FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Chairman Robert Barnette will announce his campaign kickoff at the Richard S. Gillis, Jr./Ashland Branch Library at 201 S. Railroad Ave., Ashland, VA 23005 on Friday, June 12, 2009, 6:00PM for the 55th district of Virginia.  This event will also be broadcast live online at www.robertbarnette.com. 

Barnette is entering this race because he wants to empower stability in our region and ensure that all Hanoverians have their input in Richmond.

"We have accomplished many things in Hanover and it’s time for a new vision of leadership," he said. "I believe that in a time such as this, our district needs a representative that possess many of the qualities and skills that I’ve acquired over many years.  I’ve spent my life in service to others, from working as a teenager in tobacco fields of Mecklenburg County, to my service in the military, and many leadership roles on committees and boards here in Hanover County.  I invite voters to look at my experience and the ability to produce results on behalf of all people in this district.”

Barnette, 57, grew up in Mecklenburg County Chase City. He graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University and Central Michigan University. 

A democrat has not run for this office since 1981.  Barnette said he is running to win and is not deterred by the county's GOP leanings. "I think that Hanover voters are eager for a choice and have consistently shown that they will look at each individual candidate," he states.

“I'm going to run a clean modern, 21st century grassroots campaign that focuses on the issues that the people care about most.  I’m confident that working together as Hanoverians, we can meet the challenges ahead.”

For more information about Robert Barnette’s candidacy, please visit www.robertbarnette.com on June 12 at 6PM.