Republican U.S. Senate Candidate Hung Cao Meets with Supporters in Abingdon
Abingdon, VA – Hung Cao, the Republican candidate vying for the Virginia U.S. Senate seat, visited Abingdon on Friday to engage with local Republicans. The event took place at Fiddler’s Restaurant and saw a significant turnout of supporters and local GOP officials.
Accompanied by U.S. House Representative Morgan Griffith (R-9th), Cao delivered a passionate speech touching on key issues such as the economy, energy independence, and his campaign strategies. He emphasized the importance of Southwest Virginia, likening its significance to that of Wisconsin in the presidential race. “If we win Southwest Virginia, we’ve already won this race,” Cao asserted, energizing the crowd.
Cao, a U.S. veteran, shared personal anecdotes about his family’s challenging journey from South Vietnam to the United States in 1975. He used this narrative to connect with the locals and underscore his dedication to American values. Discussing his campaign’s primary goals, Cao criticized current economic policies and stressed the need for the U.S. to be energy independent. “We have to get this economy going, and we need to start by being energy independent,” he stated. “Stop demonizing clean American coal. Stop buying oil from countries that hate us. We have oil in this country.”
Rep. Griffith, who proudly supports Cao, spoke briefly before the luncheon, highlighting the importance of Southwest Virginia’s votes and recounting a recent visit to Haysi’s Pizza Plus with Cao. Griffith’s endorsement and the lively audience’s response underscored the local enthusiasm for Cao’s campaign.
However, not everyone was sold on Cao’s message. The campaign for incumbent Democrat Senator Tim Kaine was quick to respond to Cao’s remarks. Kaine’s Communications Director, Michael Beyer, countered Cao’s comments on energy independence, stating in an email, “We are more energy independent than at any time in American history. Virginia’s clean energy economy is growing, spurring good-paying jobs at the Volvo plant in New River Valley because of Sen. Kaine’s work.”
During the event, Cao also addressed some controversial comments he made on the Brian Kilmeade Show on Fox TV, where he referred to counties like Rappahannock, Prince William, and Fauquier as “South Virginia.” Clarifying his stance, Cao accused the media and Democrats of twisting his words. “Here’s what the Democrats do. They like to lie because they have nothing to run on. The economy is in shambles. Americans can’t afford food or fuel or to buy a home,” he said. He further criticized the media, stating, “They took something I said completely out of context and twisted it around, and don’t forget this is the same media that’s been telling us Joe Biden is as ‘sharp as a tack.’ ‘That guy is in such great shape, he’s ready to run in the Olympics’ and then all of a sudden he’s not good enough to run.”
The event wasn’t just about speeches. State Senator Travis Hackworth (R-Richlands) and other state lawmakers, including Delegates Terry Kilgore, Jed Arnold, and various local elected officials, attended the event, emphasizing the need to mobilize voters. “When you look at the momentum that we’ve had in the Commonwealth of Virginia, I really do think that Virginia is in play,” Hackworth commented. “We just have to get the vote out like we did with Gov. Youngkin.”
As the political climate heats up, events like these are crucial for candidates to rally support and connect with constituents. With Cao and his supporters focused on Southwest Virginia, their efforts will be pivotal in the upcoming election. Both sides appear ready for what promises to be a contentious and closely-watched race.
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