Dear John,
This past week, Democrats nominated Kamala Harris for President and Tim Walz for Vice President. We united behind a ticket that embodies the values of freedom, equality, and opportunity. This ticket has ignited excitement and hope, but we still have a long way to go before November. Now it’s up to us to help them get across the finish line.
Let’s take a brief respite this Labor Day weekend to celebrate the contributions of working people and the many benefits we have all gained from the labor movement. But come Tuesday, we must get into full gear to elect the Harris-Walz ticket.
What’s at Stake:
Democracy: As many Republicans supporting the Harris-Walz ticket pointed out at the DNC, our democracy is at stake in this election. Former Republican Congressman and member of the January 6 select committee, Adam Kinzinger, reminded us that “Democracy is our foundation, it separates us from tyranny.” He concluded his remarks by asking us to support Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. It is clear that our democracy cannot be trusted to Donald Trump.
Reproductive Rights: The freedom to make family planning and reproductive healthcare decisions without the interference of government is basic to the pursuit of liberty and happiness. Trump and his followers want to pass a national abortion ban, and restrict access to birth control. Kamala Harris is committed to ensuring access to reproductive health care, including abortion care, nationwide.
The Economy: Economically, there is no question who is better for American families. While Trump prioritizes tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy, Kamala Harris plans to cut taxes for the middle class, reduce grocery costs, take on corporate price gouging, lower the costs of owning and renting a home, and bring down healthcare costs.
Gun Violence Prevention: Freedom from gun violence was one of the most potent themes at the Democratic Convention. Kamala Harris knows that freedom means the ability to feel safe walking down the street, shopping at a grocery store, or sitting in a classroom. She will work towards national universal background checks and red flag laws, and she will sign an assault weapons ban. Trump’s Project 2025 agenda includes defunding state red flag law programs and weakening concealed carry requirements, making it easier for dangerous people to access and carry firearms.
The choice is clear: we cannot let Trump get elected.
Where We Stand:
Most polling data has Harris-Walz ahead with the popular vote but the vote count is much closer in the must-win swing states, where the Harris-Walz lead is within the margin of error. The frequently referred to swing states are: PA, MI, WI, GA, NV, AZ, and possibly NC.
Virginia has not voted for a Republican Presidential candidate since 2004, when the Commonwealth voted for George W. Bush, but we are certainly still a swing state. Of course, Governor Youngkin was elected in 2021, and during my 13 years in the senate, I have enjoyed a Democratic trifecta for only two sessions (2020 and 2021). Additionally, a recent Roanoke College poll has Harris up in Virginia with only a small lead that is within the margin of error.
Democrats cannot take Virginia for granted. We must work hard to make sure that Virginia stays blue this year.
How You Can Help:
Folks are always afraid of change and some will look for reasons to not support our ticket but one way to fight that narrative is to talk to relatives, friends, colleagues, and affinity groups about why you are supporting the Harris-Walz ticket. You can also sign up to text voters, make phone calls, or knock on doors.
Phone banking: At the request of the Harris-Walz campaign, I have agreed to offer welcoming remarks for three “Women for Harris-Walz” phone banking events. You can sign up to make calls with “Women for Harris” here.
Canvassing: I will be launching a canvass kick-off in Arlington for the entire ticket on September 14. You can sign up here to join me. Any amount of time you can give to personally talk to voters in Arlington and persuade them to vote will help deliver Virginia’s electoral votes to Harris-Walz.
