See below for a very interesting development in the Fairfax County School Board race in the Springfield magisterial district, which far-right, anti-LGBT Republican Elizabeth Schultz currently (mis)represents on the Board. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Kyle McDaniel, recall that he quit the GOP after having “served on the party’s State Central Committee for two years and…worked as a top aide for Fairfax County Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield)” because of “events he ‘could no longer stomach,’ including Trump’s reported reference last week to Haiti as a ‘shithole’ country and the defense by some party leaders of this summer’s rally by neo-Nazis in Charlottesville that led to the death of a 32-year-old woman.” Which, of course, is what all Republicans should have done – and VERY revealing about those who stayed in the party, despite all that.
The question is whether there’s a market for a Republican-turned-Independent at a time when the former “Grand” Old Party has become the full-fledged Party of Trump and Trumpism (e.g., xenophobia, bigotry, authoritarianism, racism, corruption, sadism…). Another question is whether McDaniel will draw more from Republicans, presumably of the more “moderate” variety (if many still exist, even in a relatively “moderate” place like Fairfax County), or will he draw more evenly from both Ds and Rs, or what?
For my part, I like Kyle McDaniel and believe his website‘s issues section is surprisingly reasonable, even progressive to an extent (although I don’t see anything on LGBTQ issues; would love to hear a lot more about his positions on those). Having said that, I have enthusiastically endorsed Democrat Laura Jane Cohen in this race, and plan to strongly support her if and when she wins the Democratic endorsement. Still, I wish Kyle well in drawing Republican voters away from the deplorable Elizabeth Schultz (note: for a lot more on her, see this article and links like Far-Right Fairfax County Public School Board Member Supports Guy Who Thinks Women Who Get Abortions Should Be Hanged., Far-Right Fairfax School Board Member: Gun Violence Prevention “Not a Job for Traumatized Children,” Latest Tweets by Fairfax Far-Right School Board Member Feature Fidel, Florence Henderson with Laser Beams, etc.), who epitomizes why McDaniel left the Republican Party in the first place, and why other Republicans should absolutely consider following his lead – out the door!
P.S. We’ll see if Schultz even runs for reelection, particularly after this announcement, and considering that she’s been mostly absent from the School Board and social media the past few months…
McDaniel Announces School Board Run
Turning Down Political Party Backing to Run As Independent
WEST SPRINGFIELD, VA – April 2nd, 2019- Kyle McDaniel announces his intentions to run for the Springfield District seat on the Fairfax County School Board. He will run without backing from any political party so he can work on behalf of Springfield District residents, not the political parties.
“In the last decade, the Fairfax County School Board has been more focused on political battles than kids. That’s a problem. My solution is simple: a priority on academics, not politics. School Board members are supposed to be non-partisan, yet they actively seek out party backing. Their priority is keeping their party happy, rather than the classroom experience of the 187,000 students in FCPS. That is why I have chosen to run without backing from either party and take my message straight to Springfield District residents.”
Fairfax County has 12 School Board Members; 10 are backed by Democrats and 2 are backed by Republicans. In 2019, 9 of the 12 seats will feature candidates battling for a party endorsement. School Board members use the position as a stepping stone to higher office, including two more in 2019. The job is about academics and students, not positioning for the next political office.
Said McDaniel, “It’s time for Springfield District to be represented by someone focused on the district, not on partisan political battles. As former FCPS Superintendent Bud Spillane was famous for saying, ‘keep the main thing the main thing.’ The main thing is to focus on students and prepare them for the future. I will be an effective representative who shows up, works tirelessly, and goes the extra mile for constituents.”
McDaniel continued, “As a business owner, civic leader, and former aide to Supervisor Pat Herrity, I am the right person to represent Springfield District. My record of public service and civic involvement speaks for itself. I am looking forward to the coming months when I get to take my message right to the voters. Most of all, I am looking forward to listening to residents’ concerns, and working with the community to address them.”
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Kyle McDaniel is a candidate for the Fairfax County School Board. He is a business owner, civic leader, and former aide to Supervisor Pat Herrity. He lives in West Springfield with his wife, Katie, who is president of Clifton Horse Society.
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