Candidates declare their run for Virginia governor as the primaries approach

 

Virginia will welcome a large list of candidates for its 2017 gubernatorial ballot, including former U.S. representatives, various chairmen and businessmen to brush up on before the Virginia primary June 13.

Gubernatorial elections are held every four years in the state of Virginia, and incumbent Governor Terry McAullife is ineligible for re-election due to term limits outlined in the Virginia Constitution.

Candidates for lieutenant governor, attorney general, and executive offices, among other positions, will also be on the ballot.

The general election will take place Nov. 7, 2017.

“I would suggest students carefully read each candidate’s statements,” Tim Magee, president of Young Americans for Liberty at Liberty University, said.

“Then evaluate (the candidates) and look at their past associations with other organizations and agencies and see which one aligns the most closely with (their) viewpoints.”

Currently, two Democratic candidates and four Republican candidates are declared for the primaries.

 

Democratic Candidates

Ralph Northam

Democratic candidate Ralph Northam is currently the lieutenant governor of Virginia and has worked closely with the incumbent governor. Northam, on his campaign website, emphasizes health reform and early childhood education and development — a natural priority considering his career as a pediatric neurologist.
In addition to working with children, Northam also served as an Army doctor and as an assistant professor of neurology at East Virginia Medical School. If he wins the race for governor, Northam hopes to expand Medicaid and improve the overall well-being of the commonwealth.

Tom Perriello

Former U.S. Representative Tom Perriello recently joined the race for governor, announcing his candidacy in January 2017. A former diplomat and congressman, Perriello values equality and love for Virginians and promises to combat hatred, corruption and assault on Virginia’s values.
Perriello said on his website that he plans to involve Virginians in his campaign. By traversing the state and gathering ideas from the people, he hopes to fight for Virginia’s community. According to Perriello’s campaign video, he believes in a loving, hate-free community that is safe and enjoyable for Virginia residents.

Republican Candidates

Ed Gillespie

Former Chairman of the Republican National Committee Ed Gillespie is a
recognizable name on the republican ballot. A business owner, conservative leader and counselor to former President George W. Bush, Gillespie hopes to create a limited yet effective government for the commonwealth.
Gillespie also founded one of the first bipartisan lobbying group, Quinn Gillespie & Associates, alongside Democrat Jack Quinn.
According to his official campaign website, Gillespie plans to focus on improving Virginia’s economic growth by embracing its agricultural industry and natural resources, improving educational options, eliminating government waste and supporting veterans, among other ideas.

Denver Riggleman

Republican candidate Denver Riggleman is a U.S. Air Force veteran and small business owner who hopes to make Virginia stronger through economic prosperity and diversity.
By making the commonwealth a better
environment for businesses, holding political figures accountable and ending illegal immigration, among other ideas, Riggleman said on his campaign website that he hopes to create a safe, efficient living environment for Virginia residents.

Corey Stewart

Current chairman of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors Corey Stewart is a seasoned figure in conservative politics. From serving as the chairman of President Donald Trump’s campaign in Virginia to cracking down on illegal immigration in Prince William County, Stewart has plenty of experience to fulfill his goal of “(taking) back Virginia from political elites in Richmond.”
Stewart noted in his website that his main ideas include deportation of illegal immigrants, constitutional carry, cutting wasteful spending to lower taxes and caring
for veterans.

Frank Wagner

Veteran, business owner and citizen legislator Frank Wagner hopes to improve living conditions in the commonwealth by focusing on basic human needs and conveniences, according to this website.
Wagner plans to support different types of education such as trade school in addition to traditional universities, bring back manufacturing jobs and improve transportation through two building projects: Interstate 73 and the Coal Fields Expressway.

A wide range of candidates offers plenty of information for Liberty University students, Lynchburg locals and Virginia residents to research before the primaries in June. With campaigns in full swing, voters have plenty of opportunities to learn about each candidate and make an educated decision before casting their ballot.
“I advise students not to stick to candidates in the Republican primary,” Magee said. “Look at both sides of the issue.”
In addition to examining both sides of the political spectrum, John Wood, second vice chairman of College Republicans at Liberty University, said that students should also take action.
“Come out when there’s an opportunity to hear these candidates speak,” Wood said. “The biggest action (students) can do is vote absentee.”
Though the primaries are in June, students who are registered to vote on campus can cast absentee ballots from their home states.
“People just need to read up and be
engaged,” Wood said.

Smith is a news reporter.