A Public Advocate for Working Virginians

We just had two great stops in Harrisonburg!  First, we swung by the famous Jess' Quick Lunch for a yummy bite to eat and good conversation wtih undecided voters about the future of the Commonwealth.  Folks are totally with us and we got a great response to the "Public Advocate" -- this is what happens when you have a candidate who treats voters like adults. 

Next, Mike held an important press conference about unemployment and job growth in VA.  Mike was the first candidate with a jobs plan and he was also the first candidate to stand up to Bill Bolling when Republicans in the legislature sent $125 million of President Obama's money to the 49 others. 

Now off to Waynesboro and Staunton.  See you out there!

Our "Countdown to Victory" is well underway.  We have already made stops in Bristol, Wise, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, and Alexandria.  We are on the road again today starting with a stop here in Winchester.  There is a solid crowd at the Daily Grind and they love our newspaper the "Public Advocate."  One supporter said, "it's not pandering, it's substance and I like that."

 Onward to Harrisonburg!  More news to come. 

Exciting news! General Wesley Clark (US Army, ret.) has endorsed Mike Signer for Lieutenant Governor.

“I know Mike from my 2004 presidential campaign in Virginia and his work on national security issues.  Mike Signer has the strength and leadership that Virginia needs and I wholeheartedly endorse his candidacy for Lieutenant Governor,” said General Clark.

“The problems facing Virginia and this country are so urgent, that they demand strong, courageous leadership to carry us forward. Mike sees the office of Lieutenant Governor as more than just a placeholder position, but rather an opportunity to seek progress on the most pressing issues.  Mike is focused on the future of Virginia, not the past.  His approach to the office and his leadership on every issue from jobs and the economy to veterans issues and moves to the strengthen our democracy make Mike the clear choice on June 9th.”   

“General Clark has served his country bravely and tirelessly," said Mike Signer.  "General Clark is a model citizen, exemplary public servant, and beacon of honor.  I am honored to have his endorsement.  As Lieutenant Governor, I will be a public advocate for working Virginians and shine a spotlight on problems we’ve ignored for too long.”

General Wesley Clark (US Army, ret.) was a four star general in the U.S. Army and NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Europe.  He was a 2004 presidential candidate for the Democratic nomination. 
 

Carrie Sidener, of the Lynchburg News Advance, came to the Lynchburg for Signer BBQ and Rally yesterday. Here are some excerpts from her article:

The smell of home-cooked barbecue and conversation among friends wafted around the covered pavilion Wednesday as several residents from Campbell and Appomattox counties waited to hear what a Democratic candidate for Virginia’s lieutenant governor had to say.

Michael Signer stopped at the Lyn-Dan Heights Ruritan Club as part of an across-the-state tour to garner support in the last few days before the primary. The candidate is making stops in Wise, Bristol, Charlottesville, Roanoke, Danville, Martinsville, Alexandria and other cities. . . .

Carter Elliott, co-chair of the Campbell County Democratic Committee, said he has been planning the barbecue since Saturday. He commended Signer for visiting during the final leg of the race and encouraged supporters to grab campaign signs for their yards.

The 36-year-old national security expert from Arlington County said the position should be an advocate for Virginians, rather than simply the person who presides over the state Senate and breaks ties. . . .

Signer, who helped lead Rep. Tom Perriello’s successful campaign against incumbent Virgil Goode in the 5th District in November, said his platform is to bring jobs back to rural Virginia.

“I’ve always felt that any candidate worth his salt will answer two questions well — why are you running and what will you do?” he said. “I am running because I believe in activism. … I believe that of those blessed with education, opportunities and resources, much is expected and demanded.”

Signer said his main goal is to create jobs throughout the state, and said his plans could create some 50,000 jobs by 2011.

He also wants to help Virginia homes become more energy efficient through weatherization with a goal of saving some 20 percent of energy consumption per person in the state by 2025.

He’s served as a deputy counselor for Mark Warner and senior strategist for Perriello during his campaign against Goode last fall.

“When I look at Bill Bolling, if I squint he looks like Virgil Goode,” Signer said. “He’s vulnerable for many of the same reasons. … We have better ideas. All of the votes they think they can take for granted are ours. I will fight with a smile on my face and a fire in my belly.”

For the full article, visit here at the News and Advance.

David McGee of the Bristol Herald-Courier came to the Bristol for Signer Breakfast yesterday morning.  Here are some excerpts from the article that ran in the paper today:

Signer, an Arlington attorney and former adviser to Gov. Mark Warner, is seeking the Democratic nomination to run for lieutenant governor. With less than a week before Tuesday’s Democratic primary, Signer kicked off a three-day, 15-city trek Wednesday with a visit to the Twin City. . . .

Signer said his campaign is focusing on motivating Democratic activists who will, in turn, prompt others to vote Tuesday.

His platform includes a focus on creating jobs, improving the environment by reducing energy consumption and cultivating renewable sources, and improving services for military veterans.

“I really want to make it my job to advance the beliefs of ordinary people in a government that is failing them every day,” Signer said. “Ordinary people don’t have anybody fighting for them and thinking about them every day.” . . .

He flew out of Richmond at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday for the first of five stops. After Bristol, the campaign visited Wise County, Lynchburg and Charlottesville before a late event in Arlington, Campaign Manager Christian Rickers said.

“We’ll be doing that right until the final day,” Rickers said.

According to recent polling, 62 percent of respondents still haven’t decided which candidate to vote for in the lieutenant governor’s race, Rickers said.

Ed Harlow, of Bristol, Va., said Wednesday his mind is made up.

“I think both of them are extremely impressive,” Harlow said. “It was a hard decision, but I feel like he has a better chance of winning. I like his background, education and drive. And I plan to vote for him and support him.”

For the full story, visit here at the Boston Herald Courier.