Chris Craddock defeated Del. Gary Reese in the Republican primary by energizing a small base in a low-turnout primary. Fortunately, the strong candidacy of Chuck Caputo, means voters in the 67th don’t have to send an unqualified candidate to Richmond.
Caputo, moderate and measured, brings years of civic activism and experience on the school board to his quest to serve in the General Assembly. He understands that the House of Delegates can have a profound impact on local issues that affect quality of life, issues like the quality of schools. Caputo understands the workings of state and local government.
Craddock, Caputo’s opponent, has never been to Richmond to observe the workings of General Assembly. It’s hard to imagine a serious candidate for the House of Delegates who has not clocked in the time and miles to find out what he or she is running for. The General Assembly, once in session, moves at a velocity that will not accommodate learning on the job.
Imagine 3,000 bills in 60 days or less.
Craddock’s motivation as protégé of some of Virginia’s most extreme anti-government legislators might make any knowledge about the workings of the legislature irrelevant. He would travel to Richmond just to vote no.