As a person involved in our politics, I have put together the results of the election on Nov 7:
State Sen. Travis Hackworth (5th District includes precincts E. & W Wytheville and Rural Retreat/Royal Oak); State Sen. Bill Stanley (7th District includes Evergreen, Zion, Jackson, Sheffey/Huddle, Ft Chiswell and Max Meadows); Delegate Jed Arnold (46th District House of Delegates) won their elections.
Non-contested local races: Moe Musser (Clerk of Court). Mike Jones (Commonwealth’s Attorney). Charles Foster (Sheriff). Rolland Cook (W. Wytheville Board of Supervisor). Jamie Smith (Ft. Chiswell Board of Supervisor).
Contested local races and winners: Adam Linkous (Commissioner of Revenue). Lori Guynn (Treasurer). Stacy Terry (Board of Supervisors At Large). Dickie Morgan (Zion/Speedwell Board of Supervisor). Julia Tomiak (School Board At Large). This race had four candidates and Mack Pruitt came in second by only four votes 2,045 to Tomiak at 2,049. A recount will possibly follow.
Over all, voter turnout 37.29 percent; ballots cast 7,790; registered voters 20,892. Per Virginia Elections website. Voter turnout in mid-terms is generally not well attended but are not any less important than a presidential race.
Why did Virginia lose the Senate and House? The consensus is, like most all 2023 elections held in various states who lost to the Democrats candidates, was over the abortion issue. How sad is that! Killing babies takes priority over the economy, good legislation to help the families and children and even protection by law enforcement, let alone the first and second Amendment rights.
Democrats campaigned heavily on promises to block any new abortion restrictions proposed by Republicans. Democrats will be able to continue to block most of the legislation his (Youngkin) administration and other Republicans propose. Virginia law currently allows abortions through the second trimester, or 26 weeks. – PEW Research, July 12, 2023. State Sen, Mamie Locke, chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus, stated, “It’s official: there will be absolutely no abortion ban legislation sent to Glenn Youngkin’s desk for the duration of his term in office, period.” AXIOS Nov. 8, online.
We learned the mid-term election involving state legislatures does confirm the fact values of people who love God, family (life), and country are generally Republican voters who live in rural middle America, have family associations, and are religious people. But it too gives light that we need to be more vocal about our beliefs and principles wherever the opportunity arises. Gone are the days of whispering the name “Jesus” or not talking about the horrors of abortion in case of offending someone. The opposition activists and leaders could care less of offending our God or any one of us. We need to stand up for what is right. Attend the local school board meetings, Board of Supervisor meetings, join an organization that supports your viewpoint. And also make sure everyone you know is registered to vote and will vote in each election. Each one of us has a voice, that right still stands.
Pat Bliss
Wytheville
