On Tuesday June 9th, Virginia will hold party primary races in preparation for the upcoming general election in November. Three of the races for the Virginia Senate have candidates who have proven to be loyal friends to Virginia Motorcyclists. The Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists is urging motorcyclists in these districts to go to the polls on Tuesday June 9th and support those candidates who have supported us. If you do not know in which Senate District you live you may type your address into the box at the top right hand corner of the page found at the following link: http://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov/
The first primary race of concern to motorcyclists is in Senate District 8, which covers parts of Virginia Beach. This seat is currently being held by Senator Jeff McWaters. This race provides motorcyclists with an opportunity to replace a Senator who was not friendly to issues important to motorcyclists with one who is. This race is between Bill DeSteph, who currently serves in the House of Delegates, and Craig Hutchins. Delegate DeSteph has proven to be a friend to Virginia motorcyclists since being elected to the House of Delegates last year. We would be well served to have him carry that support into the Virginia Senate in November. If you live in the 8th District please get to the polls on June 9th and support Bill DeSteph. If you do not live in that district but know someone who does, please urge them to do so.
The second primary race is in the 12th Senate District, which covers parts of the counties of Henrico and Hanover. This is a four way race between former Delegate Bill Janis, Dr. Siobhan Dunnavant, Vincent Haley and Ed Whitlock. As a member of the House of Delegates Bill Janis was a great friend to motorcyclists. It would not be hyperbole to say that motorcyclists have never had a better friend in the Virginia General Assembly than Bill Janis. Having him back as a State Senator would be a huge victory for Virginia motorcyclists. If you live in the 12th District please get to the polls on June 9th and support Bill Janis. If you do not live in that district but know someone who does, please urge them to do so.
Finally we have the race in the 14th Senate District, which covers parts of Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Isle of Wight, Southampton County and Franklin. This race pits Senator John Cosgrave against Bill Haley. Senator Cosgrove has been a consistent friend to Virginia motorcyclists in both the House of Delegate and the Senate. As you know, a majority of the bills affecting motorcyclists must pass through the Senate Transportation Committee. As a member of that Committee Senator Cosgrave is an important voice for motorcyclists. Virginia Motorcyclists need to keep Senator Cosgrove, a motorcyclist himself, in the Virginia Senate. If you live in the 14th District please get to the polls on June 9th and support John Cosgrove. If you do not live in that district but know someone who does, please urge them to do so.
As always, if you have any questions or comments about anything that I have written, please feel free to contact me.
Matt Danielson
McGrath & Danielson
The Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
Motorcyclelawgroup.com