RICHMOND, VA – Three conservative leaders in Northern Virginia endorsed Ed Gillespie for Governor on Wednesday. Former 10th District Congressman Frank Wolf, State Senator Dick Black and 10th District Chair Jo Thoburn join a growing list of grassroots and elected leaders supporting Gillespie in 2017. Today’s announcement follows yesterday’s endorsement by conservative leader and Virginia Tea Party Patriots Federation President Rick Buchanan, who wrote an open letter to fellow conservatives on The Bull Elephant blog.
“We are building a campaign for all Virginians, bringing together conservatives from across the party who are ready to unite around our shared principles and win in 2017,” said Gillespie. “I am honored to have the endorsements of Congressman Wolf, Senator Black and Chair Thoburn, as well as conservative leader Rick Buchanan. Northern Virginia will be critical to our success in the primary and the general election. Frank, Dick and Jo all understand the concerns of voters in Northern Virginia. I look forward to working with each of them to develop and share a substantive plan to get our economy back on track, ease traffic congestion and restore fiscal discipline to Richmond.”
“Virginia needs a leader who understands the issues that face our entire Commonwealth, but especially Northern Virginia,” said Congressman Wolf. “I’ve known Ed for years and he has always been a leader in our party and for the principles and policies we believe in. He knows that we have to get our economy back on track, make it easier for families to go about their daily lives, and get spending under control once and for all. Ed will be a governor for all Virginians and I am proud to support him.”
Speaking about his endorsement Senator Black said, “I support Ed Gillespie because he will fight for conservative values and advance our principles all across Virginia. We can count on Ed to support the cause of liberty, defend innocent human life and protect our Second Amendment rights.”
“After four years of Governor Terry McAuliffe’s failed leadership, it’s time for a new direction in Virginia. We need a governor with not only a vision, but also a plan to see it through,” said Chair Thoburn. “I am proud to support Ed Gillespie to be our next governor because I know we can count on him. He is bringing new ideas and developing a substantive plan to get our economy growing again, take back our education system and ease traffic congestion without raising taxes.”
Congressman Wolf, Senator Black and Chair Thoburn join a growing list of grassroots leaders and elected officials supporting Ed Gillespie in 2017. Senator Black is the 58th member of the General Assembly to publicly endorse Gillespie. He is also endorsed by over half of the State Central Committee and more than 3,500 committed supporters and volunteers.