primary

Election Goes on Despite Earthquake

By ARLnow.com

Voting in Arlington is proceeding as normal, despite today’s earthquake.

All voting centers are open, according to county elections officials, but voting has been moved outside at the George Mason University voting center due to the university’s decision to close all of its buildings. Some voting centers were briefly evacuated after the quake, but polls will close at 7:00 p.m. as scheduled.

“We should be fine… there have been no reports of any issues at all,” said Arlington County Registrar Linda Lindberg. She noted that the only people calling to ask about keeping the polls open later have been the candidates themselves.

Lindberg said overall turnout is still estimated to be about 7 to 10 percent of active registered voters.

“Turnout is about what we’ve expected so far,” she said.

According to Lindberg, turnout is expected to be higher in the 31st state Senate District, the battleground of a contentious Democratic primary.

Morning Poll: When Are You Voting?

By ARLnow.com

(Updated at 9:10 a.m.) The polls are open until 7:00 tonight in Arlington. That should give residents plenty of time to cast their votes in the four primary races on the ballot. As a recap, here’s a list of who is running, along with links to their candidate essays.

If you’re a registered voter, when are you planning on voting, if at all?


Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Election Day in Virginia — Voters are going to the polls in Virginia today to vote in a rare mid-August primary. In addition to the date, which was pushed back thanks to this year’s redistricting process, this year’s election is unique because it features “more Latino candidates on the ballot than ever before in General Assembly races… running for both Democratic and Republican nominations.” Arlington’s 51 polling places will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. today. [NBC Washington, Arlington County]

O’Leary Predicts High Turnout — Arlington County Treasurer and amateur election prognosticator Frank O’Leary believes that about 11,850 votes will be cast today, seven times the turnout of the 2007 primary. O’Leary based his projection on the number of absentee votes cast this year, which is higher than usual. [Sun Gazette]

Wedding Interrupted by Tow Truck — An Indian wedding procession in Ballston was interrupted over the weekend when the truck and trailer that transported the groom’s white horse to the area was towed from a parking lot. According to a witness, wedding organizers eventually talked the tow truck driver into dropping the truck. [ARLnow Forums]

Flickr pool photo by Philliefan99

Candidate Essay: Jaime Areizaga-Soto

By ARLnow.com

Last week, we asked the two Democratic candidates for the 31st District state Senate seat to write a sub-750 word essay on why the district’s residents should vote for them on Tuesday.

Here is the unedited response from Jaime Areizaga-Soto:

I am Jaime Areizaga Soto and I’m running to represent the 31st district in the Virginia Senate.  I graduated from Georgetown and got a masters and law degree from Stanford.  I’ve served our country as an Army officer for over twenty years and am currently a JAG Lieutenant Colonel in the National Guard.  I am an attorney with over 12 years of infrastructure experience, a former White House Fellow, a member of the Arlington County Transportation Commission, and a lifelong Democrat.  Over the past two General Assembly sessions in Richmond, I served as Policy Advisor to Senator Whipple supporting and advising her on legislation and caucus-related matters.  The Obama Administration appointed me to the Office of the General Counsel at the U.S. Agency for International Development – I stepped down from that position in order to be a candidate to represent you in Richmond.

I fell in love with Virginia when I was here visiting my family thirty-five years ago.  My heart is in Northern Virginia for it’s progressive values, diverse communities, and our shared commitment to education, equality, and justice.  I believe everyone should have the opportunity for a world-class education, the opportunity to seek justice and have a voice and the opportunity to succeed and thrive.  Some people think these values should not extend to everyone.

I am running for State Senate to fight against the narrow-mindedness that threatens progress. Since 2009 we have seen abortion rights under fire, gay rights stifled and education funding slashed. Cuccinelli even sued to stop the President’s healthcare reform legislation.  Enough is enough!  I want to fight back against the extremism that has taken over our state.  That’s why I am running for State Senate: to fight for our Democratic values and to protect our future.

I am 100% Pro Choice and always have been.  NARAL Pro Choice Virginia has endorsed me.  As a member of the military I am honored to serve alongside members of the LGBT community and I will fight for full equality for all Virginians; the LGBT Democrats of Virginia have also endorsed my candidacy.  I will also stand up for our labor brothers and sisters and am proud to have the endorsements of the Arlington Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Association and of the Communications Workers of America.

My priority in the Senate will be to fight for our Northern Virginia communities and to stand up for our shared Democratic values.  I will fight for progressive tax reform that cuts taxes on the middle class and small businesses, eliminating the sales tax on food and creating tax brackets so the super rich pay their fair share.  It is clear that our transportation system is broken; we need to focus on moving people and goods safely and reliably instead of on moving cars.  I support raising the gasoline tax to equal that of our neighboring states.  I grew up with an elementary school teacher as my mother and I believe that our teachers should be paid at the average of the rest of country.  I will buck any further cuts to education and fight for equitable teacher pay.

I am a native-born American citizen raised in Puerto Rico who has lived the American Dream.  I am an Eagle Scout and serve as Vice President of the Dream Project, a not-for-profit that supports high school students in achieving their college goals.  I will make sure every law-abiding resident is treated fairly and has opportunities to succeed by providing in-state tuition to the children of immigrants who graduate from Virginia high schools (Dream Act).

I will be a strong voice for our Democratic values in Richmond.  I am ready to work for you on day one.  You have my word.  I will not quit or give up.  We cannot stand by and watch the McDonnell/Cuccinelli agenda destroy our state and our future.  I ask you for your vote.  Join me.  Together we can make it right.

Candidate Essay: Barbara Favola

By ARLnow.com

Last week, we asked the two Democratic candidates for the 31st District state Senate seat to write a sub-750 word essay on why the district’s residents should vote for them on Tuesday.

Here is the unedited response from Barbara Favola:

I am running for the State Senate because I want to create a Virginia that is more progressive, more compassionate and more inclusive and I offer the skills and experience necessary make this vision a reality. I ask for your vote on Tuesday, August 23rd.

My 14 years of experience in local government and my work with leaders around the region have prepared me to be an effective legislator. As a leader in the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo), I have already cultivated many relationships with lawmakers. The Washington Post noted: “She is the stronger, more substantive candidate and will make a better senator.”

As your Senator, I will work to strengthen the partnership between the state and local government. I will work to insure that the state invests in the kinds of things that will make our future brighter. K-12 public education is one such investment.
We need to put a great teacher in every classroom, and produce graduates able to compete against anyone anywhere in the world.

I am absolutely committed to improving access for Northern Virginians to our State system of higher education. I believe that the Northern VA community college should have the capacity and resources necessary to serve each eligible student Virginia’s prosperity depends upon everyone having the opportunity to pursue his or her dreams. Yes, the Dream Act is a good thing for Virginia.

Part of a brighter future is restoring our rivers and streams, and the entire Chesapeake Bay to its sparkling vibrancy. I currently chair the MWCOG Chesapeake Bay Committee, and, as your Senator I will continue my work to insure that the state’s commitment to cleaning up the Bay is unwavering. The Sierra Club is supporting my candidacy.

Good public schools and protecting the environment are Democratic values that affect our day- to -day lives. Insuring that everyone enjoys these benefits, and has access to a brighter future, is a key part of creating a just and fair society – that is one of my core values.

I also strongly believe that state government must protect the rights of individuals, and reinforce one’s ability to pursue happiness. I support Gay marriage and same sex adoptions. The definition of love should not be dictated by the state.

I am endorsed by NARAL, the Virginia Chapter of NOW and the Women’s Campaign Fund because of my long history of being pro-choice. I have worked to insure that reproductive health services are affordable and available to all women, including

Senator Whipple and many other community leaders support my candidacy because you can trust me to fight for our Democratic values.

Candidate Essay: David Deane

By ARLnow.com

Last week, we asked the two Democratic candidates for Commonwealth’s Attorney in Arlington to write a sub-750 word essay on why residents should vote for them on Tuesday.

Here is the unedited response from David Deane:

My name is David Deane and I am seeking the Democratic nomination for Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County and the City of Falls Church. As Commonwealth’s Attorney I will make the office more accountable and accessible to the citizens of this community. While the office has been well run under the current leadership, I believe that we should always be striving for better. I am committed to starting a Drug Court Program, working in collaboration with Arlington’s judges and community services agencies to treat and intensively supervise non-violent addicts rather than abandon them in jail. I am committed to hiring Spanish speaking prosecutors and educating the Hispanic community so that all citizens, regardless of their ethnicity, heritage, or immigration status feel safe. I am staunchly opposed to the death penalty. I believe that the citizens of this community understand that this draconian means of punishment is expensive, ineffective, and inhumane. As both a former prosecutor and a practicing defense attorney I have the breadth of experience to achieve these goals and to improve the level of service provided to the members of our community. I would be honored to have your vote on August 23rd, 2011.

Candidate Essay: Theo Stamos

By ARLnow.com

Last week, we asked the two Democratic candidates for Commonwealth’s Attorney in Arlington to write a sub-750 word essay on why residents should vote for them on Tuesday.

Here is the unedited response from Theo Stamos:

My name is Theo Stamos and I am running for Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County and the City of Falls Church. For the past 25 years I have been on the front lines of the criminal justice system, beginning as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in 1987 and serving as Chief Deputy since 2002. I have prosecuted and supervised the prosecution of thousands of cases, always guided by the truth that the role of a prosecutor is to seek justice for victims and fairness for all.

I am honored to have the endorsement of my friend and mentor, Dick Trodden, our out-going CA, as well as the support of the Arlington Coalition of Police, the Falls Church Police Association and the Arlington County Deputy Sheriff’s Association. These dedicated public servants are the people who know my work best and see me in court every day.

My devotion to our community is a deeply personal one. My husband and I have been so fortunate to raise our two sons here. As a participant in Leadership Arlington, as board member of Offender Aid and Restoration, and as a member of the PTA at Arlington Traditional School, Swanson Middle School and Yorktown High School, I have developed a broad appreciation for the values of the community we call home.

Since announcing my candidacy last December I have knocked on more than 10,000 doors, introducing myself to voters, listening to their concerns and making the case for their support. In countless conversations I have been heartened and encouraged; heartened by the expressions of care and concern for our community, and encouraged to continue to fight for what is right for victims, witnesses, and criminal defendants.

During my tenure I initiated our office’s Domestic Violence Rapid Response Team to better coordinate our response to victims of domestic violence. I am also proud of our office’s role in starting “Second Chance,” a diversion and early intervention program for first-time youth drug and alcohol offenders set to begin this fall. I have been working with other community leaders to modernize our approach to drug possession cases. Using lessons learned elsewhere from the success of Drug Courts, we are working on an Arlington-specific model with the goal of fewer convictions, less incarceration, more treatment and less recidivism.

As Commonwealth’s Attorney I intend to expand our outreach to communities who may feel reluctant to report crimes. Our office speaks for all victims of crime no matter how those victims happened to arrive in Arlington. We will allow no language barrier, no cultural divide, no question of documentation to prevent victims from having their day in court to confront their assailant.

I am committed to diversity within our prosecutorial ranks. Although we do not currently have any bi-lingual assistant CAs, we have in the past and hope to have more in the future. But the ability to connect with witnesses and victims, earn their trust and make sure that they testify clearly and truthfully is not dependent on everyone speaking the same language. Compassion, empathy and trust are universal languages and are most prized in our office.

I am honored to serve the people of Arlington County and the City of Falls Church. I ask for your support and for your vote Tuesday, August 23.

Candidate Essay: Libby Garvey

By ARLnow.com

Earlier this week, we asked the three Democratic candidates for the 30th District state Senate seat to write a sub-750 word essay on why the district’s residents should vote for them on Tuesday, Aug. 23.

Here is the unedited response from Libby Garvey:

Why You Should Vote for Libby Garvey:

  1. Actions speak louder than words.   All three of us candidates say pretty much the same things, but here’s the difference:  while they’ve talked about getting things done, I’m the only one to have repeatedly turned those values into action.   My entire life has been about public service, from serving in the Peace Corps in the early ‘70’s to my past 14 years on the Arlington County School Board.  On the school board, I’ve helped make Arlington Public Schools one of the top-ranked school systems in the country.  We’ve also closed the achievement gap significantly, will soon establish access to pre-school for all at-risk children, and rebuilt or renovated our schools on time and on budget.  I’ve also served on the regional Council of Governments and played key roles on many statewide councils and group, two of which I was appointed to by Governors Warner and Kaine.
  2. Life experience.   I have learned many hard lessons in my 60 years.   But I’ve spent my life helping others, first as a waitress to help my family during lean times and later after college as a Peace Corps volunteer in Africa. Today, as a cancer survivor, grandmother, and widow, I’m more ready than ever to serve as state senator.  There is a wisdom and understanding that can only be gained through time and experience.   If all our legislators had such wisdom, we’d have a better government.
  3. An independent, true Progressive voice.  I am truly independent and beholden to no one but my voters and continuing Senator Patsy Ticer’s legacy.  While my campaign raised the most money in the last quarter, I have received no money from the lobbyists or corporations who normally fund campaigns in Virginia.  That means we will owe this seat to no one but ourselves.  Only then will we be able to have the true progressive voice we need in Richmond to fight back against the extreme right-wing priorities of Ken Cuccinelli and Wisconsin-style labor policies, uranium mining, car title lenders and other corporate interests that seek to undermine our community.
  4. Some endorsements really matter.   I am honored to have many endorsements, but the support and endorsement of Senator Patsy Ticer and Supervisor Gerry Hyland mean the most to me.  Senator Ticer and Supervisor Hyland know the 30th District better than just about anyone.   They have cared for and well served the citizens of this district for decades. They know all the candidates well.   They support me.  I hope you will too.
  5. Finally, we need more women in Richmond.   Gender shouldn’t be a deciding point, but everyone should be concerned about the lack of women at all levels of government.  Women are over 50% of the population in Virginia, yet only about 17% of the delegates in Virginia’s House are women.  With the retirement of Senator Ticer and Senator Whipple, we could be down to 7 or fewer women out of 40 senators depending on this election.  While Republicans in Virginia are consistently waging their war on women’s rights, we need more women in Richmond to shape the debate and ensure that our rights are upheld.  We need to worry less about scoring political points and focus on getting things done.

Your reason?   If this doesn’t convince you to vote for me on the 23rd and you’d like to talk about my campaign or an issue that concerns you, please call my office at 571-312-7260 or send an email to [email protected].   Talking with voters about issues is what I most enjoy and I look forward to doing just that for many years to come.

Sincerely,

Libby Garvey

Candidate Essay: Rob Krupicka

By ARLnow.com

Earlier this week, we asked the three Democratic candidates for the 30th District state Senate seat to write a sub-750 word essay on why the district’s residents should vote for them on Tuesday, Aug. 23.

Here is the unedited response from Rob Krupicka:

My name is Rob Krupicka, and I started this campaign with the simple idea that we need new ideas in Richmond. I’m tired of the politics of blame that we see everyday in Washington D.C. I’m tired of the same old finger pointing and partisan bickering that takes us backwards. I’m running for Senate because Northern Virginia deserves a leader who will reject the politics of blame, and work tirelessly to produce results.

I’m a husband, father of two daughters, lifelong Democrat and this race is deeply personal to me. I grew up in a single-parent home and was born to a teenage mother who often struggled to support my sisters and me. From my earliest years, it was impressed upon me how important hard work and education are to a person’s future. No matter where people start in life, they should have the opportunity to fulfill their potential. I’ve made this principle the foundation of my public service, whether it’s my involvement in public education or my work to build a more sustainable, healthier community.

I believe it is the responsibility of individuals who are committed to a cause to stand up for it. This passion for progressive ideals is what spurred me to run for office. It has been my honor to serve on State Board of Education since 2009 and the Alexandria City Council since 2003, where I am proud of the work we have done to protect funding for our schools, to make our community more environmentally sustainable, and to find forward thinking solutions to our very real transportation problems.

In Richmond, I will work to make Virginia the best state in the country to get an education. I will give local governments the tools they need to invest in cleaner, greener technology in order to protect our environment. I will stand up for our men and women in uniform, and see that they have the support they deserve. I will fight for progressive tax reform, and true equality for everyone regardless of gender, race or sexual orientation.

I have proposed a series of new ideas throughout this campaign that ranges from the expansion of access to Pre-K programs across the state, to the creation of high capacity transit corridors that get cars off our roadways. I have laid out a vision of what I will do as Senator, and while I know that not everyone will agree with me on everything, there will be never be a question about where I stand.

I started my political career at the neighborhood level, and it is that on the ground experience working to solve problems that I want to take to Richmond. I know that if you bring people together and put in the time to work through a problem, there is no limit to what you can accomplish. I want to go to Richmond to do big things, and put in the work necessary to tackle the problems our region faces. I will always fight to protect and improve the quality of life of our communities, and I would be honored to have your support on August 23rd.

Candidate Essay: Adam Ebbin

By ARLnow.com

Earlier this week, we asked the three Democratic candidates for the 30th District state Senate seat to write a sub-750 word essay on why the district’s residents should vote for them on Tuesday, Aug. 23.

Here is the unedited response from Adam Ebbin (typo corrected at 6:20 p.m. upon request of the campaign):

The question before voters in the August 23 Democratic primary for the 30th Senate District isn’t about policy or politics. With three solid Democrats running, there’s very little difference between our positions on major issues. Instead, the question voters must answer is, “who can best get the job done in the Senate?”

After seven years in the House, I have the experience, knowledge and relationships needed to be successful in the Senate. I’ve been a champion for our progressive values in Richmond, and passed legislation supporting our environment, our senior citizens, our transit system and other key progressive priorities. I’ve been the leading voice against Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, and will continue to stand against him in the Senate.

Since 2004, I’ve represented parts of south Arlington in the House of Delegates. During that time, I’ve secured funding to improve Metro services and provide for a Public Defender office in Arlington. I’ve established a solar resource loan fund that will provide homeowners access to low interest loans to install solar panels on their houses. I’ve defended funds for our public schools and have a 100% pro-choice voting record.

I know what it takes to move progressive legislation through an often-hostile General Assembly. I’ve stood up for our Northern Virginia values against the skepticism of members from other parts of the Commonwealth. I’ve worked with them to build understanding and support for our local priorities.

During this campaign, I’ve had the great pleasure to speak with so many of you at your door, at a debate, or at a local function.
We’ve discussed your concerns, your priorities and your hopes for the future. As a member of the House, I’ve worked day and night to put our shared values into action. In the Senate, I’ll be even more able to put the needs of Northern Virginia front and center in Richmond.

I’m proud to have been endorsed by County Board Member Jay Fisette, Treasurer Frank O’Leary, Commissioner of Revenue Ingrid Morroy and School Board Member James Lander. I am also very proud to have won the support of the Arlington Association of Professional Firefighters and Paramedics, the Virginia chapter of the National Organization for Women, the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia, Equality Virginia, the Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club and many other leading progressive organizations.

I would be truly honored to have your vote. If you will stand with me on August 23, I will stand up for you every day that I’m in Richmond. I have a record of proven progressive accomplishment, and will continue to be a strong voice for our values in the Senate.

Election Day is August 23. To learn more about my candidacy, or how you can volunteer in these closing days, please visit www.AdamEbbin.com or call 703-739-4330.

Candidate Essay: Alfonso Lopez

By ARLnow.com

Earlier this week, we asked the two Democratic candidates for the 49th District House of Delegates seat to write a sub-750 word essay on why the district’s residents should vote for them on Tuesday, Aug. 23.

Here is the unedited response from Alfonso Lopez:

My name is Alfonso Lopez, and I’m running for Delegate to uphold our community’s values in Richmond.

Over the last several months, I’ve talked with voters across the 49th District, listening to their concerns and their hopes for Virginia’s future. I’ve been inspired by my conversations with residents along Columbia Pike, where I live with my wife and young son, in Nauck and from Pentagon City and Arlington Ridge to Skyline and Bailey’s Crossroads.

Most Northern Virginians want the same common-sense policies from Richmond – more investment in transportation infrastructure and transit, greater support for education and teachers, a sustainable approach to our environment and our economy, and a progressive, socially-responsible commitment to protect the health, well-being and civil rights of everyone in Virginia.

My mom devoted her life to Arlington public schools, helping immigrant children continue their education after high school. My dad came to America at the age of 19 with just $260. He attended Northern Virginia Community College and then took one course a semester until he graduated from George Mason University.

My parents each worked hard to provide for us. And with the help of government programs they got an education, bought a home, and achieved the American dream.

I am running for Delegate today because Bob McDonnell and Ken Cuccinelli are destroying the social safety net upon which my parents and so many others have relied.

Our next delegate must be a champion for our Northern Virginia values. They must lead on the issues that others cannot, or will not, take a stand on.

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