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[James Lillard]

[James Lillard]

Today while researching my state representative, Charniele Herring (D- Alexandria), I noted that she will be running unopposed for reelection this fall, as the Republican challenger, Kyle Rooney, has withdrawn from the election. When this happened is unclear, as Ballotopedia does not give any further information and the candidate’s campaign websites is still live, though rather spartan and with no evidence of recent activity. Further research uncovered an article in the local paper dated from June of this year listing Rooney amongst the Republicans running for office in November. What stuck me as unusual about this situation was the lack of available, or at least easily accessible, information on the candidate’s status. I discussed the matter with my father (also a resident of the same district). We noted that Delegate Herring has run unopposed in every election since her initial election in 2009 with the exception of 2015, where she defeated the Republican challenger by 38 points. Taken together with the dearth of information about candidate Rooney this election, we wondered whether the current situation was indicative of a lack of popular support/grassroots efforts towards conservatives generally in the district, the result of the State GOP essentially writing the district off, or some combination of the two?

[CJ Nicholson]

Today I looked at Todd Gilbert’s page on the Virginia onAir hub, as he is the VA house delegate in Richmond for my district. I previously knew very little about him. I met him once when I was younger, and I had a class with his mother in high school, but beyond that I knew very little. Reading about his past, his experience, and who he is was interesting, despite the fact that I disagree with a large number of his views. It gave me better insight into who was representing me and how my county and district was voting. Reading the page certainly gave me a better perspective into some of the local/state politics of my home county.

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