UPDATE: In the interests of full disclosure, please note the author has previously been a paid independent contractor for the Corey Stewart for Governor campaign.
The November election will be a pivotal moment for conservatism in Virginia. Our previous defeats at the hands of Mark Warner and Terry McAuliffe inform us that narrow-margin losses are no less damaging. Since 2014, we have seen the Democrats lead an all-out war against our values. It’s time to fight back. Should we desire to save our Commonwealth, we must resist calls for moderation and nominate a principled, conservative fighter who can beat the Democrats at their own game.
Some years ago, politics in the Commonwealth were conducted according to the “Virginia Way,” defined as cordiality and respect even in disagreement, and the belief that government should be driven by consensus. Today, there are those within our ranks who stubbornly cling to this ideal, even as the Democrats reject it completely. Illumined by the soft glow of their monitor, they wax poetic about the demise of decency and virtue, decrying those Republicans who refuse to moderate or otherwise conform to their inimical standards. More simply, they deny the existence of a new political reality.
Over the coming weeks, you will hear those same voices cite campaign policy papers as they argue the strength of their candidate(s). They are mistaken: presentation is everything. In the words of Chris Cillizza, “The idea that the average undecided voter is looking for deep dives into policy from the candidates before making up his/her mind is a farce.” The Democrats understand this, and have capitalized on it with their vicious campaign against conservative values. There is no cordiality or respect behind attempts to demolish our culture; no consensus in their fascistic demand for political correctness; no logic in their attacks on the rule of law.
In order to defeat the Democrats in November, we cannot be afraid to stand, brass balls bared, on the right side of the issues. More important than any policy or proposal, we must be able to press our case with conviction and charisma. Our ability to effectively combat the Democrats in November depends upon who we choose to represent our values as the Republican nominee for Governor.
The tired voices of the Republican Establishment expect us to nominate Ed Gillespie. Yet, in addition to his famous unwillingness to take a stand on controversial issues, Gillespie’s political history is deeply concerning. This is what we know: prior to reinventing himself as a Tricorne-sporting “Tea Party conservative,” Gillespie was famous for supporting the Gang-of-Eight amnesty bill, big-government bank bailouts, and Karl Rove’s war against the conservative grassroots. Even in the private sector, Gillespie actively lobbied against our values on behalf of his corporate clients. This is nothing less than a total betrayal of our values as conservatives, and does not deserve to be rewarded. For these reasons and others, we must reject “Establishment Ed” Gillespie.
Friends, it’s time to reject the calls for moderation and instead nominate a candidate who can defeat the Democrats without betraying our conservative values.
On June 13th, I urge you to join me in standing up for Virginia’s conservative values and vote for Corey Stewart. In addition to his impressive and well-documented conservative credentials, Corey has pledged to radically cut government spending, slash the tax burden, defend our commonwealth’s heritage with the full force of the law, and hunt down the illegal aliens who rape, murder, and dismember our fellow citizens. Says Hamza Atif, a colleague in the conservative grassroots and the former Regional Field Director for Denver Riggleman: “As a proud member of the conservative grassroots, I can attest that Corey Stewart is the only candidate who will not only represent our efforts, but lead us to victory. Corey is the clear choice to fight the establishment, drain the swamp, and take back Virginia from the progressive left. With Corey, we have a strong and proven leader who will bring jobs back to Virginia, stand strong against illegal immigration, protect our unborn, and defend all of our constitutional rights.”
And so, at this crucial juncture, I ask: On June 13th, will you vote for a lobbyist who spent a lifetime betraying our conservative values, in the hope that he will change?
Or will you vote for an unapologetic, proven conservative fighter?
Choose wisely.
