Virginia’s 8th Congressional District is among the most consistently Democratic in the nation, making it unlikely that U.S. Rep. Don Beyer – who was first elected in 2014 – will face a significant threat to his incumbency.
But the ballot also will include Republican Jerry Torres and independents Bentley Hensel and David Kennedy, who will be making their case to the voters between now and Nov. 5.
This week, the GazetteLeader checks in with Arlington resident Kennedy (www.davekennedy2024.com) on the state of his campaign.
In a political campaign where the end result is never in doubt, why do you feel an independent run is important?
I am in to win, and until the polls close, the end result is in doubt. Everyday folks don’t want to have their identity constantly tied to “blue” or “red.” Instead, my experience is folks want to live into the principles of Love Neighbor, Respect Differences, Challenge Bullies – and this is my campaign motto.
Blue and red labels don’t permit these principles to thrive because our political parties are incentivized to divide, keep (or gain) power and implement their partisan agendas. My run as an independent recognizes that people don’t want to be forced to choose sides, but rather, want representation that focuses on “bread and butter,” quality-of-life issues that transcend entrenched politicians, big donor money and divisive media.
Name a few areas where you disagree with Rep. Beyer, and a few where you agree.
I use VoteSmart’s “Political Courage Test” to track policy positions – for Rep. Beyer, see https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/political-courage-test/1707/don-beyer-jr.
I agree with Rep. Beyer on issues such as support for our Social Security system, Medicare and campaign-finance reform. However, in his response to the 2022 “Political Courage Test,” he left the “Legislative Priorities” section blank. While he is a good man and has served his constituents for many years, by not completing this section [Beyer] may suggest he is too comfortable and has not thought hard about his motivation to continue serving his constituents. I’m all in and I will take a fresh lens and new energy to the U.S. House.
How do you plan to get your message out to voters?
I am looking forward to the Arlington County Civic Federation’s Sept. 3 candidate forum. While I missed the deadline (darn!) for a booth at the Arlington County Fair, running Aug. 14-18, I will be there with my Kennedy for Congress sportswear to meet folks. I’m also trying to be everywhere in the 8th District – Metro stations, coffee shops, farmers’ markets, restaurants, community hangouts. You name it, I’ll be there!
What has the response to your candidacy been so far from the electorate?
Amazing! I’ve knocked on thousands and thousands of doors and talked to thousands and thousands more. My platform has been informed by the people I’ve met. I will fight for 1) safe streets, coupled with opportunities for at-risk youth, 2) dignity of a job, affordable housing and quality healthcare, anchored with a living wage, 3) a woman’s right to choose, 4) empowering teachers, parents and libraries, and 5) compassion for our Mother Earth and all who are marginalized.
My priority in the Congress will be to beat the drum without ceasing, build partnerships on both sides of the aisle and advance the quality-of-life-issues that folks in our district care most about.