Hanover’s Perspective
Political Eyes on Ashland
Ashland is fondly known as the Center of the Universe, but now the town is becoming the center of the political spotlight in Virginia’s 7th District congressional race.
Ashland’s Randolph-Macon College (R-MC) Professors David Brat and Jack Trammell will face each other in the congressional election in November. This historical race has garnered national and international attention. Brat, an R-MC economics/business professor, defeated House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in the June 10, 2014 Republican primary for the 7th District of Virginia. Cantor became the first House Majority Leader in U.S. history to lose a primary re-nomination. Trammell formally announced his bid for the Democratic ticket during the same week.
“Randolph-Macon College is blessed to have remarkable faculty and staff members who are passionate about their students and about making significant contributions to our society,” said R-MC President Robert R. Lindgren. “We are proud of both Dr. Brat and Dr. Trammell for their desire to serve our country and we wish them both the best of luck in November.”
R-MC also serves as the backdrop for a debate between the two candidates who are currently on leave while they focus on their respective campaigns. The debate will be held on October 28 at 7:30 p.m. at RMC’s Center for the Performing Arts. Lindgren will be the moderator.
“Having two faculty members vying for the House seat has generated great excitement among our students and the wider community, and our vibrant and beautiful campus is the perfect setting for this debate,” said Lindgren.
“Both candidates have well-earned reputations for being exceptional individuals who are committed to their students,” added Lindgren. “By participating in this debate, they will not only make their positions clear to the voters, but will also provide our students with an extraordinary ‘front row seat’ to the electoral process and an experience that will endure.”
While there are multiple candidates vying for the 7th District seat, the college determined debate participants by using criteria developed in accordance with Federal Election Commission (FEC) regulations and by following best practices established by a variety of sources including the League of Women Voters.
Election Day is November 4. For more information on voter registration and polling precincts in Hanover County, visit the Office of the General Registrar and Electoral Board.