Archive for September, 2017

As reported in The Breeze on September 28, James Madison University students recently received unsolicited mass text messages from representatives claiming to be from the Finnegan campaign. This information was retained using a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the school by a representative of NextGen Virginia.  NextGen is a political group funded by California billionaire Tom Steyer.

The text messages claim to be volunteers of the Finnegan campaign, but neither Brent Finnegan nor anyone claiming to be with his campaign requested the data from James Madison University.

While it appears any political campaign or organization may have the ability under current law to retain this information, some have questioned whether this information can actually be used to send unsolicited mass texts to individuals. The Wilt for Delegate campaign has chosen not to obtain it out of respect for student privacy.

“It may be legal to obtain this information through FOIA, but I believe personal cell phone information should only be used selectively to communicate emergency or other vital information to students, not to receive solicitations from outside political groups,” stated Delegate Wilt.  “I hope my opponent will encourage any outside organizations working on his behalf to reconsider this tactic. While I respect anyone’s right to encourage civic engagement in our electoral process, it’s concerning that organizations funded by out-of-state individuals are facilitating this type of aggressive behavior in the Shenandoah Valley to influence the outcome of our elections. This “win at any cost” attitude is best left in California and not brought into our community.”

As the Washington Post reported on August 22, Mr. Steyer is contributing $2 million through NextGen towards the Virginia elections for efforts to register college students and get them to the polls to support Democrat candidates. NextGen America representatives have been on campus registering students since the beginning of the semester.

Harrisonburg – Erin Luper, Virginia State Liaison with the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action announced that Delegate Tony Wilt (R-Broadway) received an “A+” rating and the endorsement of the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF).

The NRA is widely recognized as America’s foremost defender of Second Amendment rights and the premier firearms education organization in the world.

“This endorsement is a reflection of Delegate Wilt’s steadfast support on Second Amendment issues,” stated Erin Luper. “Our members will interpret Delegate Wilt’s rating and endorsement as being a solid pro-gun/pro-hunting candidate who is an advocate for the right to keep and bear arms.”

“I appreciate the support of the NRA-PVF,” said Delegate Wilt. “During my time in the General Assembly I have advanced and consistently supported policy that strengthens the rights of law-abiding gun owners. If reelected I will continue to stand firm in support of these rights and against efforts to place unnecessary restrictions on firearms.”

In addition to this endorsement, Delegate Wilt received high marks earlier this year from another prominent pro-Second Amendment organization in the Commonwealth, the Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL). VCDL awarded Delegate Wilt a 100% score based on votes taken during the 2017 General Assembly Session.