Every week, Virginia’s 1st Congressional District Progressives poses a question to the Democratic candidates running for the U.S. House of Representatives (VA-01). This week’s question: “Why are YOU the candidate who can beat Wittman?”
Taking on and defeating an entrenched incumbent in an area which has a long history of supporting candidates of the incumbent’s party is not simple, nor is it straightforward. It can, however, be done.
As a strategic planner, I view this election like any other set of professional challenges I am faced with on a daily basis – by taking into account all factors and historically proven variables to achieve success.
The last true wave election for congressional Democrats was 2006. In that election, Democrats picked up 31 seats in the House to regain the majority (where we need 23 seats this time). However, the Republican incumbent, Jo Ann Davis, received 63% of the vote in the 1st District. The most recent “wave election” in Virginia was just last year. Even then, no Democrat whose name appeared on every ballot (Northam, Fairfax or Herring) won against their Republican opponent in the 1st District. The reality is that it’s dangerous to think any candidate will win the 1st District in a national “wave election” trend.
But that doesn’t mean we can’t win the 1st.
It’s important we understand that many, many people in the 1st District remain unshaken in their support of President Trump. But the political reality is that we need some of these people to vote with us if we’re ever going to win elections. The vote totals from the 223 precincts prove it.
When we take a “we” approach, we can win.
From day one of my candidacy, I have resisted using labels in an effort to build a broad coalition of people who want common sense government reform, and policies and programs that put people over profits. It’s why I have supporters from both political parties working for my campaign – even serving on my campaign’s steering committee. Democrats in the 1st District lose every time in an “us versus them” equation.
History has proven that successful challengers do more than say, “I think this and believe that.” Successful challengers create a concrete idea of what their leadership will look like and what it will mean to every single voter. Often this involves crafting a forward-thinking legislative agenda that offers an alternative to the incumbent’s record and perceived official actions.
So how do you run against this set of circumstances? It comes down to this:
- Experience: I’ve spent the last 25 years solving our nation’s toughest problems for national security, our military and government operations.
- Demographic advantages: Women are 21 percent more likely to vote for a woman, regardless of party.
- Concrete policy proposals: Addressing real problems communities in the 1st District face with real solutions, like my INVEST Initiative.
- An accomplished campaign team: Knowing which precincts to target on the ground and how to win the real battle grounds, outside broadcast media.
I have carefully created a positive message that does not focus on bashing the White House but draws a stark comparison between myself and Rob Wittman. This race requires an ability to connect with people and put ideas over ideology.
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