The following message was received from Delegate-elect Charniele Herring today.
Dear Farm Team:
Thank you for all of your support. I am proud that I am one of the first candidates that the Farm Team has supported. Because of your financial contribution and volunteer hours, as well as other supporters, I was declared the winner of the January 13, 2008 special election for the 46th House District. The following morning my election was certified by the State Board of Elections. I was prepared to be sworn into office when I was informed that the Clerk would not read my certification into the record. Following a lengthy debate, it was decided by the Republican majority, that I would not be seated because my opponent was petitioning the court for a recount. The day’s events were disappointing to me and members of my family who travelled to Richmond from California to witness the ceremonies.
Most importantly, it was disappointing because the people of the 46th District do not have a voice in the General Assembly although my election has been certified. We are facing grave issues. People are losing their jobs, Virginia’s families have faced record foreclosures and are struggling to find housing and afford food for their tables. Therefore, it is my intent to continue to do what I did last week. Caucus with the members of my party, show up for the General Assembly session, personally record my votes on bills, and try to serve the 46th District. This matter will eventually resolve itself. Until, then, I thank you again for your support and I will no doubt be asking for your support in the future.
Now and forever sincerely yours,
Charniele L. Herring
Delegate-Elecect-46th District
4 Responses to “Message from Delegate-elect Herring”
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Charniele — I will never forget your grace under pressure. We need to fight this injustice. I am shocked that the Democratic party has not been more forthcoming with help for your situation and for the lack of representation of the people of the 46th District. Has anyone even offered you to share their office with you? What is the FARM Team going to do about this situation?
Amen, Alicia! We need to have a rally in Richmond to demand that Charniele be seated, according to the law. It should be on the day of the state Farm Team meeting, if not before! We also need to make clear to the Democrats that this is a high priority issue for the Farm Team.
Just because Obama has been inaugurated does not mean the work is done! We are allowing the entire 46th district to be deprived of its duly-elected representation. Folks died in my native state of Mississippi to make sure this would not happen again in America.
There is a lot going on in Richmond, and every citizen needs to be represented in the important decisions that are being made as we speak. The Farm Team is about making the “right” things happen, by supporting the “right” people. Let us do whatever it takes to make sure our system work. Many people may see the same faces, but it’s new day- a better day!
I believe that the Democratic Party and the House Democratic Caucus is doing everything they can to help our Delegate elect Herring. We will be able to give members an update on Monday, but simply and frankly the best thing that Farm Team members and others can do right now is send her a check to help with recount expenses.