“A former TV anchor whose girlfriend [Alison Parker, above left] was fatally shot on-air has claimed a stunning victory over a three-term incumbent state delegate in a rural Virginia election,” usatoday.com reports. “Chris Hurst, 30, supported stricter gun safety measures, but centered his campaign around other issues including an expansion of Medicaid and increased funding for schools. Hurst was one of several upset winners in state House elections Tuesday that could tip the majority to Democrats when the final recounts are completed.” Oh joy. But here’s the thing . . .
I reckon the Democratic victories in Virginia and New Jersey at the local and state level are, once again, a protest vote. Not against gun rights, ’cause most voters are not all that bothered about gun rights (as Mr. Hurst’s handlers rightly surmised). A protest against “establishment” politicians. A tradition as old as America itself, as fresh as Donald Trump’s surprise victory over the ultimate Democratic Washington insider.
That said, in this case, as in the case of New York Democratic rep Carolyn McCarthy, there’s a significant sympathy factor. A belief that elevating a survivor of “gun violence” to public office is just compensation for the pain and suffering they experienced. To help give their life meaning after a senseless tragedy.
Or maybe I’m reading too much into it, projecting my distaste for lionizing victimhood and restricting civil rights. Anyway, Virginia may be for lovers, but last night’s Democratic romp puts the state’s gun owners in deep sh*t.