Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Many blessings to you and yours this holiday season and a happy new year!

THANK YOU ALL

Thank you all.

I want to express my deepest gratitude for your overwhelming vote, support, and encouragement.

In this type of business one has to be prepared for either outcome on the day of election. But despite that, I was truly disappointed by the results. We were so close.

Our winning strategy did not materialize and I take full responsibility for the results. Over the last few days, I had the opportunity to think about what we should have done different. But the path to victory in this district was a difficult one from the beginning and the outcome proved it so.

Indeed, I have lived the American dream and will never forget the honor I felt to be on the ballot with the winning statewide ticket led by Governor-Elect Bob McDonnell.

But this campaign was never about me.

This campaign was about you and your voice. And we were 7,616 strong that day. It is clear that the end of your story is yet to be written.

You want and deserve real results to the everyday problems. Our leaders need to bring economic development, create new jobs, and fix the ailing transportation system. They need to protect and reform the school system so that children get the best education possible. And they must protect and improve our special quality of life.

On Election Day, the majority of you elected your next Delegate, Mr. Luke Torian, and I respect your decision. Now, I will join you all to wish him well in the General Assemby.
By the same token, in the coming days I will also join you all to remind him what he said he would do for us during his campaign for delegate.

Lastly, I’m forever grateful to Robert Hartwell, Nancy Pratt, Jane Beyer, my staff, and to the many exceptional volunteers who poured their hearts out, day in and day out, on my behalf
I’m deeply grateful to Cinthia, my children, my brother and sister, and my parents for their unwavering support and sacrifice.

I was honored to count on the support of so many local, state, and congressional dignitaries including Tom Davis, Rob Wittman, Bill Howell, George Allen and Rudy Giuliani.
To my new friends I made along the way. You have given me so much and like a true public servant, I will be there when called upon. Most importantly, I will be there every step of the way to help our party and our cause.

Rafael Lopez
Former 2009 Republican Candidate for DelegateVirginia General Assembly-District 52

THANK YOU.

We have so many great victories to celebrate, especially those of Marshall, Lingamfelter, Miller, and Anderson in Prince William County. We came so close to winning this, but it didn’t happen this time. I called Mr. Torian to concede and wish him well. I have so many people to thank, too many to name in this statement. But I would like to thank Rob Hartwell and Nancy Pratt, as well as Supervisors May and Nohe and Chair Stewart for their support. And also thank the party leadership including Speaker Howell. And specially thank my wife and family. Thank you all who thought I was worthy of your vote. We will all soon be back at it again. Thank you.

Campaign Statement on First Debate!

Mr. Lopez is glad that voters had the opportunity to hear from both candidates for delegate of the 52nd district and he hopes that Pastor Torian will accept more debates including a televised debate.

While both candidates have a compelling personal story and agree on several issues, there are several fundamental issues that they disagree on. Unlike his opponent, Mr. Lopez repeated several times during the debate that his number one priority is to fix the economy. He outlined his full proposal to fix the economy which includes creating jobs through the exploration of oil and gas, bringing more corporate businesses, reforming government through a balanced budget and business friendly legislation, and ways to address the foreclosure problem. Mr. Lopez also said that their differences are more philosophical, for example on the role of government. Mr. Lopez believes that a limited government and personal responsibility are also quite necessary at this time and that we can’t expect the government to fix all of our problems.

Mr. Lopez, a former Dumfries Councilman, represents new leadership with new ideas and solutions for the district and has a track record of advocating for local economic development, keeping taxes low, and limiting the role of government.

Judge Sonia Sotomayor

I’m proud that a fellow Hispanic American Judge Sonia Sotomayor was confirmed by the US Senate to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Only in America can such an inspirational story be true. She grew up in challenging life circumstances and truly comes from modest roots. However, with hard work and dedication she persevered and overcame many challenges.

She has extensive experience, great work ethic, and a track record as evidenced by a long career and appointments by both Former Presidents Clinton and Bush.

It is my hope that she will not let any bias affect her decisions and during her confirmation hearing she said she would not let them as evidenced by her extensive record of decisions.

Happy 4th of July-Independence Day!

I’m a proud first-generation American who is living the American dream in the greatest country on earth. Time and time again, I have asked myself what can I do for this country and not what can this country do for me. I hope that in some way I have contributed and will continue to contribute to this great experiment in Democracy, the United States of America.

This is my favorite part of the Declaration:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

God bless America!

Have a safe and happy 4th of July wherever you are celebrating this important day. I’ll see some of you at the Dale City 4th of July Parade.

The general election starts today...

Congratulations to Luke Torian for winning the Democratic nomination. The general election starts today, and I look forward to facing Pastor Torian in what will be a hotly contested race in the 52nd House District. The differences between us could not be clearer, and the stakes could not be higher. Voters in our district need a Delegate with experience in public office who will create jobs, hold the line on taxes, grow our economy, improve transportation, improve our schools, and protect our communities. Not just promises, but actions, and a fiscally responsible plan to do it. In the coming months, I will be meeting with voters in my District to discuss what is important to them, and what we can do about it together.

On this Memorial Day...

On this Memorial Day, let's remember why we celebrate this day. It is to honor, remember, and thank the men and women who have served and serve in the Armed Services.

In the hills of Arlington National Cemetary, there are sections of graves of those who have fallen in the wars of Afghanistan and Iraq. Not too long ago, I went as part of group to visit the Cemetary and out of all the places to see this one was very special for me. Perhaps it was because these graves belonged to those who have fallen in current wars. Maybe it was hearing gunshots from rifles and the sound of Taps being played at a distance from a military funeral. I couldn't help to think that the ultimate sacrifice meant that a wife or husband was now without their spouse, a son or daughter was without a parent, a brother or sister was without a sibling, a parent was without a son or daughter, and someone's bright future was cut short.

Although I don't know anyone buried in the Cemetary, I feel compelled to visit this place again with my own family to show them this sad part of our reality, but more importantly to pay our respects for the brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

We need to help those who have served and serve for our nation. There are countless organizations set up to help our military brothers and sisters. I have been an active supporter for many years of Azaleas Charities, but in the interest of full disclosure this charity is based in my hometown of Dumfries, Virginia. Azaleas has been leading the effort to aid our wounded soldiers. I'm grateful for this charity and many others who dedicate their time to help our heroes.

To all men and women in the Armed Services, especially our veterans, we salute you and are ever grateful for your sacrifices for our country.

Happy Mother's Day!

"Men are what their mothers made them." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Let's celebrate this important day to honor and thank all mothers for the many sacrifices they must endure in life but most of all for their unwavering love to their children and humanity.

We Remember...

They say time heals all wounds but I’m not so sure. Today, Virginians and the nation remember the tragic Virginia Tech shootings that happened two years ago. The emotional wounds are still fresh for many and we need to support each other now more than ever. Together we can overcome this difficult moment. My prayers go out to the victims and their families. We stand with you on this day of remembrance.

My Thoughts

Since the general election last November, the Republican Party has fractured at the national, state, and now, county level as Republican candidates search for a relevant message and clear identity. In my candidacy for Delegate, I look forward to bringing a new type of politics to our county and the Republican Party of Virginia.
I am proud of my conservative record of public service, and will focus on creating jobs, keeping taxes low, and improving quality of life in our county. I will work hard for my constituents across the political and demographic spectrum, and will strive to consolidate and unify support for Republican candidates in this time of crisis and need.
The good people of Prince William County are facing an important decision, and I will appreciate your support. Please visit my website for more information and to sign up for my newsletter: www.rafaellopez.org. Thank you. -- Rafael Lopez

I-95 and I-395 HOV/BUS/HOT Hearings

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) recently conducted three Public Hearings for citizens to review plans and comment on the northern section of the I-95/I-395 HOV/BUS/HOT Lanes Project. On Tuesday Feb 10, 2009, I attended a public hearing on the I-95/I-395 HOV/BUS/HOT Lane location and design. The following is a summary of my statement at the hearing:
My name is Rafael Lopez and I live at 3983 Orange St, Triangle, VA. I'm running for State Delegate for the 52nd District, which includes Triangle, Dumfries, Dale City, Quantico and Woodbridge. I have been and continue to be in favor of the HOT/BUS/HOV Lanes Project. This is a great partnership between our state government through VDOT and Fluor Transurban, a private company. The benefits are many: faster construction, more options for commuters, more consumers for local businesses, jobs for contractors, support for military bases, and above all, a better quality of life for all Virginians. Notwithstanding these benefits, we must make sure that our transportation design needs are addressed. That is why we are here.

In regards to noise barriers: We need to make sure that existing noise barriers are checked and replaced where necessary, especially near the Carolyn Forest area. Also, proposed noise barriers along Prince William States subdivision and Stockholm Way are necessary. I was an elected official for the Town of Dumfries and I know first hand that they are necessary. Please notethat a proposed noise barrier along Princeton Woods is currently labeled "not reasonable". Please reconsider this in light of the existing residential subdivision there. In regards to bus options: The inline bus station at Lorton is a great idea and is necessary.Other commuter lots south of this station would also benefit from similar measures to promote public bus use and reduce traffic. In regards to new I-395 access points: I would like to see more access points going north onI-395 because many commuters enter the highway system at various points in eastern Prince William County. Thank you.

GOTV for Pat Herrity

Earlier today I went to volunteer for Herrity's campaign on their GOTV effort. I was happy to see my friend Clark whom I had worked with in the recent presidential election. I wish I could do more to help Herrity but the election is this Tuesday and I have to work. Good luck Mr. Herrity! PS. Go Cardinals!!

Tito the Builder is Back!

Tito the Builder is back! Thanks to Tito and Debbie Munoz for hosting an important luncheon (Taco Fiesta) yesterday to discuss our minority outreach efforts. The luncheon was a success. Among a big crowd including friends, activists, and dignitaries, Tito and Debbie opened the meeting by sharing some of their life experiences. A serious discussion, dialogue, and exchange of ideas followed. Tito, a media critic, conservative activist, and now a coalition builder is at it again. (My friend, your efforts for an outreach to minorities on behalf of our party are to be commended!)

Congratulations to our new RNC Chair Steele

Congratulations to Former Lt. Governor Michael Steele on winning the RNC chair in a highly contested election, which showed that we have many leaders who are willing to lead our party. It is my hope that conservatives from all corners of our party, especially Mr. Steele’s supporters and opponents, can unite and support our new chair who will lead us to win future elections.

Helping Out Pat Herrity for Fairfax County Chairman

I love to campaign the old fashioned way--walking the neighboorhoods and meeting people. I was glad the weather was not too cold because I had forgotten my gloves and scarf, but I had signed up to work and I couldn't let them down. As I walked the neighboorhoods I couldn't help wondering what homeowners might be thinking about what I was doing, especially after the recent presidential elections. After covering several houses, I came up on a house where the homeowner was talking to her neighboor in their front yard. When she realized I was going to her own house she rushed over to see me to find out what I needed. I told her about the upcoming special election and she asked, "another special election??" It was clear with her tone and look that she was tired of elections--which is understandable. After covering several more houses I realized that our work is more critical than ever and that conservatives need to work together to win again. Joe Murray who was running for state delegate lost the special election by just a few votes. It is cliche but true that every vote counts! I wish you good luck Supervisor Herrity and like I told your staff--let me know if you need any help!

A historic moment in our lives!

Martin Luther King Day Greetings!

There are times when it doesn't matter what party we belong to because we understand how truly blessed we are to live in this great country. Tomorrow, Americans and the world will witness a historic transfer of power to a new U.S. president elected by the people. As President Bush said in his farewell address, tomorrow will be a day of hope and pride for our nation. Despite our political differences, we can all agree that the inauguration of a U.S. president is a unique testament to the strength of our great democracy. Godspeed, President Obama!

Learning how to build coalitions at The Leadership Institute

This morning I attended a seminar on how to build coalitions. I really enjoyed the class. The speakers were superb and I learned a lot. I would highly recommend this course.