October 9, 2017 News & Press Releases · Press Releases and Announcements

STATEMENT: DPVA Chairwoman Susan Swecker on Tonight’s Debate: “Ralph Northam Will Be Rural Virginians’ Champion”


by Democratic Party of Virginia

STATEMENT: DPVA Chairwoman Susan Swecker on Tonight’s Debate: “Ralph Northam Will Be Rural Virginians’ Champion”

Tonight, Democratic Party of Virginia Chairwoman Susan Swecker released the following statement on Ralph Northam’s commanding victory in tonight’s third and final gubernatorial debate in Wise, Va.:

“​Once again ​Ralph Northam​ s​howed that he is the only candidate in the race who will champion rural Virginia. Ralph has the ideas, the passion, the knowledge, and experience to actually enact policies that will lift up our rural communities, expand access to health care for every Virginian, and ensure that every corner of our commonwealth benefits from the New Virginia economy. Ralph is a son of rural Virginia and his lifelong commitment to rural communities — from Lee County to the Eastern Shore — shined through in this debate.

“While Ralph laid out his vision to lift up all Virginians, Ed Gillespie once again offered little more than stale talking points. Ed struggled tonight because he has never done anything for the people of Virginia. While Ralph spoke passionately about ​his commitment to ensure ​that ​every​ Virginian has the skills to get ​a ​good-paying job, Ed Gillespie​ showed he is most passionate and proud of his work in the muck of the DC swamp representing​ companies that laid off Virginians. As an Army doctor, Ralph served this country and saved lives. ​What has Ed Gillespie ever done​ for anyone but himself?​

“Finally, as a daughter of Highland County, I’m proud that our party’s nominee has put the issues facing rural communities at the center of his policy platform. Tonight further demonstrated what we’ve seen this entire election: Ralph is the only candidate in this race with the experience, integrity, and values to build on the progress Virginia has made over the past four years — and go even further.”