The Fairfax County Republican Committee Badly Needs an Appealing New Leadership
Tony Sabio is the Answer
Let’s set the record straight from the onset. I am a Hispanic professional woman whose views are regarded as conservative. I guess believing in the power of capitalism, in the dynamism of businesses, in common sense policies, in fiscal austerity, in providing students with the tools to succeed in the XXI Century such as math and computer science, and controlling the borders have made me a conservative! I fully embrace it.
The fact that I have not joined the Republican Party though speaks volumes about the lack of appeal of that option for me and for hundreds of Hispanics and other minorities who don’t feel represented or even heard by the current leadership.
Shall we take a look at demographics? They speak for themselves.
Northern Virginia as a whole is 51.2% White, but pay attention to this:
17.4% Hispanic (about 118,000 people)
16.3% Asian
14.1% Black,
and 2.4% Other.
Last time I checked I found very few Hispanic/Latino last names in the list of registered Republicans in Fairfax County.
I wonder if the current leadership has taken the time to ask WHY?
Would it be possible that the reasons have to be a combination of the following three factors:
1. Lack of a coherent strategy to persuade Hispanics to join the party,
2. Lack of imaginative and aggressive fundraising and,
3. Lack of representatives who LOOK like them.
“Latinos are Republicans. They just don’t know it yet.” Ronald Reagan
As many might know, during the past elections, I supported a formidable and honorable candidate for the Fairfax County Public School Board Providence District seat, brave veteran Tony Sabio.
Despite our scandalous lack of resources (thanks to the current Fairfax Republican leadership and Governor Glenn Youngkin), I was able to knock on 200 doors of Hispanic households.
I spoke with several Hispanic families, many of whom confided with me that they supported the education policies of the Republican Party.
Many Hispanic families confided that they did not want indoctrination and gender ideology being taught in the schools.
Many Hispanics wanted to join the team but validly expected some kind of monetary compensation that we were not able to afford.
Some of them voted for Mr. Sabio.
Two-thirds of them did not go to the polls at all.
Very few supported the Democratic Party’s candidate Karl Frisch.
Some of them did not want to attend the FCPS school board meeting due to fear of reprisals.
Many don’t support open borders.
Most of them are people of faith, hardworking people who believe in the American Dream and are profoundly religious.
Does it sound familiar?
Why the Fairfax County Republican Committee has not been able to capitalize on that innate commonality of values with the Hispanic community?
Mr. Tony Sabio has the answers.
An Opportunity
Elections are coming up for new leadership in the FCRC in April preceded by a registration campaing. Mr. Tony Sabio is running for the Chair. His candidacy has been met with excitement in many Hispanic circles, including media and small businesses.
During a great event in a brewery in Falls Church some weeks ago, I learned that Mr. Brian Murphy was pursuing this position as well.
Last year, Mr Murphy ran for the Board of Supervisors position in the Providence District and had my full support in that race. While he would have made a great County Supervisor, he is not what is required to jump-start the Fairfax Republicans.
Some of my sources have shared that he is the favorite candidate of the traditionalists, ultra-conservative, and absurdly purist members of his party.
In other words, Mr. Murphy is the status-quo candidate.
Conclusion
If the Republican Party in Fairfax County is to elect Mr. Murphy as a Chair, I am convinced that the FCRC will perpetuate its pathetic losing streak with Hispanics and other communities.
And, it will be rightly deserved.