VA-11
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One of the races I believe will be creating a lot of excitement this year is the Congressional race in Virginia’s 11th – which just so happens also to be my home district. I have had the honor of meeting all three of the Democratic candidates and would support any of them over Tom Davis or any of the other Republicans rumored to be considering a bid. When you combine Leslie Byrne’s experience, her positions on the issues, and her ability to rally a large number of grassroots supporters, however, it becomes apparent that she is the best candidate. I am therefore proud to announce that I am endorsing Leslie Byrne for Congress.
One of the first things I noticed about Leslie’s campaign was the fact that she appeared to have an enormous amount of support from grassroots advocates. Her supporters seemed so convinced she was the right candidate that I have to admit I wondered if the actual candidate could live up to what everyone was saying about her. But then I started doing more and more research and saw that she definitely has the record to match what her supporters have been saying. In 2003, for instance, she illustrated how she had the integrity to stand up for what’s right even when it’s not necessarily popular by speaking out against the invasion of Iraq. Furthermore, she also has a tremendous amount of experience working with transportation issues — something that most definitely is important to residents of the 11th.
Not only does she have the record, but it’s clear she has the passion necessary to help bring about the change that is needed. In a recent conversation we had, for instance, Leslie leaned forward in her seat and her eyes lit up when she began to speak about how at the heart of her candidacy was a desire to ensure that all of her potential constituents truly had a Representative who would stand up for their best interests. As the conversation continued, it became obvious that this was not empty rhetoric but something she truly believes and will remember if elected. The passion she has and her history of standing up all her constituents is something that others have seen as well and I believe it is probably a large factor in why Leslie has received so much support from various labor unions and elected officials such as Chap Petersen and Donald McEachin.
There are obviously many more reasons to support Leslie Byrne for Congress and I most definitely recommend heading over to her website to read up a little more on her candidacy. I look forward to seeing how this race progresses and seeing Leslie pulling off a victory in November.
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