This midterm election season, Virginia is home to an anomaly: a competitive race in its 10th congressional district. Republican incumbent, Frank Wolf, will be stepping down from his position, with a series of hopeful candidates trailing behind him, eager to fill his shoes. Among them is Democrat, John Foust, who sat down with the Oakton Outlook to talk life, politics, and the logistics of this controversial race.
Foust’s story is, in a way, a manifestation of the classic American Dream. After working his way through college by taking on a series of Blue Collar jobs– including one in a steel mill—he has managed to elevate himself to where he is today. “[Working these jobs] has made me appreciate how hard some people have it,” said Foust of his experience, “and how important it is to make education accessible to everyone so that we all have a chance.”
Initially, Foust’s interest in politics was drawn from local and neighborhood land issues; involvement increased, he was appointed to a board of supervisors, and since then has worked to tackle issues across the board. Transportation and land continues to be one of his focal points, but his campaign has adopted a broader scope of issues.
Women’s Rights
Within this race, there has been a magnifying glass hovering over the issue of Women’s Rights. Ads from both Foust and his main opponent, Barbara Comstock, have touted political platforms that will promote women, deeming their opponents to fall short in looking out for the best interest of women.
Foust, however, is confident that he would best serve the women of the 10th district, should he be elected.
“There are lots of things we need to do.” Foust said eagerly when asked about where he stands on the rights of women and what needs to be done in Washington to ensure their safety. “First of all, we need equal pay for equal work to be enforceable. Next, we need to stop [threatening] a woman’s right to make her own healthcare choices.”
He has been active in legislation that fights for these rights, and has taken interest in the push to make sure that contraceptives and other health “necessities” for women be made available under the Affordable Care Act without extra charge.
Gun Control
As a hunter and a Democrat, Foust falls between an interesting crossroad of opinions on gun control. While advocating for more regulation, including universal background checks and the closing of gun show loopholes, Foust still affirms that responsible citizens should not have their Second Amendment rights taken away. According to Foust, guns should be available to people as long as they are not dangerous criminals or mentally incapable of holding weapons without becoming threats to others.
Marriage Equality
“Equality and non-discrimination generally are at the top of my priority list, it’s where we should start.” Foust said when asked about his stance on Marriage Equality in Virginia. “We’ve got a lot of issues to deal with but some things are just fundamental and we should eliminate discrimination. [Marriage equality] is good and I’m taking the next step.”
Bipartisanship
In a recent debate with Barbara Comstock, the Washington Post described the crowd as growing “raucous” and described spectators booing and cheering—a highly unusual spectacle for something that is typically tame and composed. During this debate, Foust made comments about Barbara Comstock, describing her as a candidate who is hyper-partisan, implying that she would not work across the aisle if she were to be elected.
When asked what evidence suggests that Foust would be any different, Foust responded with the following:
“I’m the first democrat ever to be reelected from the Drainsville district to the board of supervisors, and when I got re-elected I carried 61% of the vote. I think that is very clear [evidence] that I work in a bipartisan way. I work with everyone, in public interest rather than partisan interest.”
Campaigning, Comstock and Political Ads
The Washington Post, among other news sources, has kept close tabs on the 10th Congressional District race in Virginia, particularly because the Ads have been colorful and dramatic. Foust and Comstock have both been accused of running relatively negative campaigns against one another.
Foust, however, disagrees with this perception of his campaign. “I would argue that we are not running negative ads. Our ad on women’s health care simply addresses [Barbara Comstock’s] record and is, in her own words, saying that she wants to overturn Roe v. Wade and vote for mandatory transvaginal ultrasounds.”
In August, Foust commented at a small meeting of people from his campaign, which in his opinion translated poorly.
“I’m not sure [Barbara Comstock] has ever really had a real job.”
This is the simple yet campaign-shaking line that has resonated through TVs and radios via Comstock’s ads for the past few months. Comstock responded to this statement by claiming that it was malicious and sexist, and that it undermined her career in government, her partnership in a law firm, and her choice to stay at home and raise her sons. Foust responded by saying it was misinterpreted and taken out of context.
“It was not intended to be an offensive comment, it was intended to describe [Barbara Comstock’s] hyper-partisan professional career in Washington. It was taken out of context– even the Washington Post called it the year’s most creatively misleading attack ad that she’s running.” Foust said.
Regardless of who is correct, the statement has been an undeniable game changer.
The campaign is competitive, but it has also managed to spur unusual contempt on both sides. At a recent debate in Manassas, tensity prompted adults in the crowd to “boo” so loudly that the end of Foust’s speech was altogether inaudible. Even Comstock’s Twitter retweets a consistent theme of anti-Foust sentiments. While the policy within the campaign itself is fascinating, much of the press surrounding it is beckoned by the drama within the race.
“There’s a big difference between running our record and taking a statement out of context, which is what [Comstock] is doing. That’s a distinction I’m absolutely certain the voters are smart enough to make.” Foust said.
Foust’s Advice to YOU
When asked what he would tell himself in high school if he had the opportunity to go back and say one thing, Foust gave the following response:
“I would say explore your interest; there are a lot of fascinating things to do in the world, so don’t limit yourself, believe in yourself, try things and be willing to fail. I can guarantee anyone who takes that approach will not be disappointed and will live a full and happy life.”
He also followed up by expressing the importance of voting, and the seriousness of the privilege Americans are given in their right to take part in the political process.
“I encourage people to get out and vote. Obviously I would like people to vote for me,” Foust said “but regardless, people have died defending our rights as Americans and one of the most important ones was the right to vote, so exercise that right on November 4th.”
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John Foust has been successful in his work on the board of supervisors, particularly when balancing an unstable budget. He also was a huge advocate of transportation advancements in Virginia, including the new and successful Silver Line. To read more about John Foust, his campaign, and the policy he intends to pursue if elected, visit his website.
John Foust will be on the ballot for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District on Wednesday, 4 Nov. 2014.
