Opinion: Senate election, Tim Kaine
With the upcoming Senate election approaching, three Liberty University students explained the policy positions of the candidates.
As a swing state, Virginia occupies one of the most valuable opportunities within America’s political landscape. Virginia is one of the few states that cannot be predicted to vote for a certain party.
Kaine is completing his first term in the U.S. Senate. (Google Images)
It is vital that Virginia elects a senator who works with both sides of the aisle for a better future. Tim Kaine, a senator with more than 24 years of political experience is suited for the task.
“I’m running on an upbeat theme: ‘A Virginia that works for all,’” Kaine said, according to the Washington Post.
As one of only 20 people in American history to occupy the office of mayor, governor and senator throughout his political career, Kaine brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. His deep-rooted love for Virginia reflects his continuous fight to make the commonwealth a better place.
A Harvard University graduate, Kaine spent much of his early career as a lawyer representing people who were denied fair housing opportunities because of race or disability. Since 1994, Kaine has been involved in the government, starting out as a city council member, all the way up to earning the nomination as the vice presidential running mate with Hilary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election.
In his time as senator, he prioritized jobs, agriculture, budget reform and civil rights. He has cosponsored several pieces of legislation, including bills that foster partnerships among state and local government, advocating maternity care, and limiting the separation of families at ports of entry.
Virginians are looking to senators like Kaine to represent their interests
in Washington.
In 2017, an NBC poll declared health care as the number one issue Virginian voters are concerned about, with 37 percent citing it as an issue that captures their attention. Gun policy and immigration polled second and third in priority.
Kaine’s platform promises continued progress to meet all three of those needs and more.
Senator Kaine fought back against the repeal of former President Barack Obama’s health care laws, protecting more than 400,000 Virginians who would have lost health care coverage. Additionally, Kaine is a proponent of Medicare X. A public healthcare option, Medicare X is middle ground healthcare legislation that would give all American citizens access to healthcare at lower costs, improving both quality and expectancy of life.
Kaine announced on Twitter that he “proudly boasts an ‘F’ rating from the NRA.” Both a gun owner and a supporter of the Second Amendment, Kaine realizes that assault weapons have no business on our streets. He advocates commons sense gun reform and has experiences working with both parties to create legislation that protects our citizens while keeping our freedoms.
He recognized the need for vocalized opposition to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies by taking a stand to protect and keep families at the border together. Kaine strongly believes in the notion of a diverse and equal society. He will work to enact “comprehensive immigration reform” according to his platform. He has supported legislation in the Senate that creates attainable paths for citizenship and supports border security.
Kaine is outspoken in his beliefs on progressive issues, but he has also proved he is willing to work beyond party allegiances. In a recent debate, Kaine noted that he has written 17 pieces of legislation that have been signed into law by President Trump, proving he can work with the president for the benefit of the American people. The senator also was a leading voice that brokered a bipartisan deal in January to end the government shutdown.
Senator Kaine has proven his loyalty and commitment to the people of Virginia and the United States time and time again. A vote for Kaine is a vote for continued progress and a better future for all Virginians.