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gressional districts has created a worst-case scenario, a gerrymandering that seeks to eliminate political competition. All of Virginia’s districts are considered to be “safe seats” for the incumbents. Indeed, the incumbents were instrumental in drawing the maps. So we have a situation where the “Congressmen are choosing the voters, rather than the voters choosing the Congressmen.”
I am challenging that conventional wisdom. I have served two terms in Congress and my record is one of independent, common sense, constituents-first representation. Serious non-partisan ratings showed my legislative record to be in the center of American politics, representing not the left or right, nor any party dogma, but trying to reflect and respond to the deepest sentiments of my district, and to heed that sense of values that was forged in me on the docks of Portsmouth. And 1 would put my record of constituent service with that of anyone.
If you were to vote for me, to hire me for the job of representing you, I would enter Congress with more seniority than my opponent, more knowledge of the institution, more familiarity with committee chairmen and ranking members, and more ability to represent the daily needs of 650,000 Virginia constituents. I have shown an ability to work with all sides of
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