Corey Stewart Throws a Hissy Fit For No Apparent Reason

First, listento Corey Stewart’s OUTRAGED robocall here.

Now, read Stewart’s OUTRAGED email blast:

Dear Friends and Residents of Prince William County,

The most recent version of the General Assembly redistricting plan approved by the Virginia State Senate on Thursday is a gross injustice to Prince William County . Among Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park , there are nearly one half million residents. With a population of this size, the citizens of the community are entitled to two and one half senate seats.

Instead, Senator George Barker, who drew the state senate districts, has proposed a plan that ensures that the county will only have one representative in the state senate. The plan would splinter Prince William into seven Senate districts, six of which would likely be held be residents of other counties, including Fairfax (3), Loudoun (1), Fauquier (1) and Westmoreland (1).

Although I have disagreed with him in the past, I have never before questioned Senator Barker’s motives. But this plan disenfranchises Prince William County and its citizens. The plan dilutes the influence of Prince William in Richmond , despite the fact that we are the second largest County in the Commonwealth and growing fast. This plan is a disgrace, and I am urging Governor McDonnell to make reasonable and fair adjustments to the state senate districts.

I will not stand by silently as Prince William is dismembered and divvied up among neighboring counties. I will fight Senator Barker’s attempt to disenfranchise Prince William citizens. Please call Senator Barker’s Office and let him know that you too are also unhappy with this plan. Senator Barker’s phone number is 703-303-1426.

-Corey

So…you’re probably wondering, what the heck is Corey Stewart talking about here exactly? Is this a real issue or what?

Well, no. Actually, the deal is that right now, Prince William County (PWC) has one (1) State Senator representing it who also resides in PWC. That would be Chuck Colgan (D), who lives in Gainesville, just west of Manassas National Battlefield Park. Other than that, PWC right now has State Senator George Barker (39th), State Senator Toddy Puller (36th), and State Senator Richard Stuart (28th), none of whom live in PWC, but all of whom represent parts of PWC in the State Senate.

And under George Barker’s Senate redistricting plan, guess what? That’s right, nothing changes: Chuck Colgan would still be the only one who lives in PWC in the State Senate. So what’s Corey Stewart throwing such a hissy fit about? Or is this all “strategery?” But if so, what is it? Does Stewart really think anybody cares about this “issue?” Perhaps he believes that attacking George Barker for authoring the Senate redistricting plan is the way to win back that seat? If so, I’m highly dubious it’s going to work, given the much bigger problems most people in PWC are facing (e.g., the economy? jobs? their mortgages being “underwater?”). Anyway, let’s hope Corey keeps wasting his time and money, confusing PWC residents, and generally making a fool of himself. I’m sure the Babur Lateef campaign, for instance, will enjoy every minute of it. 🙂