You’re not going to find a Republican more in love with the GOP as an institution in Virginia’s 1st District.
Rarely does The Republican Standard extend our endorsement.
In fact, our mission statement and manifesto explicitly states that we intend to refrain entirely from intramural contests.
Too often and especially during primary season, Republicans — unable to take on Democrats in a meaningful way — have a bad habit of picking low-level fruit and wage war against fellow Republicans, only to ask for (or rather demand) their support for the fight in November.
Yet in some cases, the exception proves the rule. We can think of no better person to confer this honor upon than Mr. David Botkins.
Botkins’ matchless energy as a conservative exemplifies the very spirit of putting America first.
First and foremost, David Botkins is a man of faith. For many years, we have discussed the “big ideas” of being a conservative and how our mutual faith in Jesus Christ defines us as both Christians and Americans.
Often, I would brag about my trips to the Holy Land and Israel, and when David finally found the opportunity to make pilgrimage — he did. Once he returned, I could tell that the experience had the same impact on him that it did on me. This is not a fairy tale, Jesus Christ actually walked this earth, died for our sins, and you can look into his tomb today and see that it is empty.
There’s an old saying that when a person shows you who they really are, believe them. Meeting Botkins, you find yourself in the presence of an authentic and sincere person who loves nothing more than watching the Republican Party grow — finding good people and helping them to succeed.
Botkins has the rare quality of getting people to play well together from every part of the Republican coalition. Do not mistake his congeniality for weakness. Behind the smile is a backbone of iron on the things that matter most.
With over 30 years of experience in Virginia politics, Botkins enjoys the endorsement of George and Susan Allen, Jason Miyares, Winsome Sears, Jim Gilmore and a slew of delegates and senators. Former Speaker Todd Gilbert was one of his earliest backers. The woman-led organization Rally Virginia endorsed him. Botkins is indeed a well-connected man.
Botkins remains personal friends with Rooz Dadabhoy, a close advisor to Governor Glenn Youngkin. John Fredericks — the Godzilla of Truth (TM) and longtime Trump ally — practically fell over himself with a heartfelt endorsement of the man:
“David Botkins is my MAGA MAN in Virginia! David and I are longtime friends, he understands the importance of servant leadership – and with his prior experience, there is no one better positioned to continue serving on the Virginia GOP’s board of directors than him,” said John Fredericks.
“Botkins is a rising star in the Virginia GOP in my opinion. He really ought to be running for House of Delegates, State Senate or even Congress to champion our America First Agenda– but let’s get him re-elected to RPV’s State Central first,” said Fredericks. “This is mission critical to making Virginia competitive in 2024.”
“David is a bridgebuilder, an optimist, can navigate and understand the perspectives of all factions within the Virginia GOP. He brings people together as only a ‘happy warrior’ can do,” said Fredericks. “I’m proud to endorse my friend, David Botkins,”
Being a native Virginian from Staunton galvanizes all this. Which for those of us who are native Virginians, the man is no carpetbagger. Botkins understands what Virginia is, how the Commonwealth has grown, and moreover knows that a modern Republican Party needs to be a fighting Republican Party.
What we have in David Botkins is the perpetually well-liked happy warrior defined by his faith, the Republican Creed, and an American patriotism steeped in his reverence for our Founders and the ideals of this country.
There are many other candidates running for the 1st District State Central Committee slot. We wish 5 of the 6 of them the very best of luck.
The Virginia 1st District would only add to its laurels and honors to have someone the caliber, intelligence, disposition, character and faith of David Botkins to carry their battle standards. We can think of few better conservatives in Virginia who deserve and have earned the recognition and support of Republicans.