Peake Makes Final Push for VA State Senate in 22nd District
Peake Makes Final Push for VA State Senate in 22nd District
“More Freedom and Less Government” is the campaign message of Mark Peake, the Republican candidate for the 22nd District State of Virginia Senate seat. The seat was opened when Tom Garrett was elected to the US Congress in November.
Appomattox will participate in a special election on January 10, 2017, to fill the void left behind by Garrett. Peake will run against Democrat Ryant Washington and Independent Joseph Hines.
The 22nd District includes Amherst County, Appomattox County, Buckingham County, Cumberland County, Fluvanna County, Goochland County, part of Louisa County, and part of the City of Lynchburg.
On December 3, 2016, Peake, an attorney from Lynchburg, defeated Goochland County Supervisor Ken Peterson at a GOP convention hosted by the 22nd District Republican Committee at Hampden-Sydney College.
Peake believes that too much government regulation has created unfavorable conditions and lack of economic growth. “It’s killing our businesses, it’s stifling everything that we try to do,” he stated. “A lot of that is Obamacare, things that come down from the federal government and state government. So, I think we need to limit the regulations, limit taxation, encourage our small business growth. That’s how we get economic development.”
Peake emphasized the need for more jobs in Appomattox and using taxpayer money more wisely. Peake said, “What people want is the ability to take care of their family with jobs, education, safety.”
Heavy burdens subjected upon citizens by the government drive Peake’s desire to work for the people of the 22nd District and Appomattox County. “We want to be left alone by the government, so that’s been my philosophy, and if I get to Richmond that will be my philosophy there.”
Other issues important to Peake are supporting pro life issues, the 2nd Amendment and the free market system.
Peake also emphasizes the balance of power in the Virginia State Senate is at stake. He explained that because of the seat vacated by Garrett, the Republicans currently hold a 20-19 lead over the Democrats. “If the Democrats win it’s 20-20 and (Lt. Governor Ralph) Northam, who is a Democrat, is the tie-breaker,” he said. “So, if I win, the Republicans will hold it 21-19. So it’s a very important race.”
Many conservative leaders in the area have endorsed Peake, including Commonwealth Attorney Darrel Puckett, former Congressman Virgil Goode, former Delegate Watkins Abbitt, Jr., current Delegate Matt Fariss, and Congressmen Robert Hurt, Dave Brat, and Garrett.
Peake explains that while other candidates entered the race on short notice, he has been working for nearly a year speaking with various government officials, board of supervisor members, sheriffs, and regular people. “You can’t throw together a Senate campaign in a month, which is what the Democrats are trying to do,” he said. “I’ve been going all over the district talking to everybody in their nine localities…meeting the voters.”
Peake grew up in Roanoke and now resides in Lynchburg with his wife Lila and their five children. He is a practicing attorney for the Lynchburg-based law firm Caskie and Frost since 1990. There are more than 20 people employed at the firm. Due to Peake’s experience, he understands the necessity of balancing a budget and creating jobs.
Academically, Peake earned a degree at Virginia Tech in 1985 and finished law school at Washington and Lee University in 1988.
Peake is also a member of the Virginia Citizens Defense League and served on the Commonwealth Transportation Board.
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http://www.timesvirginian.com/news/article_e8acf0a6-d1f0-11e6-b642-f3d96c16ef89.html