Woodbridge, VA - Conservative Republican candidate Jeff Frederick tonight announced his candidacy for Delegate in the 52nd district, challenging Republican Jack Rollison. Frederick, who has joined conservatives and local Republican leaders in opposing Rollison, author of the recent Northern Virginia tax increase referendum, was cheered on by over 60 supporters at Joe's Pizza, a small business in the 52nd district.

Several conservative leaders turned out in support of Frederick, including Peter Ferrara, President of the influential Virginia Club for Growth, who pledged his support to Frederick at the event. Former Congressman Roger Zion called Frederick "a great leader" and former Lt. Governor candidate Richard Viguerie praised Jeff Frederick as part of a new cadre of conservative leaders poised to join Senator Ken Cuccinelli in Richmond.

Frederick plans to run a grassroots intensive campaign, and has begun building a top-notch campaign team consisting of Republican leaders in Prince William County and nationally-known Republican consultants. A complete text of Jeff Frederick's campaign announcement speech follows:

Remarks Delivered by Jeff Frederick at Announcement Rally

January 15, 2002 - 7:30 pm

Joe's Place (Restaurant), Woodbridge, VA

Today, Virginia stands at a crossroads. Our commonwealth is faced with a decision -- and the choices we make will determine the path Virginia takes for decades to come.

For too long, our elected leaders have consolidated power in Richmond.

For too long, we’ve been told that the government knows what is best for us and for our families.

For too long, politicians in Richmond have tried to solve our state’s problems by raising taxes, spending money, and increasing government bureaucracy.

The time has come for a decision -- we must decide whether we will continue to support politicians who think that the answer to all of society’s problems is another government program... a new tax... a new regulation from Richmond...

...Or whether we truly believe that what makes Virginia great is its people, and that the government that governs least governs best...

I believe in our state, and in its people. I believe that we can solve our problems without raising taxes or increasing red tape. I believe you, our citizens, know better how to spend your money than government does, but when we do send money to government, they need to learn to do more with less -- to give us a better value for our tax-dollar.

I believe parents should have more options available to them as to how and where their children get educated.

I believe in the strength of our families, and the power of individual freedom...

That is why today, I am proud to announce my candidacy for the Virginia House of Delegates...

I love this state, and this county. I love this district -- whether I’m sailing the Potomac and Occoquan rivers that surround it; spending a fall afternoon at Leesylvania State Park; dining at Tim’s Rivershore,getting takeout here at Joe’s; or the fact that Todos Supermarket is right down the road. ... But most of all, I love the strength and goodness of our people.

As a small business owner, I’ve seen first hand how harmful high taxes and government largesse can be. I know that the real backbone of this commonwealth’s economy is small business, like the one we’re are meeting at here tonight, and that our state government should be supporting these businesses, not penalizing them.

As a husband, I know that our state... and our nation’s strength comes from the family... that no matter how many government programs we create... no matter how involved bureaucrats try to be in our daily lives... we will only solve this state’s problems when we support our families,educate our children, and stand up for the dignity of human life.

That is why I am running for Delegate, and why I am asking for your support.

You know, Ronald Regan once said that "Republicans believe every day is the 4th of July, but Democrats believe every day is April 15th..." Unfortunately, over the past year, we’ve learned that some Republicans here in Virginia believe every day is April 15th as well.

We saw some leaders from our own party supporting tax increases as a way to solve our problems... We saw them creating discord in our party and in our state by going against the principles we Republicans hold most dear... and when those who would throw money at our problems rather than seeking real, long term solutions took their tax to the voters, the people of Virginia rejected these tax and spenders in no uncertain terms...

We need a delegate who will stand up to Governor Mark Warner and the Democrats when they try to raise our taxes. Jack Rollison has proven that he will not. I will.

And so the time has come for a decision... Do you want a government that solves problems by raising taxes and creating programs, or do you want a government that reduces wasteful spending and supports individuals, families, and small businesses?

Do you want a delegate in Richmond who will work hard to strengthen our families, and our state, by standing up for the dignity of human life?

Do you want a representative who will listen to your concerns, be there to visit your communities, hold town hall meetings and be a true citizen legislator?

I am running for delegate because Prince William County needs a new delegate who is in touch with the people of this county... who will stand up for life, liberty, and smaller, more accountable government.

This is an election we can win. As I have traveled this district speaking with small business owners, leaders, and voters of all kinds,they have told me that they support my agenda, and look forward to new leadership in Richmond. We have assembled a top campaign team, and will work day in and day out to bring our message to the voters.

The time has come for a decision. Help us bring our message to the people the 52nd district, and I ask for your support now and as we march towards Election Day.

Thank you.