President Donald Trump announced his intentions to visit Virginia after denouncing Governor Ralph Northam and endorsing congressional candidate Bob Good.
Trump tweeted his remarks on the first day of Virginia’s early voting and submission of absentee ballots, September 18.
“Voting starts in Virginia TODAY, and we are going to WIN. You have a crazy Governor who wants to take away your guns, which he will do without me in office. He is in favor of executing babies after birth – this isn’t late-term abortion, this is a step beyond! Vote for me…”
Voting starts in Virginia TODAY, and we are going to WIN. You have a crazy Governor who wants to take away your guns, which he will do without me in office. He is in favor of executing babies after birth – this isn’t late-term abortion, this is a step way beyond! Vote for me…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 18, 2020
Northam signed various gun regulations and “red flag” laws into effect this year, further limiting gun purchasing and ownership. The governor also issued controversial statements about abortion in a radio interview last year. After the delivery of a third-trimester baby, Northam stated the baby would “be kept comfortable” while parents decided whether or not to resuscitate it.
The president also endorsed Good during a series of other tweeted endorsements for Republican candidates in historically-blue states: Virginia and Minnesota.
“Bob Good (@GoodForCongress) will be a terrific Congressman for Virginia! He is strong on the Economy, Law Enforcement, Life and our brave Military & Vets, and he will always protect your Second Amendment. Bob has my Complete and Total Endorsement! #VA05”
Bob Good (@GoodForCongress) will be a terrific Congressman for Virginia! He is strong on the Economy, Law Enforcement, Life and our brave Military & Vets, and he will always protect your Second Amendment. Bob has my Complete and Total Endorsement! #VA05 https://t.co/gA816mcXQx
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 18, 2020
Good ousted incumbent Denver Riggleman (R-VA-5), and now faces off against Democratic candidate Dr. Cameron Webb.
This year is the first in Virginian history that citizens can vote early in-person. The General Assembly also extended early voting from seven days to 45 days due to the pandemic.
Earlier this month, Virginia lawmakers approved Northam’s budget amendment to provide $2 million in prepaid postage and drop boxes for absentee ballots. Republican leaders forecasted the dangerous possibilities of ballot harvesting and late voting.
Even with the ongoing pandemic, polling officials reported a record number of in-person voters. Absentee ballot requests have gone up as well.
The last day to request an absentee ballot is October 23. Early voting ends the Saturday before Election Day, November 3.
President Trump last visited Virginia on August 22 where he spoke at a Council for National Policy conference.
Trump and Joe Biden have their first debate next Tuesday, September 29 at 9:00 p.m. ET. Topics will include the Supreme Court nominations, COVID-19, and the nationwide riots.
The two remaining presidential debates will occur October 15 in Nashville, Tennessee and October 22 in Miami, Florida.
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Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Virginia Star and The Star News Network. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Donald Trump” by Gage Skidmore. CC BY-SA 2.0.
