McDonnell wants him out, but Frederick remains defiant

The saga continues over the future of Republican Party of Virginia chair Jeff Frederick. Today the party’s nominee for Governor, Bob McDonnell signaled that it is time for Frederick to go. In a written statement, McDonnell said, among other things:

“It is clear to me, after hearing from Republican leaders across the state, that as we move forward with our campaign, as well as the other statewide and House of Delegates races, it would be helpful for the Republican Party of Virginia to have more effective leadership in this pivotal year.”

McDonnell did not trumpet the news, but instead chose to release it to media outlets that requested his take on the situation. But while the candidate cautiously attempted to nudge the chair out of the way, Mr. Frederick dug in his heels. He released a statement where he confidently declared that he had the votes to survive at the next meeting of the executive committee on April 4th.  In a prepared statement of his own Frederick said:

“I will not retreat from the commitment I made to the core of our Party who clearly and unmistakably expressed their will at last May’s convention. I have every intention of continuing as Chairman and completing my term in May 2012. I have the commitments necessary to win the vote on April 4th, and will fulfill my term and the commitment to the people who entrusted me to lead our Party back to victory.”

This showdown could be the first speed bump in what has been a very smooth ride in the early going of the McDonnell campaign. You can bet his campaign is hoping this circus will come to a quick and peaceful end.

See the entire statements from both McDonnell and Frederick after the jump.

Bob McDonnell statement on RPV leadership challenge:

“I am aware of the grassroots effort initiated by the State Central Committee to seek new leadership at the Republican Party of Virginia.  This process is being handled within the State Central Committee, and is an internal Party matter. It is clear to me, after hearing from Republican leaders across the state, that as we move forward with our campaign, as well as the other statewide and House of Delegates races, it would be helpful for the Republican Party of Virginia to have more effective leadership in this pivotal year. I look forward to continuing to run an inclusive, grassroots campaign that is reaching voters all over Virginia with our good-government, conservative message of job creation, opportunity, and results for all Virginians.”

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Jeff Frederick Statement on RPV Leadership Challenge:
“Yesterday, I received notice of a Call for a meeting of the State Central Committee to be held on April 4. The central purpose of this meeting will be a vote by the members of the State Central Committee to determine whether I will remain as Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia.”

“Nine months ago, I was elected to this position by thousands of rank-and-file Republican volunteers and activists who attended our Party’s convention in Richmond. I was humbled by their support then, and I have worked hard to make RPV the responsive, effective organization they want and deserve.”

“My campaign for Chairman promised to change the way our Party had been operating. I pledged leadership that would be driven from the grassroots up, not the top down. I have kept that pledge, and am proud of the work we’ve accomplished in just nine months.”

“I will not retreat from the commitment I made to the core of our Party who clearly and unmistakably expressed their will at last May’s convention. I have every intention of continuing as Chairman and completing my term in May 2012. I have the commitments necessary to win the vote on April 4th, and will fulfill my term and the commitment to the people who entrusted me to lead our Party back to victory.”