By H.“Bud”Cothern, Ed.D.
A storm named Abigail from Glen Allen is predicted in the 7th Congressional district of Virginia, and Rep. Dave Brat has a lot to fear from it. Brat has been busy photo-oping all around Central Virginia, spouting his farcical “Judeo-Christian,” Koch brother-inspired, pseudo-economic theory, showing up at tire stores and doughnut shops and avoiding his constituents in real meaningful dialogue. That’s all about to change. The winds of change, in the name of Abigail Spanberger, are here.
You see, I know Abigail Spanberger. She is a friend of mine. And Dave Brat, you’re no Abigail Spanberger. To the contrary, you are so outclassed it is almost hilarious. And you are going to lose. Bigly. A big blue wind is about to blow through your district. Take cover. Abigail is going to dominate the conversation in the Democratic primary and then emerge as the front-runner. Of that, I have no doubt.
As a former Senate page for US Senator Chuck Robb, and as part of the 2017 Emerge Virginia class, Abigail has a most distinctive background. A mother of three girls and a University of Virginia graduate with an international MBA from a dual-degree German-American program, she speaks Spanish, has served as a law enforcement officer, is a former CIA operations officer, and currently works for The Advisory Board Company, a best-practices firm located in Richmond that uses a combination of research, technology, and consulting to improve the performance of health care organizations and higher education.
Given all her experience in both the public and private sector, especially her service in defense of our nation, Abigail’s career stands formidably juxtaposed against the weak, Ayn Rand-inspired-radical, poor-excuse-for-a-20-year-college-“professor” Dave Brat. Actually, this self-proclaimed expert “economist” has only published three works cited by another academic since he co-authored papers with his graduate adviser.
In contrast, Abigail Spanberger is a dynamic, crackerjack of a candidate. Dave, you are just a pathetic, unimaginative fraud. Abigail is authentic, talented, experienced and plenty smart. Dave, you are just a hack and a shill for the “Kochtopus.” Abigail has represented with distinction our nation’s intelligence service overseas. Dave, you applauded the cozy up antics of our Russophile-in Chief. “Professor,” you can run but you can’t hide. You are finished. You have gotten nothing done for the American people and you have tried to push a far right agenda in a district that doesn’t mirror your kooky beliefs.
As a former school superintendent and career educator myself, I know from my many conversations with her that Abigail, the daughter-in-law of a teacher, will protect public education from the onslaught/idiocy of Dave’s hero, Betsy DeVos, the DeVos family and the dark money he takes from them. In contrast to DeVos, Abigail Spanberger will ensure that all students have an equal access to quality education regardless of their disabilities or background.
In addition, Abigail will protect Virginians in the 7th district from the disastrous healthcare policies that Dave Brat has so heartlessly endorsed. And Abigail will fight for opportunity, equality and security for all Americans, again unlike Dave Brat.
I feel the storm building, the wind sweeping in a change. Dave, take cover; Storm Abigail is near. I’ve been waiting a long time for the fresh breeze to blow through. As my friend, Abigail, I wholeheartedly welcome the sunny skies that you will bring once you have cleansed the air.
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