Message from the President

Alexandria, VA May 2010

see page 6 for reservation costs and details

Dear CRWC,

Thank you all for helping make the annual Member-ship Reception such a success! Kate Obenshain’s talk, focusing on Republican women, was truly inspiring. Numerous people who had not heard Kate speak told me afterwards how impressed and motivated they were to hear such a dynamic Republican woman speak.

A true acknowledgement of what a force Republican women are is shown with the Commonwealth Repub-lican Women’s Club having received 10 Benefactors within the first week of donor requests for the May Fundraiser. To have 10 commitments - at the highest level of support, in such a short time, is a testament to our Club’s success in helping elect Republican candi-dates. With the announcement that Liz Cheney will be the speaker for this event has come an outpouring from not only our Club members, but Alexandria Republicans as a whole.

Curious about the details – look inside Tempo. Formal invitations have been mailed. Please contact Maria Ciarrocchi or Deb Rankin, Fundraiser Co-Chairs, if you have someone to whom you would like to have a formal invitation sent. One of the new levels of giving offered this year is a special “Young Republican” rate. This would be a great way for CRWC members to treat Young Republicans who might not otherwise have an opportunity to attend such an exciting function.

Lastly, I want to address the rumors that I understand have been swirling about our event selling out. In order to make sure all CRWC members have a chance to at-tend, your invitations were mailed first. That said, we must also honor the “first reply, first accepted” policy. Because of the outstanding response we have had to this fundraiser, we are requesting our members purchase their tickets as soon as possible.

This is going to be an amazing evening at Maeve Rigler’s home. I can’t wait to hear Liz Cheney.

See you on May 20!

Amy MillicanPresident, CRWC

Yes, Virginia

RSVP with card belowInformation: Mariabelle22@gmail.com Business attire

Featuring Special Guest

Liz Cheney Thursday, May 20, 2010

6:30 Benefactor Preview ~~ 7:00 General Reception

2010 Hosts Maeve & Rob Rigler

711 Prince Street,Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Please join the Commonwealth Republican Women’s Club

at their Triennial

Campaign Benefit Reception

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Facebook is a wonderful networking and communication tool for CRWC. Through our CRWC facebook group we can instantly notify members of events or rallys where they could work to promote local candidates. There is a special tool to create event invitations which can be sent not only to group members but emailed to anyone. We also post information about the speaker for our upcom-ing meetings and links to information they have presented us. Photos have been added to our page from previous meetings as well as events, such as the George Washington Parade. Join us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=54856131881

CRWC NewsletterEditor Jane L. Ring

jring10@comcast.netDesktop Julie R. Lineberry

jr.lineberry@verizon.netWebsite:

www.AlexandriaCRWC.org

CRWC Officers & Committe ChairmenPresident: Amy Millican ~ millicancrwc@gmail.comVP Program: Valerie Dowling ~ Valerie.1.dowling@gmail.com VP for Program (April-December)VP Membership: Maria Ciarrocchi ~ mariabelle22@gmail.comRecording Secretary: Luisa Rains ~ TheRainsFam@aol.comCorresponding Secretary: Shari Simmans-Bolouri ~ shari@sharisimmans.comTreasurer: Ann Kavaljian ~ aokavaljian@aol.comBy-Laws and Parliamentarian: Ann Hobbs ~ mhobbs27@comcast.netLegislation & Campaigns: Federal: Michelle Pressons Marston ~ michellemarston@gmail.com State: Vicki Vasques ~ VickiVasques@gmail.com City: Sharon Annear ~ gypsysla@verizon.netAAFinance: Ann Kavaljian ~ aokavaljian@aol.com Assistant Chair: Laurie Kirby ~ Lkirby@Wilkie.comFundraising: Maeve Rigler ~ mtr@riglerlaw.comMay Fundraiser: Co-Chairs Deb Rankin rankinhunt@yahoo.com Maria Ciarrocchi mariabelle22@gmail.comAchievement Awards: Co-Chairs Leslie Anderson ~Leslie_b_Anderson@yahoo.com Becky Davies ~ jbdavies1@comcast.netHospitality: Linda Greenberg ~ lindaroseveargreenberg@comcast.net Assistant Chair: Pauline Bacaj ~ pbacaj@comcast.netCommunity Service: Diane Murphy ~ dgmprop@aol.comPublic Relations: Elizabeth Holcomb ~ ceh22100@yahoo.comNewsletter Editor: Jane Ring ~ jring10@comcast.netNewsletter Desktop/Website ~ Julie Lineberry ~ julie.lineberry@verizon.netDirectory Editor: Sharon Annear ~ gypsysla@verizon.net Assistant Editor: Linda Greenberg ~ lindaroseveargreenberg@comcast.netSpecial Advisor to the President & VFRW/NFRW Liaison: Gail Ledwig ~ donandgail@yahoo.com

Hospitality Report for March 2010Linda Rosevear Greenberg & Pauline Bacaj

Thank you one and all for your delicious contributions to the Membership Reception on Thursday, April 22nd. When I say one and all, the ALL is the significant word. The refreshments were delicious. And the ALL included nearly half our members. Plus, special thanks to the bartender and willing problemsolver Jeff Millican who was on hand to assist from early evening to departure. To one and all a huge thank you.

Linda Greenberg and Pauline Bacajlindaroseveargreenberg@comcast.net and/ or pbacaj@comcast.net 703.461-6992 703-370-1768

3Meet our Guest for the May 20, 2010 FundraiserElizabeth L. CheneyLiz Cheney is an attorney and specialist in U.S. Middle East policy. From 2005-2006, she was the Principal Deputy Assistant

Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs. In this capacity, she was the second-ranking State Department official responsible for U.S. policy in the Middle East. Prior to that, Ms. Cheney served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs from 2002 to 2004. She was responsible for the establishment of the $300 million Middle East Partnership Initiative to support political, economic and educational reform and the empowerment of women in the Middle East.

Ms. Cheney practiced law at White & Case LLP in the area of international project finance from 1996 to 1999. From 1999 to 2002 she served on assignment with the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group. Ms. Cheney served previously at the Department of State and at the Agency for International Development from 1989 to 1993 designing and managing US assistance projects in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.

She is currently collaborating with Vice President Cheney on his memoirs, covering 40 years of his career in Washington. She is Chairman of the board of KeepAmericaSafe.com, a non-profit organization dedicated to education and advocacy about American national secu-rity policy. She also chairs the board of the Institute for the Study of War and is a member of the International Board of Visitors at the University of Wyoming. Ms. Cheney earned her law degree from the University of Chicago in 1996 and her bachelor’s degree from the Colorado College in 1988. She is married to Philip J. Perry and they have five children.

About a year ago, the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP, or what most people know as the $700-billion Wall Street bailout) testified before Congress that the true cost to the American taxpayers for the bailout could reach as high as $23.7 trillion. That’s trillion, with a T.

If you’re having trouble figuring out how a $700-billion Wall Street bailout morphed into a cost to the taxpayers that is almost double the entire nation’s annual economic output (GDP), you’re not alone. Part of it can be explained by the fact that there was a lot more bailing out going on than that one headline-grabbing bill in the fall of 2008. In fact, the bailing out started back in March 2008 when, in an unprecedented move, government saved Bear Stearns at a cost to the taxpayers of $29 billion. That was really the beginning of the “too big to fail” strategy.

Congress, the White House, and the Federal Reserve decided that there were certain institutions that were so integral to our economy that government could not allow them to bear the burden of the financial risks they’d taken. Between March 2008 and March 2009, your government committed $15 trillion, courtesy of the American taxpayers, based on this rationale. Remember AIG? Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac? That $15 trillion is more than what the US spent on World War I, World War II, the New Deal, Iraq, Vietnam, the Korean War, the S&L crisis, the race to the moon … combined.

If your blood isn’t boiling yet, just wait. Washington has been treating the bailout money like a private slush fund. When it bailed out GM and Chrysler, it used TARP money, meant for financial institutions. And, despite the recent public celebration

at the White House, you haven’t been paid back yet. The “new” GM met its most immediate obligations; but the “old” GM still owes you money and then there’s the question of paying for the union retirement contracts – for which you may also have to pony up billions through the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp.

What makes this little recap relevant is that Congress and the White House are currently trying to push through a so-called consumer protection bill that will codify the “too big to fail” mentality, actually institutionalizing it in a new consumer protection agency, the Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA). The way that the legislation is currently written, this new agency’s reach could include any company that extends credit. If you’re an orthodontist that allows families to pay for the kids’ braces on an installment plan, you’re issuing credit and the CFPA could regulate your little practice. You are the government equivalent of Goldman Sachs.

According to its proponents, the purpose of the CFPA is to eliminate complication in credit relationships. So, instead of getting a credit card or a mortgage with fluctuating interest rates that incentivize good behavior by the borrower with lower costs and minimize risks for the lender, the CFPA would develop plain vanilla, one-size-fits-all credit.

It seems pretty clear that individuals who exercise their credit responsibly will end up losers, as well as the ones footing the bill. And, with moral hazard pretty much eliminated, one wonders how long it will be ‘till those who exercised credit irresponsibly – the primary reason we are even contemplating a CFPA – get in over their head again.

“Too Big to Fail” as a Way of Life in Washington

LEGISLATIVE REPORT - Michelle Presson Marston

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Welcome New Members!!

Amy GladTracy Scharia Johnson

Elaine MannenJulia Williams

MayBoard Meeting (includes Committee Chairs) Thursday, May 13 at 7:30 pm [please note the time] at the office of Diane Murphy, 104 South Columbus, Alexandria, VA 22314CRWC Fundraiser, Thursday, May 20, Home of Maeve Rigler, 711 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 see page 1

SeptemberBoard Meeting (includes Committee Chairs) Thursday, September 9Membership Meeting Thursday, September 23 at 7:30 pm at the home of Jane Ring, 308 Monticello Blvd. Alexandria, VA 22305-1612 – 703-548-7454 (H) 703-244-2580 (C)

OctoberBoard Meeting (includes Committee Chairs) Thursday, October 14 Membership Meeting Thursday, October 28– Campaign Work, location TBA

NovemberBoard Meeting (includes Committee Chairs) Thursday, November 11Membership Meeting Thursday, November 18, 7:30 pm at the home of Laurie Kirby, 3209 Circle Hill Rd., Alexandria, VA 22305-1609, 703-549-0348 (H), 703-220-1067 (C)

DecemberBoard Meeting (includes Committee Chairs) Thursday, December 9Membership Meeting Thursday, December 16, 7:00 pm [please note this is earlier than our regular meetings] – Holiday Party and Instillation of New Officers at the home of Julie Lineberry, 500 High Street, Alexandria, VA 22302-4110, 703-548-7663 (H) 703-489-2823 (C)

Save The Dates!!2010 Calendar

Spotlight on the members: Tracy Schario JohnsonLive passionately and flexibly. This is the motto instructing much of Tracy Schario Johnson’s decision-

making in both her personal and professional life. On her second tour of living in the nation’s capital, Tracy’s intention was to work a few years and either return to Ohio to be closer to family or continue her tour of the world’s capitals having lived and worked in Tokyo, Manila and Surabaya, Indonesia.

However, she chose neither. About seven years ago, when the decision about where to move presented itself, the answer was “stay put.” A few months later, she met her husband through mutual friends. Living on Capitol Hill for convenience, Tracy has adopted Virginia as her home state—after all, her husband Billy Johnson is a native of Alexandria, Va. Tracy and Billy both enjoy cooking and sailing. They keep their sailboat “Invictus” on the lower Chesapeake Bay on the Northern Neck of Virginia.

A public affairs professional with more than 15 years experience,Tracy is a frequent spokesperson for George Washington University on national and local topics Tracy was responsible for GW’s communications strategy includ-ing issues management for lawsuits, labor issues, Congressional inquiries and crises. She also developed GW’s social media plan (#1 university for tweets per day in 2009), administered its award-winning news Web site, produced a weekly E-Newsletter and conceived the university’s first sustainability communications strategy.

Currently, Tracy is managing a consulting practice, teaching strategic public relations at GW and writing for her blog and the Capital Communicator. Committed to electing fiscally responsible candidates, she is working with Conservatives of America to provide media training and message development to the founder of the grassroots organizations. Last fall, Tracy coordinated media and editorial board meetings for Ken Cuccinelli’s successful campaign for Virginia’s Attorney General. She also helped her husband with fund-raising for Cuccinelli’s campaign.

Her passion also translates to community service. Tracy has led publicity programs for the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and the Capital Hill Arts Workshop and participates in fund-raising efforts for autism and cancer research. Still an active member of the Public Relations Society of America, Tracy served as president of the National Capital Chapter in 2006 and is a Diamond Award recipient for chapter service. Tracy graduated from Ohio University with an M.A. in communications and The Ohio State University with a B.A. in communications.

To learn more about Tracy, please visit www.schariojohnson.com.

Details:Commonwealth Club won the Gold Achievement Award for its performance!

The work shops Saturday afternoon considered Social Media and Robert’s Rules of Order and Parliamentary Proce-dures. Jerri Ann Henry, Alexandrian, who works with Ed Gillespie, spoke about what’s new and not really new in effective com-munication. Today communicating is described as social networking. The goal is old but the means new. Social networking includes web sites, face book, twitter, linkedin, youtube, and promotion links to the just mentioned. Then, there is email, blogs, Instapundit, and links to everything. We have the opportunity for instantaneous advocacy! Henry’s message began: you have 7 seconds to capture someone’s attention. What’s the best way to do it? Make it easy and interactive.Did you know that according to Robert’s Rules the hierarchy of documents is: corporation charter #1, then constitution and bylaws (together), special rules of order (can take precedence over usual Rules, then standing rules (based on a specific need). Or, according to Parliamentary procedure, when you introduce a guest, it is “family” first, in other words the club’s officers and officials first, then friends, whether it is the governor or a senator. After which come former of-ficials and then the guest or speaker of the day. When you introduce the speaker, the introduction should be short stating why the purpose of the occasion. The speaker should know how much time he has to speak and should expect to be interrupted if he exceeds the time allocated.Also, the order of opening ceremonies is God, honor and country or Invocation, national anthem and Pledge of Allegiance. Meetings begin and end with one rap of the gavel.The election of officers167 voting members present

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VFRW Convention, April 16 - 18 2010

It was a pleasure and a privilege to attend the VFRW Con-vention. I met some very nice people and learned more about Republican activities throughout the state. Highlights follow.

First business of the Sunday morning General Session was the presentation of Achievement Awards. The Commonwealth Club received a Gold Award for its accomplishments. (There are bronze, silver, gold and blue ribbon awards.)

Next, the program continued with committee reports for credentials, nominations and elections. Before the election of officers, President Brenda Campbell asked for our vote on the motion to raise dues. The ayes raised their hands when asked. The nays raised their hands when asked, and Brenda declared the ayes carried the vote. Immediately, the nay-sayers questioned the results and demanded a vote of the membership. The request caused some commotion. Brenda had obviously never thought the vote would not pass.

The next questions were how many people voted and what percentage was necessary to pass the motion. After much con-sultation with the parliamentarian and with Robert’s Rules, it was determined that a count of the eligible voters in the room was required and that to pass two-thirds of the voters had to vote for it. We then counted off and learned that 167 eligible voters were in the hall. The doors were closed and patrolled by the “sargeant at arms,” and a new vote taken. A majority supported the motion but not two-thirds of the voters. The motion failed. Brenda spoke for the increase saying that VFRW lost money on each member because of the national assessment. The opposi-tion reminded us that we were asking Congress to cut back its expenditures and we should set the same example.

The Sunday morning election of officers is also usually a

routine matter. This April, however, the nominating committee had presented an unexpected slate by choosing a newcomer, Dr. Patricia Meyer, for the position of First Vice President. Miki Miller, the current Second Vice President who had expected to become First Vice President challenged the nomination and provided testimonials and other literature supporting her elec-tion. Each candidate was represented by a speaker and after numerous steps, the voting members cast written paper ballots in a formal election process. Miki Miller was elected First Vice President.

As a newcomer to this meeting I was surprised that the nominating committee had not explained why it had broken with precedent. When I asked a few people who seemed to be in the swim of things what happened, no one seemed to be able to explain. However, considering the Sunday morning events, it was fortuitous that at our work sessions Saturday afternoon we had been instructed in Robert’s Rules and Parliamentary Proce-dure! We also heard a helpful presentation on social networking, which is really communicating using 2010 tools.

The Saturday evening banquet speaker was Governor Robert F. McDonnell and he praised the early support provided by the VFRW in his bid for the governorship. The banquet provided the opportunity for the governor and others to formally thank the many who have worked for the Republican Party through-out the year.

Linda Greenberg

P.S. Mary Ramey says HELLO. P.S.S.: I bought 5 chances on the basket but we did not win.

at the historic and elegant Roanoke Hotel and Conference Center

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If you were unable to attend the March Meeting please fill out the survey below and return it to:Diane Murphy, Chair, Outreach & Community Service CommitteeCommonwealth Republican Women’s Club9374 Mt. Vernon CircleAlexandria, VA 22309-3219

WE ARE GROWING !! In order to determine how we will use our time, talent and treasure we need to take your pulse…

As we reach out to the community around us, please indicate your top 2 choices in serving others:_____ education_____ health-related institutions_____ military groups_____ non-profit organization write-in suggestion____________________________________

What age group would you prefer to serve? (Choose 2)_____ infants and children_____ young adults_____ seniors write-in suggestion___________________________________

Do you prefer to serve those who are (choose 2)_____ economically struggling (at or below the poverty level)_____ physically challenged_____ emotionally disturbed (due to abuse or neglect)_____ special needs which may contain one or more of the above write in suggestion___________________________________

Do you prefer to give of your ____time _____treasure or ____ talent? Thank you!!

orEmail to dgmp rop@aol.com

CRWC May 20, 2010 TriennialCampaign Fund Benefit

$500 Benefactor includes 4 tickets, special recognition and wine and hors d’oeuvres reception with Liz Cheney at 6:30 pm$250 Patron includes two tickets and special recognition$100 Friend includes one ticket and special recognition$50 for Individual$35 for Young Republicans

Tickets are selling fast - contact information: Maria Ciarrocchi, Mariabelle22@gmail.com

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Yes, Virginia

7CRWCc/o 308 Monticello BlvdAlexandria, VA 22305

Obenshain Inspires Membership Reception April 22, 2010

Kate Obenshain, former chair of the VA GOP and regular guest on Fox News, was our dynamic guest of honor at the Membership Reception on April 22. She is shown here, clockwise from top left, with:1) Susan Hobbs, Chris Marston, Amy Millican, Brenda Hankins, Maria Ciarrocchi; 2) Amy Millican; 3) Councilman Frank Fannon; 4) Linda Greenberg and other CRWC members; 5) Councilwoman Alicia Hughes.