Virginia Beach - April 11, 2009

On Friday, April 10, 2009, at approximately 4:45PM, Pat Edmonson filed the necessary paperwork to appear on the primary ballot as a candidate for the Democratic nomination in the 82nd House of Delegates District. Below is a statement from Pat Edmonson:

"I have thoroughly enjoyed traveling our great Commonwealth and meeting so many wonderful Virginians. It has been so exciting to see how many progressive Virginians from any or no political affiliation came forward because my message of hope for a better Virginia resonated with them and their families.

As I have worked these past months to communicate my message to voters, I have also had an opportunity to learn more about the three colleagues who were also seeking the Democratic nomination for Lieutenant Governor. While all three are good people, over time I became convinced that Mike Signer is a true talent whose ability to communicate about issues that matter to real people is unmatched in the remaining field. I have also become increasingly concerned about the state of the House of Delegates, and I believe firmly that Democrats must capture a majority in the House in order to truly advance any progressive agenda.

Over the past several weeks, the Dillon rule became an issue in Virginia Beach specifically because the City Council has decided to raid the school board budget and claim 9 Million dollars. Elected school boards are at the mercy of other elected bodies, and it is this same law that makes it impossible for individual localities to advance progressive laws in their communities. I know Mike will fight to change the Dillon rule, but we need people in the House of Delegates who will do the same.

The 82nd House of Delegates district is critically important to Democrats in th e Fall. The people of the 82nd deserve a real choice for change over the do nothing, non responsive government and constituent services currently provided by Delegate Bob Purkey. Bob is an example of the obstructionists in Richmond that fail to deliver on issues of real importance, like transportation reform. Bob is an example of obstructionists in Richmond who would rather watch unemployed Virginians suffer than accept federal funding to ease their plight.

I will continue my campaign to make Virginia better, as a candidate for the House of Delegates. I will also support and campaign vigorously for the person who I believe best represents hope and real change for Virginia in Richmond as Lieutenant Governor, and that person is Mike Signer." (Electronic mail, April 11, 2009)