HRC Blog

Only 11 days left until Election Day! Here in Virginia, HRC has been hard at work for months working to elect, and reelect, fair-minded legislators. In addition to supporting Creigh Deeds, we’re involved in 9 races across the Commonwealth. Our fantastic, dedicated organizers had the following to say about their work: Garrett Garner is on Major John Bell’s campaign in the 13^th District “Things here are really heating up! Today the Washington Post and the Manassas News & Messenger announced their support of John. As they put it, “In the 13^th District, it is time for a change.” We couldn’t agree more. John’s opponent, Bob Marshall, has been a consistent opponent of equality and has made a career out of trying to divide his community over social, wedge issues. I’m working primarily in Loudoun County, recruiting volunteers for our numerous phonebanks and canvasses. It’s going to be a tough election, but I’m confident that the voters here will see this raced for what it is – a choice between a commonsense moderate who will fight for everyone in the 13^th, and a self-declared right-wing extremist. Go John, go!” Clay Wood and Kristin Smith are working on the reelection campaigns of Delegates Joe Bouchard and Bobby Mathieson in Virginia Beach’s 83^rd and 21^st districts, respectively. Clay had this to say – “Wow, I can’t believe we’re almost at the end of campaign. With Bob McDonnell, a Virginia Beach native, at the top of the ticket this is going to be a tough race. Joe and Bobby have been fierce advocates for Hampton Roads, however, and I think voters will see that. We aren’t taking anything for granted though. From sun up to sun down, 7 days a week, we’re out knocking on doors, calling voters, and spreading their positive messages.” Kristin said the following – “I really appreciate the opportunity to get behind such incredible candidates. Delegates Bouchard and Mathieson are staunch allies of the LGBT community and truly care about everyone in their districts. I may go through a pair or two of shoes knocking on so many doors, but hey, victory comes at a cost!” Jordy Zeigler is down in the Star City working on Gwen Mason’s campaign in the 17^th District “Gwen is such an amazing candidate and this race presents such an excellent opportunity to put the seat in fair-minded hands . Today she picked up a strongly worded endorsement from the Roanoke Times. Gwen is a true progressive, and the fun I’m having on this campaign makes the 14 hour days well worth it.” Our organizers, staff and members across the state are working hard to keep progress moving forward in Virginia. If you haven’t had an opportunity to help out this year, now is the time! None of us want to wake up on November 4^th with anti-equality extremist Bob McDonnell in the Governor’s mansion and more backwards thinking representatives in the House of Delegates. To get involved, find the nearest coordinated campaign headquarters by clicking here, or email me to get plugged in at [email protected] And if you haven’t already, it’s not too late to request your absentee ballot. The deadline for receipt is October 27^. 11 more days…

Paid for by Human Rights Campaign Equality Votes, 1640 Rhode Island Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036, and authorized by John Bell, Joe Bouchard, Bobby Mathieson and Gwen Mason, candidates for Delegate.