Sen. Toddy Puller Announces Reelection Campaign

• The following is a press release from Senator Puller's office. It is unedited. 

Senator Linda T. "Toddy" Puller announced today that she is running for re-election to the 36th Senatorial District of Virginia. Senator Puller said: "I have been honored and privileged to serve the people of Mount Vernon and Lee Districts in Fairfax as well as those in Prince William County since 2000 and now am also pleased to have part of Stafford County in the newly redistricted 36th District.  

"I am running again because I have the energy and experience to get things done in Richmond.  And, I want to ensure that some of the critical pieces of legislation and initiatives I have introduced and worked on will continue to receive the attention necessary to keep things moving forward in Virginia."

Some of these areas of critical interest include:

Route 1 Transit Study - "Since 1994, I have worked to bring improvements to the Route 1 corridor in both Fairfax and Prince William Counties," she said. "This past General Assembly session I carried and got passed legislation for a transit study for the entire corridor, to include both the Fort Belvoir and Quantico military installations. The study is funded by this administration and will last for two years. No federal highway funds would be available without this study. Once recommendations are made, I will work with local government leaders to spur revitalization and economic development in the Rt. 1 corridor and help move people faster who still spend too many hours sitting in traffic."

Property tax relief - Senator Puller also carried legislation this year to implement the constitutional amendment allowing property tax exceptions for 100 percent combat related disabled veterans, their widows or widowers. She noted: "There is some confusion about eligibility and how best to implement the law. I want to make sure these veterans receive the relief they deserve."

 Health Benefit Exchange - As Vice Chair of the Joint Commission on Health Care, she and other members will be responsible for reviewing the recommendations of the Virginia Health Reform Advisory Council led by Secretary Hazel. They are developing a blueprint for a health benefit exchange for Virginia as required by the federal health care reform legislation. "If a state fails to implement an exchange, the federal government then will come and do so. I don't think we want that to happen," she said.

Wounded Warrior Assistance - Senator Puller sponsored the Wounded Warrior legislation a few years ago. "It has helped many veterans and their families, especially those with post traumatic stress and other mental issues that may occur long after they have served in combat zones. I know how important this is as I grew up in a military family and had a husband who was a Marine severely injured in Vietnam. I want to ensure that support services for veterans continue to be developed and improved to help those who gave so much for our country."

The campaign off to a running start. Her campaign manager is on board. The announcement of a new campaign office will be made soon. "I look forward to an energized campaign and successful re-election come November 8," she said. "I want to continue serving the constituents of the 36th District in Northern Virginia and all Virginians to make sure our Commonwealth remains one of the best states to do business and to raise a family."