Folks,

If my opponent hadn’t refused to debate me, today would have been the Virginia Bar Association debate. The debate’s been held in the Commonwealth for decades (I’ve done it in both my gubernatorial and Senate races) and gives Virginians the opportunity to hear clearly from the candidates about their positions and beliefs.

Hung Cao ducked the debate, so we didn't get that chance. But I’m not letting that stop me from talking with Virginia voters about this election!

Here’s what I’m doing today:

I’m so excited to kick off the day in Staunton with volunteers who will be going door to door to talk with their neighbors about the stakes in November. Talking to your neighbors is a really great way to have meaningful conversations about the issues and make sure people know how and when to go vote, so I’m really grateful for all these volunteers who are headed out to the doors.

(Coincidentally, Staunton is home to the newspaper that my opponent called “podunk” after they wrote a story about him that he didn’t care for... It’s also where Anne and I honeymooned nearly 40 years ago!)

Next up, I’m going to be visiting a few small businesses in Staunton to hear from business owners. Helping small businesses and start-ups grow and thrive is such an important priority for us in the Senate, and I’m pleased that legislation like the American Rescue Plan has contributed to their successes here in Virginia.

Then I’ll head to Waynesboro to tour three small businesses and talk with folks about how we can continue to increase access to capital and lower barriers to entry for women and minority entrepreneurs.

And I’ll cap off the day with a fun meet and greet with the Waynesboro Democratic Committee, where we can chat about what’s on people’s minds and get pumped up for the work ahead in this election.

I’m so looking forward to being out on the trail today, hearing from voters and having conversations with folks — it’s days like this that help inform what we do in the Senate and help me prioritize the issues that matter most to you.

We’ve got just over three months to go until Election Day, and the stakes are only getting higher. I’m working as hard as I can to make sure I hold onto my seat, retain our Democratic majority, and keep Virginia blue.

If you’re with me, will you show your support with an online donation today? Just $5 or $10 would mean a lot, because those contributions add up and let us build meaningful voter outreach all across Virginia.

Thanks a lot. I really appreciate you!

-Tim Kaine