Voters should limit reach of government

As citizens of this great state and country, we have this November a tremendous opportunity.

Virginian Thomas Jefferson, our third president, was author of the Declaration of Independence. Virginian James Madison, our fourth president, is referred to as the Father of the Constitution for his extensive contributions to that document. Many other Virginians were essential contributors in the birth of this great nation. They risked their lives as well as their possessions. Their focus was to establish a government of limited power allowing the maximum in personal freedom.

Madison’s statement that “The essence of government is power; and power, lodged as it must in human hands, will ever be liable to abuse” is so relevant today. We have in this upcoming election the opportunity to reverse the tremendous increase in government power and decrease in personal freedom that is presently occurring.

At the statewide level, we have three men who are staunch supporters of limited government and individual freedom. This slate consists of Bob McDonnell, Bill Bolling and Ken Cuccinelli who are running for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general, respectively.

Del. Rob Bell, our incumbent candidate for the House of Delegates, has demonstrated his adherence to the above stated principles of government.

In the local setting, Board of Supervisors candidates Duane Snow and Rodney Thomas espouse conservative principles in their approach to local government.

We Virginians vigorously need to support these candidates at the polls in November as a first step in the process of returning our nation, state and country to the principles intended by the heroic founders of this great country.