Muslim Advocates Condemns Anti-Muslim Question in VA Lieutenant Governor Debate, Station Owners Apologize
At a debate for Virginia’s Democratic primary for lieutenant governor on Tuesday, moderator and WJLA anchor Dave Lucas asked Del. Sam Rasoul an anti-Muslim question. During the debate, Lucas brought up donations Rasoul received from Muslim advocacy groups and asked him to “assure Virginians if you’re elected, you’ll represent all of them, regardless of faith or beliefs?”
“The way Delegate Rasoul was singled out as a Muslim and had his loyalty questioned is shameful. Virginia’s recent elections have been rife with anti-Muslim bigotry. Suggesting that Muslims are disloyal, foreign and have values that are contrary to the Constitution are false, harmful, anti-Muslim tropes. It’s insulting to Virginian and American values for a debate moderator to inject this type of bigotry into a televised debate,” said Muslim Advocates public advocacy director Scott Simpson:
William Fanshawe, a group manager of Sinclair Broadcast Group, sent Muslim Advocates a statement Wednesday apologizing for the anti-Muslim question. “During an important, relevant exchange related to campaign finance during the debate, our anchor, Dave Lucas, asked an inappropriate and disrespectful question to Delegate Sam Rasoul. We have reached out directly to Delegate Rasoul’s campaign and expressed our sincere apology for this question and for the impact of these words.”
Rod Hall goes on TV in his primary challenge to state delegate Elizabeth Guzman (D)
Hall is challenging Guzman for the 31st District House of Delegates seat. Guzman has represented the district since 2017 — she was a candidate seeking the nomination for lieutenant governor earlier this year, but she dropped out of that race a few months ago to focus on her reelection to the House.
Hall has earned the endorsement of many establishment Democrats ahead of the June 8 primary, but Guzman pulled in the endorsement of the Speaker of the House and has the incumbent’s advantage.
Watch the new TV ad from Hall below:https://player.vimeo.com/video/555401166?autoplay=0
Bristol Herald-Courier: GUEST VIEW: McAuliffe: My Bold Plan for Rural Virginia
By Terry McAuliffe
This year has not been an easy one. Virginians from every corner of the commonwealth, particularly rural areas, have faced unprecedented challenges. Students, teachers, and parents have been forced to adapt to new arrangements that are not always conducive to success. Families are in danger of missing rent and mortgage payments, and struggling to put food on the table. And for residents in communities around Bristol and throughout rural Virginia, this pandemic has only exacerbated the inequities they have faced for decades.
The natural resources, environment, and over one million residents in rural Virginia are vital to the commonwealth’s economy. These communities are home to Virginia’s largest industry — agriculture and forestry — which provides 440,000 jobs and over $90 billion in annual economic impact. Once flourishing and home to tremendous manufacturing and industrial hubs, Virginia’s rural communities have been hit hard over the past several decades. Manufacturing industries have left, and the Great Recession eliminated jobs that have never returned. Additionally, these localities have faced low wages, lack of broadband, and underfunded health care infrastructure. But I believe our best days lie ahead of us, not behind.
Carroll Foy: Charlottesville can choose new, bold leadership on June 8
By Jennifer Carroll Foy
I grew up in Petersburg, Virginia, one of the poorest communities in our commonwealth. Petersburg is a strong community thanks to the people I grew up with: our faith leaders; my teacher, Sgt. Maj. Frost; and my grandmother, Mary Lee. People in our community fought to keep Petersburg alive when politicians of the past turned their backs on us. It’s a town that had been left behind. Too many families struggled to get by – including my own. Luckily, I was raised by my grandmother, Mary Lee Carroll, a powerhouse and leader in our neighborhood, who taught me what I hold true: that even if you don’t have much, “If you have it, you have to give it.”
That’s why I chose to put service first. I decided to attend the Virginia Military Institute and became one of the first women to ever graduate from the school. I fought for those who could not fight for themselves as a foster mom, public defender and an effective member of the House of Delegates, where I passed bills and budgets to uplift working people. I worked to expand Medicaid to 500,000 Virginians, raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, secure a raise for our teachers, take on Dominion Energy and clean up toxic coal ash ponds across Virginia and more. I fought for real criminal justice reform, including the fight against police violence, banning chokeholds and no-knock warrants.
NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia Endorses Tracie Liguid in HD-84 Primary
NARAL Pro Choice Virginia endorses Tracie Liguid in her HD-84 primary in Virginia Beach. NARAL Pro Choice VA is a state level grassroots advocacy and political organization supported by thousands of activists, volunteers, and members throughout the Commonwealth. They advocate for and educate Virginia’s state lawmakers on reproductive rights and healthcare in the commonwealth.
“We are excited to offer Tracie Liguid our endorsement in her bid to represent House District 84. Tracie will bring a fresh, new perspective to the House of Delegates that HD84 desperately needs, someone who truly wants to represent her community and give everyone a voice. Tracie is an enthusiastic reproductive freedom advocate and we know she will make reproductive health and rights one of her top priorities when she goes to Richmond. We look forward to helping her win her primary on June 8th and the General Election,” said Tarina Keene, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia
Glenn Youngkin, GOP nominee for Virginia governor, goes mum on guns and abortion – Washington Post
by Laura Vozzella
Glenn Youngkin vowed, as he pursued the GOP nomination for Virginia governor, to steadfastly oppose abortion and roll back restrictions on gun rights.
“We will protect the Second Amendment and our right to keep and bear arms,” he told a cheering crowd on May 11, the night he was crowned the nominee. “Friends, together, all of us, we will protect the life of every Virginia child born and unborn.”
VA GOP Mourns the Passing of Senator John Warner III
VA GOP Chairman Richard L. Anderson issued the following statement on the passing of Senator John Warner III:
“Today, I join many across the Commonwealth in mourning the loss of Senator John Warner. I, Ruth, and the Republican Party of Virginia wish to extend our deepest condolences to the Warner family during this time.
“A veteran, a public servant, and a man of faith, John served his country honorably for decades. From his days in the United States Navy to his service within the halls of Congress and the Pentagon, he left his mark on the institutions we hold most dear.
“As we mourn the passing of our beloved friend, let’s remember and celebrate the life he led and strive to achieve the same level of passion for service that he embraced.”
Sen. Jen Kiggans Signs U.S. Term Limits Pledge
Sen. Jen Kiggans, Republican candidate for Congress in Virginia’s Second Congressional District, has signed a pledge to cosponsor and vote for the U.S. Term Limits amendment when elected to Congress. The U.S. Term Limits constitutional amendment would limit Members of Congress to three (3) terms and Senators to two terms.
“My entire life has been about service — to my country as a Navy pilot, my family as a wife and mother, my patients as a nurse practitioner, and my constituents as a state senator,” Kiggans said. “Term limits on elected officals will help guarantee the will of the people, not special interests or career politicians, are being heard. As Congresswoman for Virginia’s Second District, I will go above and beyond to put personal politics aside and service first. That is why I am proudly pledging my support for the U.S. Term Limits pledge, and I look forward to its ratification.”
Va. House Democrats attack anti-Dominion mega-donor Michael Bills – Richmond Times-Dispatch
by Patrick Wilson
Virginia House Democrats have turned some attention toward attacking Charlottesville mega-donor Michael Bills, the multimillionaire who supports candidates who want to limit Dominion Energy’s influence in Virginia politics.
The attack came within a mail piece paid for and authorized by the House Democratic Caucus in a contested primary election in Northern Virginia.
Was there a ‘slight’ of hand after the Democrats’ lieutenant governor debate? – Richmond Times-Dispatch
by Patrick Wilson
After the six Democratic candidates for lieutenant governor debated Tuesday at George Mason University, Norfolk City Councilwoman Andria McClellan reached out her hand to Del. Hala Ayala, D-Prince William, for a post-debate handshake on stage.
Ayala did not extend her hand in return and walked away, according to a video captured by someone in the audience.
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