The VSHL Political Action Committee has endorsed four candidates and recommended three more for election in House of Representative races throughout Virginia.

For the first time in many years, there are three open House seats being contested, due to the retirement of Owen Pickett (D-2) and Tom Bliley (R-7), and the recent death of Congressmen Herb Bateman (R-1) who had also announced his intention to retire. Since it has been historically difficult (although certainly not impossible) to unseat an incumbent congressman, much attention will be focused on these three districts.

"We are fortunate to have strong pro-life candidates in all three of the districts with open seats," said VSHL PAC Chairman Larry Stine. "In the 1st District, the PAC endorsed Jo Ann Davis in the Republican primary, which she won. Her election would put a strongly pro-life woman in the Virginia House delegation, which would also help the pro-life cause nationally. It would continue the pro-life voting by 1st District representatives."

"In the 2nd District, we have an opportunity to turn a previously pro-abortion seat into a pro-life seat," continued Mr. Stine. "Ed Schrock has a solid pro-life voting record for the past five years in the Virginia Senate and has indicated strong support for pro-life positions on issues across the board. He would be a strong addition to our Virginia pro-life team and we’re pleased to endorse him."

"In the 7th District, Eric Cantor has compiled a strong pro-life record in the Virginia House of Delegates for the past nine sessions and will do the same in the House of Representatives," said the PAC Chairman. "He needs to be elected in order to continue the pro-life legacy of his predecessor, Tom Bliley. He too has earned a PAC endorsement"

In the 8th District, Demaris Miller is again running for the seat occupied by Congressman Jim Moran (D-8). VSHL PAC has again endorsed Mrs. Miller because of her strong pro-life positions, and the pro-abortion voting record of Mr. Moran.

In other races, VSHL PAC has announced its recommendations for the reelection of Congressmen Virgil Goode (I-5), Bob Goodlatte (R-6) and Frank Wolf (R-10). These three representatives have strong pro-life voting records but chose not to return the VSHL questionnaire, which is a requirement for endorsement.

Published in the VSHL Lifesaver, October 2000