Students and citizens gathered to hear from Republican Senate candidates running in Virginia as they prepare for the June 9 Republican primary. The candidates shared their beliefs and campaigned at the forum hosted by the College Republicans at Liberty University (CRLU).
On Feb. 17, the Liberty club hosted all four contenders — Alissa Baldwin, Omari Faulkner, Daniel Gade and Thomas Speciale — who are running for the Republican nomination. The winning candidate will oppose Mark Warner, the incumbent senior Senator of Virginia in the November race.
Before the panel, the Hancock Welcome Center’s lobby flooded with concerned citizens and campaigners. Chairman of CRLU Nathan Hines introduced the event and gave each candidate 15 minutes to introduce themselves, give a campaign speech and answer any questions.
Baldwin, the first candidate to speak, opened her campaign with a word of prayer and started by explaining her values.
“Faith, family and freedom are pillars of who I am,” Baldwin said. “I love God, his people and my country.”
Baldwin continued by explaining why she believes she would be a good candidate for the Republican nomination. As a middle school civics teacher, she believes that her patriotism, knowledge of the U.S. government and uniqueness as a political outsider set her apart.
“We the people will finish the job in November’s general election by daring to do something different by supporting President Trump and the ‘America First’ agenda and making the Constitution every bit as great today,” Baldwin said.
Following Baldwin, Faulkner, a Tennessee native and active member of the U.S. Navy Reserves, talked about his passion for the “American Dream” and the challenge to be better and above many politicians today. He focused on common issues like healthcare, abortion, the Second Amendment and defense and veterans’ affairs.
“I know the best way to the American dream is through a stable job, an opportunity, economic growth and not more government programs,” Faulkner said.
After a question from the audience, Faulkner said he believes Trump is triumphant in increasingly reaching the minority community and highlighting issues that resonate with Americans.
Next, Gade explained the governing principles he campaigns for: strong national defense, limited government, free market systems and individual liberties and civil rights.
“We know as conservatives that our rights come to us from God,” Gade said regarding limited government. “The purpose of government and our Constitution is to protect us from government infringement upon our rights.”
Gade expressed his passion, if elected, to return the federal government to its constitutional boundaries. He believes that the government requires the preservation of individual liberties.
The last candidate to speak was Speciale, an active member of the Army Reserves. He described himself as a sacrificial leader — someone who gives everything for country, family and God.
“(Trump) supports the Constitution completely and he supports free speech,” Speciale said. “He is a sacrificial leader that this country needs.”
Anyone eligible to vote in Virginia can register at vote.elections.virginia.gov.
Edmonds is a news reporter. Follow her on Twitter.