Republicans continue their press on Democrats in the State Senate by fielding strong candidates.
With Caren Merrick in the 31st (challenging for former Senator Whipple’s open seat), Senator Bill Stanley moving to the 20th to take on Senator Roscoe Reynolds, Bryce Reeves v. Senator Edd Houck in the 17th, Patricia Phillips v. Senator Mark Herring in the 33rd, and Adam Light v. Senator Phil Puckett in the 38th, Republicans already are putting pressure on senate Democrats to hold their slim majority.
Add one more solid candidate to the list of Republican challengers, Mickey Chohany in the 1st against freshman incumbent Senator John Miller.
Chohany, a restaurant owner, community leader, and former Williamsburg city councilman, made his announcement yesterday:
“I’ve spent my entire life on the Peninsula. This is where I grew up, where I went to school and college, where I started businesses, and where I started my own family.
“Right now, our region must have an effective team working for us in Richmond. We need representatives who share our values, understand our potential, and have the life experiences that demonstrate an ability to get results.
“As a restaurateur who has been operating businesses across the Peninsula for over 25 years, I know first-hand the challenges entrepreneurs face in creating jobs. I know from experience that government can be an effective ally and that it can also be a hindrance to economic growth. Our businesses need sensible policies that keep regulations to a minimum and taxes low.
“As a husband and father, I know the challenges our families face when trying to make ends meet in an economy that is sluggish, inconsistent, and unpredictable. We need voices in Richmond who understand that more government is not the answer and that higher taxes stifle economic growth. Our representatives must also understand that our local schools must be responsive to the needs of our students and communities, and ensure that higher education is affordable and accessible.
“Hampton Roads faces some unique challenges. The tourism sector of our economy, which is critical to the prosperity of our region, is being threatened again by higher prices at the pump and a struggling economy. Our region’s manufacturing sector continues to face hurdles, with stiff competition from overseas and other states. And, we have to build upon the progress made by the Governor’s transportation initiative by placing us on a course to expand the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel.
“Clearly, Virginia must equip itself for a changing economy.
“Governor McDonnell has demonstrated that he understands these challenges. During the last two years, his administration has instituted policies that have made Virginia a leader in economic growth. In 2009, our state ranked 39th in job growth. Today, we are number three. His focus on job creation has brought results.
“I support those efforts, and – with my lifetime of experience in business – I will bring a unique perspective to the General Assembly. As the owner and operator of businesses that employ over 100 Virginians, I not only know what it takes to make a payroll, but also understand what is essential to growing our economy and generating jobs.
“There are clear differences between my positions on the issues and those of Senator Miller. In the months to come, I intend to take my message of creating jobs, growing our economy, and insisting on fiscally conservative policies directly to the people of Hampton, James City, Newport News, Suffolk, Williamsburg, and York. Despite the best efforts of the Senate Democrats to split our communities and divide our state with a gerrymandered redistricting plan constructed with only partisan interests in mind, the voters of the 1st District will have a clear choice this November.
“Today, my campaign begins. I am excited about the challenge ahead, and am really looking forward to hearing directly from the people of the 1st District about their concerns and hopes for our communities and commonwealth.”
In related news, tea party leadership is gathering this weekend in Richmond to decide their “7 for ’11” – a list of seven candidates they will support in the 2011 campaign. They may or may not be primary challengers.
