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Put Her on the Ballot -- and that's an order! [1]

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Date: 2023-06-16  

Just a quick bit to get this important joint statement out — A statement from two Virginia candidates who also served their country — Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Pam Garner and Retired US Army Lt. Col. Myra Payne, Democratic candidates for Virginia’s 26th and 19th Senate districts, respectively.

These two women have both been vocal in the Danville Dems Vs. damn-qualified 49th District House of Delegates Candidate Jasmine Lipscomb, a former US Marine. A lot of us Virginia Dems and Dem candidates have been sounding the alarm on this wild decision to not place Ms. Lipscomb on the ballot as a Democratic candidate in favor of allowing a long-time Republican opponent to cool his heels, save his money and float right back to Richmond — and in a swing district no less!

Well, these two retired Military officers have had just about enough of this nonsense and have issued a joint statement urging the party to do the right thing.

I deliver it here, with pleasure.

Re: Jasmine Lipscomb Democratic Nominee for HD49 We write to expressour deep concern regarding the recent incident involving Jasmine Lipscomb andthe discriminatory treatment she isfacing with theDemocratic Caucus. As retired Lieutenant Colonels, we feel compelled to addressthis issue, as it is a matter of upholding the core principles of fairness,equality, and inclusivity that we have sworn to protect and defend. It has come to ourattention that, during the call to caucus, Jasmine Lipscomb was subjected todisproportionate requirements that were not imposed on other candidates. Whilethe Democratic committees in othercounties typicallyrequest a range of $0 to $250 and do not require signatures, Jasmine wasunexpectedly asked to pay a nonrefundable $500 fee and gather 100 signatures tobe considered as a candidate. This disparity is not only unjust, but also goesagainst the established Party Plan of the Democratic Party of Virginia. As per ourunderstanding, the VirginiaDepartment of Elections Candidate bulletin explicitlystates that no financial or signature requirements are required by theState after the close of the primary deadline. Suchguidelines are in place to ensure a level playing field and foster anenvironment that encourages participation from all individuals who wish torepresent the Democratic Party. The actions taken against Jasmine Lipscomb not onlyundermine the integrity of the caucus but also contradict the principles ofinclusivity and equal opportunity that our party upholds. We firmly believethat this incident warrants immediate attention to rectify the injustice facedby Jasmine Lipscomb. Theremedy we are offering is that the Virginia Democratic Party execute section10.6 of the Party Plan and declare Jasmine the Democratic Nominee. It is ourrequest that you take appropriate measures toensure that the Party Plan is adhered to consistently and without bias infuture caucus proceedings. Additionally, we urge you to extend a formal apologyto Ms. Lipscomb for the distress and discrimination she has endured. As retiredLieutenant Colonels who have dedicated our careers to upholding the values offairness, integrity, and equal opportunity, we strongly believe in theimportance of transparent and unbiased democratic processes. Our democracythrives when individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives have anequal chance to participate and make a positive impact on our society. Anyactions that deter or discriminate against potential candidates erode the veryfoundation on which our democracy stands. We trust that youwill take these concerns seriously and work towards rectifying the situationpromptly by invoking Section10.6 of the Virginia Democratic Party Plan and immediately filing form 511 withthe Virginia Department of Elections. By addressingthis issue, we can reinforce the principles upon which the Democratic Party wasfounded and ensure that our party continues to be a beacon of fairness andjustice. Thank you for yourattention to this matter. We eagerly await your response and actions on thisimportant issue. //signed// Pam Garner Lt. Col US Air Force (Ret) DemocraticNominee SD26 Myra Payne LTC US Army (Ret) DemocraticNominee SD19

In my experience, there’s only one thing that walks and talks tougher than two retired, women military officers and that’s money. Help send a message that Democrats don’t dig it when establishment party antics get in the way of actual democracy.

Donate to Jasmine Lipscomb. Donate to Myra Payne. Donate to Pam Garner.

And if you feel so inclined to further defend democracy with a donation. I’m down here doing some heavy lifting in this southeastern Virginia swing district. We can do this, together. We’re just going to have to be loud and a little indignant about it, apparently.

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[1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/6/16/2175892/-Put-Her-on-the-Ballot-and-that-s-an-order

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