Dr. Ralph Northam of Virginia has been running a gentleman’s gubernatorial campaign. Some have said he’s played too nice, only recently striking back against the sensationalized and untrue claims made by corporate lobbyist and Trump-enthusiast Ed Gillespie in his campaign of alternative facts.
Maybe Dr. Northam knew better. Maybe he knew that our president couldn’t keep his troll-y little fingers off his phone for long. Maybe he knew that before this was over, staying out of the swampiness of the hate-mongering would be the best strategy.
Because last night, Trump gave our Democratic candidate the best gift he could possible have come up with...another ranting Trumpian tweet that clearly shows who he favors in this race:
Dr. Northam must have chuckled as he re-tweeted that right out:
Oh, to be a fly on the wall in the Northam campaign office this morning, as donations have been steadily coming in. As they should, because Ed Gillespie as governor would be devastating for the Commonwealth of Virginia. He has pledged his loyalty to Trump, and we know how horrific that would be.
All our Virginia races are so important this year. As governor a state with a Republican-controlled House of Delegates, Governor Terry McAuliffe has had to veto over 110 bills to protect the lives and civil liberties of Virginia. As citizens we have routinely had to endure nonsense for years, like Lt. Governor candidate Jill Vogel’s attempt to pass a bill requiring transvaginal ultrasounds for women seeking abortions. Delegate Bob Marshall’s attempt to pass a bathroom bill much like the one in North Carolina. And the House actually did pass, on its own, a Ben Cline-authored resolution naming the anniversary of Roe v. Wade as a Day of Tears.
But Virginia has so much progressive action going for it as well.
We have Ralph Northam, a defender of women’s rights and a fierce advocate for children’s health.
And Mark Herring, a steadfast attorney general running for re-election, who has stood strong with Dreamers and immigrants.
We have Danica Roem running in HOD 13 as the first transgender woman...and it looks like she could take Bob Marshall’s seat, even though he refuses to acknowledge her as a woman.
We have Chris Hurst running in HOD 12 as a strong advocate of gun safety.
We have Dawn M. Adams in the 68th, a strong outspoken advocate for public health and who favors expanding Medicaid in a state that has refused so far vs. an incumbent opponent who is funded by Americans For Prosperity who calls himself a moderate, but also ducks out for any vote that could be perceived as controversial.
Larry Barnett in the 27th who as a former hostage/crisis negotiator and mental health professional is skilled at listening to voter’s concerns and wants to find solutions beneficial to all.
Francis Stevens, a Capitol police officer who was born in the Philippines and suffered an oppressive government as a child, but who has such and optimistic outlook for what Americans can achieve if we work together.
Sheila Bynum-Coleman who even before she ran for office was an persistent voice for those ignored by local government—the homeless and those living in poor and blighted neighborhoods in her district.
Katie Sponsler, who served our country, but still struggled to make ends meet as a single mother and now wants to serve our state by making sure we have career and educational opportunities for everyone.
We have so many candidates who are earnestly looking for a way to improve the lives of Virginians. They have been canvassing. They have been to fairs, festivals, neighborhood community centers, anywhere they can listen to voters from both sides voice their concerns.
What they all need is more volunteer helpers to reach every single possible door in their districts and help spread the word that change is possible. And they need money from supporters ANYWHERE and EVERYWHERE to help fight the status quo. They probably won’t get the help of a Trump tweet. So if you can give time, please do. And if you can give money, please give generously.
We are fighting for our democracy, one state at a time. Our elections are Nov. 7. And we need your help.
Ralph Northam for Governor
Justin Fairfax for Lt. Governor
Mark Herring for Attorney General
Dawn M. Adams HOD 68
Larry Barnett HOD 27
Francis Stevens HOD 65
Sheila Bynum-Coleman HOD 62
Debra Rodman HOD 73
Schuyler Van Valkenburg HOD 72
Katie Sponsler HOD 62
Danica Roem HOD 13
Christ Hurst HOD 12