Democrat State Senator Linda T. "Toddy" Puller will seek re-election to the 36th Senatorial District. First elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1991, were she served for eight years, Puller was elected to the Senate in 1999. The 36th Senatorial District includes parts of Fairfax and Prince William counties.
"It has been my privilege and honor to serve the area for 16 years and I believe there is much more that I can contribute to move Virginia forward," Puller said in making her re-election announcement.
In light of the recent Virginia Tech tragedy, Puller believes that more emphasis will be placed on mental health care during the General Assembly's next session. She serves on the Behavioral Health Care Subcommittee of the Joint Committee on Health Care that focuses on such issues. "Our mental health care system is broken nationwide. We must work to find the best ways possible to help those in need," she said.
Puller has also been active on transportation and education issues. She has served on the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, the Commission on the Allocation of the Transportation Trust Fund, and as a member of the Route 1 Steering Committee. As a Senator, she has worked to force a "more vigilant oversight of the Virginia Department of Transportation," according to her announcement.
A long-time supporter of public education, Puller has sought increased education funding for public schools, additional school construction funding, and better educational opportunities for pre-kindergarten students.
Puller currently serves on four Senate Committees: Courts of Justice, Local Government, Rehabilitation and Social Services, and Privileges and Elections. "I will work hard and bring all of my experience to solve problems that affect our district and our state. And, I will continue to fight for responsible fiscal management of our Commonwealth," Puller said.