Verrrry interesting; leaves just two Democratic candidates for Virginia LG in 2017 at the moment — Justin Fairfax and Gene Rossi. The question is, will any others get in? UPDATE: Del. Sam Rasoul tells me he will not be entering the race. UPDATE #2: Gene Rossi called me to say, on the record, “Today, the Rossi campaign is VERY happy. The reason we’re happy is that Eileen Filler-Corn was a tremendous candidate and would have been a very formidable opponent.”
My Plans for 2017
Over the past several months I have been exploring the possibility of a campaign for the office of Lieutenant Governor in 2017. During this time I have traveled across Virginia, meeting with so many amazing people; individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth. I have had the opportunity to listen to their ideas, their concerns and the issues of greatest importance to them. This has been a wonderful experience for me and I am grateful that I have been able to meet with so many new people in all regions of Virginia.
My goal was to make a decision about running for Lieutenant Governor after the general election and prior to the end of the year. Then the election happened!
Since then, I have had countless conversations with many individuals about the outcome and how we move forward. Many of us were very disappointed in the results. What I am consistently hearing, however, is a desire to get right back up, get involved and fight to protect those principles that are so important to us. In particular, I am hearing how very important it is for our society to continue to be inclusive, to fight for equality and economic fairness, and to stand up against any efforts to discriminate or divide us.
I am honored and privileged to serve in public office. I am committed to stand up for those principles, beliefs and values that are so important to us. That is my primary goal and focus at this time as I look forward to getting back to work in the General Assembly in 2017.
Serving in the Virginia House of Delegates is an incredible honor and a position that I am proud to hold. At this time, I feel that it is important for me to devote my full attention to my current position, and therefore, I have decided that I will not be a candidate for Lieutenant Governor in 2017.
Even though I will not be a candidate for statewide office next year, I am more confident than ever that in 2017 we will elect Ralph Northam as Governor, re-elect Mark Herring as Attorney General and elect a new Democratic Lieutenant Governor. I will proudly and vigorously campaign for our ticket next year as I run for re-election to the House of Delegates.
I am incredibly appreciative and grateful for the support and encouragement that I received from so many during this exploration. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
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