Warren Democrats protest Chamber’s surprise limit on candidates’ participation during Oct. 24 forum

Laura Galante, Democrat candidate for Virginia House of Delegates, District 18.

On November 1st, Warren County Democratic Chair Steve Foreman formally protested the local Chamber of Commerce’s refusal to allow Democrats Laura Galante, candidate for the 18th VA HOD, and Irina Khanin, candidate for the 29th VA HOD, to participate in the Forum sponsored by the Chamber at the Warren County Government Center on Oct. 24.

Mayoral candidate Eugene Tewalt also was limited from fully participating in the event.

The moderator informed the candidates and the audience that because their opponents were not present, they would not be allowed to answer audience questions on issues. All three were cut off after two minutes and not permitted to add to their remarks.

Neither Democrat was informed in advance that Republican incumbents Del. Chris Collins (R-29th HOD) and Del. Mike Webert (R-18th HOD) would not attend the event. Hollis Tharpe, candidate for mayor of Front Royal, also failed to appear.

The forum is an important opportunity for local residents to compare candidates on the issues, Foreman noted, adding, “we protest the Chamber’s decision to prohibit Laura Galante and Irina Khanin from participating fully in the forum simply because their opponents failed to attend.”

“There was ample time to allow them fuller participation, as the event took little more than an hour. Preventing them from interacting with the audience was a disservice to the public. It also sends a terrible message to future candidates: If you fail to attend a forum, the Chamber will reward you by handicapping your opponent’s ability to express their opinions.”

Republican incumbents Sen. Mark Obenshain and Del. Todd Gilbert did attend the event and their opponents were allowed to respond to questions from the audience. “We are mystified as to why the Chamber banned them from answering questions submitted by the audience members,” Foreman said. “Ms. Galante and Ms. Khanin prepared for the forum and arranged their schedules to field questions from voters in our county; their opponents’ absence was not within their control and should have had no impact on their valuable time with the voters. Mayoral candidate Eugene Tewalt was also allowed only two minutes because his opponent was also missing.”

Foreman pointed out that at the first forum held for local candidates on Oct. 17, Sheriff’s candidate Mickey Licklider was absent and the Chamber did not limit his opponents’ participation in any way.

“The WCDC would like assurance that this decision will not be repeated and looks forward to working with the Chamber to ensure all candidates receive fair and equal treatment at future
forums,” Foreman said.