Despite the fact that Stafford County unquestionably skews Republican, there's an outstanding opportunity for Democrats to take control of the Board of Supervisors this fall. Right now, the Board is basically 4-3 in favor of Republicans. There are 3 races here that could really go either way. But in the end, a 5-2 Dem majority is actually very realistic.
First off you have the George Washington district. Bad news here is that Democrat Pete Fields is retiring. Pete's a great guy and will be missed. The Democrat running here is Harry Crisp II. Harry, who has a doctorate in electrical engineering from Auburn, is a member of Friends of the Rappahannock and has very deep roots in the community. He'll take on Tom Coen, a teacher who's also served as Vice-Chair of the Stafford Co. Republican Committee.
In the Rock-Hill district, Bob Gibbons, a Republican, is leaving the Board to pursue the office of Treasurer. Unfortunately for him, so was another Republican, Laura Rudy. Incidentally, Gibbons lost his primary badly this past Tuesday to Rudy (who basically stole Rudy Giuliani's logo and painted it purple). Jerry Kirven, a former Stafford Co. Democratic Committee Chair, is our candidate in Rock-Hill. Four years ago Jerry ran and lost by only 48 votes(!). Republican Cord Sterling, who serves on the Commonwealth Transportation Board, will oppose Kirven for this seat. Sterling's a relative political novice, so this has pick-up written all over it.
Griffis-Widewater is the most Democratic district in Stafford Co. (Webb beat Allen here last year). The Dem nominee here is Bob Woodson, who, like Jerry Kirven, is a former county party chairman. Woodson will take on incumbent Jack Cavalier (I). Jack's an Independent because of his government job, but has been endorsed by Democrats in the past.
Oh, and as for that Treasurers race? Laura Rudy will be matched up against Patricia Kurpiel this November. Patricia is very active in conservation issues, dedicating a lot of her time to working with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
We're also fortunate enough to have Trish King, another great Democrat, running for Clerk of the Court in Stafford Co. against incumbent Barbara Decatur. In theory this should be a safe seat for the local GOP, but Republicans who know Trish are scared stupid. They know the energy and charisma that she brings to the table.
Overall it's a great time to be a Democrat in Fredericksburg, Stafford and the surrounding areas. The unity that commonwealth Republicans wish they had is alive and well here. (and more on that later....)
There are some counties and Dem committees to the north of us that don't have many (or any) contested races. And we hope that if you are politically-active and reside in one of those places, you could assist our GOTV efforts this fall!
How can you help? Call 540-657-8995 or email chair@stafforddemocrats.org to let us know how you would be willing to invest some time and energy - between now and Election Day November 6th - to assuring some very important Democratic victories.
It is in these important Stafford County races, that we turn out voters responding to the most difficult of local challenges - dealing with uncontrolled residential spawl, addressing the need for a BPOL (business - professional - occupational license) that means big box stores would pay their fair share to the county so that the homeowner tax burden can be reduced, saving important natural resources such as Crow's Nest and of course...creating sensible solutions to our transportation mess.
Our Stafford County campaign headquarters location will open soon - we are teaming up with the Del Toro for Delegate campaign - and we hope that you will join us there to help elect Democrats! Check RK soon for Grand Opening information!!!
And, hey Blue Dads, Happy Father's Day!!!
Dan Smolen
Chair - Stafford County Virginia Democratic Committee