HRC Blog

Virginia Election Wrap-Up

November 4, 2009

While there were certainly some great victories yesterday (Kalamazoo, Bill Owens in NY, and hopefully Washington State), it was also a very rough year. While Maine is on all our minds, here in Virginia we’re reeling from the statewide election of some very, very anti-equality candidates. While our heads are hanging low today, it’s important that we put everything in perspective. Across the Commonwealth, HRC was engaged in nine House of Delegates races and the Governor’s race. Our staff, volunteers and members were out, proud and visible on campaigns – truly fighting and making a difference. The relationships we built, the ones we continue to strengthen, and the friendships we made are invaluable as we move forward and continue working towards a better, more inclusive and equitable Virginia. We stood by our friends and allies two years ago and were victorious in electing a fair-minded majority to the Virginia state Senate. This year, while we suffered some devastating losses, we were still there standing by those that value equality and justice. While we lost a number of races, we were instrumental in helping elect two fair-minded legislators who will be advocates for our community in Richmond. In Newport News, Robin Abbott unseated anti-equality incumbent Phil Hamilton to represent the 93rd District. Robin was the only fair-minded challenger in Virginia to win this year. HRC had an organizer on the race and supplemented his efforts with campaign support several weeks back. In Northern Virginia, HRC was on hand to help elect Luke Torian in the 52nd. In addition to providing a full time organizer, HRC staffers went to help with get-out-the-vote activities. Luke, like Robin, will be a welcomed and needed voice in the state capitol. As many know, there are elections in Virginia every year. I look forward to the next election, and the opportunity to continue working for equality in the Old Dominion.