LETTER: Slight to the NAACP
Published: October 13, 2009
So as not to blur the lines, this letter involves the 52nd House of Delegates race in Eastern Prince William County.
I’m a long-time Democrat and resident of Prince William County. On Oct. 8, the NAACP held a candidate debate involving Republican Rafael Lopez and Democrat Luke Torian.
Mr. Lopez took questions for over an hour from the audience at this well-attended function. Luke Torian was a NO-SHOW! It was learned that the Torian campaign did not show because they did not like
the idea of a former opponent being on the panel and asking questions like the rest of the panel and the audience.
This is absolutely a nasty slight to the NAACP and the people of Prince William County. If Mr. Torian is that “small minded,” it is a great reason why all should show up on Nov. 3 to vote for the candidate
that is most genuine, transparent, knowledgeable on the issues, and independent thinking.
Despite party affiliation, no one deserves to be represented by someone who could care less about letting us know where he or she truly stand on issues but is more concerned with games some
members of the Prince William County Democratic party have played for decades and continue to play, especially when it comes to the African-American citizens residing in the county.
The day after his no-show, I received an e-mail inviting me to attend his last scheduled fundraiser event at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lionel Lyle. The e-mailed invitation emphasized the support and the
planned attendance of John and Ernestine Jenkins, who are also known as pillars of the local Democratic Party for more than three decades.
Let us not forget, it was John and Ernestine Jenkins who publicly announced their endorsement for Luke Torian BEFORE the primary election was held.
How long are we going to allow these pillars to manipulate our concerns and needs in the 52nd District?
RACHEL TELLIS
Dumfries
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Reader Reactions
“I agree that perhaps Torian probably should have participated in the NAACP debate or issued a statement as to why he was not participating.“
Triple, issuing a statement of some sort would have been the POLITICALLY CORRECT thing to do.
Triple, we can all just get along! it seems Democrats and Republicans both agree Mr. Torian’s acts were disrespectful and flat out childish. This man is trying to be our representative, and we can not elect someone with such childish and disrespectful ways to represent constituents, not in this district or any other. The NAACP is an organization for the people just like AARP, MADD and Committee of 100, ect. If we elect someone exhibiting this type of behavior now, what message do we send to others regarding respect for organization that work for the people? So yey! we all should just get along, when it comes to common decency and respect.
You have the choice to vote for who you want come Nov. 3, and so do I. I’m going to vote Rafael Lopez he has give my interest the highest degree of Respect.
Hmmm, let’s evaluate John and Ernestine Jenkins endorsement success rate, shall we:
John and Ernestine Jenkins endorsed candidate Hilda Barg to run against incumbent Jeffrey Fredrick for the 52nd House of Delegates race in November 2005.
Election results of 2005 general elections: Endorsed candidate Hilda Barg - DEFEATED!
plus
John and Ernestine Jenkins endorsed candidate Sharon Pandak to run against Corey Stewart for Chairman of the PWC BOCS during a special election in November 2006.
Election results of 2006 special election: Endorsed candidate Sharon Pandak - DEFEATED!
plus
John and Ernestine Jenkins endorsed candidate Sharon Pandak to run against incumbent Corey Stewart for Chairman of the PWC BOCS during a general election in November 2007.
Election results of 2007 general election: Endorsed candidate Sharon Pandak - DEFEATED!
plus
John and Ernestine Jenkins endorsed candidate Chris Brown to run against incumbent Jeffrey Fredrick for the 52nd House of Delegates race in November 2007.
Election results of 2007 general elections: Endorsed candidate Chris Brown - DEFEATED!
plus
Ernestine Jenkins endorsed candidate and spouse, John Jenkins as PWC Neabsco Supervisor, during general elections held in 1999, 2003, and 2007.
Election results for 1999, 2003 and 2007: Endorsed candidate and spouse - WIN, WIN, WIN!
What an amazing track record!
I think its time for the Virginia Democratic Party to examine what is going on in the PWC Democratic Committee. This is a troubling track record for me….something is wrong with this picture.
As I read the letter from Ms. Rachel Tellis, I was saddened. As a long-time Democrat she has decided to support the Republican candidate because Mr. Torian did not attend one debate. I attended the debate between Torian and Lopez on Oct 1, 2009, at Westminster Lake Ridge Retirement Center. Torian was by far the best candidate, well versed about the issues and concerns of his district. I felt sorry for Lopez because he was not prepared for the debate and looked confused during most of the debate, agreeing with many points that Torian made. I agree that perhaps Torian probably should have participated in the NAACP debate or issued a statement as to why he was not participating. However, I believe it is counter productive for Democrats to continue to fight over this and attack each other. The Republicans are sitting back, licking their chops because they don’t have to do anything but let the Prince William County Democrats destroy each other. Stop the madness, Democrats! Let’s win this race for Prince William County! “Can’t we all just get along”...Rodney King
Rev. Torian claims the Washington Post misquoted him about his position on civil unions between gays. Funny…Why didnt he have the paper issue a retraction? He didn’t because he wasn’t misquoted. He lied! Missing the NAACP debate just allowed him to further avoid his lies.
If a candidate can’t stand the heat in a little debate, how will he stack up in Richmond? That’s the real question and its clear we now know if that’s possible of Mr. Torian.
Thank you News Messenger for letting the community know about this happenstance. This is important news and information needed to evaluate which candidate deserves to represent the community. There is no bias or spin here. Torian actions speak volumes!
I’m just going to be real! You would think that an African American candidate would jump over hurdles to attend an event by the NAACP. I’m with everyone one else on this one. Missing the event is equivalent to high treason in the African American community
Its reported that Rev. Torian was at a beer and oyster party sponsored by a special interest group the night of the debate. Isn’t that pay-to-play?
The problem is the community needs to demand not only of its Politicians, but Political Parties a process where the issues are discussed and debated in an open environment. Anyone who attempts to spin or squirt the issues should authomatically be disqualified at the ballot box.
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