Government shutdown: If Washington closes, it could cost the GOP in Virginia
by Misty Severi, Breaking News Reporter
September 29, 2023 11:18 AM
Republican candidates in Virginia's statewide elections this November could see a more difficult battle than expected if the federal government is forced into a shutdown on Sunday.
The challenge would be a mirror of the off-year elections 10 years ago, when a Republican-led shutdown over Obamacare helped former Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D-VA) secure the governor's seat. The Republican candidate, Ken Cuccinelli, lost by less than 3 percentage points.
"[The 2013 shutdown] definitely helped us,” Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) told NBC News in a report on Friday. "People do see it since only one side ever flirts with shutdown — Republicans. People know who’s doing it. And Virginia is so connected that everybody’s got family who is affected by this."
Allies of Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA), who is not up for reelection this year, are particularly concerned about the heavily military-friendly area of Hampton Roads. There are 80,000 active military members in the Hampton Roads area alone, and active military service members are not paid during a shutdown. However, a bill in the House would keep the troops funded if passed.
“As Sheriff of York and Poquoson for 23 years, I prided myself on working with everyone to put politics aside and get the job done, and Congress needs to do the same right now,” Danny Diggs, a former sheriff running for state Senate, said. “I applaud Congresswoman [Jen] Kiggans (D-VA) and Congressman [Rob] Wittman (R-VA) for fighting for the brave military men and women who serve our country during these times with a common-sense bill to continue paying the members of the military during the shutdown.”
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https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/government-shutdown-washington-cost-gop-virginia
