RSLC Launches New Digital Ads Targeting Virginia Democrats for Failing to Stand up to Drug Dealers
Washington, D.C. – The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) released a new wave of digital ads today highlighting how Virginia Democrats are blocking meaningful progress on the opioid epidemic continuing to plague the commonwealth. The 30-second spots expose how Senate Democrats recently killed a bill that would have charged a drug dealer with a felony homicide if a user dies of an overdose, all while some of Virginia’s most vulnerable are falling victim to the opioid epidemic from drugs like fentanyl. The ad campaign is the first paid media effort for the RSLC in Virginia ahead of the 2023 election.
Senate Bill 881 failed to make it out of the Senate Judiciary Committee after it was rejected by eight Senate Democrats, while its companion bill received 46 Democratic no votes in the House of Delegates. Democrats opposed the measure despite it being legislation they voted in favor of back in 2019.
“While deadly fentanyl continues to destroy communities across the country, Democrats in Virginia would rather protect dangerous drug dealers than work with Republicans to end this crisis once and for all,” said RSLC President Dee Duncan. “Blocking this commonsense legislation is just another reminder of how Virginia Democrats are spending the legislative session preventing progress for the sake of politics on every issue from education standards, to tax cuts, to empowering Virginia to dictate its own energy policies. Voters will hold these Democrats accountable in November for standing by this obstructionist agenda.”
This new ads will run on digital platforms against seven Democrat incumbents and will be backed by five-figure buy.
Transcript
NARRATOR: Richmond liberals are standing in the way of progress. The result? Our communities are overwhelmed with overdose deaths, taking too many of our loved ones too soon. But Richmond liberals wont crack down on those responsible.
NEWS ANCHOR: A bill that could have charged drug dealers with felony homicide if the user dies of an overdose in Virginia, has died.
NARRATOR: They’re gambling with lives and playing politics, all while our most vulnerable are suffering. Saving lives shouldn’t be partisan, it should be a priority. Why won’t Delegate Willett stand up to drug dealers?
Additional Background
In 2023, Virginia Democrats have blocked multiple commonsense policies, including:
Blocking tax relief designed to make the commonwealth more competitive.
Blocking a bill to repeal the adoption of California vehicle emissions standards that will ban new gas vehicles from being sold by 2035.
Blocking multiple bills that would improve Virginia’s education system.
Blocking a bill that would have expanded the supplement of the state’s sex offender registry.
In 2021, the RSLC made significant investments in Virginia that led to Republicans flipping seven seats in the House of Delegates and regaining control of the chamber.
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