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Phillip Puckett
| Phillip Puckett | ||
 | ||
| Virginia Senate District 38 | ||
| Incumbent | ||
| In office | ||
| 1998 - Present | ||
| Term ends | ||
| January 11, 2016 | ||
| Years in position | 15 | |
| Party | Democratic | |
| Compensation | ||
| Base salary | $18,000/year | |
| Per diem | $178/day | |
| Elections and appointments | ||
| Last election | November 8, 2011 | |
| First elected | 1997 | |
| Next election | November 3, 2015 | |
| Term limits | N/A | |
| Personal | ||
| Birthday | 08/10/1947 | |
| Place of birth | Russell County, VA | |
| Profession | VP of Business development | |
| Religion | Baptist | |
| Websites | ||
| Office website | ||
| Campaign website | ||
 | ||
Contents |
Puckett received a B.S. at the University of Tennessee and a M.A. at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
In addition to serving as senator Puckett is Vice President of Business Development for First Bank & Trust Company.
Committee assignments
2012-2013
In the 2012-2013 legislative session, Puckett served on the following committees:
- Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources
- Commerce and Labor Committee
- Privileges and Elections
- Transportation
2010-2011
In the 2010-2011 legislative session, Puckett served on the following committees:
- Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources
- Commerce and Labor
- Privileges and Elections
- Transportation
- Senate Rules
District 38
Puckett represents Virginia Senate District 38. Senate District 38 includes Bland County, Buchanan County, Dickenson County, Pulaski County(part), Russell County, Smyth County(part), Tazewell County, Wise County(part), Wythe County(part).
Issues
Political positions
Distancing from President Obama
Puckett is the first of Virginia's state legislators to say that he would not support President Obama in 2012. He faces a tough re-election race against Adam Light in November 2011.[1]
Elections
2011
- See also: Virginia State Senate elections, 2011
On November 8, 2011, Puckett won re-election to District 38 of the Virginia State Senate. He was unchallenged in the August 23 primary election and defeated Adam Light (R) in the November 8 general election.[2]
| Virginia State Senate, District 38 General Election, 2011 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Democratic |  Phillip Puckett Incumbent |
53% | 26,339 | |
| Republican | Adam Light | 47% | 23,328 | |
| Total Votes | 49,667 | |||
2007
On Nov. 6, 2007, Puckett won re-election to the 38th District Seat in the Virginia State Senate.[3]
Puckett raised $155,806 for his campaign.[4]
| Virginia State Senate, District 38 (2007) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
| Phillip Puckett (D)
|
28,869 | 99.34% | ||
| Write-in | 191 | 0.65% | ||
Issues
Campaign themes
2011
Puckett's campaign website lists the following issues:
- Economic Development
- Excerpt: "Job creation and economic development are my top priorities. I will continue to promote our area to recruit new businesses and assist in the promotion and expansion of existing industries."
- Electric Utility Rate Increases
- Excerpt: "I have been speaking out and working extremely hard against Appalachian Power Company's recent rate increases over the past few years."
- Coal Industry
- Excerpt: "In Richmond, I have been a forceful advocate and protector of our region's coal industry and the thousands of jobs it provides to our people. I am fighting to ensure that our economic and energy future includes the thousands of Southwest Virginia coal jobs and the coal that powers nearly half the nation's electricity."
- Education
- Excerpt: "Schools in Southwest Virginia must receive equal funding. Disparity in education funding has no place in the commonwealth of Virginia"
- Transportation
- Excerpt: "The economic growth of our area depends on a quality network of roads. Commerce and industry depend on quality roads for the shipment of products."
- Safe and Clean Drinking Water
- Excerpt: "I will continue to fight for our region's fair share of state and federal resources to ensure that every home in Southwest Virginia has access to safe and clean drinking water."
Campaign donors
2011
In 2011, Puckett received $1,172,626 in campaign donations. The top contributors are listed below.[5]
| Virginia State Senate 2011 election - Campaign Contributions | |
|---|---|
| Top contributors to Phillip Puckett's campaign in 2011 | |
| Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus | $432,861 |
| Virginia Democratic Party | $184,132 |
| Alpha Natural Resources | $35,000 |
| Petersen For State Senate | $15,000 |
| Virginia Professional Fire Fighters | $12,250 |
| Total Raised in 2011 | $1,172,626 |
| Total Votes received in 2011 | 26,339 |
| Cost of each vote received | $44.52 |
2007
Below are Puckett's top 5 campaign contributors in the 2007 election:
| Contributor | 2007 total |
|---|---|
| Clyde Stacy | $10,000 |
| Alpha Natural Resources | $9,750 |
| Virginia Automobile & Truck Dealers Association | $5,250 |
| Bailey's S&M Brands (Cigarettes) | $3,500 |
| Dominion (Energy & Natural Resources) | $3,500 |
Personal
Puckett was born in Russell County, Virginia on August 10, 1947. Puckett is married to Jeanette Griffith.
External links
- Phillip Puckett's campaign website
- Biography from the Virginia Legislature
- Legislative profile from Project Vote Smart
- Biography from Project Vote Smart
- Campaign contributions:1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007
- Phillip Puckett on Facebook
- Phillip Puckett on LinkedIn
References
- ↑ The Washington Post, "In tight Virginia races, Democrats cutting ties to Obama", October 17, 2011
- ↑ Virginia State Board of Elections - November 2011 General Election Official Results
- ↑ 2007 Election Results, Virginia Senate, District 38
- ↑ 2007 Campaign Spending, Virginia Senate, District 38
- ↑ Follow the Money - 2011 contributions
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by J. Reasor |
Virginia Senate District 38 1998-present |
Succeeded by NA |
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