Bob Marshall speaks to CRs

Delegate Bob Marshall, who is running for the GOP nomination for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Senator John Warner, spoke at our College Republicans meeting last night. Despite the fact that I don't think he has any realistic chance whatsoever of beating Gilmore, I must admit that he gave a convincing speech. I was quite impressed with his sense of humor, as well.  As expected, he discussed social issues quite a bit, touting the fact that he authored VA's Marriage Amendment. He also pointed out the differing views between Gilmore and himself on issues such as abortion, transportation, drilling for oil in Anwar, etc.  However, what is most impressive to me about Marshall is his stance on environmental issues, for which he has been recognized by several pro-conservation groups. (Leave it to me to pay the most attention to a candidate's environmental stance, LOL). Taken from the Bob Marshall for Senate website:

As a state delegate I received a"2007 Legislative Hero Award” from the Virginia League of Conservation Voters for my 100% voting record in environmental preservation. I also received endorsements from the Farm Bureau and Sierra Club, a rarity for a social conservative legislator.

I am particularly fond of this quote, also taken from his website:

I believe that the earth is a gift that must be preserved by good stewardship so that our children and grandchildren can enjoy what our forefathers enjoyed. Wasting or destroying our natural resources is like stealing from our future generations.

So, despite the fact that I don't necessarily agree with Marshall on some issues, it was nice to realize that we share common beliefs in certain areas. I'm glad that Delegate Marshall took the time to come speak at our meeting last night and offered us the chance to ask questions afterward. TV-3 has the story and video footage from the meeting here.