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A bipartisan group of Virginia state legislators on Monday announced the formation of the "Redskins Pride Caucus" at the State Capitol in Richmond.

State Senator Chap Petersen (Fairfax City), Delegate Jackson Miller (Manassas) and Delegate David Ramadan (Loudon) formed the Redskins Pride Caucus (RPC) in support of the Washington Redskins.

"I'm proud to be a Redskins fan," said Petersen, who on Tuesday was a guest on 106.7 The Fan and further discussed his support of the Redskins' name.

According to the caucus' press release, RPC is "supporting the commercial freedom" of the Washington Redskins, "providing a voice" for the fan base and opposes "the inappropriate involvement" of the United State Congress in issues surrounding the organization.

Joining Senator Peterson and Delegates Miller and Ramadan were legislators from districts across the state.

"This is also about making sure that we protect our businesses, and be a voice for them to say, 'We're not just going to let you get beaten up by Washington,'" Ramadan told the media.

"We have US Senators attacking a private, Virginia business because of its name," Miller explained. "It truly is political correctness on steroids on overdrive."

Senator Louise Lucas of Portsmouth echoed her fellow legislators' sentiments.

"I agree with what's already been said and that's that they have the right to choose their own name and none of us feel that there is any racism in it," she said. "In fact, we love the name and we stand by them and we all stand strong to support them."

All in attendance spoke about the history of the Redskins both from an on- and off-the-field perspective, as well as the pride it brings to state citizens and the community involvement of players and staff with those in need.

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