Sen. Warner Rallies Voters in Support of VA State Sen. Edd Houck
On Sunday, Sen. Mark Warner appeared at a rally in support of Virginia State Senator Edd Houck’s (D-VA-17th) re-election campaign.
Sen. Warner noted how Sen. Houck has been critical in helping to maintain and protect Virginia’s AAA bond rating. He also talked about how if Washington doesn’t deal with its’ huge debt in a fair and balanced way that there would be cuts that disproportionally effect education, infrastructure, law enforcement and research. This trickle down effect will have a devastating effect on local communities.
Virginia, under Gov. Bob McDonnell, has already cut billions of dollars in education and health care the past couple of years. This is all while his biggest donors get hefty tax breaks while Virginians struggle.
Combine what’s happening on the federal level and on the state level and you have a recipe for disaster. Virginia’s AAA bond rating has been assigned a “negative outlook” by Moody’s. Sen. Edd Houck has consistently supported a balanced approach to our state budgets, which has helped to preserve Virginia’s AAA bond.
As Sen. Warner put it, “the last thing we want to do is turn Richmond into Washington.” He went on to say:
If we turn Richmond over to all one party and not the John Chichester types because their voices will not be heard in a legislature where compromise is not viewed as an essential trade of government, but compromise is somehow viewed the way it is now in Washington as a sign of weakness.
Sen. Houck’s Koch Brothers backed opponent doesn’t comprehend the words “balance” and “compromise.” The Republicans have lurched so far to the right that moderate’s in the party, who understand “balance” and “compromise,” have no home.
One such person is former State Senate Finance Chairman John Chichester (R-VA) who recently endorsed Sen. Houck. In his endorsement, he had the following to say:
Senator Houck worked closely with me and other Republicans to pass common sense legislation that helped to protect and create jobs, make create jobs, make critical investments in core services, and cut taxes.
Party labels are not as important as someone’s commitment to principle and willingness to work in a bipartisan fashion to find solutions. Edd will continue to be a leader on issues important to Virginias like improving our economy and keeping taxes low…I strongly encourage all of my fellow Republicans and other friends in the 17th District to send Edd Houck back to the State Senate.
Vote on November 8 to re-elect Virginia Sen. Edd Houck, our futures depend on it! The 17th District consists of all or parts of the counties of Albermarle, Culpeper, Louisa, Orange, and Spotsylvania and the City of Fredericksburg.
Hap Connors for Chancellor Supervisor, Spotsylvania County
During this election season, I’ve had my hands full with trying to cover the many races in Stafford County; however, I believe that Hap Connors deserves everyone’s attention.
I’ve known Hap for some time and I can tell you that there isn’t a better human being or more effective Supervisor than him. My only wish is that Hap would move to Stafford County.
Although Hap runs as an independent candidate, he is adored by Republicans, Democrats and independents.
Instead of talking about creating jobs, Hap has actually done it – 3700 since 2008, during the deepest part of the financial crisis. He has also fought for investments in education, higher teacher pay and smaller classrooms. He understands that a strong school system is an economic incentive for businesses and families – something many elected officials in Stafford County can’t seem to comprehend.
In addition to making key investments in education, he has also invested in other core services such as public safety and transportation. Hap has made all of this happen while cutting $60 million from Spotsylvania’s budget over the last two years, cutting taxes for small businesses, seniors and veterans and keeping real estate taxes among the lowest in the region.
Hap understands how to govern using a balanced approach and how to effectively cross party lines to get things done!
We need more Hap Connors in government. You don’t have to take this Democrat’s word for it.
Just how widely respected is Hap Connors? The former chairman of the Spotsylvania County Republican Committee, Fitz Johnson, has gone against his party’s endorsee and publicly endorsed Hap:
As a former chairman of the Spotsylvania County Republican Committee, I understand the need to recruit candidates to run for office. But why would anyone want to recruit someone to run against Chancellor Supervisor Hap Connors? He’s one of the best board members we have in Spotsylvania.
I have gotten to know Hap, and as a businessman I can tell you if you want to get things done, see Hap. He’s a straight shooter who works hard to do what’s best for the people of Spotsylvania.
He has fought for investments that make our county great–strong schools, safe streets, and better conditions to attract new businesses and jobs. Hap has done this while keeping real estate taxes low–22 cents lower than Stafford County’s–and while increasing the county’s credit rating.
I am a conservative Republican who votes almost exclusively for Republicans. But I am supporting Hap Connors, a pragmatic, common-sense independent with a strong pro-business record. Hap is focused on getting things done and serving the public, not on party politics and political rhetoric.
On November 8, 2011, vote for Hap Connors for Chancellor Supervisor in Spotsylvania County!
Harry Crisp Endorses Charles Latimer for George Washington Supervisor
George Washington Supervisor Harry Crisp has strongly endorsed Charles Latimer for the seat he will be vacating later this year, as he chose not to seek re-election. Per the Free-Lance Star:
It has been my a pleasure to serve the residents of the George Washington District on the Stafford County Board of Supervisors for the past four years. The experience has been rewarding; however, I chose not to run for re-election in order to spend more time with my family.
Charles Latimer has my full support in the election for this seat. Mr. Latimer is a retired Marine master gunnery sergeant and is currently employed as a human resources program manager.
He has been an active member of our community as a coach for youth football, as a mentor for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, and as president of his homeowners association.
Mr. Latimer will put the well-being of residents above partisan politics. He will work hard to preserve the remaining open spaces in the George Washington District, to invest in our kids through strong support for our schools and parks and recreation programs, to fix our roads, to provide good public safety, and to protect and preserve our natural and cultural resources.
Charles Latimer is the best choice to continue the tradition that the voters of George Washington District have strongly preferred for the past 12 years.
Very well said by Harry. Enough can’t be said about the great job Harry has done representing the George Washington District over the last four years. Thank you, Harry!
Filling Harry’s shoes will be a tall order, but Charles is clearly the right person for the job! On November 8, 2011, let’s continue the “tradition that the voters of George Washington District have strongly preferred for the past 12 years” by voting for Charles Latimer.
You can learn more about Charles by visiting his website.
Former VA Republican State Senate Finance Chairman Endorses Puller for Senate
Former State Senator John Chichester (R-VA) has endorsed Toddy Puller (D-VA), per the following press release:
Former Virginia Republican State Senate Finance Chairman John Chichester endorsed Senator Linda T. “Toddy” Puller for reelection to the 36th Senatorial District of Virginia. Senator Chichester said: “We need more senators like Toddy Puller. She is fair, has integrity, listens and has no agenda except to represent the people of Virginia in the best way possible.”
Senator Chichester represented the 28th District of Virginia in the Fredericksburg area for almost 30 years. He also served eight years as the President Pro Tem of the Senate.
“During my service in the Senate,” Senator Chichester said: “Senator Puller did not approach issues as a Republican or a Democrat but considered what would work best for the people of Virginia. She carefully considers the facts about the issues and works to keep the state fiscally strong by ensuring Virginia is able to provide the core services government is tasked to do. Her common sense, effective approach to government has helped to make Virginia the ‘best governed state, the best state in which to do business, and the best state to raise a child.’”
“Senator Puller is well respected for her leadership on veterans issues, education, and transportation. She has been very successful in addressing concerns and supporting legislation to make great strides in these areas.”
In conclusion, Senator Chichester stated that: “it was a pleasure to serve with her in the Virginia Senate and I am pleased to endorse Senator Toddy Puller for reelection to the Virginia State Senate. I know she will continue to serve the 36th District and our great Commonwealth well.”
I couldn’t have said it any better myself. Toddy is the consummate professional. I couldn’t agree with Chichester more, “She is fair, has integrity, listens and has no agenda except to represent the people of Virginia in the best way possible.”
Go Toddy!
Is Stafford County “Better off with Fetterolf”? You Betcha!
As many of my regular readers know, the issue that I’m most passionate about, locally, is strengthening our public education system – something the Republican-led Stafford County Board of Supervisors could care less about. Last year I wrote about how education was clearly not a priority for Stafford County Republicans, evident by the fact that they were spending $60 per day on inmates vs. $21 per day ($3 per hour) on each student.
Furthermore, the board also adopted an economic development plan, which made absolutely no mention of our public education system. They simply do not view a high-quality education system as an economic incentive, which couldn’t be further from the truth.
Enter Supervisor Cord Sterling (R-Rock Hill). In an unforgettable moment last year, he stood on the courthouse steps and launched a blistering attack on our school board – calling for them to be fired. Not what I would have done to establish a good working relationship with them.
With Cord’s seat up for re-election this year, voters can finally FIRE HIM!
Stafford Democrats came up empty in recruiting a candidate for this seat, but luckily voters have not. Dr. Dean Fetterolf (I-Rock Hill) believes Stafford is “Better off with Fetterolf” and SO DO I!
Pictured: Dr. Dean Fetterolf (I-Rock Hill)
For the last few years, Dean has chaired the School Board’s Finance and Budget Advisory Committee. There is not a single person more passionate and knowledgeable than Dean on what goes into building and, most importantly, maintaining a top-notch school system. He also understands that a quality school system can be used as a powerful economic incentive for attracting new businesses and families, which has a direct impact on our property values.
He rightfully notes that the amount of funds transferred to schools, as a percentage of total county spending, has fallen more than 16% since 2006. How does this compare to our neighbors? Despite a recession, our neighbors have increased their funding above their existing required local effort by an average of 20%. Stafford has CUT it by 30%. 30%!
Dean has put forth a 21st Century Globally Competitive funding goal plan for Stafford Schools:
- Reduce the 5th highest K-7 student teacher ratio in VA
- Improve Stafford’s 108 out of 132 ranking in per pupil expenditure
- Provide Competitive salaries for teachers and staff
- Help replace the 1000 computers that are 5-7 years old
- Help replace 88 old school buses
- Help fund $11M in future textbook purchases
- Replace Stafford High School
- Provide planning funds for a new CTE Facility
- Remodel or Replace 5 aging Southern Elementary Schools
It’s time to cut the CORD and vote Fetterolf for Rock Hill Supervisor on November 8th!
Krystal Ball Gains Support of Prominent Democratic Groups As Nomination Process Kicks-Off
As we approach the first set of caucuses in Virginia’s First Congressional District, to determine the democratic nominee, Krystal Ball continues to rack up key endorsements. Today’s press release:
FREDERICKSBURG, VA. – As the nominating process to select the Democratic candidate for Virginia’s first Congressional District kicks off, key Democratic constituency groups are making it known who they think will be best prepared to take on Rob Wittman in November’s election.
Today, Krystal Ball for Congress has announced the support of three additional organizations: AFSCME, the Farm Team, and the Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC).
Adam Green of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC) said, “We are very impressed by Krystal, her positions, her willingness to fight, and the Krystal Ball campaign operation.”
“I’ve been so impressed with the Progressive Change Campaign Committee’s commitment to issues that are important to Democrats, especially their support of a strong public option,” said Ball. “Their support, along with that of AFSCME and the Farm Team, give us a sense of momentum going into this nominating process.”
AFSCME is the largest public employee and health care workers union in the United States.
The Farm Team (via their website) added the following about their endorsement of Krystal:
Not only does she represent “a fresh face” but believes passionately on changing the way business is done in Washington. She will work to get beyond partisanship and for the best interest of Virginians to keep our state the best place to run a business and raise a family.
Krystal continues to build up momentum in the race for the democratic nomination in Virginia’s First Congressional District. As we’ve said before, she is clearly the best candidate to take on Rob Wittman come November.
SDC Chair Endorses Krystal Ball for Congress
As we learned from the last election cycle in Virginia, the perceived “safe” candidate doesn’t always equate to electoral success. This brings me to the 2010 race for Congress in the 1st Congressional District. Over the next several months, Democrats will decide on a challenger to Rep. Rob Wittman (R-1st CD).
I believe the single most important factor in being able to win this race is the ability of our eventual Democratic nominee to energize Obama voters and get them to actually show up for this mid-term election. I’m under no illusion that the first congressional district is a particularly easy one for Democrats; however, I believe that Krystal Ball is the only candidate who can pull off a major upset. As she often states, this election will come down to “money, mobilization and a good message.”
Krystal has already raised more money than any of our immediate past Democratic candidates were able to raise throughout their entire campaigns. As of the last reporting period, she has raised more than a quarter of a million dollars; and it is likely from what I’m hearing that she will be approaching a half million dollars at the end of this reporting period (12/2009). To put this in context, this would be more than Shawn O’Donnell (D-2006), Philip Forgit (D -2007) and William (“Bill”) Day (D-2008) were able to raise combined throughout their entire campaigns. This huge cash advantage will allow Krystal to gather the necessary resources to get her message out.
In a recent interview with Blue Virginia, she listed education, environmental protection and technology based job creation as the issues she was most passionate about.
Being the husband of a public school teacher, I see firsthand what a vital role our teachers play in providing a quality education to our children. They are constantly being asked to do more with fewer resources. Krystal understands education. She understands that in order to maintain and grow an exceptional core of teachers that we must focus on “recruitment, retention and fair pay.”
Specifically addressing recruitment, I think that it is important to understand why professionals choose fields such as engineering over teaching. To me it is not simply all about the almighty dollar as it is about allowing teachers to actually teach. Teach not to a test, but allow teachers a bit more freedom in actually teaching. It seems to me that each year we are spending more and more time on test preparation, which directly impacts actual instructional time in the classroom. Why is this the case? Under the No Child Left Behind Act, the federal government requires us to conduct tests to measure students’ academic proficiency. If certain academic thresholds are not met, this impacts the amount of federal funding a school receives. And, by the way, the federal government mandates that this testing be conducted, but provides no funding to support it (a.k.a. the “Unfunded Mandate”). I totally believe that we need academic standards, but the system is fatally flawed and is need of a major overhaul.
Krystal strongly believes that the federal government should not be “putting legislative handcuffs on local communities” and so do I. Krystal also understands that there are many folks in local communities who may have a particular expertise that could provide tangible benefits to students in the classroom; however, they do not meet licensure requirements. She has proposed alternative licensure programs to help attract these folks and deal with an aging teacher population that will result in significant retirements in the coming years. One thing is for sure; Krystal is the candidate who offers the most concrete solutions to improve our education system.
With regards to environmental protection and technology based job creation, Krystal understands that they are not mutually exclusive. She understands that in order to address the ever-widening income inequality gap in this country that we must look at creating jobs in industries which we have a comparative advantage, such as renewable energy. This requires bold leadership and a true understanding of business. As a successful small business owner herself, Krystal understands that once “the costs of environmental destruction are brought from externalities to business expenses” that industries such as renewable energy will become economically viable. This will help create high wage jobs that just so happen to provide an added bonus of being environmentally positive.
If all of this isn’t enough to convince you that Krystal is one heck of a candidate, look at a recent endorsement by Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA), Chairman, Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. In his endorsement he notes
“Krystal will be a strong champion of our armed service members and a fierce advocate for our veterans and their families, both inside and out of the district. I am impressed by her call to service and with her background as a CPA and small business owner. I believe she has a valuable perspective from which to legislate on economic issues, and will be the best voice for Virginia’s first district.”
As the Chair of the Stafford Democratic Committee, I have witnessed many successful and not so successful candidates and campaigns over the last two years. Krystal is one of the most intelligent, hard working candidates I have come across over this period of time and, put simply, is our best chance of winning a very difficult first congressional district race. She inspires people to want to work for her and produces a similar fervor amongst her supporters that was present in 2008 for President Obama. She is far from the safest candidate, a 28-year old first time candidate, but where did safe get the Democrats in the 2009 Gubernatorial race?
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