District of Columbia Republican Committee

Thank you for your help this past election cycle. Many DC Republicans dedicated countless hours and resources to help our candidates and although we worked hard for a different outcome, I want to stress the importance of the strides we have made.

Patrick Mara, who ran for the At-Large seat on the DC Council, won the endorsement of the Washington Post three times. He paved the way for our future candidates by running an aggressive campaign. Patrick knocked on 20,000 doors and participated in countless debates and forums. He handily won the second most votes in Wards 3 and 2 and outperformed incumbent Democratic Councilmember Kwame Brown in some precincts. Unfortunately, voter turnout in other Wards made Patrick’s victory considerably more difficult. Christina Culver ran an excellent campaign for the Ward 2 DC Council position. The Washington Post called Christina “an appealing newcomer with expertise and interest in education reform.” Christina held the incumbent Democrat to his lowest totals ever. Nelson Rimensnyder’s campaign for Shadow US Senator also received considerable attention. All of our candidates have enhanced the Republican image in the District and they deserve our deepest appreciation.

Despite our losses, the campaigns have changed the Republican Party in the District. Our candidates energized not only Republicans but Independents and some Democrats. New people were brought into our Party. Losing is difficult but we have reason to be optimistic for the future.

This year's election has resulted in our being recognized as a strong minority party. We have received more press attention over the past year than in any previous year. The Washington City Paper named the DCGOP in their annual “Best Of” edition for local political parties. Another example of our press attention was days before the election, the DCGOP identified absentee ballots that were printed in error (missing the Republican candidate for DC Council). We immediately took this to the local media and the Board of Elections. News spread quickly, the Associated Press, Washington Post, WTOP News, NBC4 and even the Huffington Post reported on this. Similar reactions occurred when we learned that several Republicans had not received their absentee ballots. Without the presence of a strong DC Republican Party, this would not have happened.

We need to remain focused on building our Party and looking to the future. It is important for us to continue to get our message of fiscal responsibility, school reform and transparency in District government to the public. I look forward to working with you as we continue to build our Party in the nation's capitol.

Respectfully,

Robert J. Kabel

Chairman

DC Republican Committee