RSLC attacks Democrats over drug dealer vote in their first wave of ads for 2023 elections

The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) is releasing a new wave of digital ads today attacking Virginia Democrats for opposing legislation that would have charged drug dealers with homicide i

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RSLC attacks Democrats over drug dealer vote in first wave of ads for 2023 elections

The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) is releasing a new wave of digital ads today attacking Virginia Democrats for opposing legislation that would have charged drug dealers with homicide if one of their users dies from an overdose. This ad campaign is the first paid media effort for the RSLC in Virginia ahead of the 2023 election. 

Senate Democrats voted against the bill arguing that it might discourage individuals from calling 911 if someone is suffering from an overdose. Plenty of House Democrats voted in favor of a similar bill in 2019 when it passed 75-25. It passed unanimously in the Senate that year, as well, but Gov. Ralph Northam eventually vetoed it.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin pledged this year to sign the bill if it would have made it to his desk.

Transcript 

NARRATOR: Richmond liberals are standing in the way of progress. The result? Our communities are overwhelmed with overdose deaths, taking too many of our loved ones too soon. But Richmond liberals won’t crack down on those responsible. 

NEWS ANCHOR: A bill that could have charged drug dealers with felony homicide if the user dies of an overdose in Virginia, has died. 

NARRATOR: They’re gambling with lives and playing politics, all while our most vulnerable are suffering. Saving lives shouldn’t be partisan, it should be a priority. Why won’t Delegate Clark stand up to drug dealers?  

The RSLC is paying to attack seven Democrats in total with a five-figure ad buy:

1. Rodney Willett

2. Nadarius Clark

3. Clinton Jenkins

4. Aaron Rouse

5. Schuyler VanValkenburg 

6. Monty Mason

7. Danica Roem

Republicans are looking to take control of the state Senate and keep control of the House of Delegates. They currently have 52 out of 100 seats in the House and only 18 out of 40 in the Senate.

If Republicans are able to keep the House and take the Senate, Gov. Youngkin and Virginia Republicans will be able to enact their full agenda.

Election day is Nov. 7, 2023.

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