Karen Schultz Kicking Butt, Endorsed by Mark Warner

By: Lowell
Published On: 6/9/2007 8:01:23 PM

Great news from the Schultz campaign...

Schultz Raises Over $50,000, Receives Endorsement from Mark Warner

Berryville, VA - Calling Virginia's 27th Senate District the "epicenter of change" in the Commonwealth, former Governor Mark Warner endorsed Karen Schultz (D-Winchester) for the Virginia Senate in front of more than 200 guests at Rosemont Manor in Berryville Saturday morning.


In his speech, Warner cited the national recognition Virginia has received as the best managed state, the best state in which to start a small business and the best state for a child to grow up in. All of the praise, Warner said, is due to Virginia's tradition of fiscal conservatism, which Schultz will continue.

"A fiscal conservative believes we must meet our obligations," Warner said. "You can't just say 'No no no.' You have to lead."

Describing retiring Sen. Russ Potts (R-Winchester) as someone he could count on to do what was right in Richmond, Warner emphasized the importance of maintaining continuity. "Russ Potts is in the mainstream. Karen is in the mainstream. The other two are fighting to be the farthest from the mainstream," Warner said.

Schultz - a former chair of the Winchester School Board and an associate professor at Shenandoah University's School of Pharmacy - is a moderate who received the Democratic nomination without opposition. Two Republicans - Mark Tate of Middleburg and Jill Holtzman Vogel of Upperville - are vying for their party's nomination.

While Schultz's campaign has remained quiet while the two Republicans fight in the courts and in the press, she has enjoyed fundraising success. According to finance reports filed with the State Board of Elections, Schultz had $101, 036.40 in the bank as of May 30, more than the two Republicans combined. The $50,000 raised at Saturday's event ranks as one of the highest fundraising totals ever for an event in the Shenandoah Valley.

Schultz pledged to protect the district's natural resources and continue the progress in education and health care Virginia has made under Governor Warner and Governor Tim Kaine. Calling the recent transportation compromise a "first step," Schultz affirmed the need for sustainable funding and a statewide focus. In addition, both Warner and Schultz emphasized the importance of "world class jobs" in the communities where residents live, reducing the need to commute.

Schultz thanked Warner for his support and told a cheering crowd "we can expect more good things from Mark Warner." Warner was overhead telling a reporter he would be running for public office again "shortly."

Comments



some comments on Schultz (teacherken - 6/9/2007 9:21:52 PM)
her finance director previously worked a US Congress race in Eastern Washington State (for my college classmate) where they broke the records for a Dem in that district by a wide margin.  They have a sophisticated operation, including a detailed prospectus for potential donors.

I am guessing that she has support from retiring Senator Russ Potts - even if he doesn't outright endorse her (which he may), given his track record of opposing the wingnuts in recent years and his run for the Governer's mansion which sucked off some Republican votes, I would expect him to be supportive.

Here's a summary of some of her positions:

Talking Points ? Karen Schultz for State Senate

? Personal Ideology (www.karenschultz.org/letter.html)
? Karen is a moderate
? ?Mark Warner Democrat?
? Wants to get things done
? Focused on investment in the future
? Karen is a connector
? Will build bridges between Richmond and local area
? Has Republican and Democratic friends, can work w/ both
? ?Connect families with opportunity,? remove obstacles
? Karen is a public servant
? Public service runs in the family (father a Texas legislator)
? Proven, experienced leader who has held local office
? Began Shenandoah University?s service learning program
? Not a stepping stone to higher office or advancing career
? Give the people a voice, not special interests

? Biography (www.karenschultz.org/about.html)
? Worked and lived in district for almost 30 years
? Associate Professor, Shenandoah University School of Pharmacy
? Former chair, Winchester School Board
? Children
? Daughter, Katie, graduate of William & Mary, teacher
? Son, Ben, sophomore at W&M, studying government
? Waited to run until children were launched
? Husband, Gene ? married 28 years
? Karen?s Education:
? B.A., William & Mary
? MBA, Shenandoah University
? Ph.D., Virginia Tech
? Elder and Sunday School teacher, First Presbyterian Church (Winchester)

Issues (www.karenschultz.org/issues.html)

? Education
? Richmond and federal gov. should increase ed. funding
? Relieves burden on localities
? Reduces need for property tax increases
? Improve, expand access to higher education
? ?Education is the foundation of our economy?
? Life-long education & skill building
? Improve vocational options, job re-training

? Health Care
? Provide More Opportunities for Health Care Training
? Partnerships between hospitals, clinics and higher ed.
? Increased Funding for Free Clinics and Public Health Departments
? See number of uninsured children drop
? Tax Credits to Encourage Preventive Care
? Help companies promote healthy lifestyle practices

? Transportation
? Protect State Funding For Local Roads ? Prevent Tolls
? 2007 Transportation Compromise is a First Step
? Need to ensure Virginia funds roads everywhere
? Cannot fund at the expense of education, health care, and public safety

? Land Use and the Environment
? Reduce our Impact on the Natural Landscape
? Stop the Dominion Power Line or Bury it
? Oppose federal involvement ? this is a local, state decision
? Need for greater dialogue, transparency from Dominion
? Give Localities the Power to Manage Development
? Delay rezoning if infrastructure is lacking
? Tax Credits for Energy Efficient Buildings
? Funding for School Systems to "Go Green"

I plan to blog about this race in the near future, perhaps as soon as we know who will be her opponent.  In the meantime, I think this is race to which we should consider giving some support.  This, and Chichester's old seat with Al Pollard running, truly increases the odds of taking over the State Senate.



In my opinion (novademocrat - 6/9/2007 9:43:06 PM)
This is the sleeper race of 2007.  Karen is very well versed in the needs of the 27th Senate District and is running an aggressive campaign.  To raise $50,000 on a Saturday morning in June is quite impressive if you ask me!  Actually, to get Mark Warner up on a Saturday morning is even more impressive. 

I'd keep our eyes and ears on this race - while the "numbers" dont speak favorably, we have a candidate who appeals across party lines and will work to bring in those voters.