Rocked by ‘Uncivil’ Campaign, Anderson Keeps Seat

DALE CITY, Va. — Richard Anderson will keep his seat representing the 51st House District that encompasses much of Prince William County. But he says it comes at a high price: a loss of civility in Virginia politics that “dates back to Thomas Jefferson.”

The Republican beat out his challenger, Democrat Reed Heedleston, by eight points on Tuesday. He was first elected to the office in 2009 and ran unopposed in 2011.

This election cycle the Heddleston campaign and Virginia Democrats mailed several disparaging, and downright nasty mailers to area homes that depicted caricatures Anderson drinking while wearing a Hawaiian, as well cartoons of Anderson taking special interest money, and limiting access to women’s healthcare.

The fliers were false, said Anderson. And the attacks tried to tie him national issues like the recent government shutdown, driving the conversation way from local issues, he added.

Anderson’s harshest critics, including the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, have given him grief over not supporting the landmark transportation reform passed this year that will allocate nearly $1 billion in transportation funding. Anderson has long maintained the higher sales taxes in Northern Virginia in Hampton Roads that were apart of the package were not good for Virginia families during the current recession.

Upon his return to Richmond, Anderson says he still plans to work with Democrats to find solutions to the state’s problems but has been shaken by this campaign.

“Of anyone of the 100 members [of the Virginia House of Delegates], I have demonstrated an ability of reasoning with others and doing so in a civil way… but now I have reached across the aisle and this time, instead of bringing my hand back, I brought back a bloody nub,” said Anderson. “It will heal pretty damn fast, and lets just say when I go to Richmond they will be dealing with a renewed, fortified Airman who spent 30 years in uniform, one who will bring that skill set to ensure we don’t have the McAuliffe, Clinton, Washington- based scorched earth, smash mouth politics that comes into the political culture in Virginia.”

The 51st District encompasses much of Prince William County, making it a target for the Virginia Democratic Party.

Running unopposed in 2011 hurt Anderson’s name recognition during this election cycle, he said. Anderson and his fellow legislators will return to Richmond on Jan. 8.