Virginia Republicans continue to hit new lows every day, now launching an "unprovoked attack by Jeannemarie Devolites Davis against Petersen based upon his affiliation with Truro Church, where he was baptized in 1968 and where he is currently a member with his wife and three children." This is what happens when the Davises get desperate, apparently. Here's the Chap Petersen campaign press release on Davis' attack on Chap's religious faith.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
September 28, 2007 Joe Abbey, 703-349-3361Republican Devolites Davis reaches new low in campaign
Desperate incumbent attacks opponent for attending church.
Today, the Petersen for State Senate campaign condemned last night's unprovoked attack by Jeannemarie Devolites Davis against Petersen based upon his affiliation with Truro Church, where he was baptized in 1968 and where he is currently a member with his wife and three children.
During a forum sponsored by Equality Fairfax in Fairfax City, Devolites Davis in her remarks specifically referenced Petersen's membership in Truro which is his family's church and which does not recognize gay marriage. The remarks were made in response to a question about her position on the 2006 marriage amendment, which she voted for. No question was asked about Petersen's church.The purpose of Devolites Davises' comments was to paint Petersen as someone unfriendly to the gay community. Devolites Davis failed to mention that she and her husband have attended several church functions at Truro Church.
"Jeannemarie is desperate and she is grasping to create issues. This time she crossed the line. No one should be attacked based upon his or her faith. That is not acceptable in this community," stated Joe Abbey, Campaign Manager for Chap Petersen
Over the course of the campaign, Petersen has attended faith services in the African-American, Korean-American, Jewish and Muslim-American communities. Today, he attended services at the Adams Center mosque.
"No Virginian should be disqualified based upon their faith. That is not right. And it is certainly not American." - Chap Petersen
P.S. By the way, I hear that even diehard Republicans are starting to abandon Jeannemarie. One story related how a Bush Republican gave Tom Davis hell for 20 minutes over Devolites Davis' support for the transportation regional authorities. Not a good sign for the Davis duo with just over 5 weeks until election day.
Before I get into anything, let me say that over the next few days we will be attempting to create a podcast of the debate that folks may listen to.
We'll also have some recaps written-up on what transpired for the evening. Basically, Equality Fairfax is very pleased about the event and very thankful to both Chap Petersen and Jeannemarie Devolites-Davis. Both candidates had a chance to be heard on issues important to the GLBT community, and the community at-large.
Please stay tuned at www.equalityfairfax.org for more information.
Thank you to them as well!