Recapturing Richmond

It’s payback time in the Old Dominion — if Virginia gun owners want to right the wrongs done last year by the new Democrat majority, they will turn out Nov. 2 in numbers not seen for many years during off-year elections.

Take this to the bank: The whole country will be watching.

Meet The New Boss …

Northam is finished this year, being unable to run for a consecutive term so running to get back into the governor’s office is another anti-gun Democrat, former Gov. Terry McAuliffe. He’s also got competition from other Democrats. At this writing, the primary had not yet been held so whomever the GOP candidate is, Virginia gun owners should get behind that person.

Why is any of this important to gun owners in the other 49 states? Because taking back Virginia decisively will send a message to anti-gunners across the country — the Second Amendment community is ready and willing to fight. A sweep of Virginia’s House of Delegates will be a shot across the bow for gun-hating liberals across the Potomac. It will encourage and perhaps even embolden conservative pro-gunners in other states to run for office and clean up their own legislatures in 2022, along with capturing Congress away from Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

Two things to remember:

• Your rights are at stake even if you don’t live in Virginia, so get behind your brothers and sisters to help them win.

• Running your mouth on social media is not a substitute for voting if you’re a Virginia resident. You must be registered to vote and you must submit a ballot. Do not allow anybody to discourage you by whining about your vote not counting.

Eighteen months ago, a lot of very alarmed Virginia gun owners had only themselves to blame for letting Northam’s anti-gun compatriots gain full control, and they made the most of it. This is not the time for lethargy or apathy, and if Second Amendment Virginians have staying power, they’re not going to allow it to happen again. This is the time for action and with just four months remaining until the November election, gun owners need to get busy.

Virginia’s grassroots activists must get involved with their own delegate elections and the governor’s race. If you don’t know who is running in your district, find out. Attend candidates’ forums. Challenge these people on their Second Amendment positions. Help them understand your concerns and do so in calm, measured language.

If you are going to contribute to a campaign, don’t wait until the last minute. Make a donation now. Early money is the best money because it helps purchase advertising. It helps pay for printing signs and pamphlets. It pays for travel and campaign staff. It helps rent office space and pay telephone bills.

Elsewhere

Around the country let Virginia be a gauge and a testing ground to see what wins votes. The 2022 mid-term elections are 18 months away, and people are presently looking at potential candidates for legislative, congressional and senate positions. Running for office takes time and commitment, and lots of volunteer supporters.

Study what issues dominate the elections in Virginia — most likely the economy, COVID-19 and public safety — and use the knowledge to win in your state.

Get involved early, explain to the candidate why you’re supporting his or her campaign and you are a gun owner who can get other gun owners to help and vote.

If you decide to be the candidate, remember the saga of Colorado Congresswoman Lauren Boebert. I interviewed her twice some months ago and was impressed with what can best be defined as “spunk,” along with no small amount of perseverance. She beat the incumbent in the primary and fended off the challenger in November.

Boebert traveled up and down Western Colorado, talking to people in cities, towns and local communities. She demonstrated not only a willingness to run, but also a straight-from-the-heart desire to represent the values of her constituents because they’re her values as well.

Boebert’s story is tantamount to a female version of a Horatio Alger hero, someone who rises from very humble beginnings to achieve great things. Long story short, if Boebert could do it — and she did — so can you.

Remember what your dad or grandpa used to say — If you want something done right, do it yourself. Only you can make the decision but running for office is something of a family affair. It is challenging, grueling and tiring but if you think it’s impossible to make a difference, remember — this is the United States, the land of endless possibility.

Job One

The first task is to help your fellow gun owners win back Virginia. Afterward, join with other like-minded people to win back Congress in 2022. As the late Lee Iacocca famously said, “Lead, follow or get out of the way.”

Biden came into office six months ago promising to push an extremist anti-gun agenda and he’s got a friendly Congress to make it possible. Your activism supporting Virginia pro-gunners this year — and rights-friendly candidates next year — can make him regret it.

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