Despite a winter storm that plunged the early morning meet-up into single-digit chills, an energetic crowd of nearly 50 citizen activists descended upon Richmond Thursday, where they were seen and heard by dozens of state legislators and their legislative assistants.
The message delivered was clear: passing House Joint Resolution 49 (HJ49) and Senate Joint Resolution 31 (SJ31) will establish how the General Assembly chooses, instructs, and constrains any “commissioners” it selects to represent Virginia at interstate conventions, including an Article V convention.
There is no partisan angle or ideological edge to it. Why not do this now?
Those sentiments were also expressed by the resolution's chief patrons, Delegate Mark Cole (House 88/Fredericksburg) and Senator Mark Peake (Senate 22/Goochland). Both men were presented with a special plaque commemorating their support for COS by Rita Dunaway, Convention of States Project’s National Legislative Strategist and Virginia Legislative Liaison.
The brainchild of Northern Neck Regional Captain Russ Beyer, the plaques were warmly received. Although our scheduled speaker, former U.S. Senator Jim DeMint, was waylaid by the effects of the winter storm, both legislators allayed that disappointment with inspiring remarks about the powerful influence that COS grassroots army is having in their districts and at the capitol.
Among the day’s notable legislator meetings was that with Delegate Brenda Pogge (House 96 /James City). Six COS Virginia stalwarts from her district gathered at her desk. By the looks of it, she welcomed the encounter. Most importantly, she was persuaded to co-sponsor HJ49. That’s citizen activism at its finest!
Seated: Del. Brenda Pogge, District 96; Standing (L-R) Randy Schmidt, Veterans Coalition Director; Bob Reynolds, volunteer; Kevin Rasmussen, District 96 Captain, Fred Richmond, volunteer; Russ Beyer, Regional Captain, Tim Dander, volunteer.
We have yet to tally all the conversations that were had and all the contacts that were made, but we know of at least one constituent-delegate interaction that proceeded from a chance encounter . . . outside of a restroom. That’s tenacity at its finest!
For rally-goers, be sure to send a personalized note via email (great) or a hand-written snail mail (best) to everyone you engaged, legislators and assistants alike. For those that could not attend, be looking for a future listing of who was contacted.
If you are a constituent, let that legislator or assistant know you appreciate them taking the time to engage with your fellow COS Virginia volunteers, being sure to mention the January 18 date it occurred and the topic (HJ49 and SJ31).
Delegate Mark Cole (House 88/Fredericksburg), after receiving a plaque in recognition of his support for COS and sponsorship of HJ49.
