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Most of Botetourt is in the 19th House District, now represented by Del. Lacey Putney, I-Bedford, who faces two challengers. We put the same five questions to all three candidates, and here are the answers we got. Here are links to the answers from Putney and Democrat Lewis Medlin; the answers from Will Smith of the Constitution Party are below:

1. What is the most important issue facing Virginia during the next four years?

Government at all levels are acting outside of their constitutional bounds thus leaving our states under Socialistic rule.

2. How do you propose to deal with this issue?

The states must start enforcing the 10th amendment of the U.S. Constitution which will force our Federal government to only legislate where the Constitution allows.

3. What is the best decision that the General Assembly has made in recent years, and why do you think this was the best?

They repealed the”abusive”driver fees.This was nothing more than an attempt once again make the citizens pay for the wasteful spending that goes on in Richmond.The money needed to fix the budget “short fall”was wasted elsewhere.

4. What is the worst decision that the General Assembly has made in recent years, and why do you think this was the worst?

Our State Government has for years laid down and allow the Federal government to impose it’s unconstitutional will on us.This the worst move our General Assembly could have made in that it has enraged an otherwise calm citizenry.

5. What else should voters know about you before casting their vote?

Will Smith is unapologetically pro-life.I will introduce legislation using both yhe Va. and U.S. Constitutions stating “no person shall be deprived of life or property without due process of law”I will outlaw abortion in our state.
Will Smith is 100% pro 2nd amendment.I will fight to fully restore our God given right to bear arms.”the right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed”I will oppose any new gun or ammo restrictions,no matter if it’s from D.C. or Richmond.
Will Smith will fight to put control of our children and grandchildren's education back in the proper hands,and rid them of the no child left behind act. Education is not within the scope and realm of the Federal government.
Will Smith will reduce our tax bill by reducing the size of our state government.I believe in small, limited, divided government,which is the polar opposite of what we have now.
In Liberty,
Will Smith, ChairmanBotetourt County Constitution Party

Note: The Coyner Spring precinct and parts of the Cloverdale, Amsterdam and Rainbow Forest precincts are in the 17th House District, now represented by Del. William Fralin, R-Roanoke, who is retiring. Republican Bill Cleaveland and Democrat Gwen Mason are running to succeed him. We're working on getting a Q&A with those candidates, as well.