Occasionally, political candidates ask for my endorsement. Even though I no longer hold political office and few politicians bother to return my calls or heed my advice, I still get asked. That’s nice, but honestly, endorsements for people I hardly know beyond their political résumé and website are, I believe, somewhat meaningless. However, sometimes I feel compelled to endorse a candidate who clearly deserves one. That is the case now.
In 2005, Rob Wittman walked into my General Assembly office to inform me he would be running for the House of Delegates. I was delighted. Why? Because I knew him and his accomplishments as a local leader in the Northern Neck of Virginia, especially his conservation work, which mattered to me personally. I didn’t need his résumé; his accomplishments made it clear he would be a superb member of the House of Delegates. And he was.
So when he decided to run for Congress in 2007 to fill the open seat left by the unexpected death of the very popular Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis, I knew he could fill her shoes. Once again, Rob did not disappoint. Since his election, he has been a very influential and effective Congressman for Virginia’s 1st District. He earned his colleagues’ trust and quickly became known as a serious, well-informed legislative leader focused on his district, Virginia, and the broader interests of the American people. It’s precisely what members of Congress should do.
Unlike the legions of politicians in Washington who stumble over one another to get in front of a camera for a cable news interview, Rob Wittman focuses on the important work of making America a great place to raise a family, start a business, and live in freedom. You don’t do that by yacking into a camera. You do it by digging into the problems before you, learning the details, understanding what must be done, and pursuing effective solutions. That is the Rob Wittman I know, the one who has faithfully served the people—all of them—in Virginia’s 1st District.
Currently, he serves on vital committees, and that alone should make it clear to voters that his influence matters to Virginia and the nation. As Vice Chair of the Committee on Armed Services, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Force, and a member of the Subcommittee on Sea Power and Projection Forces, he plays a central role in strengthening the US armed forces. As a combat veteran, I am glad Rob is overseeing our military’s capabilities and readiness. Like many thousands of Virginians who have worn the cloth of our country, I believe nothing is more important today as we face major challenges to our national security. If Rob is not reelected, Virginia will lose significant influence in Congress. That would be a tragedy.
Moreover, he serves on the Committee on Natural Resources and its Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs. That is vital to Virginia watermen and the millions of Virginians who care deeply about serious-minded conservation. In particular, Rob is looking after the many small businesses in Virginia that depend on both the bounty of the sea and the hunting and fishing industry, not to mention the recreation that provides for countless citizens.
At this point, it would be typical to tell you why his opponent in this race is unworthy of higher office. But that is not nearly as important to me as explaining why I support Rob’s reelection, not just because he deserves your support, but because he has earned it by his devotion to duty to the people of his district, the citizens of the Commonwealth, and others across the nation who depend on a commonsense Congress. They will not be well served by extremist, indeed, crazy politicians who support a radical agenda that will destroy the Republic.
To be sure, Rob is my personal friend. But if I had never met him, if I didn’t personally know him, his character, his Christian values, his love of family, his devotion to the rule of law, and his support for our constitutional rights, I would still be able to strongly advocate for this very good man because of his actual legislative record.
In a nation beset by rhetoric and far too little action, Rob stands out as an accomplished member of Congress who speaks clearly, to the point, and works tirelessly for concrete solutions. Don’t sacrifice that for the political winds swirling around. Do not be tempted by the siren calls of the left, who will beckon you toward the rocks of socialism that will sink our ship of state. Look beyond their nonsense, and be confident that as long as Rob is in Congress, America has a friend, a faithful one, who stands for what matters: Faith, Family, and Freedom.
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