Collegiate Times

Former Virginia Gov. and Republican Senatorial candidate Jim Gilmore concedes his Virginia U.S. Senate race last night.

McDonnell said Republican presidential nominee deserved the greatest respect. He felt McCain habituated every honorable aspect as a conservative leader and United States senator.
"John McCain (is) a true American hero. In his time in a prisoner of war camp in one of the darkest moments in American history, (he) rose above all tribulations for five-and-a-half years and (served) this country with honor and distinction," McDonnell said. "You all I know have worked so hard over these last six months, fighting tooth and nail for every vote for John McCain in Virginia ... but I know that you all did everything you could for this great American hero. The guy that was right on the issues and fighting for many in Virginia, I salute you for doing that ... We're going to build on what's happened here tonight, and go on to victories in the future."

One such victory was the successful re-election of Rep. Eric Cantor of Virginia's 7th district to his fifth term in Congress. Cantor, who currently serves as the house chief deputy whip under Rep. Roy Blunt, said he will continue to fight for the Republican Party, both locally and nationally.

"We've got a lot of challenges facing the country. First and foremost it's about jobs, and making sure we get our economy back on track with small businesses growing jobs again so we can have opportunities for college students when they come out of school so they can start their careers," Cantor said. "In particular we need to make sure we stave off the pending tax increases. Of all times when people see their stock portfolio going down to almost nothing, and looking for their future, and be able to start saving again, that's not the time to tax families. Moreover, you have small businesses that are having difficulties making payroll now, we don't want to tax them either. Beyond that, we've got to end the pork barrel earmarks in Washington, I'll be very active in trying to make sure that people can hold D.C. accountable."

Cantor knew his re-election was something to be proud of in the Republican Party this year. He said he would work to balance the house democratic majority, and to ensure he beneficially serves his constituents.

"This was a terribly, terribly challenging environment for anybody to run for office in," Cantor said, who defeated Democratic challenger Anita Hartke by a 64 percent majority.
"We've got a lot of work to do, there's no question about it. And first things first we need to restore some accountability to the US Congress and we need to make sure that the federal government starts to work for the people again."

As the party officials at the Richmond Marriott West took down the banners and ushered people to the door, Frederick remained resolute, promising change of a different kind on America's horizons from the Republican Party of Virginia.

"Mark my words," said Frederick, "We'll be back."

Continue Reading:  « Previous12