HOW I SEE IT: Republicans: Stand united vs. Democrats

What is the main difference between Democrats and Republicans? It’s simple: Democrats nominate and vote for politicians while Republicans nominate and vote for leaders.

This was proven once again on May 30 at our Republican state convention in Richmond. We voted for leadership in our nominees for governor (Bob McDonnell), lieutenant governor (Bill Bolling) and attorney general (Ken Cuccinelli).

We need leaders who will grasp Old Glory in one hand, the Republican banner in the other and all they represent, say a prayer to the Lord and then march into battle with their heads held high. This is what the people demand of their leadership — not politicians who waver in the face of adversity or change their beliefs for the sake of personal gain, but rather who stand their ground to protect our rights and freedoms.

Democrats believe they can buy their way into any public office. They will use any tactic to sway public perception on any issue. This is politics, which is their only agenda. They proudly cling to the “audacity of hope” as their propaganda message.

That’s fine. Let them cling to hope while we as Republicans show them the integrity of our actions. Let the Democrats continue to hope while the Republicans continue to lead.

The time has come to strengthen our party and re-instill our core values back into our communities. Politicians do not make our communities better; they just make their pockets deeper. Strong leaders who protect our family values, who stand up and defend our principals and who fight to preserve our freedoms and our constitutional rights are exactly what the commonwealth needs.

Bob McDonnell, Bill Bolling and Ken Cuccinelli have proven their commitment as noble public servants, not by their words, but rather by their actions. These are the qualities of character we need in our leadership.

We can’t afford to cling to hope and wait for our “entitled government handouts.” We must get to work doing the business of the people and start making our communities better.

It is time we stop talking about what needs to be done and start doing what needs to be done. I shall remain on the battlefield with these leaders, and I hope to see all of you there as well.

Rakes is running in the Jefferson District for the Culpeper County Board of Supervisors.