In Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, two of the six Democrats vying for the June 12 nomination are attacking the so-called front-runner, State Senator Jennifer Wexton (D-Loudoun), for luxuriating in corporate donations. Candidates Dan Helmer and Alison Friedman say that a nominee who doesn’t refuse corporate money cannot create contrast with the Republican contender, Virginia’s Iron Lady, incumbent Congresswoman Barbara Comstock.
Thus, the chaos surrounding the Democrat primary in the district continues.
In February, Wexton promised supporters and progressive sympathizers that she would no longer accept money from Dominion Resources, Virginia’s largest corporate political donor. The key phrase there is – no longer.
In her two legislative campaigns, Wexton took $4,500 in contributions from Dominion and $1,850 in contributions in her congressional race, according to The Washington Post.
Josh Stanfield, executive director of Activate Virginia, which came up with the Dominion pledge, said he considered Wexton’s decision to disregard Dominion money a turning point in her campaign.
“Maybe there’s some electoral potency or maybe it just felt like the right thing to do,” he said. “I’ll take either.”
As well, her campaign manager, Ray Rieling, said that although Wexton did not formally pledge not to take corporate donations, she has not taken their money either.
But, for Helmer and Friedman, that’s not good enough.
“She took corporate PAC money and then took a pledge not to take it, and I wonder whether her principles evolved or whether it was just political calculations,” Helmer said in a Chantilly candidate forum. “For state Senator Wexton, questions remain.”
Friedman added that a Democrat will be able to take back Comstock’s district, “but only if we remember the integrity that is demanded in the office we seek.”
Wexton still remains as the only candidate in the field that will not vow not to take in corporate donations. Furthermore, she has accepted money from the Turkish Coalition Midwest, Commonwealth PAC and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Action PAC, according to the report.
All these donations prompted a harsh exchange between Wexton and Helmer at a weekend breakfast forum in Winchester.
The Post reported that Helmer again called on Wexton to formally pledge not to accept corporate PAC money in current and future elections. Then, the argument ensued.
Helmer: “So no, you’re not willing to do it?”
Wexton: “I have not taken a dime of corporate PAC money in this election.”
Helmer: “So you will not in this race or ever again take corporate PAC money?”
Democrats believe Comstock is vulnerable in a district that voted for Hillary Clinton and Northam by double-digits. However, her 6-0 undefeated record, even in a time when her district has voted blue, means that constituents are not swayed by partisan quibbling like what has been seen with the Democrat candidates.
