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Ward Armstrong
Ward Armstrong is a former Democratic member of the Virginia House of Delegates, representing District 10 from 1992 to 2012. He served as Minority Leader in the state House from 2007 until he left office in 2012.
Biography
An attorney by trade, Armstrong has also sat on the boards of the Virginia Museum of Transportation, Norfolk and Western Historical Society, and the Martinsville/Henry County Chamber of Commerce.[1]
Issue positions
On Armstrong's official website he lists four main issues:[2]
- Economic Development - We must have "pro-active and forward thinking policy. We must also ensure that our citizens have ample economic opportunity to help them provide for their families."
- Education - "Education is an important tool to help reach a better future."
- Health & Wellness - "focusing on proactive planning for issues like traffic and infrastructure."
- Transportation - "New roads are not enough. This challenge requires us to “think outside the box” and look at both long-term and short-term solutions. It is time for more than talk and increased VDOT budgets."
Committee assignments
2010-2012 committees:
- Courts of Justice
- Criminal Law Subcommittee
- Rules
- Standards of Conduct Subcommittee
- Ethics (Special) Subcommittee
- Finance
- Subcommittee #2
Issues
Sponsored legislation
- HB 1902 Admissions tax; adds Carroll County to list of localities that may impose at events.
- HB 1904 Virginia Child Protection Accountability System; established.
- HB 1908 Assault and battery of family/household member; court to order person to obtain certain services.[3]
Elections
2013
Armstrong briefly considered making a bid for Virginia Lieutenant Governor in the 2013 elections, but announced in late 2012 that he had decided against entering the 2013 race to succeed Republican incumbent Lt. Gov Bill Bolling. After he removed himself from the ring, Armstrong formally endorsed fellow Democrats Terry McAuliffe for governor and Mark Herring for attorney general.[4]
2011
Armstrong ran for election to the District 9 seat of the Virginia State Senate. He was uncontested in the August 23 primary and was defeated by incumbent Charles Poindexter (R) in the November 8 general election.Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag
| Virginia House of Delegates, District 9 General Election, 2011 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican |  Charles Poindexter |
52.7% | 13,189 | |
| Democratic | Ward Armstrong | 47.3% | 11,840 | |
| Total Votes | 25,029 | |||
2011 Redistricting
Due to redistricting, Armstrong's residence was switched from district 10 to district 16. The new district would bracket Armstrong against Republican incumbent Donald Merricks, a popular legislator whom Armstrong likes personally. In response to the change, Armstrong decided to move to Bassett, which lies within the newly drawn District 9 and against Republican incumbent Charles Poindexter. 40% of the newly drawn District 9 is composed of areas Armstrong previously represented in District 10.[5]
Race heats up
Armstrong has long been a verbal opponent of the Republican majority of the Virginia House. Many, including Armstrong, believe that the elimination of Armstrong's old district was an attempt to get rid of him. He has stated "This race has never been about electing Charles Poindexter. It’s been about getting rid of Ward Armstrong." Republicans deny these claims. Republican leaders have since contributed $615,000 to Poindexter's campaign. This over three times the average $200,000 being spent on similar house raises. Armstrong has raised nearly a million dollars on his own.[6]
2009
In 2009, Armstrong was re-elected to the Virginia House of Delegates. He defeated C. Edward Creed, II in the General Election.[7]
| Virginia House of Delegates General Election, District 10 (2009) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | |||
| Ward Armstrong (D)
|
9,084 | |||
| C. Edwards Creed, II (D) | 6,990 | |||
Campaign finance summary
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Personal
Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Armstrong and his wife, Pamela, have two children.
See also
- Virginia Legislature
- Virginia state executive official elections, 2013
- Lieutenant Governor of Virginia
External links
- Delegate Ward Armstrong official website
- Legislative profile from Project Vote Smart
- Biography from Project Vote Smart
- Campaign Contributions:2009, 2007, 2005, 2003, 2001, 1999
- Richmond Sunlight profile
- Virginia Public Access Project profile
Footnotes
- ↑ Project Vote Smart - Delegate Armstrong
- ↑ Ward Armstrong Issues
- ↑ Bill Tracking - Legislation as Chief Patron
- ↑ The Roanoke Times, "Former Del. Ward Armstrong won't run statewide in 2013," December 12, 2013
- ↑ www2.timesdispatch.com GOP targets Democratic veteran Armstrong, September 11, 2011
- ↑ The Washington Post, "Va. House of Delegates race between Armstrong, Poindexter turns heated and costly," October 22, 2011
- ↑ Follow the Money, "Virginia House of Delegates 2009 General Election Results," accessed May 15, 2014
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by - |
Virginia House of Delegates District 10 1992–2012 |
Succeeded by Randall Minchew |
