Home 2019 Elections Endorsement: Justin Hannah for Loudoun County Sheriff

Endorsement: Justin Hannah for Loudoun County Sheriff

Also note: Hannah's "Democratic" opponent sure looks/sounds like a Republican, including saying that it's "repugnant" for ex-felons to be allowed to vote (!)

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See below for some great endorsements – by U.S. House Majority Whip Rep. James Clyburn; Giffords PAC; VA Legislative Black Caucus Chair Lamont Bagby; Loudoun County At-Large School Board Democratic endorsee Denise Corbo; Democratic nominee for Broad Run District Supervisor, Sylvia Glass; Democratic nominee for Blue Ridge District Supervisor, Tia Walbridge; and CASA in Action – for Loudoun County Sheriff candidate Justin Hannah.

I had a chance to chat for a while with Hannah yesterday, and he’s very impressive.  See here for his bio, which includes service in the Army National Guard, degrees from Valley Forge Military Academy & College and The American University School of Public Affairs, “manag[ing] the training and oversight of Army Reserve Soldiers and reserve officer cadets,” deploying as a First Lieutenant to Bagram Air Force Base in Afghanistan in 2015, delivering “real-time intelligence support to special operations forces on the ground and in the air,” being promoted to Captain, working at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, managing a budget of $78 million, “supervis[ing] 110 personnel with the mission of providing rapid response to conflicts across Middle East, Europe and Asia and once again receiv[ing] the highest marks within  his officer’s grade,” and commanding a unit that provides “rule of law support in foreign countries where they are stationed.” Impressive!

On the issues, Hannah would be a strongly progressive Sheriff, prioritizing things like: replacing “Loudoun’s failed drug education programs” and replacing “the ineffective D.A.R.E. program with one of the multitude of more successful variants that are used across the country”; “implement[ing] an extensive job training, GED, and higher education programs that will allow inmates to start a new life when they are released”; “address[ing] local immigration issues and establish[ing] a policy to minimize cooperation with ICE while maximizing public safety”; “keep[ing] the influence special interests, including National Rifle Association, out of the Sheriff’s Office and its decision making process on making or implementation of gun policy”; “creat[ing] a political involvement policy similar to the Hatch Act  provisions for military reservists”; etc. All very good and important stuff that would greatly benefit Loudoun County.

Also worth noting in the Loudoun County Sheriff Democratic primary on June 11 is that Hannah is a strong Democrat, while his “Democratic” opponent, Chris Harmison, is this guy, who among other things “appear in videos supporting radical pro-gun groups” and “has been a member of the Loudoun County Republican Committee for years.” And yeah, he definitely talks like a Republican. Check out the following video from a recent Loudoun County Sheriff’s debate, in which the candidates were asked if they support restoring VOTING rights to ex-felons. The contrast in responses could not be greater…or more revealing!

Hannah:I do believe felons should be allowed to vote in Virginia…once you’re done with your time, once you’ve served your sentence…you’re being punished again by not being able to vote. And we need to think about the way we…treat offenders…dehumanizing them isn’t the way to do it, we need to make sure they’re integrated back into the community…Not allowing them to vote doesn’t make them productive members.”

Harmison: “Well, I’m going to have to disagree...the jury pools of this Commonwealth come from those convicted felons who can vote. And I think it’s offensive that we allow someone convicted of a sexual crime to be allowed to to sit on a jury, even though he may get struck through voir dire…and I certainly can’t believe there is anybody in this room that thinks what occurred in Charlottesville, that that individual should be allowed to vote and then sit on a jury in judgment of an African-American male or female or anybody, I find it repugnant,. So in its purest form they should not vote.”

OK, yeah, that’s just totally wrong. And absurd. And sounds like a hard-core Republican. And should be disqualifying, frankly. Just the completely wrong attitude. No, thank you!
One last point: Even if all else were equal between the two candidates (which it certainly isn’t in this case), we should definitely encourage young people and minorities for positions like this, especially given the increasingly diverse population of Loudoun County and the relative lack of diversity at top levels of Loudoun County government. Being a highly accomplished veteran and a leader in the U.S. military also is a huge “plus,” in my opinion. And in talking to him, I definitely felt that he knows where he wants to take the Loudoun County Sheriff’s office, has a positive vision and the ability to carry that vision out – a natural leader, in other words.

And with that, I join the following in endorsing Justin Hannah in the June 11 Democratic primary for Loudoun County Sheriff.

P.S. Justin Hannah, who always is thinking about the people he works with, asked me to add that his campaign team is “the best team and they have worked really hard.”

U.S. House Majority Whip Endorses Justin Hannah for Loudoun County Sheriff
Aldie, VA
June 5, 2019

Congressman James “Jim” Clyburn, U.S. House Majority Whip and Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from South Carolina’s 6th district, has endorsed Justin Hannah’s campaign for Loudoun County Sheriff. He is the number three Democrat in the U.S. House. Congressman Clyburn has served in the House since 1993 and has served in several leadership positions in that body including, House Assistant Democratic Leader, Chair of the House Democratic Conference, Vice Chair of the House Democratic Conference, and his current position as Majority Whip.

“We need a new generation of elected officials that will represent our communities and continue the work to build a more perfect union,” said Clyburn, “Justin Hannah is that new generation leadership. Between his decade of military law enforcement experience and his commitment addressing the tough issues that face his community, Justin has what it takes to be a great sheriff for the people of Loudoun County. I am glad to endorse him.”

“I am humbled beyond words to receive the endorsement of Congressman Clyburn,” said Hannah, “He has been a truly great public servant and a visionary leader within the Democratic Party. If I am fortunate enough to be elected Loudoun County Sheriff, I will work everyday to live up to the example of leadership and public service that he has set.”

Hannah is a Captain and Company Commander of a mobile law enforcement unit in the U.S. Army Reserves and National Security Investigator for the DoD. In his decade of military service, he was deployed to Afghanistan, worked as an International Affairs Officer, logged numerous combat flight hours and received stellar reviews for his service and leadership. He and his partner Jessica live in Aldie with their two children.

Giffords PAC Endorses Justin Hannah for Loudoun County Sheriff
Aldie, VA
June 4, 2019

Giffords PAC, one of the leading organizations working to tackle America’s gun violence crisis, has endorsed Justin Hannah’s campaign for Loudoun County Sheriff. Started and led by Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, this organization works tirelessly to shift the culture around guns and public safety, change America’s insufficient gun laws, and challenge the gun lobby and any special interests who seek to profit at the expense of public safety.

“Just a few days ago, Virginia Beach became the latest community where the peace of the workday was shattered by gunfire. We must remind ourselves so much daily heartbreak and horror should never be normal,” said Congresswoman Giffords, “Today, we are backing a new generation of Virginia leaders, including Justin Hannah. We are proud to support his campaign and stand with him and other candidates who have the courage to finally address the gun violence crisis and protect us.”

“I am truly thankful for the support and endorsement of Giffords PAC,” said Hannah, “Like many places in our country, Loudoun County faces serious gun-related challenges. People’s houses are being hit by stray bullets and next to nothing is being done about it. If I am elected Sheriff, I will do everything in my power to address these issues and will advocate at the Board of Supervisors and the General Assembly for the tougher guns laws that are needed to keep our community safe.”

Hannah is a Captain and Company Commander of a mobile law enforcement unit in the U.S. Army Reserves and National Security Investigator for the DoD. In his decade of military service, he was deployed to Afghanistan, worked as an International Affairs Officer, logged numerous combat flight hours and received stellar reviews for his service and leadership. He and his partner Jessica live in Aldie with their two children.

Lamont Bagby Endorses Justin Hannah for Loudoun County Sheriff
Aldie, VA
June 3, 2019

Lamont Bagby, Chair of the VA Legislative Black Caucus and Delegate for 74th district, has endorsed Justin Hannah’s campaign for Loudoun County Sheriff. Delegate Bagby is also the Director of Operations at the Peter Paul Development Center and a former member of the Norfolk State University Board of Visitors.

“Justin Hannah represents the next generation of diverse leadership that we need to elect in Loudoun County and across Virginia to guide us to a better future that works for all Virginians,” said Bagby, “His decade of military law enforcement experience as well as his focus on promoting safety and redefining justice in Loudoun County will make him a great sheriff. I proudly endorse Justin Hannah.”

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of Del. Bagby,” said Hannah, “His commitment to his constituents and this stellar leadership of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus are examples that I will seek to follow, should I be fortunate enough to be elected as Loudoun County Sheriff.”

Hannah is a Captain and Company Commander of a mobile law enforcement unit in the U.S. Army Reserves and National Security Investigator for the DoD. In his decade of military service, he was deployed to Afghanistan, worked as an International Affairs Officer, logged numerous combat flight hours and received stellar reviews for his service and leadership. He and his partner Jessica live in Aldie with their two children.

Denise Corbo Endorses Justin Hannah for Loudoun County Sheriff
Aldie, VA
May 25, 2019

Denise Corbo, the Democratic endorsee for the At-large Seat on the Loudoun County School Board, has endorsed Justin Hannah’s campaign for the Democratic nomination for Loudoun County Sheriff. Corbo is a gifted education teacher with Loudoun County Public Schools. In 2018, she was named Loudoun County Teacher of the Year. In addition to her job as a teacher, Corbo created the nonprofit organization, StoryBook Treasures, which provides books and the related toys to children who can’t afford them in Loudoun County and across the country. She is also the founder of Brainiacs4kids, which provides supplemental critical thinking and problem-solving skills education to pre-school students.

“Justin Hannah is focusing on keeping our communities and schools safe,” said Corbo, “His commitment to addressing gun violence, his focus on giving schools flexibility to address their security needs, and his goal of improving the drug education programs that we use in our schools are exactly what is needed from our next Sheriff. I wholeheartedly endorse Justin!”

“I am so thankful for the endorsement of Denise Corbo,” said Hannah, “Given her background as not only a teacher but also someone who runs an education non-profit, she will provide a valuable perspective and new insights that will most certainly improve Loudoun County’s
schools.”

Hannah is a Captain and Company Commander of a mobile law enforcement unit in the U.S. Army Reserves and National Security Investigator for the DoD. In his decade of military service, he was deployed to Afghanistan, worked as an International Affairs Officer, logged numerous combat flight hours and received stellar reviews for his service and leadership. He and his partner Jessica live in Aldie with their two children.

Sylvia Glass Endorses Justin Hannah for Loudoun County Sheriff
Aldie, VA
May 23, 2019

Sylvia Glass, the Democratic nominee for Broad Run District Supervisor, has endorsed Justin Hannah’s campaign for the Democratic nomination for Loudoun County Sheriff. For the last decade, Glass has been a special education teacher with Loudoun County Public Schools, and she previously served as President of the PTA at Dominion Trail Elementary school. She and her family have lived, and been involved, in the community of Broad Run for 20 years.

“We need a Sheriff who will work tirelessly to promote safety and redefine justice in Loudoun County, and we need a Democratic nominee for that position who will help fellow Democrats get elected up and down the ballot,” said Glass, “Justin Hannah will do all of these things and more, and that is why I am proud to endorse him.”

“I am proud to receive the endorsement of Sylvia Glass,” said Hannah, “Sylvia’s unique background and focus on fixing our roads, funding our schools, and expanding workforce housing will make her a great Supervisor. Whether or not I am chosen on June 11 to appear on the ballot with her in November, I will do everything I can make sure she is the next Supervisor for Broad Run District.”

Hannah is a Captain and Company Commander of a mobile law enforcement unit in the U.S. Army Reserves and National Security Investigator for the DoD. In his decade of military service, he was deployed to Afghanistan, worked as an International Affairs Officer, logged numerous combat flight hours and received stellar reviews for his service and leadership. He and his partner Jessica live in Aldie with their two children.

Tia Walbridge Endorses Justin Hannah for Loudoun County Sheriff
Aldie, VA
May 23, 2019

Tia Walbridge, the Democratic nominee for Blue Ridge District Supervisor, has endorsed Justin Hannah’s campaign for the Democratic nomination for Loudoun County Sheriff. Walbridge is a farmer and small businesswoman. She and her husband Nate live in Round Hill with their two daughters.

“Democrats need to nominate a sheriff with integrity, someone who is honest, transparent, and consistent, on and off the campaign trail,” Said Walbridge, “Justin Hannah is that candidate and I am proud to endorse him for Loudoun County Sheriff.”

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of Tia Walbridge,” said Hannah, “Whether or not I am chosen as the Democratic nominee for Sheriff on June 11th, I plan on working nonstop to make sure she is the next Supervisor for Blue Ridge District, where I live. Her commitment to preserving our green spaces, investing in our public schools, and tackling worsening traffic is exactly what we need.”

Hannah is a Captain and Company Commander of a mobile law enforcement unit in the U.S. Army Reserves and National Security Investigator for the DoD. In his decade of military service, he was deployed to Afghanistan, worked as an International Affairs Officer, logged numerous combat flight hours and received stellar reviews for his service and leadership. He and his partner Jessica live in Aldie with their two children.

CASA in Action Endorses Justin Hannah for Loudoun County Sheriff
Aldie, VA
May 14, 2019

CASA in Action has endorsed Justin Hannah for Loudoun County Sheriff. CASA in Action is the Mid-Atlantic region’s largest immigrant rights organization fighting for political power and social justice.

“On behalf of our 100,000+ members, I cannot express enough how thrilled we are to help get Justin Hannah elected,” said Luis Angel Aguilar, CASA in Action’s Virginia Director.

“I am unable to put into words how honored I am to receive the endorsement of CASA in Action” said Hannah, “They have been a true champion for the community and I look forward to working together to ensure safety and redefine justice in Loudoun County.”

Hannah is a Captain and Company Commander in the U.S. Army Reserves and National Security Investigator. He and his partner Jessica live in Aldie with their two children. More information on CASA in Action can be found at http://www.casainaction.org/.

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