I come from a working class family and I live in a working class neighborhood. I say things sometimes that have caused my wife to kick me under the table, but I am a fighter for Democratic values and I will never compromise those values when entrenched establishment, Republicans, and special interests threaten our communities and hard working families.
Richmond Republicans have assaulted the people of this Commonwealth by openly supporting removing protections for folks with pre-existing conditions, cutting funding for Planned Parenthood, forcing women to undergo invasive procedure, and threatening the availability of healthcare to 400,000 working Virginians.
Having high blood pressure, having a C-Section, and even just being Pregnant are considered pre-existing conditions that would raise premiums on Virginia families and in some cases allow companies to deny insurance coverage. This is not a “right” or “left” issue it is simply wrong. It is immoral and a betrayal of our values.
For too long, our leaders have bargained with the lives of the people they serve. These are our families, our neighbors and our friends. The health of our families and the people we serve are not bargaining chips to make political deals with. We must protect Planned Parenthood and other women’s health clinics, affordability of cancer treatment, and accept that health care is a right and not a privilege for those who can afford it. All Virginians, and indeed all Americans, have a right to quality, affordable health coverage.
The increasingly far right agenda in Richmond is a disgrace to our values. 60,000 Virginia children could lose health insurance, and over 2,000 citizens in my district will remain without affordable healthcare if we don’t stand up and say “enough is enough”. As a lifelong Democrat, I know how to fight the special interests, power brokers, and entrenched establishment who are ready to make a deal with these people’s lives.
I am not afraid to hurt Ron Villanueva’s, or any other republicans feelings when it comes to fighting for what Democrats believe in. I am not afraid to speak my mind when Republicans propose more “Days of Tears” or “fetal person hood” or any other laws that hurt women, or hinder their ability to access the treatment that they choose.
I believe we need to fight back against Richmond Republicans that are hurting Virginia Families. Democrats should be ready to stand up and fight, as Republicans have done to us since Ronald Reagan was in office. I will not only reject the far right wing agenda, I will hold Ron Villanueva accountable for all of the harm he has done to working families in Virginia. I am asking my fellow Democrats here on this Primary Day to help me fight. It’s time to remove the gloves, and throw a punch.
I humbly ask for your vote today.
Virginia HD 21 - Tom Brock