The controversial Republican lieutenant governor candidate, E.W. Jackson, is defending his past statements on social issues, which have been called hateful and radical in the wake of his unexpected nomination.
Jackson is a Chesapeake-based minister and lawyer who has never held public office. He has been criticized for his past extreme comments, including comparing Planned Parenthood to the KKK and stating his belief that there was a direct link between homosexuality and pedophilia.
At a campaign stop in Fredericksburg Tuesday, Jackson said:
"I think that it’s incumbent upon people to understand the values that emanate from folks,” Jackson told reporters, according to the Free Lance-Star. “I say the things I say because I’m a Christian. It’s not because I hate anybody. But because I have religious values that matter to me. So attacking me because I adhere to those principles is attacking every churchgoing person, every family that’s living a traditional, family life, everybody that believes we all deserve to live. I don’t have anything to rephrase or apologize for. People should not paint me as one dimensional. I have a whole lot of concerns.”
Although GOP gubernatorial nominee Ken Cuccinelli has not commented on any of Jackson’s comments or views specifically, he did support him as a potential lieutenant governor.
"I don't need to know what the subject matter that's going to tie up 20-20 that the LG can vote on will be. I'm confident that we're going to get the right vote every single time out of E.W. Jackson," Cuccinelli said of the minister. "So I'm glad he's on this ticket, too."
IN OTHER NEWS:
* D.C. Public Schools spent $18,475 per student in fiscal 2011, more than any state outside of New York. (Washington Examiner)
* Gov. O’Malley co-hosted a fundraiser Tuesday for New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, further fueling speculation for 2016. (Washington Post)
* Another look at Virginia’s GOP lieutenant governor nominee, E.W. Jackson, and what it means for Cuccinelli. (The New Republic)
* As the Curator’s Office, one of D.C.’s premiere contemporary art galleries, leaves the 14th street corridor, the center of the D.C.’s art scene appears to shift. (Washington City Paper)
* New McAuliffe ad spotlights a bipartisan transportation effort. (Virginian-Pilot)
* Mayor Gray says the District will help Oklahoma “in any we can.” (Washington Examiner)