Engaging with Local Business Owners in Southwest Virginia
Marion, Va. — Republican Virginia gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears made a stop in Marion on Thursday afternoon to engage with small business owners and discuss how her campaign could positively impact them. The event took place at the General Francis Marion Hotel on East Main Street, where she shared her vision for the region.
Earle-Sears was accompanied by Republican Congressman Morgan Griffith, who emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses and economic growth. During the meeting, Earle-Sears highlighted her focus on nuclear project investments in Southwest Virginia. In July, the Virginia Department of Energy announced plans to move forward with placing a nuclear reactor in the region, likely in Wise County.
She explained that nuclear energy could bring significant job opportunities and boost the state's economy. “We want you to succeed in the Southwest,” she said. “If you succeed, Virginia succeeds. If that program does well, then we’re going to make Southwest Virginia an energy hub. Energy is going to start here. You’re going to see jobs like you’ve never seen before, and we are working that hard. It has to happen.”
A Focus on Tax Reduction and Economic Growth
Earle-Sears also discussed her primary goal as governor: lowering taxes and eliminating both the car and gas taxes for Virginians. She claimed that the state had already returned $9 billion of tax money to residents. “When the government takes your money, we’re picking who’s going to win and who’s going to lose,” she said. “We’d create another program that there are already ten of. Half of them aren’t working right. That’s not the best use of your money. You spend it here. Businesses keep going because you’re going to buy here. Somebody’s going to be able to hire more people because you bought here. Then they will buy something over here at the bakery and because you bought at the bakery, then they hire somebody else.”
In addition to tax reduction, Earle-Sears touched on the rising housing prices in the state. She suggested that zoning reform would be the most effective way to address this issue. She also mentioned her plan to establish a governor’s office in Southwest Virginia if elected, emphasizing the importance of direct communication between the government and the people.
“The only way I know to govern is to serve,” she said. “That’s why I want to keep hearing from you. I want to hear what’s ailing you. I want to know what we’re doing right and what we’re doing wrong. If we make sure we come back and ask you, ‘What are we doing right? What are we doing wrong?’ and we understand this thing called customer service, I think we’ll be on the right track.”
Confidence in the Campaign Despite Polling Discrepancies
With just 12 days until Election Day, Earle-Sears faces a challenging race against her opponent, Abigail Spanberger, who currently leads in the polls by four points. However, Congressman Morgan Griffith expressed continued confidence in Earle-Sears, stating that polls do not always accurately predict election outcomes.
“I worked with her in the Virginia House of Delegates way back when and served with her there,” he said. “She was a great delegate, and she doesn’t take any guff. She’s got a spine. She’s a leader, and she will be a great governor of Virginia.”
Election Day is set for November 4. As the campaign continues, Earle-Sears remains focused on connecting with Virginians and sharing her vision for the state’s future.
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