Delegate Matt Fariss

I am saddened to hear that Congressman Robert Hurt will be retiring after three terms as he has announced he will not run for re-election in 2016. Robert Hurt has done right by his constituents in the 5^th district during his time served. His mainstream conservatism aligned with his district’s preferences. Our part of the state is an improved place because of Robert Hurt. He has been a strong voice in Washington for his constituents and we wish him and his family well in the next phase of his life. I want to thank Robert Hurt for his nearly 15 years of service to the Commonwealth.  From his time in the Virginia General Assembly to the U.S. House of Representatives, Robert was always an untiring advocate for his constituents.  He epitomizes a true public servant. We salute him but wish he had decided otherwise. Virginia needs more like him.

Last week Attorney General Mark Herring unilaterally announced Virginia will no longer recognize concealed handgun permits from 25 states. The announcement is the result of an “audit” conducted by the Attorney General’s office. The Attorney General’s decision could effectively deny law-abiding Virginia citizens the right to carry a concealed firearm in those states. This ban will endanger the lives of law-abiding citizens as they travel for work, vacation, or visit their families. Virginia State Police admits there is “no data” on crimes committed in Virginia by out-of-state concealed handgun permit holders.

I am deeply offended along with many other constituents in my district. Again, this is Washington politics in Virginia. The Attorney General has taken into his own hands matters that the General Assembly have been discussing and working on with other states for years. It is a shame that he has made the political agenda of a few more important, above and beyond the will of the majority of the lawmakers who were publicly elected and sent to Richmond to represent the people. This move will only make the law abiding citizens more vulnerable as criminals aren’t going to respect Attorney General Herring’s, or any other lawmaker’s, opinion.

Republicans are committed to improving public safety while protecting our Constitutional rights to keep and bear arms. We will be working on legislation that we feel certain the Governor will not sign but a majority vote show Mr. Herring, and others states, that Virginia as a whole has good intentions. State Senator Charles Carrico, R-Galax, and senator-elect Amanda Chase, R-Chesterfield County, are working on proposals as well.

If you have any concerns, questions, comments or issues that I or my Aide, Jenna, can help you with, please contact us at (434)821-5929 or email at [email protected]

Thank You!