Political activist and president of the National Black Farmers Association John Boyd appealed to student voters yesterday as he spoke to the University Democrats about his upcoming U.S. Congressional campaign this November against incumbent Congressman Virgil Goode (I-5th), whose district includes the Charlottesville area.
President Bill Clinton and Democratic House minority leader Richard Gephardt (D-Mo.) asked Boyd to run for the Congressional seat once Goode officially dropped out of the Democratic Party to become an Independent, Boyd said.
The Democrats hope to regain the majority in the U.S House of Representatives this November. Boyd stressed that this election is a chance for voters to help Democrats achieve the goal and combat many Republican programs.
|
If Republicans remain in the majority "you can see the clocks roll back like you wouldn't believe" on issues relating to the poor and minorities, Boyd said.
"Old school Republican politics" maintains the status quo, he said.
Although Goode will have an advantage as the incumbent, Boyd said he believes he has a good chance at securing the Democratic nomination and defeating Goode in the fall.
As the underdog, Boyd said he is trying to focus his campaign at the grassroots level to combat Goode's advantages.
He said he also plans to provide bus services to election polls for the elderly. "Let me tell you about old people, they vote on Election Day," he added.
Boyd said he also is trying to garner support from new voters such as students. "We've been a little weak because the youth mechanism is not there," he said. The Democrats "can't win without young blood."
He added that during his campaign he will focus on issues that are especially important to his district such as education and bringing in new jobs. He also said he believes campaign reform and gun safety also will be major campaign issues.
Boyd said he is confident he is the right person to bring reform to Virginia, especially the 5th district.
"I'm a hustler and a winner," Boyd said. "When people tell me 'no' that means 'maybe' to me."
University students were impressed with Boyd's speech and many of his ideas.
"It was very energetic," said second-year College student Mohsin Raza. "I like the ideas of equality."
Read More
Administrators and faculty paint conflicting pictures of May 4 encampment clearing
By Cecilia Mould and Finn Trainer | 3 days agoThe details contested between the town halls included the clarity of the University’s tent policy and the presence of suspicious individuals at the encampment.
Faculty Senate calls for an external review of May 4 clearing of encampment
By Priya Kommu | 3 days agoSenators had questions about the lack of direct communication between University administrators and the students and faculty present at the encampment.
University's last minute update to EHS tent regulations document creates confusion, frustration
By Arshiya Pant | 3 days agoRyan said that he did not believe there was confusion among protesters about the permissibility of tents due to warnings from University officials on several occasions to remove tents.
