Chap Petersen for Lt. Governor (#3/4)
By: Sam
Published On: 3/1/2005 2:00:00 AM
The third candidate that we will profile in the race for Lt. Governor is Fairfax area Delegate Chap Petersen. Disclaimer: I intern with and do web advertising for the Petersen campaign, but I am trying to make this series as nonbiased as possible.
Delegate Petersen is campaigning hard for the Democratic nomination. As of December 31, 2004, Petersen had raised over $313,000, the highest total among candidates for Lt. Governor. Petersen also led the Democratic field in cash on hand, with over $168,000 at the end of 2004. He has hired a campaign staff, and is traveling around the state almost nonstop in an attempt to win over voters.
Petersen started his political career in 1998, winning a seat on the Fairfax City Council; he was reelected in 2000. Petersen also served as the City's representative on the Northern Virginia Regional Commission. In 2001, Petersen upset incumbent Delegate Jack Rust(R) in Republican-leaning territory 52%-48%. In 2003, he defeated Rust again, this time with 59% of the vote, despite the fact that the Republicans targeted the race. Also in 2003, Petersen was named the "Legislator of the Year" by the Virginia Commissioners of the Revenue.
Petersen is a personable moderate, running on a platform that includes fiscal responsibility, education, including all-day kindergarten, economic development, and environmental protection. He is not afraid to talk about his religion, which will probably help him in the general election. Recently, Petersen played a crucial role in getting life-saving AEDs into schools. He also introduced legislation that would hold big corporations accountable if they take state money and then leave, throwing people out of work.
Delegate Petersen has made several stumbles recently which could hurt him in his home base of Northern Virginia. First, he has refused to state whether he will run for reelection as well as for Lt. Governor in 2005. Recently, he told people at a town hall meeting that "you'll be the first to know when I make that decision." Second, Petersen's opposition to gay marriage could also hurt him among the liberal base. On the other hand, Petersen did introduce legislation that would allow basic contract rights to every Virginian without regard to sexual orientation. Third, although Delegate Petersen believes that abortion should remain an accessible, legal option for women, he is personally against it. Petersen't position on abortion could hurt him in the Democratic primary, but could prove beneficial to him in the general election.
The Petersen campaign made the following statement to RaisingKaine:
"Chap is a proven vote getter that can reach across party lines to appeal to all Virginians. He has a record of beating Republicans in conservative leaning areas. Chap will run a campaign for a better education and transportation system, sound fiscal management, a strong economy that creates jobs, the best university system in the nation, and a Virginia that creates opportunities for all. He will run this campaign to fight for the Virginia we all want. This campaign is not about one politician over another, but the hopes and dreams of every Virginian."
Chap Petersen has the money and the will to run the bare-knuckles campaign that will be required to win. The only question seems to be whether or not he will be able to excite the Democratic base to come out and vote for him on June 14.
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