Northam and PerrielloThere is a crucial gubernatorial election coming up in Virginia this year-- 2017-- and the Democrats have to win it in order to prevent the Republican-dominated legislature to, among other things, gerrymander up the state again. Blue America hasn't gotten involved because we worry that Ralph Northam isn't progressive enough and because we know that Tom Perriello is an untrustworthy opportunist who has a record of pretending to be progressive to get elected and then turning around and showing his true nature after it's too late for voters. I don't live in Virginia so I've been burying my head in the sand. But the race is too important for that.Chances are, if you don't live in Virginia, you only know Delegate Marcia "Cia" Price, who represents parts of Newport News and Hampton in the legislature, because she was the only member of the Virginia legislature of endorse and campaign for Bernie last year. I turned to her for guidance on the governor's race-- only to find out she's actually the chair of Northam's campaign! I asked her why.Ralph Northam For Governorby Cia PriceI have spent the last decade of my life fighting for social justice, equality, and fairness in Virginia. Most recently, I have been doing so as the representative for the 95th District in the Virginia House of Delegates.It has been an exciting time to be a Democrat in the Commonwealth because of our work. We have spent the past 10 years fighting to make Virginia more welcoming to all, expand access to healthcare, restore the rights of formerly incarcerated folks who have served their time, create a fair and transparent process for redistricting, and raise the standards of living for families all across the Commonwealth. But with the election of President Trump and the stronghold that Virginia Republicans have on our General Assembly, all of our hard work and progress are on the line.That is why now, I am so proud to be fighting for Ralph Northam as the Chair of his campaign for governor.Ralph has been a public servant his whole career. He has served in the Army and as the volunteer director of a pediatric hospice. He has dedicated his life to improving the lives of Virginians. I have every reason to believe Ralph will continue to be a true servant leader for the people of our great commonwealth.During last year’s Democratic primary, I was the only member of the Virginia General Assembly to endorse Senator Bernie Sanders for president. I feel like Bernie just “gets it” on issues like fixing our broken criminal justice system, raising the minimum wage, doing meaningful work on mental health reform, and more. I believe in his vision for our country.Here in Virginia, Ralph “gets it”! I am proud to support him for governor because I know he will fight for the same people that Bernie did-- our youth, marginalized communities, and the middle class. And I know that because he has been doing this for years. Ralph stood against offshore drilling when others would not. From working to get quality, accessible and affordable healthcare for all women to expanding pre-K programs throughout the commonwealth to workforce development initiatives, Ralph is working to make our communities safer, education more affordable, and good jobs more attainable.He has been a leader on the issues that matter most to our communities. And Ralph Northam is the only candidate running for governor who has stood up to the NRA from the very beginning. He has remained steadfast and unwavering under pressure, all while waging the good fight in Richmond.Ralph has spent his whole career fighting for progressive values-- and he will continue doing that as governor. He already has presented comprehensive plans to expand access to apprenticeship and training programs, make sure every Virginia child gets a quality education, make Virginia a leader in state-driven conservation solutions, and create a more fair and just criminal justice system.It is so important now that we elect a Democratic Governor who will be a brick wall between Virginians and the type of hateful politics we see in Washington, D.C. Ralph Northam will build a Virginia that works for everyone-- no matter who they are, no matter where they live, no matter who they love. That is why I support him for governor.
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