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To the Editor:

Republicans must elect a candidate for the 17th Senate District, which includes all of Isle of Wight. 

Del. Emily Brewer has faithfully represented us for the past four years. Her opponent says that makes her part of the “Richmond Establishment.” It takes at least two years to learn how the system works and to build the relationships required to help the people you represent. She is just at the top of her game. To replace her now is like firing your best employee to replace them with an untried and unproven one for an executive position you depend on. That defies common sense.

U.S. Rep. Jennifer Kiggans, R-Va., has endorsed Emily because she knows who the best person for the job is, having been in the Virginia Senate herself. Del. Brewer so far has also been endorsed by several county supervisors, two Suffolk School Board members and one Isle of Wight School Board member. 

She was recently given the Firefighter Legislator of the Year award by some of our most important first responders and the Richmond Technology Council Legislator of the Year award. She is a young woman, mother and small-business owner. Who better to understand what the average citizen needs?

Her opponent has no experience other than being born into his father’s businesses and not so successfully driving a race car. I follow NASCAR and he was no Earnhardt, Petty or top-tier driver by any stretch of the imagination. 

He entered politics after the legislature regulated the “skill machines,” which are nothing more than slot machines, in businesses owned by the company his father started. Does that sound like someone interested in helping his fellow citizens?

I encourage you to see for yourself on April 13 at 6:30 p.m. in Franklin at the Paul D. Camp Community College Workforce Development Center. See the two answer questions and make your own decision.

Volpe Boykin

Isle of Wight County