Earle-Sears Confident in Campaign, Shares Views in Bristol

A Strong Position in the Governor's Race

With less than three months until Virginians head to the polls to choose a new governor, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears is confident in her campaign and believes she is in a strong position to win. She recently attended the annual State of the Cities address in Bristol, Virginia, where she spoke about her prospects and addressed recent reports that suggested she might be trailing behind Democratic candidate Abigail Spanberger.

In an interview with News Channel 11, Earle-Sears challenged the notion that she is significantly behind in the race. “I’m feeling very excited,” she said. “Don’t believe what your eyes are telling you because the media’s lying to you. What do we know? Believe my opponent this one time when she says on video that this race is a toss-up race, and it’s because her internal polls are showing her the same thing ours is.”

Earle-Sears emphasized that the race is closely contested, despite some claims suggesting otherwise. “You’re hearing people tell you and the media that I’m ten points down. I am not, and she knows that to be true,” she said. “Which is why, you see, they’re scrambling.”

Financial Strength and Campaign Confidence

Another point of focus for Earle-Sears was fundraising. She refuted claims that she had only raised $2 million in the race, stating instead that she has raised around $6 million. “And in fact, I have raised more money than any Republican ever has in the second quarter of their campaign. By the way, I have raised more money than any Republican in the first quarter, you know, starting in January.”

She expressed confidence in her campaign and assured voters that she would not harm businesses or industries. “Because my opponent will do that when she regulates you to death,” Earle-Sears said. “We’ve gotten rid of over 89,000 pieces of regulation.”

Energy Future and Nuclear Development

Earle-Sears also discussed her plans for Southwest Virginia’s energy future. She mentioned the potential for small nuclear reactors in the region, particularly in Wise County. “We are bringing a study to consider the feasibility of small nuclear reactors here through Wise, so it’s the micro-nuclear reactor possibility.”

Southwest Virginia has long been considered a potential site for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). In July, the Virginia Department of Energy announced the state was moving forward with plans to use the region as a base of operations for nuclear power. This initiative is being led by UVA Wise and organizations in Wise County.

Strengthening Governor’s Presence in Southwest Virginia

Earle-Sears also spoke about her commitment to increasing the governor’s presence in Southwest Virginia. “I promise in the Southwest, I’m going to put a governor’s office, because I believe you have to be among the people,” she said. “I think that will alleviate some of the times that Southwest Virginians think that we don’t see them because we’re separated by a mountain, and I don’t ever want that to be the case.”

Stance on Right-to-Work Laws and Education

On the topic of right-to-work laws, Earle-Sears claimed that Spanberger would “destroy the right to work,” forcing workers to join unions and pay dues. She described Spanberger as “the angel of destruction” in regard to businesses. “My objection is always to get rid of barriers: barriers to employment, barriers to education, barriers to whatever it is that will propel a life forward,” she said.

One of her goals is to eliminate Virginia’s car tax. “It is time. It has been a long time,” she said. “My opponent says she wants to do the same thing, but guess what? Her side of the political aisle doesn’t want that.”

Parent Choice in Education

Earle-Sears also voiced her support for parent choice in education. “Some of our children are stuck in failing schools, and I want what the parents want. I want parents to make the decision on where to send their children to school. Whether you want to homeschool, if it’s public school, private school, parochial school, a hybrid, whatever it is, I want you to have that opportunity.”