Puller Stakes Claim to U.S. 1 Improvements

Woodbridge, Va. — A Virginia Senate incumbent got a boost from a former governor now running for U.S. Senate.

Tim Kaine stopped in Woodbridge Saturday to tout Toddy Puller (D-36, Mount Vernon, Woodbridge, North Stafford) as an effective leader who needs to return to Richmond.

Puller faces Republican Jeff Frederick this fall in what is shaping up to be one of the most hotly contested races in the Potomac Communities.

“Were going to down to the wire, and I’m thankful I only have one more joint appearance with him, and then I don’t have to see him anymore,” said Puller.

Both candidates are scheduled to appear Friday in a televised debate on News Channel 8, according to an email from the Frederick campaign.

During her remarks, Puller accused Frederick of attempting to “steal” the issue of improving transportation along the U.S. 1 corridor, an issue she has long championed after Gov. Robert F. McDonnell approved her multi-modal transit study of the corridor.

“I’m so proud that I got a transit study passed and funded, and I think we’ll be able to move forward with improvements in the transportation from the Alexandria line down to Stafford County,” said Puller.

Frederick paints Puller as a liberal who votes with her party 99 percent of the time. He is also attempting to convey to voters he is not aligned with the TEA Party.

“You know, campaigns can be pretty interesting sometimes. Earlier this year, my primary election opponent [Tito Munoz] said I wasn’t tea party; now, my general election opponent is calling me a ‘TEA Party leader,’” stated Frederick in an email to supporters.

Following the campaign appearance, area Democrats joined Kaine in Woodbridge for a party fundraiser where he went to endorse Prince William Board of Supervisors Chairman candidate Babur Lateef.

Kaine is running to replace Democratic Senator Jim Webb who announced he will not seek reelection.

Voters will go to the polls Nov. 8.