Meet Democrats’ Hope for the 93rd: Robin Abbott wants to 'give back'

      Williamsburg—An incident when she relied on the support of the community spurred Robin Abbot to get into public service.  “I wanted to give back, in any way I could.” she said.

      In an interview Friday, the Democratic candidate in the 93rd House race recalled that an illness in 1992 left her hospitalized for four months.  “The community literally fed my family,” she said.  “I can’t tell you how much that touched me.”

      A consumer rights attorney from Newport News, Abbott said running for the House is a way to continue giving back.” “I want to be a voice in Richmond for everyone in the 93rd District.”

      Jobs, health care and education are her big issues.

      “I’ll fight to bring affordable health care to everyone and to make sure that there is quality public education for every child in Virginia.”

      She disagrees with incumbent Republican Phil Hamilton on the state’s rejection of an additional $125 million in federal stimulus money to extend unemployment benefits.

      While conceding that health care reform is primarily a federal issue, she said the state should provide insurance for economically disadvantaged kids.

      An event she held Thursday in Newport News was the same day that half the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel was closed.  “It was certainly the major issue on people’s minds.” she said.

      Since nothing has been accomplished on transportation over the last five years, she feels that Hamilton and other Republicans have not made it a priority.

      She stopped short of supporting higher taxes for transportation.  “I think we have to look at how we are prioritizing current revenue.”  That’s similar to Hamilton’s position.

      To take out a long-term incumbent like Hamilton, a challenger has to exploit anger among the voters.

      “What I get from voters is a feeling that they are ready for a change,” Abbott said.  “I  hear they are glad to have a Democratic candidate.”

      Hamilton has gained considerable seniority in the House.  He’s vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and chairman of the Health, Welfare & Institutions Committee.

      Is giving up that influence wise?

      “There was a time when Phil was a freshman too,” she said.

      She believes the Democrats will take control of the House reducing Hamilton’s influence even if he’s re-elected.

      Democrats need to gain six seats to gain control.  That means there will be no shortage of money in the race, including the 93rd.  Hamilton and Abbott have each raised more than $100,000. That’s strong early fundraising for a challenger, although Hamilton pointed out that nearly half of Abbott’s money comes from her own law firm.

      “Money is money,” she countered.  “It all spends the same.”

      Hamilton has raised much of his money from the health care sector, while Abbott has raised a good deal from trial lawyers.  
 

HAMILTON’S HIGH-TECH TOWN HALL

      Del. Phil Hamilton (R-93rd) recently held his second electronic town hall meeting, during which up to 15,000 voters from his district had the chance to participate.

      “That’s a pretty good day on the campaign trail, when you have the opportunity to talk to that many voters,” he said.

      Voters are chosen from the voting rolls, which gave Hamilton the opportunity to shape his audience.  He chose 12,000 Republicans and 3,000 Democrats.  They were then called automatically and had an option to opt-in to the conference call.  Questions were transcribed and shown to Hamilton on a computer screen.

      Hamilton said voters were most interested in transportation issues and the economy.  He said he also explained to voters why Republicans turned down an additional $125 million in federal stimulus funds to extend unemployment benefits.

      Hamilton also held an electronic town hall at the midpoint of the 2009 General Assembly session.