House Republican Caucus » Morgan Griffith

Gear Resigns from House

VA HouseGOP — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 23:28:46 +0000

Delegate Tom Gear (R-Hampton), resigned, effective today, from the House of Delegates, creating a vacancy in District 91. The Caucus wishes Delegate Gear the best as he continues to deal with Multiple Sclerosis and supports close family members suffering from major illnesses.

The Daily Press has coverage of Delegate Gear's career of public service.

Because the General Assembly is not in session, Governor McDonnell has authority to issue a writ of election for a special election in the 91st District. Vacancies occurring when the House is in session are filled in special elections called by the Speaker of the House.

At present, two seats in the House are vacant. The Caucus looks forward to welcoming Greg Habeeb to the House on January 12 after the Special Election in District 8 to fill the vacancy created by Morgan Griffith's election to the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Caucus stands ready to assist the Republican nominee in the special election called to fill the vacancy caused by Delegate Gear's resignation. Republicans in the 91st District, including portions of Hampton City and York County and the City of Poquoson. The official call for the nomination will be issued by the 91st Legislative District Committee and, once issued, will appear on the RPV website.

Griffith to Start NASCAR’s Food City 250 in Bristol

VA HouseGOP — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 22:47:45 +0000

House Majority Leader, Del. Morgan Griffith (R-Salem), has been tapped as honorary starter for the Food City 250 NASCAR Race at the Bristol Motor Speedway. NASCAR fans can cheer on their favorite drivers, as well as Griffith in his race for Congress.

Bristol Motor Speedway is the most popular track on the Nationwide Stock Car Series circuit, often drawing over 100,000 fans. And it's one of the fastest short track courses on the circuit.

Check out details of the race at Food City Racing and Bristol Motor Speedway. If you can't make it the Speedway, ESPN will carry the Food City 250 live at 8 p.m. on Friday, August 20.

Coverage of Griffith's selection appears at Roanoke's NBC affiliate, WSLS 10 and TriCitySports.com.

Hugo Elected Caucus Chair

VA HouseGOP — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 17:21:42 +0000

Richmond, VA (April 21, 2010)--Today, the Virginia House Republican Caucus voted unanimously to elect Delegate Timothy D. Hugo (R-Fairfax) to serve as the Republican Caucus Chairman. The position, previously held by former Delegate Sam Nixon, was left vacant when Nixon resigned to become Chief Information Officer of the Virginia Information Technology Agency (VITA).

“As recognized leader within the Caucus, Tim understands the duties required of this position and has the right temperament and experiences to be very successful in his important new capacity,” stated Speaker William J. Howell. “During these tough economic times and need to reform state government to make it smarter and simpler, it is imperative that we have an energetic, dedicated and knowledgeable member like Tim joining our leadership team. Like so many, I am looking forward to working with him and our Majority Caucus will be better off because of his leadership.”

The position of Caucus Chairman is one of four leadership roles within the House Republican Caucus. Others serving in leadership positions include Speaker William Howell, Majority Leader Morgan Griffith, and Majority Whip Kirk Cox.

“I humbly accept the responsibility that has been entrusted to me today,” Delegate Hugo said in accepting the position. “Since being elected, I have watched the Republican Caucus expand on its majority under our current leadership. I am thrilled to broaden my responsibilities within the caucus and relish the opportunity to serve the citizens of Virginia.”

Delegate Hugo was first elected to the House of Delegates in a special election in December 2002, filling a vacancy left by former Delegate Jay O’Brien. Delegate Hugo garnered over 67% of the vote in his first election. Now serving in his eighth year as a member, Delegate Hugo is a member of the Commerce and Labor, Finance, Transportation, and Privileges and Elections Committees. He represents parts of Fairfax, Centreville, Clifton, and Fairfax Station.

Dem Leader Armstrong Schooled in Parliamentary Procedure

VA HouseGOP — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 02:08:22 +0000

Welcome to a new feature on the House Republican Caucus Blog—the Puckish Parliamentarian, which will bring you entertaining notes from the House floor.

It seems appropriate to release this installment for the Democratic Party of Virginia's Jefferson-Jackson Weekend, which, according to the Washington Post, includes an address by Del. Ward Armstrong (D-Henry), but "no A-list speaker." With Armstrong getting dissed by the Post, we thought we ought to feature him here.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nywT-cMAYs

Check out the YouTube Video.

In the first installment of the Puckish Parliamentarian, Armstrong, the House Minority Leader, returns to his favorite grandstanding topic for the 2010 Session—electricity rates.

Seeking one more chance to talk about a bill Armstrong himself admits won't actually solve a problem, he offered a motion to discharge a committee, a rarely-used motion, which Del. Lacey Putney (I-Bedford), currently in his 49th year in the House, never recalls being agreed to.

House Majority Leader Morgan Griffith (R-Salem) handles opposition to the motion for the Majority. The real fun starts when Del. Joe Johnson (D-Abingdon), the Puck in this installment of the Puckish Parliamentarian, engages Armstrong in a series of questions.

Del. Armstrong's motion failed, 26-69. The Democratic Caucus has 39 members, only 2 out of 3 supported their leader.

Gov. McDonnell had already signed HB 1308, a bill by Del. Bill Carrico (R-Grayson), that actually provided immediate relief on electric bills.