It is my honor to be elected RNLA President for 2021.  While building on the work of my predecessors such as David Warrington, it is my hope to be forward-looking as we return to normalcy.  One of RNLA’s missions is to provide a network for “lawyers committed to lives of significant career accomplishment.”  Toward that end, I look forward to moving ahead with our much-delayed National Policy Conference and 30th Anniversary Celebration on September 24, 2021 at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.  I am confident that COVID-19 restrictions will be such by this time that an in-person event with proper precautions can occur.  

I write during one of the most challenging times our nation has faced, and I trust that you, your family, and your colleagues are all staying safe and well.  As lawyers, our profession is facing difficulties like every other sector of the economy, and as always, we have an important role to play to uphold the rule of law even during a time of upheaval.  

2019 has been a year marked by Democrats' repeated attempts to change election law in order to make it easier for liberals to win - from H.R. 1 in February to the SHIELD Act last month.

These bills would undermine states’ efforts to protect the integrity of elections and would restrict Americans’ political speech - all the while not preventing any foreign interference in our elections.

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has been steadfast in preventing dangerous federal election legislation from passing; however, Democrats are also zoned in on election changes at the state level.

As 2018 draws to a close, we reflect on the last year and on the first two years of the Trump presidency.  What stands out is how many excellent judges who support the rule of law have been confirmed to the federal bench and how Democrats have attacked and delayed the nominations.

President's Message for the Summer 2018 Newsletter
-Mr. Elliot Berke

This is a very exciting time for the country and the RNLA. As I write this, we are eagerly awaiting from the Vice President's office details on a new date for his speech to the RNLA on Judge Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court nomination and the midterm elections. It will be a great event you will not want to miss. 

We are also fast approaching our National Election Law Seminar in St. Louis on August 3 and 4. If you have not done so, sign up today. I am very impressed by the quality of speakers and attendees so far. It is a who's who of the Republican election bar.

Speaking of the quality of speakers at RNLA events, a speech from 15 years ago on C-SPAN is now getting some attention. This was a speech by then-Associate White House Counsel Brett Kavanaugh. Ironically enough, Judge Kavanaugh's speech was discussing the Democrats' efforts to filibuster and block President Bush's judicial nominees such as Miguel Estrada and then-DC Circuit nominee John Roberts. 

I first met Judge Kavanaugh when I joined Independent Counsel Starr's staff. While we didn't overlap, I came to know Brett as a brilliant legal mind and, put frankly, just an overall good guy. Please join me insigning the RNLA's letter in support of Judge Kavanaugh . As lawyers, it is important that we support and talk about Judge Kavanaugh and the importance of judges who respect the rule of law. To find out more about Judge Kavanaugh, check out the RNLA resources here or go to confirmkavanaugh.com.

Lastly, as a lawyer to various House leaders, I want to briefly remind you of the importance of voting, volunteering, and helping out this fall. I have heard some people express pessimism at Republican chances to keep the House. In August 2016, Republicans were down 5 points in the generic Real Clear Politics Congressional poll and now going into August of 2018, Republicans are down 7 points. Behind great House leaders such as Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Steve Stivers, and House Republican Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers, I like our odds to again make up that difference and keep the House in Republican control.

The momentum is on our side. Republican lawyers need to keep focus as we confirm Judge Kavanaugh and have a successful 2018 midterm election.