Republican Jackson Miller, Delegate of Virginia’s 50th district, was re-elected by the people of Bristow and Manassas Tuesday by a margin of 10 percent over Democratic candidate Richard Cabellos.
While Jackson said he is happy and grateful to have been re-elected, he believes he should have done even better at the polls.
Campaign Strategies and Outcome
“I think I should have done better; unfortunately negative mail works. I think that did help [Cabellos,]” said Miller. “I responded with just one piece showing people what his record was.”
Miller admitted that Cabellos “ran a very good campaign,” and also had a lot of help knocking on doors.
He said it was not necessarily a Democrat verses Republican contest. Instead, he believes the majority of voters agreed with the direction he and other the incumbent Republican delegates have taken Virginia, especially in making it a premiere state to do business.
“I think this district has a lot more independents than Democrats and Republicans. I get that anecdotally and through polls,” Miller said.
Defending his Energy Policy
He also pointed out some difference between himself and his opponents, explaining that some see his positions, such as supporting the coal industry, is a way of supporting all Virginians.
Miller said he saw the devastation of neighborhoods in southern Virginia first-hand due to the decline in coal use. He also saw how that economic depression radiated throughout all industries in the community, including the laying off of many teachers midway through the school year.
Miller said he also supports coal because it is affordable, effective and efficient.
Interpreting Purple Virginia Politics
Miller weighed in on the governor’s race as well, explaining that in his opinion, Terry McAuliffe’s victory over Ken Cuccinelli should not be interpreted, as some nation news outlets have, as a referendum on a more conservative brand of Republicanism, or as an attitude switch in the Commonwealth.
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