http://aneeshchopra.tumblr.com/

Commit to Vote with Twitter

Fri, 24 May 2013 10:01:36 -0400

Today, we’re excited to announce the launch of our innovative new Twitter Commit to Vote program. This program allows Virginia voters on Twitter to easily commit to vote by tweeting the hashtag #VoteJune11. Those who tweet the hashtag will receive a reminder from a volunteer via Twitter to vote in the June 11th primary.

The system consists of two components — the hashtag #VoteJune11 and then a volunteer interface for people to join a Twitter “tweet bank.”

When volunteers sign up, they authorize our Commit To Vote app to access their Twitter account. The volunteers are then shown a list of their top followers in Virginia and are prompted to send them a message about the June 11th primary.

As Election Day approaches, volunteers will receive a list of people who have committed to vote. The volunteers will then tweet a reminder to each of these voters urging them to make it out to the polls. This Twitter “tweet bank” is a unique way to remind people of the election while also leveraging the effective strategy of social pressure to get out to vote.

The goal of this program is to encourage everyone to make it out to the polls on June 11th to vote for Aneesh Chopra for Lt. Governor.

Commit to vote today by tweeting #VoteJune11.

Join our Twitter volunteer team: http://acforva.com/volunteer

The Twitter Commit to Vote program is the latest piece of a broader get-out-the-vote program. Voters can also commit to vote via Facebook, SMS, or a web form.

Join Women for Chopra Today

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:07:12 -0400

Join Women for Chopra Today

Introducing Women for Chopra

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:58:00 -0400

I wanted to share this announcement that was sent out by my friend Kate Hanley, former Chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and former Secretary of the Commonwealth:

Dear Friends,

This year, so much is at stake for the women of Virginia. Over the past four years, we’ve seen attack after attack on women’s rights. It’s absolutely critical that this year we elect leaders who will stand with us and fight for equality and opportunity. That’s why I am supporting Aneesh Chopra for Lt. Governor, and that’s why I’m so excited to announce the launch of Women for Chopra.

Join Women for Chopra today.

My time spent in Virginia politics as Chair of the Fairfax Board of Supervisors and as Secretary of the Commonwealth, has shown me what leadership looks like. Aneesh Chopra has delivered results for Virginia, and he will stand with us in Richmond. He understands that the fight for women is more than just pushing back against the extreme policies of Bob McDonnell and Ken Cuccinelli. He knows that the fight is also about a positive vision for the women of Virginia, where we are all respected and empowered.

When you join, you’ll be part of a group that includes elected and grassroots leaders from across the Commonwealth. Just a few of our Women for Chopra leaders include:

Kim Adkins, Mayor, Martinsville

Kristin Cabral, Grassroots Leader, McLean

Victoria Cochran, Grassroots Leader, Blacksburg

Rohini Chopra, Women for Chopra Chair, Arlington

Kerry Devine, City Councilmember, Fredericksburg

Linda DiYorio, Grassroots Leader, Wytheville

Eileen Filler-Corn, Delegate, Springfield

Libby Garvey, County Board Member, Arlington

Dr. Joyce Glaise, Former Councilmember, Danville

Penny Gross, Supervisor, Fairfax County Board

Patty Haling, Grassroots Leader, Charlottesville

Kate Hanley, Former Chair, Fairfax County Board, Reston

Eucharia Jackson, Grassroots Leader, Henrico

Andrea Jackson, Grassroots Leader, Waynesboro

Ernestine Jenkins, Grassroots Leader, Woodbridge

Barbara Kanninen, Grassroots Leader, Arlington

Lovely Lall, Grassroots Leader, Leesburg

Sue Langley, Grassroots Leader, Vienna

Jen Little, Vice Chair, School Board, Mathews County

Abby Raphael, School Board Member, Arlington

Dr. Amelia Ross-Hammond, Councilmember, Va. Beach

Molly Snyder, Grassroots Leader, Front Royal

Kristin Szakos, Vice Mayor, Charlottesville

Shannon Taylor, Commonwealth’s Attorney, Henrico

Patsy Ticer, Former State Senator, Alexandria

Margi Vanderhye, Former Delegate, McLean

Kristen Umstattd, Mayor, Leesburg

Trish White-Boyd, Grassroots Leader, Roanoke

Take a moment today and read Aneesh’s plan for empowering the women of Virginia. Aneesh has worked hard for us throughout his career and has a clear, positive vision for the future. And as he says, at the heart this fight is about what it means to be a Virginian: “I’m fighting for women not because they are our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, wives, and daughters, but because they are Virginians and we believe in equality and opportunity for all.”

Thank you,

Kate Hanley
Former Chair, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
Former Secretary of the Commonwealth

Join Women for Chopra today.

Enough is enough

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:24:00 -0400

In today’s Washington Post, we learn Governor McDonnell and his family took a lake house vacation courtesy of Star Scientific C.E.O. Jonnie Williams. Not only that, but the governor drove in style — taking Williams’ Range Rover out to Smith Mountain Lake, then taking this $190,000 Ferrari for the three-hour drive back to Richmond. Don’t worry though, we’re told that those slick rides weren’t being used for fun. In fact, the Governor was actually just helping his friend out by shuffling the cars back and forth, so no need to report the excursions as a gift.

Governor McDonnell, working for the people.

Virginia is tired of this sort of politics. Our Commonwealth has a proud history of folks stepping up to serve without seeking personal gain or luxury. We have a proud history of public service, going back to Jamestown. Enough is enough: It’s time to turn the page and get back to the important work of moving Virginia forward.

Today is Equal Pay Day, the day when American women’s...

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:37:04 -0400

Today is Equal Pay Day, the day when American women’s wages catch up to men’s 2012 wages. I was proud to work with Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis to provide American women with more information to help close the wage gap. As your Lieutenant Governor, I will fight for paycheck equality in Virginia. There’s still a lot of work to do, but I want to ensure that my daughters grow up in a Virginia where they have the same opportunities for success as everyone.

Who just endorsed Scott Lingamfelter?

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:37:00 -0400

You’ll never believe who just endorsed Scott Lingamfelter for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia.

Who could chime in to help Scott Lingamfelter stand out in a crowd of seven Republicans? Who would help him move even farther to the right? Who does Lingamfelter want on his team to help him win?

Tom Tancredo, that’s who.

Wait. Who?

Tom Tancredo. From Colorado. A former Congressman and a former candidate for President.

Tom Tancredo, who doesn’t believe in evolution. Who voted against renewing the Voting Rights Act. Who said that President Obama is a greater threat to America than Al Qaeda. Who suggested a “civics literacy test” as a requirement to exercise the right to vote. Who said that Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor was a member of the “Latino KKK.” Who said that President Obama should be sent back to Kenya.

“I am honored to have the support of former Colorado Congressman and great American patriot, Tom Tancredo!” - Scott Lingamfelter

Tom Tancredo and Scott Lingamfelter want to move Virginia backwards. On Election Day, we can turn the page and choose leaders who will move our Commonwealth forward.

Source: http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/07/the-dirty-dozen-tom-tancredos-top-12-moments-of-nativism-racism-and-fear-mongering-video.php

A note from my friend Kal Penn

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:49:57 -0400

Big thanks to my friend Kal Penn for sending this note in support of my campaign. Join with Kal today and help us reach our $20,000 online fundraising goal. Our deadline is March 31.

Dear Friend,

They say Virginia is for lovers, and I got mad love for Aneesh Chopra. 2013 is a big year for Virginia. We have a real shot at turning our backs on negativity and electing real champions of change. One of those champions is my friend Aneesh.

I had the chance to work with Aneesh at the White House, and have been impressed with the innovative ways in which he tackled some really tough challenges, especially paving the way for policies that help young folks all over the country. I know he represents a new and sorely needed approach to government. He will work tirelessly for a state government that works better and fairer for all, and respects and empowers Virginians no matter who they are. I’ve seen him do this on behalf of the President, and I’m excited to give him a hand as he does this in Virginia.

I’m excited that Aneesh is tapping into the energy that propelled President Obama and Tim Kaine to victory last November. That’s why I’m asking you to join with me and help Aneesh Chopra raise $20,000 by March 31. It’s a big goal, I know! And your contribution will help Aneesh mobilize young voters across Virginia and deliver victory on Election Day.

Reelecting President Obama last year was a huge and historic achievement. But, you and I both know the work isn’t done. We need to keep the energy for change alive, and we need to keep fighting for progress at every level. That’s why I’m so proud to support Aneesh Chopra and that’s why I’m asking you to chip in $15, $25, $50 or whatever you can today. Even a fiver would be huge.

Aneesh can win on Election Day. He can be Virginia’s next Lt. Governor — one who inspires the people of Virginia and fights for a better government for all. But he can only do that if you and I stand with him and build a campaign that can win. It’s going to be tough, but together we can do it.

Thanks for your support,

Kal Penn

What does better, faster, fairer look like?

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:03:00 -0400

What does a government that is better, faster, and fairer look like for everyday Virginians? An article in yesterday’s New York Times offers a terrific example of an approach I will champion as Lt. Governor.

It is the story of New York City Mayor Bloomberg’s approach to harness the power of data to deliver a better government — through a “geek squad” that has been able to:

Double the city’s hit rate in finding stores selling bootleg cigarettes; sped the removal of trees destroyed by Hurricane Sandy; and helped steer overburdened housing inspectors — working with more than 20,000 options — directly to lawbreaking buildings where catastrophic fires were likeliest to occur.

Imagine a Commonwealth that supports parents and teachers with support services to help kids struggling with math before they fail, so they can compete in the 21st century economy; a doctor who calls you before you suffer a heart attack, saving your life; or a building owner who cuts energy use as soon as the building is empty, saving money and protecting the environment at the same time.

This is Virginia’s story under Governors Mark Warner and Tim Kaine — a best managed state, best state for business, and best place to raise a family. As Secretary of Technology, I had the pleasure of co-chairing the Effectiveness and Efficiency Committee of the Council on Virginia’s Future, tasked with ensuring Virginia led the way in running a high performing government. Our work to launch “Virginia Performs” — opening up government performance and productivity data to the public — was specifically cited by Governing Magazine as a best practice in awarding Virginia Best Managed State in 2008.

As Lt. Governor, I will do more than serve as the tie-breaking vote in the Senate; I will build on our progress through my official role on the Council on Virginia’s Future to deliver a better, faster and fairer government that serves everyday Virginians. I’ve seen firsthand how improving the speed and efficiency of government improves our quality of life while reducing taxpayer costs. The people of Virginia want — and most certainly deserve — a government that returns to our tradition of excellence, not furthering the ratings of late-night comedy shows. With your support, and in collaboration with a new generation of pragmatic problem solvers, we will deliver on this promise for all Virginians.

Last night, I had the honor of winning the straw poll for Lt....

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 11:52:08 -0400

Last night, I had the honor of winning the straw poll for Lt. Governor hosted by Congressman Gerry Connolly. With more than 850 ballots cast, I won with 70% of the vote. This victory was thanks to supporters like you who believe in the vision of a better, smarter, fairer government.

But, the most important poll is on Election Day. Help keep the momentum going.

Happy Pi Day from all of us at Team Chopra.

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 09:52:33 -0400

Happy Pi Day from all of us at Team Chopra.

We must inspire all Virginians

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 22:40:25 -0400

I was troubled to listen to Republican candidate for Lt. Governor Susan Stimpson talk about how she would inspire African-American voters.

Q: Let’s say you’re campaigning in some of the urban areas, how would you be able to inspire blacks to vote for Susan Stimpson, what would be your message?

STIMPSON: Well that wouldn’t be a set constituency that I would try to inspire.

We need leaders who will inspire all Virginians, no matter who they are or where they live. That’s the campaign I am running and that’s how I would lead as Lieutenant Governor. It’s unfortunate to see anyone seeking public office in the Commonwealth believe otherwise.

Thank you! Today, my campaign for Lieutenant Governor turned in...

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:24:11 -0400

Thank you!

Today, my campaign for Lieutenant Governor turned in 20,630 signatures to put my name on the ballot for the June Democratic primary. We were only required to submit 10,000 signatures, but our team of dedicated volunteers and organizers went above and beyond. While this is just one step on the road to victory, it’s a huge sign of strength for our campaign. We’re growing a grassroots movement across the Commonwealth — and now it’s time to keep the momentum going. Sign up to volunteer and help us engage as many Virginians as possible.

I had a great time at a packed meet and greet today in Falls...

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 19:11:00 -0400

I had a great time at a packed meet and greet today in Falls Church. It’s these conversations — in houses across the Commonwealth — that power our grassroots campaign. Together, we’ll move Virginia forward.

Standing with Virginia women

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 13:22:00 -0500

Yesterday, President Obama signed into law the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013. This law expands programs that help local communities respond to and prevent domestic violence and sexual abuse. I am very grateful that President Obama and Congress were able to get this done.

Today is International Women’s Day, a day where the world reflects on both the historic and ongoing struggles for the fair and equal treatment of women. As the father of two young daughters, I have had a lot to reflect on these past few days.

During my time as Chief Technology Officer of the United States, one of my top priorities was harnessing America’s innovative spirit to tackle our most difficult problems. One of these problems was that of sexual assault and relationship violence. Working with Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, I designed the “Apps Against Abuse” technology challenge. I knew that we could tap into new technologies to empower women in ways not possible before.

The winner of the Apps Against Abuse challenge, an app called Circle of 6, allows women to easily reach out to trusted contacts if they are in an uncomfortable or unsafe situation. The app also provides a wealth of resources on relationship violence. This is an example of a wonderful collaboration between technology innovators, public health experts, and the government. Originally designed for college students in the United States, Circle of 6 has been downloaded more than 55,000 times and is being used in more than 26 countries. The team has also authored a healthy relationships toolkit that is used in middle schools and high schools across the country.

This collaborative spirit, aimed towards empowering women and solving tough problems, is what we need more of in Richmond. In everything I do, I think about how I can leave a future for my daughters where they have every single opportunity for success and happiness as I have had.

Ultimately, I know there’s a brighter future for Virginia. As your next Lieutenant Governor, I’ll bring my experience in collaboration to take on the hard challenges. I’ll spend each and every day fighting to respect and empower all of Virginia’s mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives.

We must expand Medicaid in Virginia

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 20:32:00 -0500

It’s more important than ever to expand access to Medicaid in Virginia. We must get this done. Governor McDonnell’s March 5th letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius is a troubling sign for what many thought was a deal on Medicaid expansion.

“Some media outlets and elected officials have labeled this as approving Medicaid expansion in Virginia,” wrote McDonnell in the letter. “This is absolutely incorrect,” he continued.

It’s time for Democrats and Republicans to come together and renew the pressure on the Governor to expand Medicaid. It’s too important to let this opportunity slip away. We can’t let partisan extremists put the health of hundreds of thousands of Virginians at risk.

An example of this extremism came today when Republican Lieutenant Governor candidate Pete Snyder claimed that “it’s actually better to be uninsured than to be on Medicaid.” This claim is simply not true, and shows the lengths to which the current field of candidates will go to push their agenda.

The truth is that expanding Medicaid means 300,000 fewer uninsured Virginians — a reduction of more than 37%. It also means those 300,000 people would gain access to preventative care. That access will not only improve people’s quality of lives, it also will save lives.

We need leaders who will put the health of Virginians ahead of partisan agendas. That’s how we will move the Commonwealth forward and that’s what I will do as Lieutenant Governor.

If you agree, please share this graphic that highlights what we’re up against:

The Value of Women in Startups The future of business,...

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 16:59:34 -0500

The Value of Women in Startups

The future of business, innovation, and our economy will depend on ensuring women have every opportunity for success. This powerful infographic shows the importance of diversity in business leadership. We must do more to respect and empower Virginia women.

Are you on the Team Chopra map? Show your support and add your...

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:44:00 -0500

Are you on the Team Chopra map?

Show your support and add your name today.

One hundred years ago, women marched on Washington to demand the...

Sun, 03 Mar 2013 15:23:00 -0500

One hundred years ago, women marched on Washington to demand the vote. Today, we honor the heroes who reached for the ballot and commit ourselves to protecting everyone’s right to vote.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Alexandria

Sat, 02 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Alexandria

Sign the petition today. More than 5,100 people have already...

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Sign the petition today. More than 5,100 people have already signed.

Partisan extremists in the General Assembly have just rammed through legislation designed to make it harder for Virginians to vote. The proposed legislation does nothing to combat voter fraud and is nothing more than an attempt to suppress voter turnout. These efforts need to be stopped. Newspapers across the Commonwealth have berated the Republicans’ attack on voting rights as “a throwback to the Jim Crow era,” “an impediment to voting that would adversely affect poor, elderly and minority voters,” and “a burden on citizens who are homebound, disabled, deployed in the military, away at college or otherwise unable to vote in person.”

These proposed laws would limit the forms of acceptable voter identification, adding obstacles for many voters. Governor McDonnell himself has acknowledged that the current system works. We should not make it more difficult for people to vote.