Latest news with #BaxterEnnis
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Two Virginia House of Delegates races have double primaries this year. One is in Hampton Roads.
One of Virginia's most competitive races in this year's House of Delegates elections is here in Hampton Roads. A two-year term representing House District 89, which encompasses parts of Chesapeake and Suffolk, is up for grabs as one-term incumbent Baxter Ennis, a Republican, isn't seeking reelection. Chesapeake represents nearly 70% of the overall district. And it's one of only two districts in the state that will have both a Republican and Democratic primary on June 17. All four candidates claim deep roots in Chesapeake — Republicans Mike Lamonea and Kristen Shannon, and Democrats Blaizen Buckshot Bloom and Karen 'Kacey' Carnegie. ___ It's expected to be a costly race — and Democrats are already spending thousands in hopes of holding onto a House majority and flipping a seat they lost in 2023. Democratic party leaders have seemingly rallied behind Carnegie as the House Democratic Caucus spent $9,436 on in-kind donations to fund a campaign manager's salary and benefits and Secure Progress PAC contributed $1,000. Carnegie reports $32,460 in donations as of March 31, according to information from the Virginia Public Access Project on the latest campaign finance reports. That also includes $1,000 from Del. Cliff Hayes, $250 from Chesapeake City Council member Pat King and $150 from council member Ella Ward. Bloom reports $18,946 in donations, mostly from smaller donors except $10,075 from Aaron Brittain. However, Republicans seem to be rallying behind Lamonea, who has raised the most of any candidate in the race so far — reporting $75,212 in donations, including a $25,000 loan from himself. More than half of his donations are from larger donations and donors, including $11,000 from Ennis, $5,000 from Del. Todd Gilbert, $1,000 from Sen. Christie New Craig and $500 from Chesapeake Mayor Rick West. He was also endorsed by Congresswoman Jen Kiggans. Meanwhile, smaller dollar donations and an $18,000 loan from Shannon's law firm have fueled her campaign, which has raised $21,070. She received $250 from former Chesapeake City Commonwealth's Attorney Nancy Parr. ___ Lamonea, 53, currently sits on the Chesapeake School Board and is a retired special agent and executive with ICE Homeland Security Investigations. He said both roles equip him to take on his top priorities of enhancing school security, improving education and boosting public safety resources. He touted leading efforts to implement a school resource deputy program in Chesapeake elementary schools. 757 Votes: The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press 2025 primary election guide House District 89 Democratic primary: Blaizen Buckshot Bloom and Karen 'Kacey' Carnegie face showdown House District 89 Republican primary: Mike Lamonea faces Kristen Shannon 'I'll continue to ensure parents have a voice in their children's education, protect our classrooms from political agendas, expand our mental health resources,' Lamonea said. 'Of course, fight for higher educational standards. And I want to work to establish a regional career center so students can pursue their passions.' Lamonea also said he supports pushes from Gov. Glenn Youngkin to eliminate grocery and car taxes. As a Republican, Shannon, an attorney at Shannon & Associates, P.C., emphasized the importance in staving off Democrats' push for constitutional amendments for abortion access — one of her biggest priorities if elected. Shannon, 44, said constituents have told her abortion up to time of birth is too extreme, but she also said the issue requires investing resources for the women making such decisions. 'I think that sometimes as Republicans, we have not done a great job with (abortion) issue, because the reality is abortion is about the unborn child, but it's also about the women who are carrying these children,' Shannon said. 'And so I think that that (distinction) needs to be made.' If elected, Shannon wants to prioritize lowering taxes. And as a wife of a veteran, Shannon also said she wants to be a voice for them. She felt compelled to run after the controversy around changes to the Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program. 'Fortunately, the right decision was made eventually, but that was certainly a lot of stress for parents and for college students who maybe hadn't put away money and weren't prepared to pay for college out of their pockets because they were relying on a promise that Virginia had made,' Shannon said. 'And so as a military spouse myself, that was certainly quite alarming.' ___ Carnegie's top priorities center around lowering costs for Virginia families, which would include reintroducing a minimum wage increase, protecting Medicaid and Medicare access and lowering child care and prescription drug costs. Other priorities include improving schools with more investments in teachers and infrastructure and passing 'common-sense' gun laws. 'I'm a supporter of the Second Amendment, but I do think that we need to make sure that any individual who wants to own a gun, operate a gun, and our first responders, are properly trained,' Carnegie, 41, said. Carnegie, an attorney at Carnegie Law Group, is used to advocating in her line of work and intends to take that same approach to Richmond if elected. 'Watching the chaos that's happening in Washington currently with what (President) Donald Trump's doing, what Elon Musk is doing — I felt like this one was a little bit personal,' Carnegie said. 'I couldn't stand by and just watch Chesapeake and Suffolk not have a voice in that, and not be able to stand up against that in Richmond.' Bloom, 21, said his decision to run is fueled by his background coming from a lower-income, working-class family that dealt with health and disability-related issues. 'I don't think that anybody, especially kids, should grow up and worry about denying themselves care as to not put a financial strain on the household,' Bloom said. Bloom's top priorities include expanding health care access, especially for veterans and for programs like Medicaid, in hopes of eventually working toward universal health coverage. And in the face of potential federal cuts, Bloom wants to protect existing access. Other priorities include reinstating a minimum wage increase and repealing Virginia's 'right to work' laws to expand collective bargaining capabilities across industries. ''(Right) to work' really only benefits the largest, the most wealthy corporations that instead of putting money back into the communities, hoard it and keep it from going into lower cost for consumers, better quality products for consumers, or better wages and working conditions for workers,' Bloom said. Natalie Anderson, 757-732-1133,
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
House District 89 Democratic primary: Blaizen Buckshot Bloom and Kacey Carnegie face showdown
The Virginia House of Delegates District 89 race will be among the most competitive in the commonwealth as it's an open seat up for grabs. Republican incumbent Baxter Ennis, who served one term, isn't running for re-election. Democrats Blaizen Buckshot Bloom and Karen 'Kacey' Carnegie will face off in the primary election on June 17 for a two-year term. Republicans are also holding a primary. The district covers part of Suffolk and a significant chunk of western Chesapeake. ___ Age: 21 Employment: Stagehand, Live Nation Education: Some college or professional certification Party affiliation: Democrat Website: What is your top priority if elected and how would you work across the aisle to accomplish it? My priority is boosting economic security for working people. We'll achieve this by raising the minimum wage to $17, repealing 'right-to-work' laws, cutting small business taxes, mandating reasonable benefits from large businesses, and subsidizing small business benefits so they can compete for talent and give all workers a fair shake. We'll fund this by making large corporations pay their share. I have a history of working across party lines to build coalitions for practical policies — I'll continue this in office. I know Republicans, even in MAGA, who believe 'making America great' means direct support for working families, and we can work together to help regular people find economic security. Working with them requires willingness to share credit for a political win, listening without scolding, and the maturity not to let strong disagreements poison your ability to agree elsewhere. What is the best way for Virginia to respond to federal funding cuts to the state? Our state legislatures are the frontline of defense against what is going on in Washington. When facing federal funding cuts, Virginia must prioritize protecting essential services. My focus in Richmond will be using state resources wisely — like our budget surplus and rainy day funds — to shield Virginians from cuts impacting healthcare like Medicaid, nutrition programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), education, and infrastructure. We must manage our budget responsibly to minimize service disruptions. I'll raise revenues by shifting to a progressive tax system that will alleviate tax burdens on middle and working class families while providing additional revenue to fill in federal funding gaps. Protecting Virginians is the priority. We have the means to weather this storm if we are strategic. Should billionaires like Elon Musk and George Soros be able to contribute unlimited amounts of money to Virginia candidates? If yes, why? If no, what would you do if elected to office to enact campaign finance limits? Absolutely not. Democracy only works when politicians feel beholden to their voters, not their donors. Big-money special interests corrupt this dynamic. Getting big money out of politics empowers regular Americans to have their voices heard. The goal is fully funded public elections, but there are meaningful steps we can take which are more achievable in the short-term. If elected, I will introduce and cosponsor legislation to cap contributions from individuals, businesses, and PACs. I will also introduce legislation to publicly match 1:1 small dollar donations for campaigns that pledge not to take donations above a certain threshold. This would amplify the voices of normal, everyday Virginians. ___ Age: 41 Employment: Attorney, Carnegie Law Group Education: Doctoral degree, T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond Party affiliation: Democrat Website: What is your top priority if elected and how would you work across the aisle to accomplish it? My top priority is building a family-first economy that puts working people at the center of every decision — by lowering the cost of living, increasing the minimum wage, making childcare more affordable, and creating an environment where families can truly thrive. To accomplish this, I will work across the aisle by focusing on practical, bipartisan solutions that reflect shared values — like supporting small businesses, expanding access to quality childcare, and investing in workforce development. I believe that when we focus on what unites us — strong families and economic opportunity — we can create necessary change together. What is the best way for Virginia to respond to federal funding cuts to the state? The Virginia House of Delegates has established the Emergency Committee on Federal Workforce and Contract Reductions in Virginia to address potential federal workforce and contract spending cuts in Virginia. Removing Medicaid trigger laws. Virginia is among states with a 'trigger law' that could automatically terminate Medicaid expansion if federal contributions drop below 90%. Democrats are advocating for budget amendments to eliminate this provision, safeguarding healthcare coverage for over 600,000 Virginians. Virginia's House Democrats unanimously opposed a Trump-backed budget resolution that proposed cuts to essential programs like Medicaid, food assistance, and veterans' benefits. Such cuts would harm vulnerable populations and together, we must advocate against these reductions. Should billionaires like Elon Musk and George Soros be able to contribute unlimited amounts of money to Virginia candidates? If yes, why? If no, what would you do if elected to office to enact campaign finance limits? Virginians deserve to know who is funding our elections and to have confidence that their voices are being heard. Transparency is essential to maintaining public trust in our democracy. What matters most is that candidates are accountable to the people they serve and that voters have the information they need to make informed decisions. If elected, I would support and sponsor legislation to establish reasonable campaign finance limits in Virginia — bringing us in line with most other states. The integrity of our democracy depends on ensuring that public service remains about people, not the highest bidder.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
House District 89 Republican primary: Mike Lamonea faces Kristen Shannon
The Virginia House of Delegates District 89 race will be among the most competitive in the commonwealth as it's an open seat up for grabs. Republican incumbent Baxter Ennis, who served one term, isn't running for re-election. Republicans Mike Lamonea and Kristen Shannon will face off in the primary election on June 17 for a two-year term. Democrats are also holding a primary. The district covers part of Suffolk and a significant chunk of western Chesapeake. Early voting begins May 2. ___ Age: 52 Employment: Director, Juniper Networks; Retired special agent and executive with ICE Homeland Security Investigations Education: Bachelor's degree, University of Scranton Previous elected offices: Chesapeake School Board, 2022-present Party affiliation: Republican Website: What is your top priority if elected and how would you work across the aisle to accomplish it? My top priority when elected to the House of Delegates will be to ensure Virginia is one of the safest states in our nation for our citizens to work, play, and raise a family. Our commonwealth has a constitutional responsibility to protect the health and safety of its citizens; therefore, this should be a non-partisan issue. To be prosperous, our communities must be safe, secure, and free of crime — and that includes our schools where students and staff deserve environments to thrive without worry. On day one, I plan to introduce legislation to properly fund our first responders so that they have the tools and resources necessary to perform their duties effectively and efficiently. Overall, I am committed to working across both sides of the aisle to ensure a strong security infrastructure not only in Chesapeake and Suffolk, but throughout Virginia as a whole. What is the best way for Virginia to respond to federal funding cuts to the state? As a former federal employee and leader, I know firsthand that there are ways for the government to become more efficient — both on federal and state levels. However, we must ensure that any cuts made to spending within our commonwealth are necessary and effective. We must be good stewards of state funds, cutting out unnecessary waste while ensuring our citizens receive the help they need when they need it. Should billionaires like Elon Musk and George Soros be able to contribute unlimited amounts of money to Virginia candidates? If yes, why? If no, what would you do if elected to office to enact campaign finance limits? Virginia has one of the most transparent campaign finance systems in the country with regular reporting to reveal where donations come from and how that money is used. Unfortunately, campaign finance limits that have been passed elsewhere have done nothing but create a shadow campaign apparatus of unaccountable PACs and other entities. For this reason, I would oppose campaign finance limits to maintain Virginia's transparency but remain open to discussions to further improve the process. ___ Age: 44 Employment: Owner/Attorney, Shannon & Associates, P.C. Education: Bachelor's of Arts in criminal justice, Marshall University; Juris Doctor, Regent University School of Law Party affiliation: Republican Website: What is your top priority if elected and how would you work across the aisle to accomplish it? My top priority if elected is to bring common sense values to Richmond. Families in my district are hurting because of high taxes and government overreach. Citizens in my district deserve an advocate who will fight for safer communities, higher performing schools, and protection against overdevelopment. Veterans and their families deserve an advocate who will fight for them to retain promised benefits, such as Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP), and to eliminate taxing their retirement. I am willing to work across the aisle to accomplish these goals without compromising the values held in the 89th. What is the best way for Virginia to respond to federal funding cuts to the state? Virginia should respond to federal funding cuts by embracing greater fiscal responsibility, reducing dependence on federal dollars, and empowering local governance. As a small business owner and as a mother who budgets for my family, I know the importance of prioritizing responsible spending and living within our means. Eliminating wasteful spending and reducing the size of state government is an effective response to reduced federal funding. Should billionaires like Elon Musk and George Soros be able to contribute unlimited amounts of money to Virginia candidates? If yes, why? If no, what would you do if elected to office to enact campaign finance limits? As an attorney, I have been defending citizens' constitutional rights for 20 years. Grounded in the First Amendment and principles of individual liberty, a person's ability to support a candidate financially should not be limited or legislated. Rather than limiting them, I would support measures to increase transparency in campaign contributions.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Chesapeake Del. Baxter Ennis announces retirement
RICHMOND — Del. Baxter Ennis, R-Chesapeake, announced Friday he will not seek re-election when his term is up in January 2026. The 72 year-old, a retired U.S. Army officer from Chesapeake, was elected to the Virginia House in November of 2023 with 51% of the vote. 'It has been the honor of a lifetime to represent the people of the 89th District in the House of Delegates these past two years,' Ennis said in a statement. 'I have fought for lower taxes, increased veterans' benefits, and to enact commonsense health care legislation that would have gone a long way in keeping our communities happy and healthy. Unfortunately, House Democrats playing partisan politics blocked all but one bill that I have brought up over the past two General Assembly sessions.' Ennis went on to endorse current Chesapeake School Board member Mike Lamonea to represent the 89th district. ''Thank you for your prayers and support over the last two years,' Ennis wrote. 'I will continue to represent Chesapeake and Suffolk until the end of my term and to work on behalf of our community.' Kate Seltzer,
