Many voters have asked me whom I support for Governor in the Democratic primary. Usually, I avoid endorsing in intra-party contests because I will work hard to elect whoever is the winner. And, I certainly will work for whoever wins on Tuesday. However, there are reasons why virtually all Virginia Democratic leaders have endorsed Ralph. Here are mine:
I strongly believe Ralph Northam is uniquely qualified to move Virginia forward. He deeply understands Virginia issues. He is widely respected in Richmond by legislators of both parties. He listens intently to everyone's opinion and is one of the rare politicians who can find compromises. He demonstrated that gift when he succeeded in passing legislation to ban smoking in restaurants.
He is not afraid to stand up for what he believes. He is consistently pro-choice. He and I led the fight against the vaginal ultrasound bill -- on the Senate floor he compared the effectiveness of vaginal ultrasounds to putting a microphone in a bottle of Gatorade and I said if women must have ultrasounds before abortions then men should get digital rectal exams before being prescribed erectile dysfunction medications!
Ralph has been a reliable ally on all gun safety legislation and, as a result, has the support of all major organizations working for gun safety.
He is a physician. He knows we must have healthcare coverage and cutting edge hospitals to have healthy Virginians. He has fought tirelessly to expand Medicaid and will have the expertise to cope with whatever the national Republicans thrust on Virginia.
Ralph is an environmentalist to his core. I remember him telling me ten years ago that he ran for office because of his deep concern about the future of the Chesapeake Bay. He can be relied on to fight the Trump agenda that weakens our environmental and climate protections and goals.
One of Ralph's qualities that I love is how carefully he listens. He gives you his total attention and asks meaningful questions. He is clearly absorbing what you are saying and incorporates it in his conclusions. He is a work horse, not a show horse. Trust me, this is a rare quality for a politician!
Ralph is genuinely liked and respected by Republicans in Richmond. They know they can trust his word and can work with him to find solutions for Virginia.
Ralph Northam is a principled progressive who has the positions and personality to lead Virginia to a bright future.
I hope you will join me in voting for Ralph Northam on Tuesday, June 13.
