Above map is from this site.
Voting Democrats into government is foundational to resistance in the Age of Trump.
Holding onto and growing blue dominance is totally putting a spoke in the wheels of Republican “values” and agenda.
It is exactly what they did to us!
Remember that.
Here in Virginia, we are having a special election. People right here at DK have been writing about it.
Virginia’s Special Election is on Tuesday, January 10th, 2017.
The Democratic candidate is running against two right-wing Republicans.
Virginia SD-22 candidate — Democrat Ryant Washington, used to be on the Board of Directors of
Fluvanna Chamber of Commerce. Before that, he was a popular sheriff of Fluvanna County. He was born and raised in Buckingham County.
Ryant Washington has roots in the rural parts of SD-22.
He has a more local-centric view of things and and recognizes that the minimum wage has to be higher for the working families of the district. He understands that communities do not benefit when people are paid a measly minimum wage, which is current in the district.
His opponents do not believe that a higher minimum wage is necessary. They are happy with the status quo of the district.
Ryant Washington understands the burden of unfunded mandates on local government. Washington said:
[...] he sees investments in workforce development as a key to drawing businesses to the region.
When businesses consider moving to a locality, he said, they first examine whether the local workforce has the skills it needs. He said he would speak with local chambers of commerce and educators to learn what they want in that regard, as well as examine what workforce training would best fit the region.
“When we talk about the 22nd District, we realize that it’s rural and that a lot of the skill sets that need to be developed may be in trades,” Washington said. LINK.
Bolding mine.
Furthermore —
Washington also highlighted the lack of internet access in homes throughout
the district, which he said especially impacts students. “How do those kids help us build the future when they don’t have the tools to get the knowledge they need?” he asked. “As your senator I can assure you I’ll be fighting for those types of things…[that] can make an immediate impact in the lives of folks every day.” LINK.
Bolding mine.
Apparently, only one candidate is really speaking for the people in the district — Mr. Ryant Washington:
Washington said in a phone interview that he hopes to be a voice for the localities in the district on issues such as public safety, health care, education and the economy.
“The economy is the driving issue,” and a strong education is key to a strong workforce, said Washington, adding that it is important that “we don’t enact burdensome policies.” Link.
Bolding mine.
Ryant Washington’s Democratic “values” have more to do with representing the people in his district.
His “values” are about addressing the issues in his district, should he win.
He’s a people-first rural democrat.
As opposed to a party-centric Republican.
And then there’s a move in the Virginia legislature for Republicans to write their own bathroom bill:
Marshall’s proposed HB 1612 goes a step further than North Carolina’s bill by requiring public school principals to notify the parents of a child who requests to be recognized or treated as a member of the opposite sex, which could lead to school officials “outing” transgender students. Transgender people often do not subscribe to traditional gender roles and do not self-identity with the gender assigned to them at birth. Outing — or publicly identifying someone as transgender without their consent — can be an intense emotional experience for the person involved. LINK
I’m certain that Mr. Ryant Washington will provide leadership for Democratic causes in the Virginia Senate.
Mr. Ryant Washington is a member of 90for90.Org which was created in honor of Dr. William Ferguson Reid Sr. It is an organization which actively encourages voter participation by registering more voters.
Ryant Washington is supported by area conservationists —
“Now, more than ever, we need strong conservation champions at the state level who will stand up for the clean air, clean water and protected open spaces that have a direct impact on Virginians’ daily quality of life. These candidates fit that bill,” said Michael Town, Executive Director of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters. “With Ryant Washington in the State Senate and Cheryl Turpin in the House, we will be one step closer to ensuring conservation values are protected at the General Assembly.” LINK.