Suffolk News-Herald

Several members of the Nansemond-Suffolk Republican Women’s Club (NSRWC) recently traveled to Richmond to meet with several state political leaders, including Attorney General Jerry Kilgore, Del. Fred Quayle, R-13th District, and Delegate S. Chris Jones, R-76th District.

The NSRWC is dedicated to providing political education that will help keep the public informed. The organization supports the objectives and policies of the Republican National Committee and the Republican Party.

With that in mind, the NSRWC meets with legislative members of its party each year as members celebrate the &uot;Virginia Federation of Republican Women’s Legislative Day.&uot;

Gerri Trent, who is also president of the Virginia Federation of Republican Women, said the annual event allows VFRW members an opportunity to attend General Assembly proceedings, to receive briefings on the GOP legislative package, and the chance to meet and visit Republican legislators at the luncheon held in their honor.

Kilgore was the keynote speaker for the event, discussing the success of his plans to combat domestic violence, and the war on terrorism, both of which were approved by the governor and the legislature. Kilgore also said he would plans to expand the use of DNA evidence in violent crimes and make government more open and accessible to the people. He told the group that his promises made during the 2001 campaign are now law.

Lunch was made more special for the group since they sat down to enjoy the company of one of Suffolk’s sons, Jones, a former mayor and city councilman.

&uot;It’s always great during session to see people from back home,&uot; said Jones, also the owner and operator of Bennett’s Creek Pharmacy. &uot;Each year, I look forward to enjoying lunch with the Republican Women’s Club.&uot;

The mission of the Republican Women’s Club in Suffolk is its &uot;Woman to Woman Campaign,&uot; in which members attempt to reach out to untapped, potential voters.

&uot;We are about fostering loyalty to the Republican party,&uot; said Margaret Smith, a member of the Nansemond-Suffolk group who serves as the 4th District Representative. &uot;We strive to recruit and support Republican women for elected office on the local, state, and national levels as well as intra-party positions.&uot;

Smith said the VFRW has a membership of more than 2,800 women, making it the largest political organization in the state. It is a volunteer grassroots organization that shares the responsibility of electing Republicans in the state.

Other Suffolk officers include Lura Briston, vice president; Jannette Maust, recording secretary; Ann Twine, corresponding secretary; Jill Alexis, treasurer; and Shirley Eley, immediate past-president.

Eight of the 15 female members of the House of Delegates belong to the organization, as well as U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Davis.