Friday, August 17, 2007
Attorney general endorses 2 GOP candidates
Related
The latest from our Blue Ridge Caucus politics blog
- Gilbert expresses regret for abortion remarks
- Senate rebuffs McDonnell, rejects teacher contract change
From The Roanoke Times
FLOYD -- Amid raindrops and darkening skies, Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell stood on the steps of Floyd County Courthouse on Thursday afternoon and endorsed Republican candidates Charles Poindexter and Jeff Evans.
"I believe these two gentlemen reflect the value of Southwest Virginia," McDonnell said.
Charles Poindexter, who sits on the Franklin County Board of Supervisors, is running against Democrat Eric Ferguson to replace Del. Allen Dudley, R-Rocky Mount, who is not seeking re-election. The seat represents Franklin and Floyd counties and part of Pittsylvania County. Independent candidate Jerry Boothe of Floyd is also on the ballot.
Jeff Evans is running for the 20th District state Senate seat against incumbent Roscoe Reynolds, a Democrat. That seat represents Martinsville, Galax, Carroll, Patrick and Floyd counties and parts of Wythe, Grayson and Henry counties.
McDonnell said he is endorsing the two candidates because of their strong stance on illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
"We need people in the legislature that will follow their convictions and not be moved by the change in the wind," McDonnell said.
Poindexter said he would work to bring about local immigration change for area employers and business owners.
"When one business hires illegal immigrants and another doesn't, it's not an equal playing field," Poindexter said. "We just want to make sure that there is an equal playing field for everyone."
Evans said he wanted to work to bring about economic growth to the area.
"We've got to take charge in Virginia," Evans said. "The citizens are the ones with the answers. We should be listening to you."
-- Ruth L. Tisdale
Sheriff calls in ex-'CHiPs" star for fundraiser
"Ponch" is coming to Bedford County to raise money for the incumbent sheriff.
Sheriff Mike Brown announced Thursday that Erik Estrada, the actor best known for his role as a highway patrol motorcycle officer in the 1977-83 television show "CHiPs," will be in Moneta later this month for a campaign fundraiser.
On Aug. 28, guests can enjoy a private champagne ceremony with the actor and a casual dinner at Rucker House Mercantile, an antique and gift shop on Rucker Road in southern Bedford County.
According to Bruce Dowdy, who owns Rucker House Mercantile with his wife, Mindy, Brown and Estrada met earlier this year at Liberty University. Dowdy said Estrada is interested in starting an Internet child predator sting operation in California, similar to Operation Blue Ridge Thunder. The Bedford County Sheriff's Office launched the undercover effort in 1998. NBA star Shaquille O'Neal is a member of the task force.
Brown, who has served as the county's sheriff since 1996, faces two opponents in the upcoming election, Charles Green and Darryl Updike.
Brown could not be reached for comment Thursday.
-- Courtney Cutright
