Politicians to make community appearances

by | Sep 14, 2012 | What’s Happening

The national 2012 political races are in full swing. Pundits, media analysts and observers from all parties are paying close attention to campaigns in Virginia, considered a swing state.

Particular scrutiny is being applied to the race for the open Senate seat being vacated by retiring Democrat Jim Webb, and the contest to see who will represent Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District, an area that covers all of Virginia Beach and the Eastern Shore of Virginia, as well as parts of Norfolk and Hampton.

The Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater is bringing all of the politicians vying for the seats to the Sandler Family Campus during October, and is inviting the community to hear from the candidates personally.

Joel Rubin, of Rubin Communications Group, will appear as the moderator at each appearance. Rubin will guide the discussion and ask questions he receives from the audience. Topics may include the candidates’ position on Israel, Middle East Policy, the military, and issues relevant to the nation, the Jewish community, and the greater Hampton Roads community.

The men running for the Senate seat, Republican George Allen and Democrat Tim Kaine, will appear individually, while the candidates competing for the 2nd District Congressional seat, incumbent Scott Rigell (R) and challenger Paul Hirschbiel (D) will be featured together, in a forum.

All events are free and open to the community and take place at the Sandler Family Campus.

“The price of liberty and freedom is vigilance,” says Art Sandler, member of the host committee for the CRC’s political appearances. “We must know the people we elect to represent us—we must know their points on matters important to our community. On the other hand, it’s also very important that we demonstrate to the elected officials that our community matters and that we care. We need to show up at these events and demonstrate that.”

For more information, visit www.jewishva.org. To RSVP, call 757-965-2323 or email jjohnson@ujft.org.

by Laine M. Rutherford