With election day a month away, voters across Virginia’s Fifth Congressional District will soon need to decide which candidate they will support to represent them in the House of Representatives — if they have not done so already. Republican Denver Riggleman — an Air Force veteran and distillery owner— and Democrat Leslie Cockburn — an investigative journalist — are the nominees to fill current representative Tom Garrett’s (R-Va.) seat after he announced he would not seek re-election. Between the two, however, Riggleman embodies the pragmatism and leadership needed to best serve the University community, Charlottesville residents and the Fifth District as a whole.
At a debate in Madison, Va. in September, the two candidates offered contrasting methods of representing the Fifth District. While Cockburn promised to resist President Trump, Riggleman pledged to legislate in a bipartisan manner. With partisan division crippling the legislative process, attitudes such as Cockburn’s seek only to further the gridlock that has plagued Washington over the past few years. The Fifth District needs a representative willing to work with both Democrats and Republicans to advance the interests of central Virginia and the nation. When Washington stalls under partisanship, local communities suffer, and Riggleman has demonstrated that he is the best person to address some of that gridlock.
Even though Cockburn sought to portray Riggleman as a conservative ideologue by criticizing his intention to join the House Freedom Caucus in their most recent debate, his dedication to working across party lines is evident.
Riggleman’s candidacy is focused on strengthening personal liberty in the Fifth District — which should resonate with voters across the political spectrum. While many Charlottesville residents and University students lean Democratic in elections, his criticism of eminent domain abuses has currency with opposition to the Atlantic Coast Pipeline’s construction through Nelson County, Va. His position reconciles the interests of environmentalists and conservatives alike — groups often opposed when advocating for legislation.
While Cockburn also condemns the construction of the ACP, her support of the Paris Agreement on climate should concern voters. Riggleman’s advocacy for the empowerment of businesses and individuals provides a path forward for economic growth and environmental sustainability. Instead of increasing the burden of government on businesses and families as the Paris Agreement would, Riggleman’s philosophy towards personal and economic liberty allows for individuals and businesses alike to address issues like climate change themselves instead of relying on government.
In addition to the climate and eminent domain abuses, access to healthcare remains an important issue for the entire Fifth District — especially here in Charlottesville. Keeping in his pledge of bipartisanship, Riggleman argues that implementing a consumer-driven model and eliminating healthcare deserts ensures access to affordable healthcare. Just as empowering individuals and businesses can combat climate change, expanding choice in healthcare will increase access and decrease costs.
Riggleman is the embodiment of the idea that average citizens should take ownership of the political process. His work in defense contracting has given him insight into how the government operates. However, he has spent the latter part of his professional life — after his military service and time as a defense contractor — starting and managing his own small business — bringing to Washington his own citizen perspective as an entrepreneur. The burdensome regulations he and his wife Christine had to contend with while launching their distillery informed his decision to enter politics and make Virginia a better place for business. Instead of using politics to advance his own selfish goals, Riggleman seeks to serve the Fifth District and help central Virginia realize its full potential.
Riggleman has clearly articulated solutions to issues facing the Fifth District instead of relying on talking points and platitudes. While much of the national conversation surrounding politics has devolved into partisan bickering, he has inserted rationality and thoughtfulness back into the political process. Not only do his policy positions provide innovative and effective reforms to challenges in the district and the country — including healthcare, education and taxes — his commitment to pragmatism and bipartisanship also distinguish him as a candidate and a leader.
Washington — and the American people — need elected leaders to find common ground on issues and put the interests of their constituents over those of themselves. Riggleman’s proven record of service and leadership make him the best candidate to bring needed change to our national government and represent the Fifth District of Virginia.
Thomas Ferguson is an Opinion Columnist for The Cavalier Daily. He can be reached at opinion@cavalierdaily.com.
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