More than 150 family members, friends and supporters attended the May 24 campaign kick-off for Republican candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates 34th District. The event was held in the McLean home of current Republican Del. Vince Callahan. Callahan announced his retirement in March and urged Hunt to make a bid for the open seat.
On Thursday evening, Hunt paid tribute to Callahan for his years of service.
"His impact has been enormous," said Hunt. "It is an incredible honor to have my kickoff hosted by a legend in Virginia politics. No one has done more for Virginia in the last 40 years than Vince. It will be an honor to succeed Vince in office if the voters give me that opportunity."
Hunt also emphasized his strong desire to fight for all 34th district residents, regardless of their political views.
"I believe our delegate needs to work on behalf of all of us — Democrat, Republican and Independent," said Hunt. "We all suffer from unbearable traffic congestion. We all want great schools and a great quality of life. I want Northern Virginia to be the best place to live, the best place to work and the best place to raise a family."
Hunt also noted that he is the only candidate for delegate of the 34th district who fully supports the 2007 transportation bill.
"It’s a huge start," he said. "It will raise over $400 million for transportation projects in Northern Virginia."
Hunt is also strongly in favor of the underground tunnel option for the portion of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail project that will run through Tysons Corner, and vows to fight for it every step of the way.
"I will not let the dream of a tunnel through Tysons slip away without a fight," he said.
Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates Bill Howell attended Hunt’s campaign kick-off to show his support and offered Hunt a $10,000 donation from his own campaign account.