By Kathy Groob

Virginia is the place to be for politics in 2009. It’s a critical year in terms of how the Commonwealth runs its government on less revenue and a shrinking U.S. economy.  The state’s top executive offices are up for election including Lieutenant Governor.  Jody Wagner is one of four Democrats running for Lt. Governor in the primary election scheduled June 9^th. She has spent the past seven years as the Commonwealth’s treasurer and resigned last year as the chief financial officer – as state budget director and secretary of the finance cabinet. 

If elected, Jody Wagner hopes to make the role of Lieutenant Governor into a key role for positive changes in education and how the state competes for business.  “I hope to make education more relevant by bringing more business and work influence into the classroom through mentoring programs,” said Wagner.  “In addition, with my business and finance background, I’ll be able to work with employers about expansion, access to capital, venture funds, retention and I will focus on creating jobs.”

Jody Wagner’s campaign strategy involves a strong effort to visit and to personally reach all of Virginia’s communities.  As a business owner and mother of four, she relates well to key constituent groups and often speaks before groups of people in informal settings.  She has racked up quite a few endorsements from community leaders, including mayors, city council members and school board members. As a leader in state government Jody brings one claim that none of her opponents can match, that during her time in state government, Virginia was named the best managed state in the nation twice, the best state for business three times, and the best state for raising children.

Often Jody brings along a little taste of herself by handing out bags of popcorn.  You see, Jody and her husband, Dr. Alan Wagner, own a gourmet popcorn and sweet shop in her hometown of Virginia Beach.  “When I told people what business I was in they began asking, “why didn’t you bring along some popcorn?” said Wagner.  “Now we bring popcorn with us to our events.”  Prior to owning a small business, Jody was an attorney in private practice. 

Jody’s message is one of experience and fiscal responsibility and she believes this differentiates her from her opponents.  She offers good business and family experience from the private sector as well as a track record of accomplishment while serving in state government.  She had the opportunity to work with many of the state’s leaders and her campaign track record shows it.  Jody has been endorsed by 41 of 66 Democratic delegates and senators.  She’s also received strong support from the Northern Virginia battleground area that includes the Alexandria city council and mayor and the majority of the board of supervisor members from Arlington and Fairfax, as well as the county chairs.  Wagner has received the endorsement of mayors from Norfolk, Newport News, Hampton, Norfolk, Suffolk and her hometown of Virginia Beach. 

If she wins, Jody would become Virginia’s first female Lt. Governor in a state where just 16% of its elected officials are women. A Virginia women’s organization – The Women’s Farm Team – has endorsed Wagner and is providing grassroots and financial support.  Jody has also developed Women for Wagner network and is relying heavily upon friends and supporters from her community networks. “I want women to know how important they are to the political process, not just as volunteers and fundraisers but as active participants that will help shape policy and the future of Virginia,” said Wagner. 

If you are interesting in seeing Jody Wagner become the next Lt. Governor of Virginia, visit www.jodyforva.com to contribute and volunteer.