Youngkin hopes to participate in three debates for the general election. McAuliffe has announced he accepted five debate invitations
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Youngkin’s campaign provides an update on the debates in which he plans to participate
Last week, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe announced that he accepted invitations to attend five debate events ahead of the general election. His Republican challenger Glenn Youngkin announced Tuesday that he has accepted one invitation and plans to work out the details to attend two additional debates before November.
“Glenn Youngkin can’t wait to debate career politician Terry McAuliffe, who will have to explain his history of flip-flops and false claims,” a spokesperson for the Youngkin campaign said in a statement. “Only weak incumbents like McAuliffe need to debate five times in the hopes of making up lost ground. We’ve received lots of different debate invitations, and unlike McAuliffe, Glenn committed in March to the debate at the Appalachian School of Law in Grundy. We look forward to scheduling two more debates and working out the details with possible debate hosts and the McAuliffe campaign, including dates, locations, media partners, and moderators. Glenn Youngkin is the breath of fresh air the Commonwealth needs to improve the quality of life for all Virginians. The debates should prove interesting and informative.”
McAuliffe’s spokesperson Jake Rubenstein said McAuliffe is still looking forward to the five debates. “Glenn and Terry were invited to the same five debates in five regions of Virginia -- Terry happily said yes, and a week later Glenn has finally agreed to one single debate,” Rubenstein said Tuesday. “If Glenn can't take the debate stage heat, he surely can’t handle the pressure of being governor. Whenever Glenn is ready to answer for his plans to ban abortion, put more dangerous guns on our streets, and his complete and total devotion to Donald Trump, Terry looks forward to debating Glenn at these five debates."
The debates that McAuliffe agreed to are:
Hot Springs, Virginia: Virginia Bar Association – July 24
Hampton Roads: Norfolk State University
Southwest Virginia: Appalachian School of Law – August/September
Northern Virginia: Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, NBC4/Telemundo 44 and the Schar School of Public Policy and Government at George Mason University – September 28
Richmond: AARP Virginia and WTVR – October 12
The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) announces House targets in Virginia
The RSLC announced thirteen districts in the House of Delegates where they will be targeting Democratic incumbents this election cycle.
“Democrat-run Washington has given us an economic crisis, has politicized our children’s education to please their teachers’ union backers, and has put public safety at risk; Democrat-controlled Richmond has produced the same failed results,” said RSLC President Dee Duncan. “No matter where Democrats win, the people lose, and it is absolutely critical that we remind voters of that reality ahead of Virginia’s elections this fall. While we know the task before us will be a challenge, we are excited about the initial 13 opportunities we have identified throughout the commonwealth to replace extreme liberals who have sold out their constituents to the radical left with commonsense conservatives who will put Virginians first.”
The Democratic incumbents the RSLC is targeting are:
Wendy Gooditis, VA-10
Chris Hurst, VA-12
Kelly Convirs-Fowler, VA-21
Joshua Cole, VA-28
Elizabeth Guzman, VA-31
Dan Helmer, VA-40
Dawn Adams, VA-68
Schuyler VanValkenburg, VA-72
Rodney Willett, VA-73
Roslyn "Roz" Tyler, VA-75
Nancy Guy, VA-83
Alex Askew, VA-85
Martha Mugler, VA-91
Northam plans to remove 1887 time capsule from beneath Robert E. Lee statue
Governor Ralph Northam announced Tuesday that he will remove a time capsule from beneath the Robert E. Lee statue on Monument Avenue and replace it with a new one if the court approves removing the statue.
Historians believe a copper time capsule was placed in the cornerstone of the pedestal on October 27, 1887. Records from the Library of Virginia suggest that 37 Richmond residents, organizations, and businesses contributed about 60 objects to the capsule, many of which are believed to be related to the Confederacy according to Northam’s announcement.
“It’s time to say to the world, this is today’s Virginia, not yesterday’s,” Governor Northam said in a statement. “And one day, when future generations look back at this moment, they will be able to learn about the inclusive, welcoming Commonwealth that we are building together. I encourage Virginians to be part of this unique effort to tell our shared story.”
According to the governor, Historic Jamestown, an entity of Preservation Virginia, conducted a scan of the pedestal in March and identified a void in the base where the time capsule is likely housed. The Department of General Services analyzed the results of the scan and concluded that the time capsule can be removed and replaced without damaging the fidelity of the structure.
When the current time capsule is removed, a qualified conservator will take precautions to ensure the contents’ appropriate treatment. The governor’s announcement said that the capsule and its contents will be transferred to the Department of Historic Resources’ conservation lab, where expert staff can oversee the examination of the contents.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that there was a large celebration in 1887 when the time capsule was placed beneath the Lee Statue.
“As we seek to portray Virginia’s history with honesty, we must ensure our symbols reflect the values we hold today,” said Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Janice Underwood. “This project is an opportunity to replace relics of the Lost Cause with items that represent the Commonwealth’s strength in diversity and unite us around the progress we are making together.”
Del. Dave LaRock’s spot on the ballot in question over paperwork issue - Virginia Mercury
by Graham Moomaw
Conservative Del. Dave LaRock’s bid for re-election has hit a snag after a local party official failed to file paperwork declaring him the GOP nominee before a state-imposed deadline passed this month.
On Tuesday, a Republican lawyer asked the State Board of Elections to certify LaRock, R-Loudoun, as a candidate anyway, despite the board’s recent stance against making accommodations for late paperwork. The elections board did not take action at Tuesday’s meeting, but the lawyer requested a decision by the July 4th weekend.
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