State Delegates, Representatives Speak

VICTORIA – The Lunenburg County VFW Post 9954 Headquarters served as the location for several different candidates and current state officials to speak to attendees at the Lunenburg Republican Fundraiser on Saturday night.

President Mike Hankins welcomed the large crowd and thanked everyone for the support they have shown to the organization and to the candidates. He also encouraged everyone to come back to future meetings and events.

On hand to speak at the event were familiar faces such as Delegate Tommy Wright. The Victoria resident and longtime representative spoke glowingly about the organizers of the local group and also helped present a pair of scholarships to the winning seniors at the event. Mr. Wright noted that he was very impressed by the two students (Jessica Kimball and Nate Nowlin) and knew that they would be great representatives of this area as they move forward.

Delegate Nick Freitas talked passionately about his time serving in the United States Military, including as a Green Beret. He noted that during his time in service he felt a need to stand up for his beliefs and serve as a Delegate to help further those beliefs. Mr. Freitas said that he approached his political career like his military career stating, “I didn’t want to go to war, but we needed to go to war.”

Dr. Minerva Diaz, who is planning to run against Mark Warner in 2020 spoke to the audience and offered advice on the best way to reach Hispanic voters. The Air Force Officer noted that she “broke the glass ceiling” during her military career and noted that Hispanic voters are a key demographic in the future elections.

She stated, “I want to be a fresh voice that reconciles Virginia’s illustrious historical past with her extraordinary future.”

U.S. Senate Candidate Cory Stewart also made a visit to Victoria and discussed hot topics such as bringing business back to America, illegal immigration issues and the debate over removing statues.

Mr. Stewart said that he is tough on illegal immigration because they are taking jobs and opportunities from people that are trying to come to America the legal way. He also noted that a high percentage of illegal drugs such as heroin have been coming to the United States from Mexico.

He continued to say that tariffs levied on foreign countries will help bring back and “rejuvenate” American manufacturing.