The choice between Rob McDowell and Steve Shannon for delegate in the 35th district was not a simple one. While Steve Shannon has not lived in the district long, working as a Fairfax County prosecutor will connect one to the community in short order. Shannon worked for Fairfax Commonwealth's Attorney Robert F. Horan and specialized in prosecuting sex crimes against children. Shannon and his wife launched the local Amber Alert system.
Shannon is well-versed on the issues and has thought his way through a plethora of possible solutions. His views are business friendly. He understands the needs of families with children with disabilities and other human services needs as well.
Rob McDowell is a home-grown candidate from Vienna. He's smart and charming and no doubt would thrive in Richmond. But his views, especially on fiscal matters, smack of rhetoric, and in practice would short-shrift Fairfax County.