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Letter

Letters for Nov. 13: ‘The Virginia GOP and Republicans must divorce from Trump’

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Split from Trump

The Trump effect on Virginia — let me explain.

While it appears likely former President Donald Trump will announce he is running for president, I will not be supporting him.

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While Trump was president, we lost a supermajority in the Virginia House of Delegates, a majority in the Virginia Senate, and in 2019 Democrats controlled all state government for two years — radically changing Virginia. After Trump lost, the GOP gained delegate seats back and won all three statewide offices. I call this the Trump effect. One thing Trump does very well in Virginia is mobilize the left to vote against him and anyone who supports him.

I care about Virginia more than anything. Trump running for president is the absolute worst thing that can happen to Virginia state politics. We must take a different direction, and the Virginia GOP and Republicans must divorce from Trump — for the sake of Virginia and for the sake of the nation.

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I am going to take the first step and say these things publicly that I know many of my colleagues think. It’s a new day. It’s time to move on.

Democrats held seats in the 7th and 10th congressional districts this year because voters would rather the country be on fire than vote for Trump’s party. Never again.

Like Trump, love Trump or hate Trump — if you care about Virginia and conservative values, we must all move in a different direction.

Del. Tim Anderson, 83rd District, Virginia Beach

Fit to serve

In the prior two elections, I voted for Congresswoman Elaine Luria. This election, I voted for Congresswoman-elect Jen Kiggans.

She constantly demonstrated to my observations, and I reached this decision in mid-September. Additionally, it is disgraceful for our former congresswoman to say in a debate, Kiggans is unfit to serve in Congress.

The 2nd Congressional District voters, along with her family, military officials, medical personnel and patients, and the state Senate has determined she is the right person and very fit to serve us.

Darwin J. Jimmy Rogers, Virginia Beach

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Thank you

Rep. Elaine Luria knew she risked losing her U.S. House seat when she agreed to participate in the hearings on the Jan. 6 insurrection. And thanks to the redistricting, that risk was real.

Luria, thank you for falling on your sword, for choosing to seek the truth over protecting your political aspirations, and for doing your best to preserve and defend our Constitution and democratic process.

Gail Savage, Norfolk

Good riddance

Several times during her recent reelection campaign, Rep. Elaine Luria arrogantly listed groups of her constituents from whom she did not desire votes. Fortunately for the 2nd Congressional District and the nation as a whole, her wish was granted.

Michael Cooper, Suffolk

Kindness?

Re “Vote for kindness” (Your Views, Nov. 5): It was interesting to read a letter that said to vote for a Democrat to be kinder, gentler.

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That pretty much sums up the Democrats; it is all about virtue signaling. Democrats like to think they have the moral high ground. Of course the Republican congressman and officials who were shot during their baseball game might disagree with gentler Democrats.

Viewpoints

Weekly

The week's top opinion content and an opportunity to participate in a weekly question on a topic that affects our region.

Some Democrats attack religion as evil, can’t define what a woman is and think drag shows are appropriate experiences for elementary school kids. The man who allegedly attacked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband was not a Republican; he was allegedly mentally ill. At trial, I am sure they will use a mental health defense. Besides, he was in the country illegally. His former partner alleged he had mental health issues. I mean there is nothing kind about being called a fascist, racist or right-winger, so I just don’t see this kinder side. Spare me your virtue signaling.

We need lower inflation, to stop the drugs from coming over the border, and to use the huge resources of the U.S. to lower energy costs. If they can, then thousands of Americans’ and immigrants’ lives will be saved. We need results, not a look-how-nice-I-am Democrat; many of them are just not that nice, and we know they all are ineffective.

David Murphy, Virginia Beach

Not buying it

Re “Vote for kindness” (Your Views, Nov. 5): Are you kidding me? What about Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters’ comments about former President Donald Trump’s Cabinet. Harass them wherever they are. What about the 2020 Black Lives Matter riots that killed innocent people and destroyed homes and businesses? What about the shooting of Rep. Steve Scalise while practicing for a congressional baseball game? What about the attack on Sen. Rand Paul while mowing his lawn? If this is Richard Anderson’s definition of a kinder, gentler way, count me out.

David Longfield, Smithfield

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Be truthful

Free socialist money: Republicans complain about President Joe Biden’s and the Democrats’ spending. They have no qualms about taking or spending money that they did not vote for. They get the free “socialist” money and take the credit for it. Then they get to whine about Biden’s spending.

Keith Bailey, Virginia Beach


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