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The Washington Post Endorses Eric Brescia, Aaron Ringel, and Tom Rust
The Washington Post released their endorsements of the House candidates starting on Friday. I’ll have more criticisms of their list in tomorrow’s edition regarding the candidates they should have endorsed, but in the meantime, I will praise their efforts for today’s endorsements.
As you have read several times on this blog, Del. Tom Rust is the better choice to his opponent, who is a carpetbagger (currently represents the Dulles District on the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, owns a house in the Broadlands, and rents an apartment in Sterling). The Post agrees, and they endorsed Rust in his re-election bid.
District 86: Thomas D. Rust, the incumbent, is one of the more effective lawmakers in the General Assembly, a pro-business Republican who has also gained backing for some of his initiatives from environmentalists. Mr. Rust has enacted important legislation that will ease the way for more toll roads to be built, and he’s played a constructive, responsible role in securing funding for education and other priorities that many in his own party opposed.
In Arlington, two rising stars in the Republican party have also received the endorsements of the Post. Both Aaron Ringel (who is challenging Bob Brink) and Eric Brescia (who is running in the 47th District) are excellent candidates, who will bring refreshing change in Richmond for their respective districts.
By contrast, Mr. Brescia, an economist who’s just 24, is a relative newcomer. However, he is exactly what the Republicans need in Northern Virginia: an independent-minded thinker who has fresh and specific ideas for how to save money in health care and make government work better.
Robert H. Brink, the Democratic incumbent, has held this seat for a decade, and in that time he’s barely faced a serious challenge. This year he has one in the form of Republican Aaron Ringel, a bright young combat veteran of the war in Iraq who works for a defense contractor. Mr. Brink is a competent legislator but he has opposed widening Interstate 66. That wins points with some homeowners who’d be directly affected but does little for the tens of thousands of commuters who suffer that road daily. Mr. Ringel takes a broader regional view of that issue.
This is definitely good news and could add two more pickups for the Republicans in Arlington, which is typically a Democratic stronghold.
Flush! Stevens Miller Loses His Dignity During Debate
At Tuesday night’s debate, sponsored by the League of Women’s Voters, Stevens Miller again attacks Tom Rust on the septic system issue. Rust, then cleared the issue for Miller, by saying that he passed the legislation to allow Loudoun County control of the septic system issue. Of course, Loudoun County did not want to deal with the septic system issue.
Concerning a question posed to Miller on why he wanted to give up his supervisor job, Miller said he wanted to unclog gridlock concerning local matters at the state level. As an example, Miller brought up Loudoun’s fight to regulate alternative septic systems, which are common in rural sections of Loudoun.
However, looking out over the suburban crowd, Rust speculated: “Septic systems are probably something that don’t interest anyone in here.”
(Source: Loudoun Independent)
Another highlight of the evening is that Miller missed an important Board of Supervisors meeting to debate Rust…way to abandon your job to represent those who elected you in the Dulles District.
Perhaps, this is just another sign of desperation from Miller.
Debating the Issues in Sterling
Sterling, Va.–Before an audience of 40 supporters and concerned residents at Park View High School, both Del. Tom Rust and Stevens Miller squared off to prove which candidate will best represent the 86th District in Richmond. The debate began shortly after 7 p.m. on Tuesday night and was moderated by Sheldon Pratt, who introduced both candidates without their official titles. Del. Rust opened by touting his endorsements.
The first question posed to the candidates was about whether or not they would raise the gas tax. Miller ducked the question, but brings up a local income tax for Northern Virginia as a suggestion to raise revenue. Rust called for more transportation funding, which caused rebuttal amongst the candidates.
Of course, it goes without saying that the next question focused on the abuser fees, and Miller attacked Rust on his support for the abuser fees, then calls for change, as well as bashing the toll road. Both candidates want to use the revenue from the tolls to fund the rail to Dulles.
After talking about transportation, the debate then turned to the state budget. Rust said everything was on the table, while Miller claimed that he lowered property taxes as Dulles district Supervisor on the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors. The claim by Miller is untrue, as pointed out in previous posts.
Lastly, there was a question which focused on the increase of gangs and crime in Sterling. This question asked each candidate what they planned to do to stop this problem. Miller stated that he does not think “enhanced law enforcement” is the answer. Rust discussed his record of protecting the community against gang violence.
Miller attacks Rust on Septic Systems…Again
There’s a broken record in Stevens Miller’s campaign, and it happens to be the issue of septic systems. In an interview with Blue Commonwealth, Miller again claims that Del. Tom Rust has gone backwards on one specific area of land use regulation.
“Rust wants to take us backwards on one area of land use regulation where we have some authority. The Commonwealth of Virginia did authorize municipalities to regulate septic systems. It’s not the sexiest issue you’re ever going to legislate, but for people who are conservation minded and people in rural parts of the state, this is a critical issue. In the absence of aggressive maintenance and instruction schedules, these systems are dangerous, they break down, and threaten the environment.”
Perhaps, it is time for Miller to consider that septic systems are regulated by the State Department of Health.
Tom Rust Endorsed by Fairfax Firefighters and Paramedics
Del. Tom Rust received the endorsement of the Fairfax County Firefighters and Paramedics yesterday. Rust has been supportive of professional fire fighter and paramedic issues, and this earned the endorsement from the IAFF-Local 2688.
Rust said, in his statement, that he appreciates the support from the local fire fighters and paramedics. “Public safety is one of the core responsibilities of government, and I will continue to work with our local firefighters and paramedics in keeping us safe.”
Stevens Miller vs. Tom Rust: Debate Numero Uno
http://www.ustream.tv/flash/video/2152895
This is the first debate between Tom Rust and Stevens Miller in the 86th District.
Stevens Miller's Idea of Leaving a Legacy
So, how would you want to be remembered when you leave office? Would you want to be remembered for standing up for the people by fighting for what’s right or would you rather be remembered for improving the community at large?
The Loudoun Times asked each member on the Loudoun Board of Supervisors what their goals are for the remainder of their term. Stevens Miller wants to be remembered for a sign ordinance.
““If there’s nothing else that I leave behind as a supervisor, it’s a sign ordinance that is rational and reasonable,” said Miller, who is running for Virginia’s House of Delegates against Del. Tom Rust (R-Sterling).
Wow! A sign ordinance…that’s ambitious.
Things keep getting better…
No, I am not talking about the TV commercial that features this jingle. I am talking about the next part of the Stevens Miller saga. Yes, our favorite carpetbagging candidate has just had another embarrassing mishap once again. This time, it involves a road trip to Richmond, where Miller could personally lobby against Delegate Tom Rust’s septic system bill, only to find out that Governor Tim Kaine signed the bill and used his powers to strengthen the bill.
I keep asking myself this question: Why is Miller still in this race? After all, Miller made the septic system bill the premise behind his race, and now with Governor Kaine’s support, we are left to question this even more.
