Don’t waste Virginia’s spotlight

Shannon Adams Charlottesville
Published: August 3, 2008

Virginia has long been important in national politics. Now, in the early 21st century, Virginia again is in the national spotlight.

This state sits firmly in the bull’s-eye of both candidates for president. Our electoral votes will influence the outcome of the election so much so that Sen. Barack Obama’s campaign has opened 20 offices in the state. Pretty amazing.

We in Virginia and across the country face issues that are unprecedented. Jobs, gas prices, Iraq — all need innovative thinking and original ideas to start solving these problems.

My choice to start solving these problems is Sen. Obama. He tells it like it is. He speaks what he believes and isn’t afraid to stand up to the Washington system. He doesn’t use tired, old rhetoric or election year gimmicks (gas tax relief?). He has the intelligence to think through these important issues, identify the best minds to help craft solutions and build the bridges needed to implement change.

We have the opportunity to be instrumental in putting this man in the Oval Office. We all know we need change. I will stand for change and vote for Barack Obama on Nov. 4. I hope Virginia will, too.