi-independent entity from DC Government, to direct city grant money to a nonprofit that funneled most of it back to entities controlled by him. Even before taking office in January 2007, Mr. Thomas was working to get government funds for an organization that would kick back money to him. He appropriated tax dollars designated for drug prevention for children at risk to pay for a presidential inaugural ball organized by the DC Young Democrats.
As DC Republicans you can do something about this. You can support the DCGOP and our candidates. You can get involved with our efforts in the city. You can register as a Republican voter and take a stand against the Democratic leadership of our city.
Click here to donate to the DCGOP.
Click here to register as a DC Republican voter.
If you want to get involved in the grassroots level and help our candidates, please contact Paul Craney at (202) 407-7069 or email him at paul@dcgop.com. We want to hear from you.
"Almost immediately after taking office, (Mr. Thomas) made a decision that he was going to steal money intended for our youth."
"Thomas stole money designated for substance abuse programs for at-youth risk -- directly comes from taxpayers when they mark box on return."
"Almost immediately after Thomas started stealing, Thomas viewed the city as his personal piggy bank."
The ongoing Federal investigation by the US Attorney's office also included new revelations about Mr. Thomas. Mr. Thomas used the Children and Youth Investment Trust Corp, a quasi-independent entity from DC Government, to direct city grant money to a nonprofit that funneled most of it back to entities controlled by him. Even before taking office in January 2007, Mr. Thomas was working to get government funds for an organization that would kick back money to him. He appropriated tax dollars designated for drug prevention for children at risk to pay for a presidential inaugural ball organized by the DC Young Democrats.
As DC Republicans you can do something about this. You can support the DCGOP and our candidates. You can get involved with our efforts in the city. You can register as a Republican voter and take a stand against the Democratic leadership of our city.
Click here to donate to the DCGOP.
Click here to register as a DC Republican voter.
If you want to get involved in the grassroots level and help our candidates, please contact Paul Craney at (202) 407-7069 or email him at paul@dcgop.com. We want to hear from you.
Sincerely,
Bob Kabel
Chairman
DC Republican Committee
Twitter: @BobKabelDC
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January 05, 2012
DC GOP
Will you join the DC Republican Committee and call on Ward 5 DC Democratic Councilmember Harry Thomas to resign? Will you call on DC Council Chairman Kwame Brown to call on Mr. Thomas to resign?
Federal authorities have charged Ward 5 DC Democratic Councilmember Harry Thomas on 2 felony charges. He is charged with filing false tax returns and theft of government funds. The DC Attorney General also sued Mr. Thomas in a civil charge for a $1,000,000 but settled for a $300,000 penalty without Mr. Thomas admitting guilt.
As of today, DC Council Chairman Kwame Brown has refused to publicly call on Mr. Thomas to resign. Under DC law, Mr. Thomas can remain in office until placed in jail. If you would like to contact Chairman Brown, please do so. If you want to contact Councilmember Harry Thomas and demand his resignation, please do so. Below is their contact info.
As of today, DC Council Chairman Kwame Brown has refused to publicly call on Mr. Thomas to resign. Under DC law, Mr. Thomas can remain in office until placed in jail. If you would like to contact Chairman Brown, please do so. If you want to contact Councilmember Harry Thomas and demand his resignation, please do so. Below is their contact info.
DC Council Chairman Kwame Brown
Email: kbrown@dccouncil.us
Tel: (202) 724-8032
Ward 5 DC Councilmember Harry Thomas
Email: hthomas@dccouncil.us
Tel: (202) 724-8028
Email: kbrown@dccouncil.us
Tel: (202) 724-8032
Ward 5 DC Councilmember Harry Thomas
Email: hthomas@dccouncil.us
Tel: (202) 724-8028
In 2010, after the Democratic Primary, former Ward 5 Republican DC Council candidate, Tim Day & the DCGOP were the first to report irregularities from TeamThomas. Later, the Attorney General began its own investigation. Ward 1 School Board member, Patrick Mara, was the first elected official to call on Mr. Thomas to resign. Councilmember Thomas still has TeamThomas listed on the taxpayer funded DC Council website.
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December 20, 2011
DC GOP
Republican Presidential campaigns are seeking ballot access in DC and they need your help. Before they can appear on the April 3, 2012 DC Presidential and local Primary, they need to collect signatures from registered DC Republican voters. Please read the statement from DCGOP Chairman Bob Kabel about how you can help their campaigns.
Statement from Chairman

B O B K A B E L

B O B K A B E L
Dear DC Republican,
As many DC Republicans get ready for the holiday season, some us will leave town to visit family and friends. Others will remain in town as family and friends visit them. Either way, politics is not usually on the mind.
If you are in town during the holidays, there are still opportunities to sign petitions for the DC Republican candidates. In order for candidates to get on the April 3, 2012 DC Presidential and local Primary, they need to collect hundreds of signatures from registered DC Republican voters. Without these signatures, candidates cannot be placed on the ballot. Several Republican candidates including Presidential candidates are still collecting signatures and they need your help.
The DC Republican Committee urges all Republicans to help the Presidential candidates and sign all their petitions. Your signature is not an endorsement for one candidate over another, nor does it bind you to vote for a particular candidate. Rather, with your signature, you are participating in the democratic process and helping candidates get on the DC Presidential Primary ballot.
If you would like to sign the petitions, please email us at INFO@DCGOP.COM and we will put you in touch with a volunteer from the appropriate campaign or campaigns.
Thank you and I hope to hear from you soon.
As many DC Republicans get ready for the holiday season, some us will leave town to visit family and friends. Others will remain in town as family and friends visit them. Either way, politics is not usually on the mind.
If you are in town during the holidays, there are still opportunities to sign petitions for the DC Republican candidates. In order for candidates to get on the April 3, 2012 DC Presidential and local Primary, they need to collect hundreds of signatures from registered DC Republican voters. Without these signatures, candidates cannot be placed on the ballot. Several Republican candidates including Presidential candidates are still collecting signatures and they need your help.
The DC Republican Committee urges all Republicans to help the Presidential candidates and sign all their petitions. Your signature is not an endorsement for one candidate over another, nor does it bind you to vote for a particular candidate. Rather, with your signature, you are participating in the democratic process and helping candidates get on the DC Presidential Primary ballot.
If you would like to sign the petitions, please email us at INFO@DCGOP.COM and we will put you in touch with a volunteer from the appropriate campaign or campaigns.
Thank you and I hope to hear from you soon.
--Bob
Sincerely,
Bob Kabel
Chairman
DC Republican Committee
Twitter: @dcgop @BobKabelDC
Facebook www.dcgop.com
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October 26, 2011
DC GOP
DC Republican Committee Chairman Bob Kabel is scheduled to testify at Councilmember Muriel Bowser's Committee hearing on ethics reform. Councilmember Bowser's Committee is responsible for drafting ethics reform that should apply to the Council, Mayor and District Government. Chairman Kabel will be the only representative from the Republican Party testifying.
DC Republican Committee Chairman Bob Kabel is scheduled to testify at Councilmember Muriel Bowser's Committee hearing on ethics reform. Councilmember Bowser's Committee is responsible for drafting ethics reform that should apply to the Council, Mayor and District Government. Chairman Kabel will be the only representative from the Republican Party testifying.
To view a copy of Chairman Kabel's testimony, please click here. Chairman Kabel heard from dozens of residents with their suggestions on how to bring about ethics reform. Some of the suggestions were incorporated into Chairman Kabel's testimony.
Chairman Kabel highlighted at the core of ethics reform, is the need for two major improvements: first, reduce the influence of money in politics and, second, establish strong enforcement mechanisms so infractions are addressed quickly and with meaningful punishment. Chairman Kabel's testimony included 33 key recommendations that can be adopted and voted into law. These recommendations will help bring about comprehensive, top to bottom ethics reform.
Below is the DC Republican Committee's official statement regarding today's Council Committee hearing.
To view a copy of Chairman Kabel's testimony, please click here. Chairman Kabel heard from dozens of residents with their suggestions on how to bring about ethics reform. Some of the suggestions were incorporated into Chairman Kabel's testimony.
Chairman Kabel highlighted at the core of ethics reform, is the need for two major improvements: first, reduce the influence of money in politics and, second, establish strong enforcement mechanisms so infractions are addressed quickly and with meaningful punishment. Chairman Kabel's testimony included 33 key recommendations that can be adopted and voted into law. These recommendations will help bring about comprehensive, top to bottom ethics reform.
Below is the DC Republican Committee's official statement regarding today's Council Committee hearing.
Press Release
For Immediate Release
October 26, 2011
CHAIRMAN KABEL TO TESTIFY ON ETHICS REFORM
DCGOP TO OFFER 33 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MEANINGFUL ETHICS REFORM
DCGOP TO OFFER 33 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MEANINGFUL ETHICS REFORM
Washington, DC: The DC Republican Committee made the following public statement today regarding Councilmember Muriel Bowser's Committee hearing that will address ethics reform. DC Republican Committee Chairman Bob Kabel is scheduled to testify at today's hearing. A copy of his testimony is attached and online at www.dcgop.com.
"The DC Republican Committee is proud to offer our recommendations for comprehensive, top to bottom ethics reform. District residents did not elected our Council and Mayor to tolerate unethical behavior. The days of doing nothing, standing in silence and putting the interests of reelection campaigns at the forefront need to end. Ethics reform is the most important legislative priority for this Council," stated Bob Kabel, Chairman of the DC Republican Committee.
"At the core of ethics reform, is the need for two major improvements: first, reduce the influence of money in politics and, second, establish strong enforcement mechanisms so infractions are addressed quickly and with meaningful punishment," concluded Kabel.
The DC Republican Committee heard from dozens of residents with their ideas for ethics reform. Going forward, the DC Republican Committee will offer bi-partisan support to Chairwoman Bowser in drafting comprehensive, top to bottom ethics reform.
"The DC Republican Committee is proud to offer our recommendations for comprehensive, top to bottom ethics reform. District residents did not elected our Council and Mayor to tolerate unethical behavior. The days of doing nothing, standing in silence and putting the interests of reelection campaigns at the forefront need to end. Ethics reform is the most important legislative priority for this Council," stated Bob Kabel, Chairman of the DC Republican Committee.
"At the core of ethics reform, is the need for two major improvements: first, reduce the influence of money in politics and, second, establish strong enforcement mechanisms so infractions are addressed quickly and with meaningful punishment," concluded Kabel.
The DC Republican Committee heard from dozens of residents with their ideas for ethics reform. Going forward, the DC Republican Committee will offer bi-partisan support to Chairwoman Bowser in drafting comprehensive, top to bottom ethics reform.
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October 21, 2011
DC GOP
Earlier today, lifelong activist, Ron Moten changed party affiliation to the Republican Party. The Washington Post published an op-ed by Ron which gives his reasons for registering as a Republican. Read the DCGOP's official statement below.
Press Release
For Immediate Release
October 21, 2011
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For Immediate Release
October 21, 2011
RONALD MOTEN CHANGES PARTY AFFILIATION
STATEMENT FROM DCGOP CHAIR BOB KABEL
STATEMENT FROM DCGOP CHAIR BOB KABEL
Washington, DC: The DC Republican Committee made the following public statement today regarding the announcement that Ronald Moten, a lifelong member of the Democratic Party, changed his party affiliation to Republican.
"The DC Republican Committee has grown by 1,657 new registered voters this year. Some are Republicans moving into the city, some are youth registering for the first time, and some, like Ron Moten, are life-long DC residents making the brave and courageous decision to change party affiliation and begin a new era in DC politics," stated Bob Kabel, Chairman of the DC Republican Committee.
"The era of one-party rule over this town is going to come to an end. All across the District people come up to me and say: 'Yes, I like what you are doing. I want more accountability, I want more honesty and I want more choices.' I am just getting to know Ron and am excited by his energy and enthusiasm," concluded Kabel.
This weekend, the Washington Post will print an op-ed by Ron describing his decision for registering as a Republican. You can read the op-ed online BY CLICKING HERE. The Moten campaign will have a press conference at 2:00pm on Saturday at the Woodlawn Cemetery located at 4611 Benning Road, SE. At the press conference Ron will outline why he decided to make the change in party affiliation.
"The DC Republican Committee has grown by 1,657 new registered voters this year. Some are Republicans moving into the city, some are youth registering for the first time, and some, like Ron Moten, are life-long DC residents making the brave and courageous decision to change party affiliation and begin a new era in DC politics," stated Bob Kabel, Chairman of the DC Republican Committee.
"The era of one-party rule over this town is going to come to an end. All across the District people come up to me and say: 'Yes, I like what you are doing. I want more accountability, I want more honesty and I want more choices.' I am just getting to know Ron and am excited by his energy and enthusiasm," concluded Kabel.
This weekend, the Washington Post will print an op-ed by Ron describing his decision for registering as a Republican. You can read the op-ed online BY CLICKING HERE. The Moten campaign will have a press conference at 2:00pm on Saturday at the Woodlawn Cemetery located at 4611 Benning Road, SE. At the press conference Ron will outline why he decided to make the change in party affiliation.
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October 06, 2011
DC GOP
The DC Republican Committee sent a letter to the DC Office of Campaign Finance asking them to investigation 3 DC Councilmembers who continue to use their Constituent Services Funds to make political contributions to DC Democratic organizations. The 3 DC Councilmembers who misused their Constituent Services Funds are David Catania, Vincent Orange and Michael Brown. Brown made a political contribution to a DC Democratic organization that is not registered with the Office of Campaign Finance. Constituent Services Funds are intended to help District residents that are most in need.
Press Release
For Immediate Release
October 6, 2011
"Almost a quarter of our DC Councilmembers continue to use their CSF in ways that are unlawful in the most recent reporting period. How can so many ethical compasses be broken at once. Our elected officials shouldn't need us or OCF to tell them that they can't use their CSF to boost Democratic groups which are there to help them remain in office," stated Bob Kabel, Chairman of the DC Republican Committee.
"We have said it before and we'll continue to say it, the DC Council needs comprehensive ethics reform. In this case, our Councilmembers just need to follow existing laws," concluded Kabel.
For Immediate Release
October 6, 2011
3 DC COUNCILMEMBERS MISUSE THEIR CSF
DC DEMOCRATIC ORGS GETS FINANCIAL BOOST FROM 3 COUNCILMEMBERS
DC DEMOCRATIC ORGS GETS FINANCIAL BOOST FROM 3 COUNCILMEMBERS
Washington, DC: The DC Republican Committee sent the attached letter to the Director of the DC Office of Campaign Finance (OCF) in regards to the latest reporting period that revealed 3 DC Councilmembers used their Constituent Services Funds to make political contributions to DC Democratic organizations. A breakdown of the contributions may be found here. Councilmembers David Catania, Vincent Orange and Michael Brown made political contributions in the month of July to various Democratic organizations. In reports filed with the OCF, Catania listed his contribution as a "contribution" and Brown listed his contribution as a "donation." Orange made the largest political contribution for $250.00 and Brown's political contribution went to a group that is not registered with OCF. Attached is an excel sheet that lists the contributions, dates and amounts. The DC Republican Committee made the following statement.
"Almost a quarter of our DC Councilmembers continue to use their CSF in ways that are unlawful in the most recent reporting period. How can so many ethical compasses be broken at once. Our elected officials shouldn't need us or OCF to tell them that they can't use their CSF to boost Democratic groups which are there to help them remain in office," stated Bob Kabel, Chairman of the DC Republican Committee.
"We have said it before and we'll continue to say it, the DC Council needs comprehensive ethics reform. In this case, our Councilmembers just need to follow existing laws," concluded Kabel.
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September 28, 2011
DC GOP
DC Republican Committee Chairman Bob Kabel sent a letter to DC Council Chairman Kwame Brown encouraging Chairman Brown to auction off the luxury entertainment tickets DC Councilmembers receive and to place the proceeds into the DC General Fund.
Press Release
For Immediate Release
September 28, 2011
For Immediate Release
September 28, 2011
DC COUNCIL LUXURY TICKETS NEED TO GO
EBAY CAN HELP SAVE THE DISTRICT THOUSANDS
EBAY CAN HELP SAVE THE DISTRICT THOUSANDS
Washington, DC: The DC Republican Committee sent the attached letter to DC Council Chairman Kwame Brown encouraging him to auction off the DC Council luxury suite in the Verizon Center before the beginning of the Washington Capitals season which starts on October 8th. Last week, some DC Councilmembers used excuses that they needed to raise taxes for the sake of the "have nots" of our city. Others claimed there were no good alternatives but to raise taxes. The DC Republican Committee is asking Council Chairman Brown to auction the free luxury tickets received by any DC Councilmembers in order for them to pay their fair share for the city's "have nots."
"Every year luxury tickets become a distraction for DC Councilmembers. They complain and moan to the media about who didn't get what ticket. What they don't understand is that DC residents find this very annoying. Like moths to a light, they just can't help themselves from accepting these so called free tickets and talking about it. We are asking Chairman Brown to put every ticket on EBay and deposit the proceeds into the General Fund. It's hypocritical for Councilmembers to accept these tickets, while increasing taxes and using taxpayer money to redecorate their Council offices," stated Bob Kabel, Chairman of the DC Republican Committee.
"Moody's may have downgraded the District's outlook but Chairman Brown can easily use EBay to upgrade our finances," concluded Kabel.
"Every year luxury tickets become a distraction for DC Councilmembers. They complain and moan to the media about who didn't get what ticket. What they don't understand is that DC residents find this very annoying. Like moths to a light, they just can't help themselves from accepting these so called free tickets and talking about it. We are asking Chairman Brown to put every ticket on EBay and deposit the proceeds into the General Fund. It's hypocritical for Councilmembers to accept these tickets, while increasing taxes and using taxpayer money to redecorate their Council offices," stated Bob Kabel, Chairman of the DC Republican Committee.
"Moody's may have downgraded the District's outlook but Chairman Brown can easily use EBay to upgrade our finances," concluded Kabel.
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September 21, 2011
DC GOP
DC Mayor Vincent Gray nominated Stephen Danzansky to the DC Board of Elections and Ethics. Mr. Danzansky is a registered DC Republican and would fulfill the non-majority position on the Board of Elections and Ethics. The Board of Elections and Ethics has not had a Republican member for 3 elections and over 2 years.
DC Mayor Vincent Gray nominated Stephen Danzansky to the DC Board of Elections and Ethics. Mr. Danzansky is a registered DC Republican and would fulfill the non-majority position on the Board of Elections and Ethics. The Board of Elections and Ethics has not had a Republican member for 3 elections and over 2 years.
Here are some pictures from the Mayor's press conference.

Read the DC Republican Committee's press statement below.
Press Release
For Immediate Release
September 21, 2011
Washington, DC: The DC Republican Committee made the following statement today in response to Mayor Vincent Gray's nomination of Stephen I. Danzansky to the DC Board of Elections and Ethics. Mr. Danzansky would fulfill the non-majority position on the DC Board of Elections and Ethics which has been vacated for 3 election cycles.
"On behalf of the 30,000 registered Republicans and the DC Republican Committee, we want to thank the Mayor for nominating Mr. Danzansky to the DC Board of Elections and Ethics. This is an important step in the right direction of addressing ethics reform in our city. Mr. Danzansky is an excellent nomination and will bring the highest level of respect, dignity and ethics to the DC Board of Elections and Ethics," stated Bob Kabel, Chairman of the DC Republican Committee.
"We are encouraged by the Mayor's nomination and look forward in working with Councilmember Bowser and the DC Council in advancing Mr. Danzansky's nomination," concluded Kabel.
Here are some pictures from the Mayor's press conference.
Read the DC Republican Committee's press statement below.
Press Release
For Immediate Release
September 21, 2011
MAYOR MAKES A SMART PICK WITH DANZANSKY
MAYOR'S PICK FOR DCBOEE IS A STEP TOWARD ETHICS REFORM
MAYOR'S PICK FOR DCBOEE IS A STEP TOWARD ETHICS REFORM
Washington, DC: The DC Republican Committee made the following statement today in response to Mayor Vincent Gray's nomination of Stephen I. Danzansky to the DC Board of Elections and Ethics. Mr. Danzansky would fulfill the non-majority position on the DC Board of Elections and Ethics which has been vacated for 3 election cycles.
"On behalf of the 30,000 registered Republicans and the DC Republican Committee, we want to thank the Mayor for nominating Mr. Danzansky to the DC Board of Elections and Ethics. This is an important step in the right direction of addressing ethics reform in our city. Mr. Danzansky is an excellent nomination and will bring the highest level of respect, dignity and ethics to the DC Board of Elections and Ethics," stated Bob Kabel, Chairman of the DC Republican Committee.
"We are encouraged by the Mayor's nomination and look forward in working with Councilmember Bowser and the DC Council in advancing Mr. Danzansky's nomination," concluded Kabel.
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September 09, 2011
DC GOP
On the Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi, Councilmember Mary Cheh (Ward 3 - Dem) was asked how she felt about her Council peers using their Constituent Services Funds to make political contributions to DC Democratic organizations. Instead of answering the question, she attacks the caller and refuses to state the law she is referring to.
Below is what DC municipal regulations say about Councilmembers using their Constituent Service Funds. Since 2004, 9 Councilmembers have used their Constituent Service Funds to make over $5,000 in political contributions to various DC Democratic organizations.
3014.2 Citizen-service programs shall be prohibited from participating in any of the following:
(a) Promoting or opposing a political party or committee;
(b) Promoting or opposing the nomination or election of an individual to public office;
(c) Promoting or opposing any initiative, referendum or recall measure;
(d) Distributing campaign literature or paraphernalia;
(e) Using any funds for personal purposes of the elected official; and
(f) Conducting any other campaign activities covered in this Title.
Here is what Councilmember Mary Cheh said in answering uncomfortable questions about Councilmembers using their Constituent Service Funds to make political contributions to Democrat organizations on Kojo Nnamdi's Politics Hour. List to it here or read the transcript below. Never once has Councilmember Cheh or any other Councilmember cited DC law or regulation defending their political contributions to Democratic organizations with Constituent Services Funds. It's because the law they are referring to does not exist.
Time: 1:06 - 1:13
Mary Cheh: "When I asked for the $50.00 back, it's because I was uncertain about it."
(Councilmember Cheh sent a letter to the Office of Campaign Finance on September 1, 2011 stating her request for a refund was because it was "political in nature.")
Time: 1:37 - 1:45
Mary Cheh: "It's not the beneficiary of the money, it's the purpose for which the money was used, if it's used for a political purpose, then you may be talking about something..." (Public records show that political contribution by Constituent Service Funds were made to Democratic groups, not charitable causes.)
Time: 2:26 - 2:52
Mary Cheh: "If you read the limitations in the law... it talks about the purposes for which the money is being used. It doesn't say the beneficiary of the money. Therefore there was 2 things you can't do essentially. You can't spend money for political purposes and two you can't spend on yourself. Until you establish that these were spent for political purposes or for personal benefit, then your charges are irresponsible." (Public records show that political contribution by Constituent Service Funds were made to Democratic groups, not charitable causes.)
Mary Cheh: "When I asked for the $50.00 back, it's because I was uncertain about it."
(Councilmember Cheh sent a letter to the Office of Campaign Finance on September 1, 2011 stating her request for a refund was because it was "political in nature.")
Time: 1:37 - 1:45
Mary Cheh: "It's not the beneficiary of the money, it's the purpose for which the money was used, if it's used for a political purpose, then you may be talking about something..." (Public records show that political contribution by Constituent Service Funds were made to Democratic groups, not charitable causes.)
Time: 2:26 - 2:52
Mary Cheh: "If you read the limitations in the law... it talks about the purposes for which the money is being used. It doesn't say the beneficiary of the money. Therefore there was 2 things you can't do essentially. You can't spend money for political purposes and two you can't spend on yourself. Until you establish that these were spent for political purposes or for personal benefit, then your charges are irresponsible." (Public records show that political contribution by Constituent Service Funds were made to Democratic groups, not charitable causes.)
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September 09, 2011
DC GOP
The DC Office of Campaign Finance sent the DC Republican Committee a letter stating they have referred our request for an investigation to their Reports Analysis and Audit Division (RAAD). According to the Office of Campaign Finance, RAAD will conduct the initial review of all Constituent Service Programs in question.
The DC Office of Campaign Finance sent the DC Republican Committee a letter stating they have referred our request for an investigation to their Reports Analysis and Audit Division (RAAD). According to the Office of Campaign Finance, RAAD will conduct the initial review of all Constituent Service Programs in question.
Read the letter from the Office of Campaign Finance here. Read the letter the DC Republican Committee sent to the Office of Campaign Finance here. Read the DCGOP's statement below.
Press Release
For Immediate Release
September 9, 2011
Contact: Paul Craney
Mobile: (202) 550-1450
Read the letter from the Office of Campaign Finance here. Read the letter the DC Republican Committee sent to the Office of Campaign Finance here. Read the DCGOP's statement below.
Press Release
For Immediate Release
September 9, 2011
Contact: Paul Craney
Mobile: (202) 550-1450
OFFICE OF CAMPAIGN FINANCE TAKES UP DCGOP REQUEST
DONATIONS TO DEMOCRATIC ORGS FROM CONSTITUENT SERVICES FUNDS WILL HAVE TO BE DEFENDED
DONATIONS TO DEMOCRATIC ORGS FROM CONSTITUENT SERVICES FUNDS WILL HAVE TO BE DEFENDED
Washington, DC: The DC Republican Committee made the following statement today in regard to a letter the Office of Campaign Finance (OCF) sent to the DCGOP stating they have referred our request to the Reports Analysis and Audit Division (see attached). The DCGOP also sent a letter asking the OCF to review CSF donations to Democratic organizations that may not report with the OCF (see attached).
"The Office of Campaign Finance is being aggressive and immediately conducting a review. Constituent Service Funds are intended to help residents, not help Democratic organizations and reelection efforts," stated Bob Kabel, Chairman of the DC Republican Committee.
"Some Councilmembers are claiming CSF funds were just “passed through” Democratic organizations to fund scholarships. Scholarship or no scholarship, the moment a check is written to a Democratic organization, its considered a campaign donation," stated Kabel
"Worse yet, some of these contributions may have been diverted to other accounts because the donations are not showing up on publicly filed reports. Show us the money," concluded Kabel.
"The Office of Campaign Finance is being aggressive and immediately conducting a review. Constituent Service Funds are intended to help residents, not help Democratic organizations and reelection efforts," stated Bob Kabel, Chairman of the DC Republican Committee.
"Some Councilmembers are claiming CSF funds were just “passed through” Democratic organizations to fund scholarships. Scholarship or no scholarship, the moment a check is written to a Democratic organization, its considered a campaign donation," stated Kabel
"Worse yet, some of these contributions may have been diverted to other accounts because the donations are not showing up on publicly filed reports. Show us the money," concluded Kabel.
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September 01, 2011
DC GOP
The DC Republican Committee requested from the Director of the DC Office of Campaign Finance to begin an investigation into 10 of the 13 DC Councilmembers for making political contributions to DC Democratic organizations from their Constituent Services Funds. Constituent Services Funds are designed to help residents in need. On August 29th, the Washington Post called for the termination of Constituent Services Funds.
The DC Republican Committee requested from the Director of the DC Office of Campaign Finance to begin an investigation into 10 of the 13 DC Councilmembers for making political contributions to DC Democratic organizations from their Constituent Services Funds. Constituent Services Funds are designed to help residents in need. On August 29th, the Washington Post called for the termination of Constituent Services Funds. Read the editorial here.
To view a copy of the letter sent to the Office of Campaign Finance, click here.
To view a copy of the list of Councilmembers who violated DC municipal regulations, click here.
A copy of our press release may be found below.
To view a copy of the letter sent to the Office of Campaign Finance, click here.
To view a copy of the list of Councilmembers who violated DC municipal regulations, click here.
A copy of our press release may be found below.
DCGOP REQUESTS INVESTIGATION INTO 10 DC COUNCILMEMBERS
COUNCILMEMBERS VIOLATED DC MUNICIPAL REGULATIONS FOR CSF GUIDELINES
COUNCILMEMBERS VIOLATED DC MUNICIPAL REGULATIONS FOR CSF GUIDELINES
Washington, DC: The DC Republican Committee made the following statement today and sent the attached letter to the Director of the DC Office of Campaign Finance requesting an investigation.
"10 of the 13 DC Councilmembers violated District law when they made political contributions through their Constituent Services Funds to Democratic organizations. Instead of using these funds within the guidelines, Councilmembers filled the bank accounts of Democrat organizations. This type of abuse stinks worse than a cow going through an onion patch," stated Bob Kabel, Chairman of the DC Republican Committee.
"We applaud Mr. Mara for being the first elected official to call for the elimination of these funds. District residents deserve to have elected officials who can obey the law and we encourage the Office of Campaign Finance to enforces the consequences," concluded Kabel.
DC municipal regulations prohibit the use to Constituent Services Funds for partisan activities. Section 3014.2 states, "Citizen-Service Programs shall be prohibited from participating in any of the following; (a) Promoting or opposing a political party or committee; (b) Promoting or opposing the nomination or election of an individual to public office; (c) Promoting or opposing any initiative, referendum or recall measure; (d) Distributing campaign literature or paraphernalia; (e) Using any funds for personal purposes of the elected official; and (f) Conducting any other campaign activities covered in this Title." If it is proven that a violation has occurred, the Constituent Services Fund of a Councilmember may be fined a maximum of $2,000 per violation (see 3DCMR Chapter 37, Section 3711.2(u)) http://www.ocf.dc.gov/nws/pdf_files/pn_150.pdf
"10 of the 13 DC Councilmembers violated District law when they made political contributions through their Constituent Services Funds to Democratic organizations. Instead of using these funds within the guidelines, Councilmembers filled the bank accounts of Democrat organizations. This type of abuse stinks worse than a cow going through an onion patch," stated Bob Kabel, Chairman of the DC Republican Committee.
"We applaud Mr. Mara for being the first elected official to call for the elimination of these funds. District residents deserve to have elected officials who can obey the law and we encourage the Office of Campaign Finance to enforces the consequences," concluded Kabel.
DC municipal regulations prohibit the use to Constituent Services Funds for partisan activities. Section 3014.2 states, "Citizen-Service Programs shall be prohibited from participating in any of the following; (a) Promoting or opposing a political party or committee; (b) Promoting or opposing the nomination or election of an individual to public office; (c) Promoting or opposing any initiative, referendum or recall measure; (d) Distributing campaign literature or paraphernalia; (e) Using any funds for personal purposes of the elected official; and (f) Conducting any other campaign activities covered in this Title." If it is proven that a violation has occurred, the Constituent Services Fund of a Councilmember may be fined a maximum of $2,000 per violation (see 3DCMR Chapter 37, Section 3711.2(u)) http://www.ocf.dc.gov/nws/pdf_files/pn_150.pdf
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July 22, 2011
DC GOP
The DC Republican Committee made the following statement regarding today's settlement between the Attorney General and Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas.
Press Release
For Immediate Release
July 22, 2011
Contact: Paul Craney
Mobile: (202) 550-1450
For Immediate Release
July 22, 2011
Contact: Paul Craney
Mobile: (202) 550-1450
THOMAS ADMITS GUILT WITH SETTLEMENT
US ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND FBI SHOULD ACT WITHOUT HESITATION
US ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND FBI SHOULD ACT WITHOUT HESITATION
Washington, DC: The DC Republican Committee made the following statement today in regard to the Attorney General's settlement with Councilmember Harry Thomas (Ward 5- Democrat).
"The Attorney General should be commended for successfully recouping the $300,000 Councilmember Harry Thomas stole from the city. Mr. Thomas unequivocally admitted guilt by settling with the Attorney General, which was the original intent of the charges. The outrage we all share is the fact that Mr. Thomas will not publicly state his wrongdoing, his Council colleagues will not call for his public resignation and his settlement is an interest free loan," stated Bob Kabel, Chairman of the DC Republican Committee.
"We hope the US Attorney's Office, the FBI and the IRS will continue its ongoing investigation and act without hesitation," concluded Kabel.
"The Attorney General should be commended for successfully recouping the $300,000 Councilmember Harry Thomas stole from the city. Mr. Thomas unequivocally admitted guilt by settling with the Attorney General, which was the original intent of the charges. The outrage we all share is the fact that Mr. Thomas will not publicly state his wrongdoing, his Council colleagues will not call for his public resignation and his settlement is an interest free loan," stated Bob Kabel, Chairman of the DC Republican Committee.
"We hope the US Attorney's Office, the FBI and the IRS will continue its ongoing investigation and act without hesitation," concluded Kabel.
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June 15, 2011
DC GOP
The DC Republican Committee challenged the DC Council to publically call on Councilmember Harry Thomas to resign. The highest DC elected official to call on Thomas to resign is Patrick Mara, the State Board of Education member for Ward 1. Thomas is being investigated by the FBI and US Attorney's office. The DC Attorney General filed a $1 million dollar civil suit against Thomas for damages. Read the DCGOP's press release below.
Press Release
For Immediate Release
June 15, 2011
Contact: Paul Craney
Mobile: (202) 550-1450
DCGOP CHALLENGES COUNCIL TO PUBLICALLY CALL ON THOMAS TO RESIGN
Patrick Mara is the Highest DC Elected Official to Call on Thomas to Resign
For Immediate Release
June 15, 2011
Contact: Paul Craney
Mobile: (202) 550-1450
DCGOP CHALLENGES COUNCIL TO PUBLICALLY CALL ON THOMAS TO RESIGN
Patrick Mara is the Highest DC Elected Official to Call on Thomas to Resign
Washington, DC: The DC Republican Committee sent (via email and certified mail) the attached letter to each Councilmember except Councilmember Harry Thomas. The letter challenges the Council in joining Patrick Mara in publically calling on Councilmember Harry Thomas to resign. Patrick Mara is the State Board of Education member representing Ward 1 and is the highest DC elected official to publically call on Councilmember Thomas to resign.
"Councilmember Thomas has never once given an explanation for the accusations being charged against him. As a result, he has lost the publics' trust and is collecting a salary that is undeserved. We hope the DC Council will join Patrick Mara in his public statement calling on Thomas to resign," stated Bob Kabel, Chairman of the DC Republican Committee.
"It is not enough that Councilmember Thomas resigned his Committee Chairmanship. Anything less than a full resignation from the DC Council is an insult to District residents," concluded Kabel.
"Councilmember Thomas has never once given an explanation for the accusations being charged against him. As a result, he has lost the publics' trust and is collecting a salary that is undeserved. We hope the DC Council will join Patrick Mara in his public statement calling on Thomas to resign," stated Bob Kabel, Chairman of the DC Republican Committee.
"It is not enough that Councilmember Thomas resigned his Committee Chairmanship. Anything less than a full resignation from the DC Council is an insult to District residents," concluded Kabel.
# # #
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June 06, 2011
DC GOP
Press Release
For Immediate Release
June 6, 2011
Contact: Paul Craney
Mobile: (202) 550-1450
# # #
For Immediate Release
June 6, 2011
Contact: Paul Craney
Mobile: (202) 550-1450
US ATTORNEY NEEDS TO INVESTIGATE TEAM THOMAS
DC Council Should Remove Harry Thomas
DC Council Should Remove Harry Thomas
Washington, DC: The DC Republican Committee made the following statement in response to the DC Attorney General's complaint referred to the US Attorney's office involving Team Thomas and Councilmember Harry Thomas. The DC Republican Committee and former GOP Ward 5 candidate Tim Day originally requested the investigation of Team Thomas and Harry Thomas with the Attorney General's office.
"We strongly encourage the US Attorney to begin its own investigation into Team Thomas and Harry Thomas. DC elected officials need to know they cannot use their positions of authority to get rich and milk the system any longer. There needs to be repercussions for such actions including criminal charges," stated Bob Kabel, Chairman of the DC Republican Committee.
"Council Chairman Kwame Brown needs to set an example that this type of behavior cannot be tolerated and ask Mr. Thomas to resign. Councilmembers should not be under investigation by multiple sources while serving as an elected official," concluded Kabel.
"We strongly encourage the US Attorney to begin its own investigation into Team Thomas and Harry Thomas. DC elected officials need to know they cannot use their positions of authority to get rich and milk the system any longer. There needs to be repercussions for such actions including criminal charges," stated Bob Kabel, Chairman of the DC Republican Committee.
"Council Chairman Kwame Brown needs to set an example that this type of behavior cannot be tolerated and ask Mr. Thomas to resign. Councilmembers should not be under investigation by multiple sources while serving as an elected official," concluded Kabel.
# # #
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April 27, 2011
DC GOP
Read DCGOP Chairman Bob Kabel's message about the April 26th At-Large DC Council special election.
A Message From


CHAIRMAN
BOB KABEL
Dear DC Republican,
Thank you! Tuesday's special election for the At-Large DC Council position was very close. According to unofficial results, Patrick Mara received 11,096 votes, only 1,120 shy of beating Vincent Orange There were 9 candidates total and Patrick received the 2nd most votes and won Wards 2, 3 and 6. Right now we are waiting for absentee ballots and provisional ballots to be counted which will take several days.
The incumbent Councilmember Sekou Biddle was defeated and finished in 3rd, well behind Patrick. Patrick ran a great race and had a lot of momentum due to the hard work from DC Republicans like you.
Again, thank you for helping Patrick and for helping the DC Republican Committee.
Sincerely,
Thank you! Tuesday's special election for the At-Large DC Council position was very close. According to unofficial results, Patrick Mara received 11,096 votes, only 1,120 shy of beating Vincent Orange There were 9 candidates total and Patrick received the 2nd most votes and won Wards 2, 3 and 6. Right now we are waiting for absentee ballots and provisional ballots to be counted which will take several days.
The incumbent Councilmember Sekou Biddle was defeated and finished in 3rd, well behind Patrick. Patrick ran a great race and had a lot of momentum due to the hard work from DC Republicans like you.
Again, thank you for helping Patrick and for helping the DC Republican Committee.
Sincerely,

Bob Kabel
Chairman
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April 14, 2011
DC GOP
Read the Washington Post's endorsement of Patrick Mara for the At-Large DC Council position on April 26th.
Patrick Mara for an at-large seat on the D.C. Council
By Editorial, Wednesday, April 13
THE DISTRICT government, which made so much progress over the past dozen years, seems in danger of slipping backward. It has been shaken by scandals ranging from self-interested use of public dollars to nepotism in hiring to questionable financial dealings of office holders. The need for a strong, independent voice to help the city regain its footing has rarely been more urgent.
Rising to the challenge is a crowded field of candidates for D.C. Council, including some of proven accomplishment and others with promising futures. This is not one of those races in which voters must lament a lack of choice or feel they must pick the lesser evil. Among those running are three candidates whom we have endorsed in other contests — Sekou Biddle, Vincent Orange and Patrick Mara — as well as an engaging newcomer, Joshua Lopez. The winner of the April 26 vote will fill the remaining 19 months of Kwame R. Brown’s at-large term, vacated when he was elected council chairman.
We enthusiastically endorse Patrick Mara. We think it would be healthy to temper the one-party domination of D.C. government, but that’s only the beginning of an argument. Mr. Mara is a socially progressive, fiscally conservative Republican who would bring diversity of thought and approach to the 13-member body. He has the strength to stand up for his beliefs but the pragmatism to form coalitions. Long active in community affairs, Mr. Mara was recently elected to represent diverse Ward 1 on the state board of education. He’s been a strong voice for education, fiercely bipartisan in his support of the school reforms launched by Adrian M. Fenty (D) and Michelle A. Rhee when they were mayor and schools chancellor. He’s a true believer in school choice, supporting charter schools and the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program.
Mr. Mara is not afraid to break with his party; he supports same-sex marriage and D.C. voting rights. Indeed, one of Mr. Mara’s promises, if elected, is to use his standing as a Republican to lobby for congressional representation and budget autonomy for Washington. Most refreshingly, Mr. Mara doesn’t change his positions to please the interests of the audience he’s addressing. He owes no favors to the entrenched Democratic establishment and, as such, would be a much-needed breath of fresh air on a council ossified by old ways and tired allegiances.
Mr. Mara faces a field of Democrats that includes Mr. Biddle, a former D.C. State Board of Education member who was appointed to temporarily fill the at-large seat; Mr. Orange, a former two-term council member from Ward 5; Mr. Lopez, a community activist who spearheaded the maverick effort to write in Mr. Fenty last November; and Bryan Weaver, a former Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner in Adams Morgan with a commitment to progressive causes.
Mr. Orange, who has lost recent races for mayor and council chair, brings the most experience, with strong fiscal credentials, but his candidacy, embraced by organized labor, is more about looking backward than forward. Mr. Biddle is earnest and thoughtful, with an impressive record in school reform, but he too easily adjusts his positions; he has wavered on tax hikes, school vouchers and whether he is independent from or allied with Mr. Brown. Mr. Weaver is well informed, but his approach to government is unbendingly liberal, with increased taxes seemingly his only solution. Mr. Lopez, who would be the first Hispanic on the council if elected, is running an energetic, forthright campaign. There’s no doubt that he, too, would be an independent voice on the council, but he would benefit from more experience.
Turnout for the special election is expected, based on experience, to be light. That would be a shame considering the challenges facing the city and the opportunity for voters to make a difference. We urge those who are registered to vote, no matter what their party, to show up April 26.
Rising to the challenge is a crowded field of candidates for D.C. Council, including some of proven accomplishment and others with promising futures. This is not one of those races in which voters must lament a lack of choice or feel they must pick the lesser evil. Among those running are three candidates whom we have endorsed in other contests — Sekou Biddle, Vincent Orange and Patrick Mara — as well as an engaging newcomer, Joshua Lopez. The winner of the April 26 vote will fill the remaining 19 months of Kwame R. Brown’s at-large term, vacated when he was elected council chairman.
We enthusiastically endorse Patrick Mara. We think it would be healthy to temper the one-party domination of D.C. government, but that’s only the beginning of an argument. Mr. Mara is a socially progressive, fiscally conservative Republican who would bring diversity of thought and approach to the 13-member body. He has the strength to stand up for his beliefs but the pragmatism to form coalitions. Long active in community affairs, Mr. Mara was recently elected to represent diverse Ward 1 on the state board of education. He’s been a strong voice for education, fiercely bipartisan in his support of the school reforms launched by Adrian M. Fenty (D) and Michelle A. Rhee when they were mayor and schools chancellor. He’s a true believer in school choice, supporting charter schools and the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program.
Mr. Mara is not afraid to break with his party; he supports same-sex marriage and D.C. voting rights. Indeed, one of Mr. Mara’s promises, if elected, is to use his standing as a Republican to lobby for congressional representation and budget autonomy for Washington. Most refreshingly, Mr. Mara doesn’t change his positions to please the interests of the audience he’s addressing. He owes no favors to the entrenched Democratic establishment and, as such, would be a much-needed breath of fresh air on a council ossified by old ways and tired allegiances.
Mr. Mara faces a field of Democrats that includes Mr. Biddle, a former D.C. State Board of Education member who was appointed to temporarily fill the at-large seat; Mr. Orange, a former two-term council member from Ward 5; Mr. Lopez, a community activist who spearheaded the maverick effort to write in Mr. Fenty last November; and Bryan Weaver, a former Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner in Adams Morgan with a commitment to progressive causes.
Mr. Orange, who has lost recent races for mayor and council chair, brings the most experience, with strong fiscal credentials, but his candidacy, embraced by organized labor, is more about looking backward than forward. Mr. Biddle is earnest and thoughtful, with an impressive record in school reform, but he too easily adjusts his positions; he has wavered on tax hikes, school vouchers and whether he is independent from or allied with Mr. Brown. Mr. Weaver is well informed, but his approach to government is unbendingly liberal, with increased taxes seemingly his only solution. Mr. Lopez, who would be the first Hispanic on the council if elected, is running an energetic, forthright campaign. There’s no doubt that he, too, would be an independent voice on the council, but he would benefit from more experience.
Turnout for the special election is expected, based on experience, to be light. That would be a shame considering the challenges facing the city and the opportunity for voters to make a difference. We urge those who are registered to vote, no matter what their party, to show up April 26.
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April 12, 2011
DC GOP
Ed Cowan, a local blogger of DC politics endorsed Patrick Mara for the At-Large DC Council position today. Ed is a former NY Times reporter and now a DC resident. He covers local politics and sends out email updates on a regular basis. Read Ed's endorsement below.
To: DC Voters
From: Edward Cowan
April 12, 2011
From: Edward Cowan
April 12, 2011
Patrick Mara for Council
At a candidates' forum Monday evening in Zion Baptist Church on Blagden Avenue NW, the youngest candidate for the At-Large council seat, Joshua Lopez, told the 75 people present that “if you elect the same people over and over, nothing will change.” Lopez promised that if elected, he would bring “new ideas” to the District government, which he said needs “checks and balances.”
Lopez was right about what is needed. But at age 27, he is not yet the candidate to establish “checks and balances” and to be the voice of a political opposition on the oh-so-cozy, 13-member council.
That candidate is Patrick Mara, the only Republican running in the April 26 special election to fill an At-Large seat. It is now held provisionally by Sekou Biddle, who was appointed in January by the DC Democratic Committee.
(Biddle did not come to Monday night's forum. As someone announced for him, he was being arrested by the U.S. Capitol Police, along with Mayor Vincent Gray, Chairman Kwame Brown and four other council members. Gray's office boasted in a press release that they were arrested for “civil disobedience” as a result of their protest on the Capitol grounds of the Congress's restrictions on District budget autonomy in last weekend's 11th hour spending agreement for 2011. It was political theater, designed to make a point about the District's lack of complete self-government.)
Mara, elected in November to the Ward 1 seat on the Board of Education, is a sensible, urban Republican. He would be the only Republican on the Council. It now consists of 11 avowed Democrats, one Independent, David Catania (At Large, who was a Republican when first elected in 1997), and one faux Independent, Michael Brown (At Large), who is a Democrat to the bone.and has not denied it.
Enhancing DC Democracy
Readers of these Reports to DC Voters will recognize that since their inception in 2005, they have endorsed no candidate. I depart from that abstemious neutrality now because I see in this special election an unusual opportunity for the enhancement of democratic (small d) politics in the District.
Putting a Republican on the council would create an Opposition, always a good thing in a representative legislature, especially a small one dominated by one party. It would be a step towards making the District a two-party polity, one that Democrats, locally and nationally, can no longer take for granted. Winning the Democratic nomination might no longer assure victory at the general election. The November balloting could become meaningful. Who could oppose that?
Mara Can Win
Mara is attractive, and he can win. He took the Republican nomination away from veteran council member Carol Schwartz (At Large) in the 2008 primary and last November he won his Board of Education seat by ousting an incumbent. With two prominent, regular Democrats (Biddle and Vincent Orange, a National Committeeman and former two-term council member) and two independent but little-known Democrats (Lopez and Bryan Weaver) on the ballot, Democratic votes will be scattered and Mara could grab a plurality—and victory.
Patrick Mara is 40 years old, owns a house on 11th Street NW in Columbia Heights, owns an interest in a pub down the street, and has his own political and business consulting enterprise, Dolan Associates. He is a small businessman, and he argues that the District should offer more “incentives” to the creation of small business.
Of middling height, with auburn hair (“it turns red in summer”) and blue eyes, he has an open, outgoing manner and is not afraid to admit in public that he doesn't know something (I have heard him do it).
Against Tax Increases, For Less Spending
Mara portrays himself as “socially progressive, fiscally responsible.” Which is to say, he supports the District's same-sex marriage law and would cut the municipal budget—the payroll of 32,000 employees (too many for a city of 600,000, he says) and the fleet of official cars.
He opposes all tax increases. He would help the District's jobless find work by offering them adult education and job training, not by imposing hiring requirements on employers.
He would end what he calls the “preferences” of council members, notably the official license plates that immunize them from parking tickets. He would cut their salary ($125,000) by 10 percent. He says the cut should be larger but, if elected, he would go for 10 percent as attainable.
Under the heading of transparency, he would require elected officials to disclose—on the Internet-- their financial holdings (and their spouses' holdings) and publish their tax returns. Would he publish his return before the voting on April 26 or a list of his assets? Mara blushed and demurred, saying such disclosure would reveal how little income he has and that to do it alone “wouldn't be fair” to him. His job on the Board of Education pays $15,000.
Mara, a tad vaguely, says he would require DC government employees with official credit or debit cards to disclose more about how they use those cards to spend the taxpayers' money.
An Envoy to Hill Republicans
Mara argues that if elected, he could serve as the District's first envoy to Republicans in Congress. He would strive to persuade them that DC deserves a vote in the House. He said Monday evening that he has already met with more than 20 Hill Republicans.
A graduate of Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY, where is is president of the alumni association and holds a seat on the board of trustees, Mara has an MBA from Babson College. He avers that he has a strong interest in renewable energy and has been an advocate of “green” policies since his student days.
The special election takes place on Tuesday, April 26. Early voting has begun at the Board of Elections, 441 4th Street NW. For more information, go to www. dc.boee.us. []
Lopez was right about what is needed. But at age 27, he is not yet the candidate to establish “checks and balances” and to be the voice of a political opposition on the oh-so-cozy, 13-member council.
That candidate is Patrick Mara, the only Republican running in the April 26 special election to fill an At-Large seat. It is now held provisionally by Sekou Biddle, who was appointed in January by the DC Democratic Committee.
(Biddle did not come to Monday night's forum. As someone announced for him, he was being arrested by the U.S. Capitol Police, along with Mayor Vincent Gray, Chairman Kwame Brown and four other council members. Gray's office boasted in a press release that they were arrested for “civil disobedience” as a result of their protest on the Capitol grounds of the Congress's restrictions on District budget autonomy in last weekend's 11th hour spending agreement for 2011. It was political theater, designed to make a point about the District's lack of complete self-government.)
Mara, elected in November to the Ward 1 seat on the Board of Education, is a sensible, urban Republican. He would be the only Republican on the Council. It now consists of 11 avowed Democrats, one Independent, David Catania (At Large, who was a Republican when first elected in 1997), and one faux Independent, Michael Brown (At Large), who is a Democrat to the bone.and has not denied it.
Enhancing DC Democracy
Readers of these Reports to DC Voters will recognize that since their inception in 2005, they have endorsed no candidate. I depart from that abstemious neutrality now because I see in this special election an unusual opportunity for the enhancement of democratic (small d) politics in the District.
Putting a Republican on the council would create an Opposition, always a good thing in a representative legislature, especially a small one dominated by one party. It would be a step towards making the District a two-party polity, one that Democrats, locally and nationally, can no longer take for granted. Winning the Democratic nomination might no longer assure victory at the general election. The November balloting could become meaningful. Who could oppose that?
Mara Can Win
Mara is attractive, and he can win. He took the Republican nomination away from veteran council member Carol Schwartz (At Large) in the 2008 primary and last November he won his Board of Education seat by ousting an incumbent. With two prominent, regular Democrats (Biddle and Vincent Orange, a National Committeeman and former two-term council member) and two independent but little-known Democrats (Lopez and Bryan Weaver) on the ballot, Democratic votes will be scattered and Mara could grab a plurality—and victory.
Patrick Mara is 40 years old, owns a house on 11th Street NW in Columbia Heights, owns an interest in a pub down the street, and has his own political and business consulting enterprise, Dolan Associates. He is a small businessman, and he argues that the District should offer more “incentives” to the creation of small business.
Of middling height, with auburn hair (“it turns red in summer”) and blue eyes, he has an open, outgoing manner and is not afraid to admit in public that he doesn't know something (I have heard him do it).
Against Tax Increases, For Less Spending
Mara portrays himself as “socially progressive, fiscally responsible.” Which is to say, he supports the District's same-sex marriage law and would cut the municipal budget—the payroll of 32,000 employees (too many for a city of 600,000, he says) and the fleet of official cars.
He opposes all tax increases. He would help the District's jobless find work by offering them adult education and job training, not by imposing hiring requirements on employers.
He would end what he calls the “preferences” of council members, notably the official license plates that immunize them from parking tickets. He would cut their salary ($125,000) by 10 percent. He says the cut should be larger but, if elected, he would go for 10 percent as attainable.
Under the heading of transparency, he would require elected officials to disclose—on the Internet-- their financial holdings (and their spouses' holdings) and publish their tax returns. Would he publish his return before the voting on April 26 or a list of his assets? Mara blushed and demurred, saying such disclosure would reveal how little income he has and that to do it alone “wouldn't be fair” to him. His job on the Board of Education pays $15,000.
Mara, a tad vaguely, says he would require DC government employees with official credit or debit cards to disclose more about how they use those cards to spend the taxpayers' money.
An Envoy to Hill Republicans
Mara argues that if elected, he could serve as the District's first envoy to Republicans in Congress. He would strive to persuade them that DC deserves a vote in the House. He said Monday evening that he has already met with more than 20 Hill Republicans.
A graduate of Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY, where is is president of the alumni association and holds a seat on the board of trustees, Mara has an MBA from Babson College. He avers that he has a strong interest in renewable energy and has been an advocate of “green” policies since his student days.
The special election takes place on Tuesday, April 26. Early voting has begun at the Board of Elections, 441 4th Street NW. For more information, go to www. dc.boee.us. []
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April 07, 2011
DC GOP
The DC Police Union (Fraternal Order of Police) endorsed Patrick Mara for DC Council today. Read their full statement below.

April 7, 2011
Washington, DC
The DC Police Union Endorses Patrick Mara
for DC Council (At-Large)
for DC Council (At-Large)
The Fraternal Order of Police, Metropolitan Police Department Labor Committee (FOP) has announced its endorsement of Patrick Mara for At-Large councilmember for the Council of the District of Columbia. The FOP is the police union that represents the more than 3,500 police officers, detectives, and sergeants of the Metropolitan Police Department.
In issuing the endorsement FOP Chairman Kristopher Baumann stated: "Patrick Mara is the one candidate that has been willing to discuss and address the serious public safety issues facing the District, as well as the ethical issues that are undermining the District government."
Chairman Baumann noted that: "There has to be voice on the Council that is committed to public safety, both in the short and long term. We have become so complacent and accepting of the level of crime in the District that we have forgotten that enduring crime is not an acceptable trade-off for living in this city."
Despite having an authorized force of 4,200 officers, the Metropolitan Police Department is on the brink of falling below 3,800 sworn police officers. A staffing level that has been described as unacceptable and dangerous. At the same time, property crimes are up city-wide and certain neighborhoods continue to struggle with unacceptable levels of violence.
Patrick Mara is committed to serious reforms of the ethics laws and regulations that govern District employees and elected officials. Creating real immediate consequences for ethical violations will begin the long process of rebuilding public trust in the District government. "As police officers, we believe it is critical that the public can trust its elected officials and the government. The District and its officials have severely damaged that relationship. Patrick offers all of us the best chance to begin restoring that trust." - added Chairman Baumann.
In issuing the endorsement FOP Chairman Kristopher Baumann stated: "Patrick Mara is the one candidate that has been willing to discuss and address the serious public safety issues facing the District, as well as the ethical issues that are undermining the District government."
Chairman Baumann noted that: "There has to be voice on the Council that is committed to public safety, both in the short and long term. We have become so complacent and accepting of the level of crime in the District that we have forgotten that enduring crime is not an acceptable trade-off for living in this city."
Despite having an authorized force of 4,200 officers, the Metropolitan Police Department is on the brink of falling below 3,800 sworn police officers. A staffing level that has been described as unacceptable and dangerous. At the same time, property crimes are up city-wide and certain neighborhoods continue to struggle with unacceptable levels of violence.
Patrick Mara is committed to serious reforms of the ethics laws and regulations that govern District employees and elected officials. Creating real immediate consequences for ethical violations will begin the long process of rebuilding public trust in the District government. "As police officers, we believe it is critical that the public can trust its elected officials and the government. The District and its officials have severely damaged that relationship. Patrick offers all of us the best chance to begin restoring that trust." - added Chairman Baumann.
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Events
February 4th & 5th, 2012
February 8, 2012
February 9, 2012
March 5, 2012
April 3, 2012

