OUR RECAP OF ENDORSEMENTS

Look at the candidates at the top of the editorial board’s slate as the midterms approach

In recent weeks, candidates seeking congressional offices in districts representing the Peninsula met with the Daily Press Editorial Board.

Those face-to-face meetings were cordial and educational, and they spanned a range of topics including sea level rise, veterans care, the military, the economy and much more.

They gave us a better understanding of the candidates, their priorities and their motivation to run for each office.

As a news-gathering organization, we have time you may not be able to spare to listen to candidates and ask questions that go deeper than the stump speeches and advertisements. We hope sharing the results will help inform your decisions on this coming Election Day.

This editorial board is transparent about what it stands for: personal liberty, free speech and transparency at all levels of government. We are fiscally conservative and believe government should work to ensure a free market. We believe efficient legislation is reflected in a community’s economy, workforce, schools, infrastructure and public safety.

In the past week, we have published endorsements for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives races in our coverage area. It is not our intention to instruct voters but simply provide an additional source of information for decisions on Tuesday.

With that in mind, here is a recap of our endorsements for this year:

Senate

Tim Kaine (D): Voters will see three names on the ballot for U.S. Senate.

Sen. Kaine is being challenged by Corey Stewart (R) and Matt Waters (L), both of whom he has out-fundraised and out-campaigned. The senator, after all, was the only candidate engaged enough in this particular race to meet with the editorial boards of the Daily Press and its sister paper, The Virginian-Pilot.

The senator is a former Virginia governor who presents himself as “a bridge-builder, not a wallbuilder.”

That friend-of-all version of the senator is where he is most effective. We were particularly impressed with his efforts to work with Republican colleagues to fund a 355-ship Navy appropriation and his legislation incorporated in the National Defense Authorization Act to boost military spouses’ employment opportunities.

Sen. Kaine should keep his seat and continue to push for bipartisan support in an upcoming six-year term.

House District 1

Rob Wittman (R): The congressman has represented the district for the past 11 years. In doing so, he has lobbied to ensure funding exists to bring broadband internet to rural constituents, protect the Chesapeake Bay and to provide workforce training needed for a 21st-century economy.

He has also shown a keen interest in the military, and in particular, naval power.

Rep. Wittman will be joined on the ballot by Vangie Williams (D), who is entering the political fray for the first time. She has a resume in strategic planning but did not express nuanced answers or unique policy ideas for many of the issues that affect the district’s residents. We urge the congressman to be engaged during this upcoming term in other matters such as immigration reform that are vital to farmer and watermen in his district.

House District 2

Scott Taylor (R): The race for Virginia’s 2nd District has been full of fireworks this campaign season.

Outside money, misleading ads and threats of defamation lawsuits have all played roles in a competitive race that pits Rep. Taylor against Democratic candidate Elaine Luria.

The congressman was first elected in 2016 and still characterizes himself as someone who prioritizes principles over party. He lobbies for better veterans care and increased military spending and has bucked his party’s leadership by advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights. We think he could provide some benefit for the region.

That isn’t to say this was an easy decision. It was not. Ms. Luria, like Rep. Taylor, has a lengthy military career. She proved to be well versed on an array of important topics affecting residents of the district. We urge her to continue fighting for the people of Hampton Roads.

House District 3

Robert “Bobby” Scott (D): Rep. Scott is not facing a challenger. Perhaps it is a testament to his 25 years representing the district.

Rep. Scott did meet with the editorial board to discuss several topics close to his heart including voting rights, criminal justice reform, health care and higher education. We urge him to continue working across the aisle in the upcoming term, regardless of which party holds the majority.

Finally, regardless of political persuasion or philosophy, above all, vote on Tuesday. The election process is a sacred rite of passage. Every citizen should participate and every eligible voice should be heard.