Bill Bunch Jr.
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Bill Bunch Jr. was a 2017 Democratic candidate for District 3 of the Virginia House of Delegates.
Bunch was a 2016 Democratic candidate who sought election to the U.S. House to represent the 9th Congressional District of Virginia.[1] He was defeated by Derek Kitts at the Democratic convention on May 21, 2016.[2]
Biography
Bunch received his B.A. in history from Elon College. His professional experience includes working as a rural carrier for the United States Postal Service and as a farmer. He has been a member of the Farm Bureau, Natural Resources Defense Council, National Parks Association, American Postal Workers Union, and the League of Conservation Voters.[3]
2017
Ballotpedia candidate survey
Bunch participated in a survey created by Ballotpedia. The survey was designed to let our readers know more about the candidates and feel confident that they are voting for the best person to represent them. The survey questions appear bolded, and Bunch's responses follow below.
Who are your constituents?
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Third House of Delegates District VA[4]
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”
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| —Bill Bunch
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What is the primary job of a state legislator in your view?
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Oversee business of state government and work to improve all citizens lives![4]
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”
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| —Bill Bunch
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How will you build relationships with members of the broader community? Which groups, organizations, stakeholders will you specifically target?
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Always seek concensus with interests of my district.[4]
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”
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| —Bill Bunch
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As a publicly elected leader, who would you emulate? Who do you look up to? Why? What characteristics/values are most important for a legislator?
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Doug Wilder, Henry Howell, Sam Rasoul[4]
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”
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| —Bill Bunch
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What is one book you would suggest for someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
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Howard Zinn-Peoples History of United States.[4]
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”
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| —Bill Bunch
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What is your general philosophy when it comes to economics, jobs, and growth? Do you have any more specific ideas related to these concepts?
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Embrace the Green Energy Future-Jobs for All, lots of ideas.[4]
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”
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| —Bill Bunch
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What kind of legacy would you like to leave?
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Inspire youth to fight for the earth and humans future on it![4]
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”
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| —Bill Bunch
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What should the legislature's relationship with the governor be, and how would you personally work towards actualizing that?
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Team - Will follow and try to influence caucus.[4]
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”
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Ideally, what should the government’s role in a state’s healthcare system be? Are there any healthcare policies, actual or hypothetical, that you have an opinion on?
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Medicare for All[4]
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”
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How should the state manage its relations with military veterans?
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Medicare for All[4]
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”
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| —Bill Bunch
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In regard to economic and business regulations such as the minimum wage and professional licensing, what role do you think the state should play?
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gradual increase to living wage/common sense regulations[4]
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”
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| —Bill Bunch
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What do you think about the relationship between religion and laws that regulate discrimination in employment or public accommodations?
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Equal protection under the law[4]
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”
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| —Bill Bunch
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What is your opinion on the roles of police officers and protesters, respectively, in the public space? Are there any specific events that have influenced your thinking?
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Police should ensure non-violence prevails.[4]
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”
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What should the state’s role be in regard to early childhood care? What do you envision this relationship looking like as a child grows older?
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pre-headstart/attention to at risk children[4]
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”
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How should the state legislature view areas with natural resources (such as coastlines) when developing economic policy?
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as irreplaceable jewels/ no drill zone/ wind ok[4]
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”
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What would your approach be to issues related to crime and incarceration?
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rehabilitation/community sentencing[4]
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What news sources do you follow? What factors do you consider when selecting a news source? How do you think the public views the media?
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Democracy Now/RT/Progressive Populist/Daily Show[4]
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”
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How do you think of policies that are targeted at a specific gender? What do you think the state legislature should do in regard to these policies?
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act where necessary[4]
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”
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| —Bill Bunch
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How do you think about immigration policy? Are there policies in Virginia or other states that you have opinions on? What about at the national level?
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Scantuary State for DACA and refugees from war/famine[4]
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”
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How do you view innovative technologies such as smartphones or self-driving cars? How should the state approach innovation from a technological point of view? What about a business or economic point of view?
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robotics vs people/ find a balance[4]
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Do you have an opinion on the role of campaign finance in legislative politics?
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Public Financing[4]
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| —Bill Bunch
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What one reform or policy change is most important to you?
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Medicare for All[4]
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”
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| —Bill Bunch
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How do you view the current state of transportation and infrastructure in Virginia? What role, if any, should the state have in those two areas?
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crumbling/ very actice[4]
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”
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How do you view the current state of prescription opioid use in America?
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crisis in my district/stop the flow[4]
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”
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| —Bill Bunch
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What are your views on abortion? How would these views affect you in your position as state legislator?
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Protect woman's right to chose/pro-life cradle to grave[4]
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”
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| —Bill Bunch
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Describe how you envision the ideal relationship between the state of Virginia and the District of Columbia.
Which areas of spending will you prioritize for funding and support?
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Medicare for all/infrastructure/ green energy[4]
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”
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What are your thoughts on higher education? What should the state do, if anything, to increase accessibility?
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2 year free community college/teacher pay up/[4]
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”
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| —Bill Bunch
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In recent months, monuments in public spaces and what to do with them have been thrust into the news cycle. What is your opinion about what government should do with existing monuments in public spaces?
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Confederate Monuments should be in Battlefiellds and graveyards and museums[4]
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”
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Should Virginia have a law that requires people to use the bathroom corresponding with the gender on their birth certificate? Are there any policies related to this issue that you have an opinion on?
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no/equal protection[4]
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”
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| —Bill Bunch
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What is your opinion on Virginia’s K-12 education system? What issues are important and how can the state legislature address them?
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improve by VEA reccommendations[4]
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”
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| —Bill Bunch
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What are your views on proposed oil pipelines that would cross Virginia? In general, how should the state legislature address issues related to environmental regulation?
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no pipelines/no fracking/gas well must capture all gas[4]
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”
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What do you think Virginia’s economy will look like in 10 years? 20 years? What should the state legislature be doing, if anything, to prepare for the future?
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duh, embrace green energy tech/instalation[4]
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”
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What are your views on how Virginia draws lines for congressional and state legislative districts? If you could make changes to the system, what would they be?
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non-partisan commission/court and leg reviewed[4]
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”
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What are your feelings on Virginia’s current firearms policies?
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too lax, costs lives[4]
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”
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| —Bill Bunch
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What are the major public safety issues that Virginia faces? How can the state address them?
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opioid addicts and riight wing hate groups[4]
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”
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| —Bill Bunch
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Is Virginia prepared for a natural disaster such as a hurricane or an earthquake? What should the state legislature do, if anything, in anticipation of these events?
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Never enough preparation, embrace climate disaster mitigation policies[4]
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”
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What are your opinions on Virginia’s current taxation policies, for individuals or corporations? Is there anything that you would change?
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more progressive taxation on mega-rich[4]
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What is your opinion on income disparities in Virginia?
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Too wide[4]
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”
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| —Bill Bunch
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What economic and social differences are there between rural and urban Virginia? How should government policies address different regions, if at all?
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duh, policies should reflect needs of regions[4]
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”
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What is the ideal relationship between Virginia’s local governments and the state government? What should the state legislature do to promote this ideal relationship?
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no unfunded mandates[4]
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”
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| —Bill Bunch
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What is the state of race relations in Virginia and the United States at large? How do you think about the government’s role in race relations, particularly the state legislature?
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very poor/enact voting rights expansion, stop suppression[4]
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”
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What should the state’s relationship be with immigrants who are living in Virginia without legal permission?
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protective for those working[4]
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”
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| —Bill Bunch
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Who do you think the key stakeholders are in Virginia politics? Do you have opinions on any of these stakeholders or ways in which you would approach them as a state legislator?
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My District/Industrial interests/public interests. I will try to support the two ends over the middle.[4]
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”
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Candidate website
Bunch’s campaign website highlighted the following issues:[5]
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Education:
Teachers are the linchpins of successful communities. They provide essential elements that connect families and jobs. The public school system is one of the region's largest employers, which means teachers have numerous opportunities to positively affect young peoples' lives.
We here in Southwest Virginia live in beautiful country. But many here struggle to find jobs, support their families, and thrive. Manufacturing businesses and tourism can bring jobs, but without an educated citizenry, our people won't get those jobs. And without skilled employees, we won't get more businesses. Bill will work hard to keep jobs here, and he believes that teaching and training are key elements to making this happen.
Healthcare:
Southwest Virginia faces a unique slate of health issues. We see more people suffering from black lung than other parts of the state and nation. We experience a higher rate of opioid addiction. And of course, national rates of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer are a cause of concern for all.
Bill believes that one of the most effective ways we can overcome these hurdles is by expanding Medicare and Medicaid. These programs already have a huge impact in our region; bolstering them will ensure that our medical professionals and facilities are meeting all the needs of the area.
Jobs:
Coal mining has been important to Southwest Virginia's economy and culture for many years. Once the unions were established, coal provided jobs that paid well without requiring higher education, and allowed a strong rural middle class to develop. Money from the mining and related jobs helped fund schools, hospitals, roads, and more.
Over the last few decades, the strength of the coal industry has steadily declined. Fewer deep mines are active, and mountaintop removal and non-union jobs have become issues. The coal remaining in Southwest Virginia is high quality, mainly bituminous coal, which is especially useful in steel production. Unfortunately, U.S. steel productions has also declined over the years. Bolstering steel production in the U.S. - by requiring that government-funded U.S. construction jobs are U.S. steel, and encouraging the same preference in all U.S. construction projects - could significantly increase the demand for our coal, and encourage more mining in our area.
In considering increasing coal production we must also evaluate the environmental impact of that production. Surface mining, mountaintop removal, created serious damage to the environment as it significantly changes the contours of the earth and has significant potential for run-off and erosion damage to the area, as huge quantities of earth are pushed aside to reveal the coal. Deep mines offer less environmentally reckless way to obtain coal. However, obtaining this deep mine coal is going to be more and more mechanized, as machines can more safely reach and remove narrower bands of coal. This means that our area will need education programs designed to teach those who will run and maintain the machines. We will also need up-to-date roads and railroads so that workers can easily commute to work, and the coal can be transported from the mines. Perhaps some of that U.S. steel that we want to promote could be used in building and upgrading bridges, schools, libraries, and other community infrastructure.
Broadband:
Internet access is one of the most basic needs in the modern age. Whether for job applications or education, everyone deserves to have a reliable connection. One of Bill's top goals as Delegate will be to ensure 100% broadband access across the 3rd District.
Tourism:
One of the most wonderful resources that that SWVA has is its natural beauty. What better way to build the economy of our region than by promoting nature tourism? I believe that our district has so much potenial for growth in this area. As Delegate for the 3rd District Bill will:
- Support expansion/building of trails - AV, hiking, biking
- Expand businesses corresponding to the needs of the area
- Promote rivers and streams of area
- Protect our wildlife to ensure the longevity of our resources
Our scenic vistas, rivers, streams, and historic landmarks have so much to offer! It's time we took advantage of this and build a better future.
[4]
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Elections
2017
- See also: Virginia House of Delegates elections, 2017
General election
Elections for the Virginia House of Delegates took place in 2017. All 100 house seats were up for election. The general election took place on November 7, 2017. A primary election took place on June 13, 2017. The filing deadline for primary election candidates was March 30, 2017. The filing deadline for non-party candidates and candidates nominated by methods other than a primary was June 13, 2017.[6] Incumbent James Morefield (R) defeated Bill Bunch Jr. (D) in the Virginia House of Delegates District 3 general election.[7]
Democratic primary election
Bill Bunch Jr. ran unopposed in the Virginia House of Delegates District 3 Democratic primary.[8]
Ballotpedia will publish vote totals here after they become available.
| Virginia House of Delegates, District 3 Democratic Primary, 2017 |
| Candidate |
 Bill Bunch Jr. |
Republican primary election
Incumbent James Morefield ran unopposed in the Virginia House of Delegates District 3 Republican primary.[9]
Ballotpedia will publish vote totals here after they become available.
| Virginia House of Delegates, District 3 Republican Primary, 2017 |
| Candidate |
| James Morefield Incumbent |
2016
- See also: Virginia's 9th Congressional District election, 2016
Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Republican. Incumbent Morgan Griffith (R) defeated Derek Kitts (D) and Janice Allen Boyd (I) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Kitts defeated Bill Bunch at the Democratic convention on May 21, 2016.[10][11]
U.S. House, Virginia District 9 General Election, 2016
| Party |
Candidate |
Vote % |
Votes |
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Republican |
Morgan Griffith Incumbent |
68.6% |
212,838 |
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Democratic |
Derek Kitts |
28.3% |
87,877 |
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Independent |
Janice Allen Boyd |
2.9% |
9,050 |
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N/A |
Write-in |
0.2% |
549 |
| Total Votes |
310,314 |
| Source: Virginia Department of Elections |
Endorsements
2017
In 2017, Bunch’s endorsements included the following:
- NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia[12]
See also
External links
- ↑ Bill Bunch for Congress, "Home," accessed May 14, 2016
- ↑ The Roanoke Times, "Derek Kitts chosen as Democratic opponent against Griffith in 9th District," May 21, 2016
- ↑ billbunchfordelegate.com, "Meet Bill," accessed August 7, 2017
- ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 4.14 4.15 4.16 4.17 4.18 4.19 4.20 4.21 4.22 4.23 4.24 4.25 4.26 4.27 4.28 4.29 4.30 4.31 4.32 4.33 4.34 4.35 4.36 4.37 4.38 4.39 4.40 4.41 4.42 4.43 4.44 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ billbunchfordelegate.com, "Platform," accessed August 7, 2017
- ↑ Virginia Department of Elections, "Candidacy Requirements for the November 7, 2017 General Election," accessed March 21, 2017
- ↑ Virginia Department of Elections, "2017 November General Unofficial Results," accessed November 7, 2017
- ↑ Virginia Department of Elections, "2017 June Democratic Primary," accessed July 6, 2017
- ↑ Virginia Department of Elections, "2017 June Republican Primary," accessed July 6, 2017
- ↑ The Roanoke Times, "Derek Kitts chosen as Democratic opponent against Griffith in 9th District," May 21, 2016
- ↑ Virginia Department of Elections, "List of Candidates," accessed September 8, 2016
- ↑ NARAL, "2017 Endorsed House Candidates," accessed August 31, 2017
Leadership
Speaker of the House:Don Scott
Majority Leader:Charniele Herring
Minority Leader:Terry Kilgore
Representatives
Democratic Party (51)
Republican Party (49)
