Opinion
Don't Fall For Staton's Tricks
By Stephanie M. Hando, Herndon
[January 27, 2006] Republican Mick Staton is misleading voters in Fairfax and Loudoun counties. A telephone message from the Staton campaign warns voters that Democrat Mark Herring has only lived in Loudoun County for a couple weeks, while in reality Mark Herring is a long-time resident of Leesburg.
Mark Herring grew up in Leesburg and returned there after graduating with honors from the University of Richmond School of Law. He established a successful law practice and in 1999 he was elected to the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors. A recent reapportionment of the 33rd district re-drew the boundary around Herring's house, so he and his family have moved to maintain their status as residents of the 33rd district.
Additionally, Staton refused to participate in a debate with Herring on Jan. 23. He claimed a debate last fall sponsored by the non-partisan League of Women Voters between incumbent Dick Black and David Poisson was a fiasco. During that debate Black, Staton's mentor and father-in-law, angered the crowd by mispronouncing his opponent's name and taunting the audience. Poisson, a Democrat, went on to win the delegate seat last November.
I am left with the impression that Mick Staton has nothing of substance to offer the voter, since his campaign is relying on these kinds of tactics to win. On Jan. 31 I'll be voting for Mark Herring. He is a strong leader who has the experience and integrity to work with Gov. Tim Kaine and our representatives in Richmond. Let's send Mick Staton the message that Virginia voters are not fooled by dirty tricks.
[Published in Loudoun Observer, January 27, 2006]
- extreme. unqualified. dick junior.