Touting the 68-member Republican super-majority he has helped build in the Virginia House of Delegates, Howell’s announcement focused on the highlights of his career, while acknowledging that voters will be looking to the future:
I am running for re-election because I know there is more we can accomplish. Virginia needs real tax reform and relief for families and businesses. We need to increase opportunities and choice in education. And we need to continue to cut spending and make government smaller and more efficient.
The campaign also released a high-production-value video showing Howell making his announcement from his local law office.
Howell also acknowledges his challenger, Susan Stimpson:
“I have known Susan for a long time and welcome her participation in the democratic process. No one is entitled to the privilege of public service and I believe that competition is healthy and positive for our party. I look forward to this campaign and talking with the people of the 28th district about my record and the future of our Commonwealth.”
This would constitute a slick, well-produced campaign rollout for any campaign, much less a campaign for a seat in the more numerous house of a state legislature. Together with Stimpson’s solid rollout and sharp focus on bedrock conservative issues, this promises to be the Virginia race to watch this year. (Full Disclosure: Bull Elephant Media LLC, the company that owns The Bull Elephant, was contracted to build Stimpson’s campaign website).
We will continue to provide unparalleled coverage of this race as it unfolds. Stay tuned for a barn burner, folks!
6 comments
Cutting spending, making government smaller and more efficient has just NOT been any part of Bill Howell’s governing philosophy nor pushed as an agenda in his leadership role as Speaker of the House of Delegates. These are simply empty words that I assume he believes the voters of the 28th District will take in on faith because if he states it, it must be true. When any candidate feels he can’t honestly run on the facts and “accomplishments” of his true record, in this case one of taxation and government growth, it is past time to question why he feels he must hide this record to seek re-election and just swiftly send him to retirement.
“Howell”much is enough”?
In 28 years in the House, the Speaker Howell “signature” achievement is the largest tax increase in Virginia history. Speaker Howell was the Chief Patron of HB 2313 in 2013.
Speaker Howell is also a “legislative roadblock”. He relishes the fact that Virginia government is ranked 47th out of 50 states in ethics laws and regulations.
Speaker Howell could just as easily be the Chief Patron of meaningful ethics reform legislation, just as he was Chief Patron of HB 2313, Virginia’s largest tax increase in history. Why does he choose not to do so?
Since 2010, the tax and spend Virginia government led by Speaker Howell has raided the VRS, raided VDOT, raided the rainy day fund, and raided the middle-class taxpayer with his HB 2313 tax increase. He has signed off on massive budget increases that have grown the Virginia budget from about $75 Billion to $95 Billion in just 4 years.
Just how much has YOUR paycheck increased since 2010?
Or, better yet, “Howell” much has your paycheck shrank due to his tax increases? “Howell” much is enough??????
I don’t care who you are – 28 years is long enough.
What is the point of having a 68-member majority if you don’t put it to good use? Under the leadership of Bill Howell, the Democrats have been able to get the big tax and spending increases which just sent goose bumps up their spines. And with Bill Howell at the helm, are we any closer after all of these years to having school choice? No. Howell and his crew could not care less how our local schools have been impacted by legal and illegal immigrants, nor has he bothered to consider the costs incurred by us taxpayers.
I wish Ms.Stimson the best. She is a very sharp lady and I cast my vote for her at the convention when running for lt.gov. I hope that she runs her campaign not only against Howell but also for what she is for. Like for more local control over schools, etc…Every email I have received thus far is all about Howell. Not a positive message.
The LAST thing we need is more control over the schools from Stimpson. She actively worked against the Stafford school board and is no friend to the teachers in the county. She is divisive and frankly juvenile in her behavior. No thank you.