Political Notebook

Lateef gets Virginia New Majority endorsement

Virginia New Majority, a non-partisan non-profit 501(c)4 organization working to bring social and economic justice throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia has endorsed Dr. Babur Lateef for Chairman of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors. Below is the text of the endorsement issued by Jon Liss, executive Director for Virginia New Majority.

“Dr. Lateef shares with us a vision for Prince William County as a beacon of acceptance, fairness, and freedom. We firmly believe that, under his leadership, Prince William County can make major strides towards ending the county’s perpetual attacks on immigrant communities and vital public services. Dr. Babur Lateef believes in a County government that ensures fairness for immigrants, excellent schools, and funding for high quality public services for all county residents. We are confident that Dr. Lateef has the right work experience to lead and life experiences that will foster the commitment to fighting for equality for all the residents of Prince William County.

Virginia New Majority joins Senator Mark Warner, Congressman Jim Moran, State Senator Chap Petersen, the Prince William Education Association Political Action Committee of Educators and many local leaders in endorsing Dr. Babur Lateef for Chairman. Since announcing his candidacy Dr. Lateef, an eye surgeon in Woodbridge has proven himself to be an energetic challenger to Republican incumbent Corey Stewart, whose naked ambition for higher office has proven to be a disservice to Prince William County’s more than 400,000 residents. Dr. Lateef has been recognized as one of the top fundraisers in the state, outraising Chairman Stewart in the last two finance reporting periods.

-Press release

REALTOR association endorses Lingamfelter

Delegate Scott Lingamfelter (R, 31- Dale City) today announced that his campaign for reelection to the Virginia House of Delegates has been endorsed by the REALTOR Association of Prince William (PWAR).

“I am honored to have the support of the REALTOR Association of Prince William for my 2011 reelection campaign. The Association has been critical in providing important products, services, and programs that allow Prince William County businesses to grow and prosper. This is good for the real estate industry and good for the County,” said Lingamfelter.

Forrest Odend’hal, President of PWAR, said “Prince William Association of REALTORS is proud to once again endorse Delegate Scott Lingamfelter’s bid for re-election as Delegate for the 31st District. He has always proven in the past that he is pro-business and understands the role that real estate plays in our economy. He is a terrific representative for the business community and REALTORS.”

Delegate L. Scott Lingamfelter is running for reelection to the Virginia House of Delegates for the 31st House District, which includes portions of Prince William County and Fauquier County.

-Press release

Frederick: Puller wants private teacher meetings

The Toddy Puller for State Senate campaign contacted public school teachers in Prince William County about setting up private meetings with the teachers in their schools.

Emails sent out by Puller Field Director Megan Fitzgerald requested meetings that would discuss both public school funding and State Senator Toddy Puller’s re-election campaign. Puller is running against challenger Jeff Frederick in the November 8th General Election.

“Why does a campaign operative need to discuss public school funding with teachers two months before an election” asked Jeff Frederick. “Why is Senator Puller sending her political campaign into our public schools to begin with? And most importantly, if everything is above board, why do these meetings need to be in private?”

“If the Senator Puller would like to engage teachers and students in the democratic process, then we should debate the issues at every high school in the district. However, clandestine political campaigning has no place in our public schools, and funding for our public schools should never be used as leverage with teachers. Senator Puller owes the taxpayers an explanation as to what exactly her campaign operatives are doing in the public schools.”

-Press release