February 1, 2017 News & Press Releases · Press Releases and Announcements

Virginia’s Congressional Republicans Dodge ‘We the People’


by Democratic Party of Virginia

This week in the aftermath of Trump's un-American Muslim ban and unprecedented litany of other scandals, Virginia Republicans have been hiding from the constituents they supposedly represent. 
 
See for yourself: 

Headline: Comstock a no-show at weekend town halls. "[...] But Comstock never showed up, angering dozens of constituents who wanted clarity on the GOP’s plan to replace Obamacare. Others wanted to question her about Trump’s immigration executive order. Dulles International Airport, after all, sits on the edge of Comstock’s district. And on Saturday, thousands from her Northern Virginia district swarmed the airport to protest the travel ban as green-card holders were detained for hours at a time." - [Politico, 2/1/2017]

Headline: Goodlatte ducks the press. "Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) refused repeatedly Wednesday to say why his staffers worked in secret on President Donald Trump's order curbing immigration from seven Muslim-majority nations." - [Politico, 2/1/2017]

Headline: Rep. Dave Brat: 'The women are in my grill no matter where I go': "'Since Obamacare and these issues have come up, the women are in my grill no matter where I go,' Brat told an audience Saturday at a meeting of conservative groups at Hanover Tavern. 'They come up — ‘When is your next town hall?’ And believe me, it’s not to give positive input." - [Richmond Times-Dispatch, 1/30/2017]

Editors note: Brat eventually caved, but only held a digital town hall  with carefully selected questions. Naturally, angry constituents left more than 7,000 comments. Considering he came to power as a Tea Party hero, you think he would know a thing or two about the importance of town halls. 

"Virginians are holding elected officials accountable for supporting policies they don't agree with and Republicans are already failing the leadership test," said Emily Bolton, Democratic Party of Virginia Communications Director. "Trump might get away with dodging and insulting the press while maintaining no regard for for the will of the people, but that doesn't fly in the Commonwealth. If Virginia Republicans don't switch gears, they will be in for a rude awakening at all levels of government."