Cathy Gillespie talks with Liberty students about policy, election season

With Virginia set to elect its new governor in less than a week, Cathy Gillespie, the wife of Virginia’s 2017 Republican candidate for governor Ed Gillespie, took time out from her campaign schedule on Thursday evening to talk to students at Liberty University.

Cathy Gillespie served as the Chief of Staff for Texas Congressman Joe Barton and is now the co-chairman of Constituting America, an organization that aims to “educate Americans about the Constitution and the rights and liberties it provides and protects for all of us.”

Director of Liberty’s Center for Law & Government Robert Hurt introduced Cathy Gillespie to a group of students studying American Constitutional History.

“This has been an exciting year because this year in Virginia we have the governor’s race. It’s not only an important one but a very competitive one as well,” Hurt said. “It’s amazing to have (Cathy) here so close to the election.”

Gillespie discussed relevant issues with the students, including tax reform, education, and the economy. She also discussed her faith and took time to answer questions from students.

She said that she was encouraged to see students taking a class that focuses on the history of the U.S. Constitution.

“I think too often people do not understand how the government is supposed to work,” Gillespie said. “If we don’t understand how the government works, especially if we don’t understand the roles of the three branches under the articles, then you don’t know when one branch is exceeding its authority.”

Gillespie encouraged the class to take seriously its civic responsibility.

“Elections in Virginia have gotten very close in the past few years,” she said. “Don’t ever think that your votes don’t count.”

Having visited Liberty several times, Gillespie noted that she enjoys coming to campus and seeing the students’ interest in politics and wanting to grow more in their relationship with God.

“It’s great to see and hear from students who want to live out their faith,” Gillespie said.

Sophomore Abigail Michos, who is studying government, said she felt honored that Gillespie took time to speak to the class.

“Hearing her talk about her husband’s policies was super beneficial for me with the election being so close,” Michos said. “I feel like (Ed Gillespie) shares my views as a Republican.”

Sophomore Taylor Menconi, who is studying international relations, said she was thrilled that Gillespie took time to answer questions regarding subjects Menconi is passionate about, such as education.

“I think that shows a lot about her character if she’s taking time to speak to a class like this,” Menconi said. “It means a lot to me as a voter. Virginia has been my home for the last few years, and I want to be able to be informed going to the polls.”

Lynchburg candidate for Commonwealth’s Attorney Bethany Harrison also stopped by the class to encourage students to vote on Tuesday.