6th
District
Press Releases
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FACT CHECK: The Truth About the Incumbent's Negative Attack Ad
As the current incumbent attempts to distance herself from the results of her repeated votes to allow big power companies to raise rates, please ask yourself, “Are my utility bills going down?”
A lifelong resident of Southwest Virginia, Carole was raised to be accountable for the consequences of her decisions and as your delegate she won’t shy away from the real world results of her voting record.
Fact:• Delegate Crockett-Stark voted four times for HB 3068, otherwise known as the Dominion Re-regulation bill, after warnings from members of the State Corporation Commission that it would result in drastic rate hikes. (Virginia Legislative Information Services, HB 3068 vote dates: 4/4/2007, 4/4/2007, 2/22/2007, 2/6/2007)
• A member of her own party, Delegate Bob Marshall, unequivocally stated on the House Floor, “Everybody who votes yes, is voting yes to a bigger rate increase than any contemplated tax increase currently circulating on this capitol and I urge you to vote no.”
• Since 2005, power companies have helped funnel $29,000 to Crockett-Stark’s campaign (Virginia Public Access Project)
• The Washington Post stated that these campaign donations helped “grease the way for new regulations that could guarantee profits for the company worth billions of dollars over the next several decades.” (Washington Post, 2/5/2007)
• Just today, October 31, 2009, the Richmond Times Dispatch reported that Dominion Power had 17 percent higher profits during the July-to-September period. (Richmond Times Dispatch, 10/31/2009)
Our campaign remains focused on keeping and creating jobs for our region. One important way to do this is to keep energy costs low for businesses and families. Carole will never forget where she comes from and she’ll never vote to unduly allow big power companies to overcharge our people.
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FIREFIGHTERS ENDORSE PRATT
FIREFIGHTERS ENDORSE PRATT-
The Virginia Professional Fire Fighters (VPFF) have announced their endorsement of Dr. Carole Pratt for delegate in the sixth district. The organization represents over 7,000 firefighters and EMT’s across Virginia and is supporting Carole because of her proven commitment to public safety.
“I am honored to have the support of our firefighters,” said Carole. “ I am grateful that we have such outstanding public servants in our communities and I am extremely proud to have their endorsement. First responders are there for all of us all the time and I will work to ensure that they have an active voice in the General Assembly.”
“Earning the support of the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters following the endorsement of the Virginia Police Benevolent Association shows that public safety officials are lining up behind Carole,” added campaign manager Eric Hyers. “Carole has the expertise and dedication to fight for the men and women who risk their lives for us.”
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PRATT EARNS ENDORSEMENT OF VIRGINIA POLICE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION AND SHERIFF JIM DAVIS
PBA is Yet Another Organization to Switch Support from Crockett-Stark
The Virginia Police Benevolent Association and Sheriff Jim Davis have announced their endorsement of Dr. Carole Pratt for delegate, citing Carole’s strong support of law enforcement. The Virginia Police Benevolent Association, who endorsed Delegate Crockett-Stark in 2007, switched their support to Carole and are mobilizing their membership to support her candidacy.
Added Sheriff Davis, “During conversations with Carole, she has demonstrated an in depth knowledge of local law enforcement and the issues we face with recent budget cuts. I feel that both the law enforcement community and citizens will benefit greatly from her experience, knowledge, and leadership abilities. Pulaski County will be well represented in Richmond with Dr. Carole Pratt as our Delegate.”
“I am so proud to have the backing of these extraordinary men and women who have dedicated their lives to keeping our communities safe,” said Carole. “Law enforcement professionals deserve our full support in Richmond and I will always be their advocate.” -
CAROLE PRATT OUT RAISES INCUMBENT FOR FOURTH CONSECUTIVE FILING PERIOD
For the fourth consecutive filing period Dr. Carole Pratt, candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates, has out raised the incumbent reporting twice the number of donors. Special interests and other politicians have accounted for over eighty percent of the incumbent’s fundraising this financial period.
“I'm proud that in these difficult financial times, so many folks have invested in our campaign," said Carole. “I'll never have to look to party bosses to figure out which way the wind is blowing and the strength of our bluegrass roots fundraising shows that we are ready for a delegate who always listens to Southwest Virginia.”
"The incumbent's donor list reflects her voting history that for too long has put the interests of lobbyists and party bosses ahead of the people of this district," added campaign manager Eric Hyers. “With unemployment near 10% and the news of another round of layoffs at one of the New River Valley's largest employers, people are investing to send a representative to Richmond who will be a tireless advocate for us.”
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INCUMBENT CONTINUES TO AVOID DEBATES ON ECONOMY
Twenty-eight days have passed since Dr. Carole Pratt, candidate for the House of Delegates, invited the incumbent to a series of discussions on the economy and jobs. Since that time, the incumbent has rejected the request in a letter and again at a public forum in Pulaski, all while Volvo announced another round of layoffs and unemployment remains near double digits.
“With growing economic anxiety in our district, voters deserve a public discussion on how to create and retain jobs in our communities,” said Carole. “Just yesterday, one of the largest employers in the New River Valley announced another round of layoffs. I wouldn’t be running if I didn’t have a detailed vision for how to spur economic development and a deeply held confidence in the resourcefulness of our communities. We need a representative who will always be willing to engage in detailed discussions about the tough problems we face.”
“WYVE radio broadcaster Danny Gordon has expressed his willingness to host a debate between the two candidates, as has yet another local radio station,” added campaign manager Eric Hyers. “It appears the only person not interested in hearing both candidates’ ideas on how to retain and create good-paying jobs in Southwest Virginia is Delegate Crockett-Stark.”
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FOUR MAYORS ENDORSE CAROLE PRATT
Four mayors from across the district have come together to endorse Carole Pratt, sixth district candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates. Wytheville Mayor Trent Crewe, who announced his support of Carole this morning, is joined by Mayor Clayton Davis of Narrows, Mayor Benny Skeens of Dublin, and Mayor Jeff Worrell of Pulaski.
Said Mayor Crewe, “I’ve known Carole for many years. I first came to know her through her economic development efforts. She is a gifted, hard working, dedicated servant of the people who has not forgotten the modest roots from which she’s come. She is well known statewide as a consensus builder, and someone who gets the task accomplished. She is exactly the kind of independent thinking, common ground seeking, intelligent representative we need working for us on the state level.”
“I am so proud to receive the backing of these outstanding public servants,” said Carole. “I have long admired their records of public service and we share a deeply felt commitment to our communities. I look forward to continuing to work with them to support local businesses and bring more high quality jobs here to Southwest Virginia.”
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HOMEGROWN BUSINESS OWNERS ENDORSE PRATT
Local business owners from across the region have joined together to create a Homegrown Business Owners for Pratt steering committee to support Dr. Carole Pratt, candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates.
The group is made up of owners of local independently-owned businesses. These business leaders share a commitment to our communities’ economies by creating jobs here and are supporting Carole because of her expertise in job creation.
Homegrown Business Owners for Pratt steering committee member Katy Kirk said, "As a new small business owner, I have an increasing appreciation for the hard work and dedication that goes into operating the businesses that every community depends on for local goods and services. Carole is one of the hardest working people I know and with her invaluable personal business experience in a private dental practice, I know she will take an important small business perspective with her to Richmond."
“I admire the spirit of optimism and entrepreneurship these local business men and women bring to our communities and I am honored to have their support,” said Carole Pratt. “I know that we will succeed here in Southwest Virginia during these difficult economic times because of the self-reliance and drive of our hard-working men and women. Homegrown businesses are the backbone of our economy and as delegate it will be my top priority to help them thrive.”
“As a former family business owner, Carole has a firsthand appreciation for the challenges of running a local business and she believes that our representatives in the General Assembly should be doing everything possible to ensure our local businesses have the tools to succeed,” added campaign manager Eric Hyers. “Unfortunately, it seems that the incumbent does not share these priorities. Taxes on employers will increase by $78 per worker beginning in January as a direct result of the incumbent voting in lock step with her party bosses to reject $125 million in stimulus funds. Supporting local business should not be a partisan issue.”
The steering committee includes:
Angie Alderman
C.B. Andrews, Jr.
Garry Ayers
Eddie Hale
Tracey Harriman
Bobby Jackson
Martha Jackson
Chuck Johnson
Clinton Kegley
Robin Kegley
Luther Kirk
Katy Kirk
Donald E. Neal
Janice Osborne
Bill Smith
Dr. Randy Vaughn
Mark Zammit
Susan Zammit
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Carole Pratt Earns “A” Rating from NRA; Releases “Sportsmen for Pratt” Steering Committee
Immediately following an “A” rating from the National Rifle Association, Carole Pratt announced her “Sportsmen for Pratt” steering committee today. Her score was the highest possible grade for a non-incumbent. The group consists of sportsmen throughout the region who know Carole Pratt will be a strong supporter of gun rights in Richmond. The NRA saves “A” grades for candidates they trust will strongly defend the Second Amendment.
“My dad took me deer hunting when I was barely able to remember it, and he made sure both my sister and I learned to shoot. Gun ownership and hunting are time-honored family traditions here and I am proud to have the support of these sportsmen,” said Carole.
Bucky Sharitz, a member of “Sportsmen for Pratt,” added, “Carole’s rural upbringing and commitment to our way of life make her the best choice for sportsmen in the November election. I know Carole and have seen first-hand her dedication to Southwest Virginia and its people. We need fighters like Carole who will work hard to preserve our way of life and protect our values.”
The “Sportsmen for Pratt” steering committee includes:Richard Akers
Jeff Bain
Rodney Rex Gearheart
Daniel Glossop
Eddie Hagee
Joe Hale
Benny Keister
Jeff Lienhart
Bucky Sharitz
Roy Smith
Bob Wagy
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NEW TELEVISION AD LAUNCHED BY CAROLE PRATT
Carole Pratt, candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates, launched the first television ad of the campaign on Tuesday. The commercial is called “Shipping” and will air all across the district.
“Shipping” depicts local high school graduates being packed into boxes and sent away.
“This is exactly what is going on here in Southwest Virginia,” said Carole. “We have a booming export business that ships away our best and brightest young people every year because there are not enough opportunities for them. We need a delegate who will fight to keep our kids here, and unfortunately Delegate Crockett-Stark hasn’t done nearly enough to ensure that our young people have jobs waiting for them when they graduate.”
“This ad would be funny if it weren’t so true,” added campaign manager Eric Hyers. “Our current delegate takes her cues from party bosses and special interests, and as a result she has done a poor job at expanding opportunities here in Southwest Virginia. Carole will never have to look to a party leader to find out how to vote. We desperately need someone in Richmond who will always stand up for our district regardless of the political climate.”
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CROCKETT-STARK’S VOTE LEADS TO TAX INCREASES ON BUSINESSES
Employers will now be forced to pay $78 dollars more a year per worker under an automatic tax trigger because the unemployment fund has been depleted. This is a direct result of the vote to reject 125 million dollars in federal stimulus money to help extend unemployment benefits to those hardest hit by this tough economic climate. Delegate Crockett-Stark voted to refuse this money, and her justification for this vote, now proved to be in error, was that it would raise taxes on employers.
“It has become increasingly clear that voting to reject 125 million of our tax dollars was nothing more than an act of political gamesmanship by party bosses in Richmond,” said Carole Pratt, candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates. “With nearly one out of every ten people in our district unemployed, the time for scoring political points should be long past.”
“This kind of fiscal mismanagement in Richmond has hurt our workers and our business owners,” added Carole. “I believe our out-of-work friends and neighbors, our business owners, and every taxpayer of this district deserve an explanation for the decision to turn away 125 million dollars in stimulus funds. This is precisely why I have invited Delegate Crockett-Stark to participate in a debate on the economy in every county in our district.”
“Carole always says that it’s amazing what we can accomplish if we don’t care who gets the credit,” added campaign manager Eric Hyers. “This was a clear example of party bosses playing political games during an election year and our delegate voted in lock step. Now taxes on our businesses are increasing and our workforce has been given little help during these tough economic times. This isn’t the kind of leadership we need when our communities are facing double digit unemployment.”
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PRATT AGAIN OUT RAISES INCUMBENT; TAKES MOMENTUM INTO FALL CAMPAIGN
For the third consecutive time, Carole Pratt, candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates, demonstrated the depth of her support by recruiting more donors and doubling the incumbent in fundraising. Unlike the incumbent, well over 90% of Carole’s contributions come from individuals, not special interest groups. Since the campaign began, Carole has the support of more than two times the number of donors as the incumbent.
“I continue to be overwhelmed by the generosity of the people of Southwest Virginia,” Carole said. “In these difficult economic times I am incredibly humbled that so many folks have supported this campaign. We have been all over this district in recent weeks, and it is great to see people responding to our message of sending some common sense to Richmond.”
“Carole is proud that an overwhelming percentage of her contributions came from voters; the same cannot be said for her opponent,” added campaign manager Eric Hyers. “For three filings in a row now, the incumbent’s report has been full of special interest groups and political action committees. Carole’s support has been earned from knocking on doors and talking with voters all across the district. To have more than two times the number of grassroots donors as an incumbent at this stage in the campaign is proof that voters are ready for a new voice in Richmond.”
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DEBATES ON THE ECONOMY PROPOSED BY CAROLE PRATT
Dr. Carole Pratt, 6th district candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates, invited Delegate Crockett-Stark to a debate in each of the district’s five counties in a letter dated Monday, September 14. The letter asked the incumbent to join Carole for an important conversation on the issues vital to our communities and stated that times and dates are flexible.
Carole wrote, “As I have traveled throughout the sixth district in recent months, I have had the opportunity to speak with so many of the women and men who live here about their concerns. It will come as no surprise that there are numerous questions about the economy and the job market in our communities. It is our obligation as candidates for the House of Delegates to have public discussions about these critical issues that are so important to the people we seek to serve. I propose that we meet to do just that, with debates to be held in each of the five counties in the district.”
"With one in ten people in this district out of work, the voters need to hear directly from each of the candidates how they plan to bring jobs to this area," said campaign manager Eric Hyers. “We look forward to a substantive series of discussions at the incumbent’s convenience. With less than eight weeks until the election, the voters of this district deserve an opportunity to hear both of the candidates speak about the most pressing issues facing our communities.”
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CONGRESSMAN RICK BOUCHER KICKS OFF FALL CAMPAIGN SEASON WITH CAROLE PRATT
Congressman Boucher joined Carole Pratt, sixth district candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates, for receptions in Tazewell, Giles, Bland, and Wythe counties on Saturday, September 12th. Large crowds across the district came to support the Congressman and Carole. The two met in Bluefield for an early morning breakfast and then headed to Narrows where a packed room at Anna’s Restaurant gave them an enthusiastic welcome. The day ended with a stop in Ceres and a rally in Wytheville.
"I enjoyed joining my long-time friend Carole as she kicked off the final eight weeks of her campaign,” said Congressman Boucher. “I know that Carole will use her experience as a leader in economic development and a health care provider to provide a much-needed voice for Southwest Virginians in the General Assembly. As our delegate, Carole will never forget where she comes from or the communities she’s fighting for."
Carole added, “Congressman Boucher and I share the same vision, that of bringing high paying, lasting jobs to our communities. It was an honor to travel throughout the district with him to talk with people about how to make that vision a reality.”
Pratt’s campaign manager Eric Hyers said, “The energy that was apparent at every stop today shows how much momentum Carole has as we approach Election Day. From Bluefield to Wytheville, Narrows to Ceres, folks made it clear they were hungry for a real voice in the House of Delegates.” -
LOCAL EDUCATORS ENDORSE CAROLE PRATT FOR DELEGATE
Educators for Pratt formed to support the candidacy of Carole Pratt, recognizing her strong advocacy for public education
Southwest Virginia educators have joined to support Carole Pratt, 6th district candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates.
Educators for Pratt, a diverse group of educators from all five counties of the sixth district has come together to wholeheartedly endorse and advise Carole’s campaign for delegate. Including educators from all levels, the group cites Carole’s commitment to improving education from pre-K through adulthood as the key motivation for support.
“As many of the families of our district send their children back to school this week, I am honored to announce the support of these extraordinary educators,” Carole explained. “The teachers of our communities are the professionals we entrust with our most precious resource, the minds of our children and young people.”
Erin Wigginton, a National Board Certified Teacher, added, “As a career educator and a proponent of life long learning, it is my pleasure to support the candidacy of Carole Pratt for the Virginia House of Delegates. Carole is committed to defending and enhancing public education in the Commonwealth and is keenly aware of the connection that quality education has to a robust economy. A long time Republican, my endorsement is not based on partisan ideologies but instead on the recognition that Carole Pratt offers the citizens of Virginia’s sixth district the best choice for a strong, independent and effective voice in our legislature.”
Pratt has earned the endorsement of the Virginia Education Association and the New River Area Education Associations.
The Educators for Pratt steering committee includes:
* Thomas Brewster
* Pam Chitwood
* Angela Clevinger
* Reba Goff
* Jackie Freeman
* Gloria Hurt
* Jimmy Jones
* Pat Jones
* Sonya Meekins
* Sharon Owens
* James Sink
* Doris Sink
* Shannon Turner
* Peggy Wagy
* Frances Watson
* Erin Wigginton -
CAROLE PRATT LAUNCHES “LOCAL BUSINESS LISTENING TOUR”
Locally-owned businesses are the backbone of our economy,” says Carole Pratt, 6th district candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates. She will visit downtowns in Bland, Giles, Pulaski, Tazewell and Wythe counties in the coming weeks. Carole began the tour in Pulaski on Friday.
“Creating and retaining good-paying jobs is critical for a healthy economy. I began this campaign in front of a family-owned pharmacy because recognizing the value of home-grown, locally-owned business is one of my key priorities. As I visit with business owners, I will hear first-hand how I can best represent them in the House of Delegates” Carole explains.
Campaign manager Eric Hyers added, “As a former family business owner, Carole understands the challenges and opportunities facing local businesses. This tour reflects her commitment to bringing some much-needed common sense to Richmond where she will be a tireless voice for Southwest Virginia’s economy. Look for Carole in your local business in the very near future.”
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EDUCATORS ENDORSE CAROLE PRATT FOR VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES
Endorsement Makes Virginia Education Association the First Group to Switch Support from Crockett-Stark
The Virginia Education Association has endorsed Carole Pratt, candidate for the House of Delegates. The organization, which represents hundreds of educators in the 6th district, cited Carole’s candor and commitment to improving public education from pre-kindergarten through adulthood as the basis for their support. A product of our public schools and universities, Carole will continue to be a tireless advocate for an education system that equips all of our children to compete.
This endorsement is especially important because the VEA endorsed the incumbent, Delegate Crockett-Stark, in 2007. This makes the VEA the first group to switch their support to challenger Carole Pratt.
“Carole is very knowledgeable on the issues facing educators and students, and we trust her to do what is right for our public schools,” added Shannon Turner, President of the Pulaski County Education Association. “She will be an advocate for children and educators and we look forward to working with her in the General Assembly.”
“The support of the VEA is something every candidate hopes to earn, and I am thrilled by this endorsement,” said Carole Pratt. “Together, we will never stop working to ensure that all children, regardless of zip code, are provided with an education that prepares them to compete in a global marketplace. Education is so important to improving the lives of our young people, and as a delegate I will always put the families and children of this district first.”
Pratt serves as a Pulaski County Public Schools Education Foundation board member and is a past chair of the New River Community College Education Foundation. She is also a member of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association.
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CAROLE PRATT OUT-RAISES INCUMBENT 5:1, REPORTS 9 TIMES AS MANY DONORS
Reflecting the momentum of her Bluegrass Roots campaign, 6th district Virginia House of Delegates candidate, Carole Pratt, outraised the incumbent Crockett-Stark for the 2nd consecutive financial filing period. Carole raised nearly 5 times her opponent’s total with contributions from over 140 individual donors. Despite entering the race less than 2 months ago, Carole now enjoys an over 2 to 1 cash advantage.
“I am incredibly proud of the tremendous support our campaign has received over the last month,” Carole said. “People are investing in this race because our district deserves a representative who will work to find practical, common sense solutions to problems. As your representative, I’ll never have to look to party bosses to see how to best serve the people of our district.”
“Six weeks after announcing her candidacy, Carole now has over twice as much cash on hand as the two-term incumbent, and she is humbled to report more than 9 times the number of donors for the filing period,” added campaign manager Eric Hyers. “Numbers like that mean only one thing, that voters in the 6th district have had enough of the petty partisanship and are ready for a leader who will always put their interests first. The grassroots energy behind this campaign is growing every day, and with this filing, the 6th district takes a big step closer to sending a strong voice to the House of Delegates.”
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CAROLE PRATT ANNOUNCES RED, WHITE, AND BLUEGRASS ROOTS ROAD TRIP
Carole Pratt, candidate for the House of Delegates, will make a 13-hour Independence Day road trip on Saturday, spending time in each of the 6th district’s five counties. Pratt and a caravan of supporters will stop in Bluefield, Narrows, Pulaski, Bastian, and Wytheville to celebrate the 4th of July. The 5-county tour shows her commitment to representing every person in every part of the district.
“We live in the most beautiful part of Virginia, and I cannot think of a better way to celebrate our nation’s birthday than by visiting all 5 counties and meeting with people from Bluefield to Narrows. I am excited to be taking my Red, White and Bluegrass Roots Road Trip to every corner of the district. If elected, I will represent every family in this district, and we look forward to being with folks on this special holiday.”
Campaign Manager Eric Hyers added “Carole is very excited to tour this district on the 4th of July. How you campaign is indicative of how you will govern, and Carole is running to be a representative that fights for everyone.”
The schedule for the tour is as follows:
10am- Bluefield (Tazewell)
Main Street Walk, starting at New Graham Pharmacy, 566 Virginia Ave1pm– Narrows (Giles)
Narrows Main Street Festival, Narrows Town Park3pm- Pulaski (Pulaski)
Baseball at Calfee Park, 700 South Washington Ave, Pulaski6pm– Bastian (Bland)
Bastian Flea Market, Bastian Union Church Park7:30pm– Wytheville (Wythe)
Wytheville Concert in the Park, Withers Park, Wytheville -
CAROLE PRATT MORE THAN DOUBLES INCUMBENT IN FUNDRAISING, SHOWS BROAD GRASSROOTS SUPPORT
In just a few short weeks, 6th district Democratic challenger Carole Pratt more than doubled incumbent Republican Anne Crockett-Stark in fundraising for the 2nd financial quarter. More telling was the fact that despite announcing her campaign very recently on May 18th, Carole reported over 3 times the number of donors as Crockett-Stark.
“I am so humbled by and proud of the grassroots support that working families across Southwest Virginia have showed me in the few short weeks since this campaign began. This financial filing is proof that voters are ready for change, and ready for a representative who will always fight for them.”
“To more than double an incumbent Delegate in a few weeks is nothing short of astounding” said campaign manager Eric Hyers. “The energy and support Carole receives every day on this campaign is tremendous, and this report is further validation that voters are tired of the same old politics and are hungry for a leader who will always put their interests first. Unemployment rates in the district have nearly doubled in the previous 12 months, and when the incumbent voted to reject over $125 million in federal stimulus money to extend unemployment benefits, she put the interests of party bosses in Richmond ahead of the needs of the hard-working men and women of this district.”