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Dear Friend —
As one of Jefferson Forum’s inner circle of donors and supporters, I am pleased that you are one of the first to know of my new role as Chief Executive Office for our intrepid group of Virginia conservatives — and intrepid we are.
The task we face in Virginia is an uphill one. Times have changed. Like some of you, I remember those days of Mike Thompson’s leadership with the Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy for so many years when conservative values and conservative ideas were in the vanguard.
When I first became involved with the conservative movement, we were still a party of ideas. Big ideas, such as Newt Gingrich’s Contract With America, George Allen ending parole for violent criminals, and Jim Gilmore’s commitment to end the hated car tax.
We spoke openly about Ronald Reagan and ending Soviet Communism, Dick Obenshain and his radical commitment to freedom, and believed in the idea of free minds, free ideas, and a free society.
More recently, Virginians proved during the Youngkin-Miyares renaissance that conservative values can end violent crime, improve outcomes, and make Virginia the best place in the nation to work, live, and raise a family.
Today — those shared conservative values are on the ropes.
Yet if how we talk about the things that matter is just as important as what matters, the breakdown in conservative sensibilities and what we as movement conservatives have to offer to the Old Dominion is more vitally important than ever before.
I believe that the next three years will be definitional years for Virginia. I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that conservatives will have a voice in shaping that future.
Right now, Virginia conservatives need to begin the hard work of fashioning a mandate for governance. Not a question of what we are against, but rather a question of what we are willing to fight for — together.
We know this: 2027 is going to be an important year for the Virginia Senate. The second year of any Virginia gubernatorial term is always the most dangerous one in terms of change. Who knows what 2028 will bring? Yet we all know that 2029 is the entire ballgame for our commonwealth. If conservatives do not emerge from 2029 with tangible victories, we will set ourselves back for two decades — possibly longer.
Those who are not conservatives will tell you the fight is hopeless. I disagree.
They will argue that reform is impossible. Nonsense.
They will argue that the challenges are too great. Bring them on.
We know this too — that if Virginia is to continue to remain in the vanguard, then Virginians need to step up and fight with big ideas which utterly capture the imaginations of others.
In 1993, George Allen campaigned on what he called Jeffersonian conservative values. I still believe in Jeffersonian conservatism, that Virginia really does have something special to give to the nation, and that our best days are on the horizon — not in the setting sun.
So here’s my ask to you personally:
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Say nice things about Jefferson Forum. Look, I know it is very easy to be cynical about the times. We are easy to find on Facebook and Twitter (or X) and even on LinkedIn. Give us a follow and stay with us.
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Consider a gift right now that would make an impact. For some of you, that could mean a $5,000 gift right now. For some, $500 is a sacrifice (and thank you!) that means a great deal.
A few of you could make a five-or-six figure gift that would change Jefferson Forum for the better. If that is you, CLICK HERE or contact me at svkenney@jeffersonforum.org or even leave me a quick message at 540.220.1631.
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Help us find avenues to grow. None of us is as smart as all of us. I can’t possibly pretend to know everything that is going on in Virginia. Some of us do — and if you see something, say something. Folks would be surprised how dogpiling a problem makes a problem go away.
I want you to know something else as well: I will be matching your donation to Jefferson Forum with my own personal gift in kind.
That is how much I believe in our work and the promise of Virginia.
Please consider a heartfelt and quick gift to Jefferson Forum by CLICKING HERE.
For all you do and for all you are about to do for Jefferson Forum, thank you.
If you don’t mind, I will most likely be in touch with you directly just in case you have any questions or ideas you’d like to share. Likewise, feel free to contact me at any time.
Yours in Conservative Victory,
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