Spanberger Seeks Liz Cheney’s Support in Tight Race Against Vega

• Insider heard from Abigail Spanberger that she sought Liz Cheney’s endorsement as a Democratic Rep.
• Spanberger stated, “I believe her voice is important on democracy issues.”
• Spanberger will face Yesli Vega in a close race. Yesli Vega has sympathized and supported the January 6 rioters.

WOODBRIDGE, Virginia — Republican Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming publicly endorsed Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger of Virginia on Saturday, saying the former CIA officer is “dedicated to serving this country and her constituents and defending our Constitution.”

First, cross-party endorsement Report by the Washington PostSpanberger’s closing pitch was made on Tuesday, the last day of early voting in the swing District before the midterm elections. 

“People are excited about it,” Spanberger stated in a telephone interview with Insider on Saturday, referring to the high-profile endorsement. “I think she is an important voice on democracy issues.”

Insider was told by the Virginia congresswoman that she sought Cheney’s endorsement to help her build a political coalition with Republicans. Spanberger claimed she has a long working relationship with the Wyoming lawmaker. However, her admiration for Cheney grew after she stood up to former President Donald Trump. Spanberger was forced to resign as House Republican Conference Chairman.

Soon it was obvious that their admiration was mutual. 

In a Recent appearance at Harvard University, Cheney — the vice-chair of the January 6 committee — named Spanberger and other Democratic women with national security backgrounds as members of Congress that she has “the most respect for.”

“We’ve had funny conversation where she’ll tell you, like, I mentioned you during an interview, I hope that you don’t mind,” said Spanberger, with a smile. “That’s kind of the genesis.”

Cheney was approached by Spanberger, who asked if she would make a formal endorsement. Cheney was open to the idea. 

This endorsement is just one of many for Democrats this year, according to Cheney. She’s She stated that she would vote in her favorDemocrat Tim Ryan wins over Republican JD Vanance in Ohio’s Senate Race. Opposition toKari Lake, Republican gubernatorial Candidat in Arizona Recent campaignsMichigan Democratic Rep. Elissa Lotkin

Spanberger will be challenged by Republican Yesli Vega (a member of Prince William County Board of Supervisors, and a former officer in the police force). Various Forecasters for the electionThe race was deemed a “tossup” by the organizers. One of the most expensive and competitive House races in the country.

Cheney declared that Vega was “propaganda for conspiracy theories, denying elections she doesn’t like, and defending the unjustified.”

This race is haunted more by January 6 than any other. Spanberger is a member in chief of the “gallery group” House members who sheltered at the chamber’s top level during the attack. Vega, meanwhile, She indicated her support for the release of January 6 rioters in a questionnaire to candidatesAnd has CharacterizedCapitol rioters were “persecuted” as well as “shamed.”

Spanberger rallied alongside fellow Democratic officials, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-OH) and Rep. Gerry Connolly to canvass in front former State Delegate Hala Alaa’s Woodbridge residence. 

Spanberger said to the volunteers, “I have served this country almost my whole adult life.” “I believe in this nation more than anything else.”

Kaine informed the crowd that Spanberger had “backbone” to serve in Congress. He then directed his speech towards the Capitol riot. 

“I tell you, my Senate colleagues were there when we were under assault,” Kaine said, apparently referring specifically to his Republican counterparts. “I know exactly their thoughts because they told me. But they are too afraid to share it.”

‘A 50/50 race’ 

Sean McElwee founder of Data for Progress, a left-leaning polling company, described Spanberger’s fight as “the closest thing you can have to a 50/50 races.”  

Republicans in Virginia hope to ride a national referendum about Biden’s presidency, the state of Virginia’s economy, and they are still buoyed and encouraged by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s surprise victory last year. Youngkin frequently mentioned his 2021 victory at a Fredericksburg rally for Vega earlier Saturday.

Youngkin said that no one believed that a Republican could win a race for governor. “Boy did they bring!” [sic]People should be together. “You elected an outsider governor last year.”

Vega introduced the governor with a four-and-a-half-minute stump speech. Vega, who was almost silent, spoke briefly about specific issues and occasionally referred to “government overreach” and “challenging status quo”. 

“America is the greatest country ever in history. So, why are we running. She said, “We’re at an intersection folks.” “You’ve seen, heard, and read about what’s been happening in our country the past two years.”

Vega is the daughter of Salvadoran immigrants. She has downplayed Trump’s recent endorsement. She tried to distance herself from some of the more right-wing positions she held. She claimed that Trump’s 2020 election was “interfered with”, but she won’t comment on Trump election lies.

When she was captured on tape, she recently made headlines. Doubting the possibility that women can become pregnant after rape.  

Kaine dismissed Youngkin’s claims to a “redwave” following the Democratic event at Woodbridge. He pointed out that Youngkin’s 2-point victory for 2021 was smaller than previous Republican victories in 2009, 1998. “His coattails go as far as his shot,” Kaine said. 

Democrats believe that a victory for Spanberger is crucial to preserving democracy. Asked about that, the Virginia congresswoman situated democracy within a broader framework of “uncertainty,” whether that be economic or about the future of the country’s political system. 

“There are lots of people for which democracy issues are their number-one issue, and there are lots of people who don’t mention it,” she stated.

Spanberger is also running in a district that has a high number of government employees.

She said that “it is an issue for many of our veterans, as well as for many of our current public servants and diplomats, intel officers, and you know, the officers who literally defend the Capitol on January 6th,” she added.

Capitol Police Sergeant Aquilino Gnell, an officer who responded in vain to the attacks on January 6, and saved lives in the district, was recently Twitter revealedBecause of this issue, Spanberger was voted in favor of Vega.

—Staff Sergeant Gonell, Aquilino (@SergeantAqGo) October 31, 2022

In a telephone interview, Kaine stated to Insider that there was no downside for Spanberger accepting Cheney’s endorsement. This is despite the fact that the congresswoman has been “well-regarded” by both independents and some Republicans.

Kaine said, “I think it will close, but Abigail has run an excellent campaign,” referring to her 2018 victory over Rep. Dave Brat, Republican “giant-killer”,And pulling off a narrow victory in 2020. “She’s a narrow race specialist. I have a lot confidence in her.”

Vega is attempting to downplay her relationship with the right side of the party, according to signs.

Vega, who was speaking to reporters after the event concluded, shrugged off any questions about Trump and referred only to herself as the third person. “Yesli Vegas is on Tuesday’s ballot,” she stated.

Vega answered a reporter’s question about Trump’s support for her this year and said: “I couldn’t really tell you which way is better.”