‘Modern Whig’ Candidate Currently In 2nd Place In U.S. Congressional Race
In contrast to nationwide Tea Party campaigns, unique Moderate Battleground develops in Virginia as Modern Whig Party member polls in double digits in head-to-head race against vulnerable Republican incumbent
ROANOKE, VA (Monday, August 16, 2010) – In a campaign that features no Democratic opposition, Jeff Vanke (VA-6, Independent) is currently polling in double digits in his head-to-head U.S. Congressional race in Virginia’s 6th District. Vanke is a member of the Modern Whig Party, a national movement that was initially founded by Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and designed to bring moderate common sense, rational solutions ahead of partisan bickering and stark ideology.
“Due to the makeup and dynamics of the race, this is a once-in-an-election scenario where a viable, mainstream independent has a legitimate shot at winning,” said Andrew Evans, national chairman of the DC-based Modern Whig movement. “Moderates and independents have been clamoring for years for a viable candidate to emerge in a situation where he or she has a realistic chance against a vulnerable incumbent. The wait is over and we are encouraging all moderates & independents to consider pooling our resources to assist.”
Vanke is a moderate, non-fringe, independent candidate and who has practical real world experience that makes him ready to serve Virginia in the U.S. Congress. Vanke has a Ph.D and is a former history professor, author, budget consultant, and small business manager. Vanke is an Eagle Scout and a community volunteer with the PTA and Cub Scouts.
Several years ago, Vanke ran as a write-in candidate for mayor in Carrboro, NC and received 41 percent of the vote. Vanke was also the founder of the former Center Party of the United States. Vanke states that, “I am running for Congress because I balanced the federal budget and no one there has done it.” Vanke encourages all citizens to visit www.jeffvanke.com in order to use his budget spreadsheet to draft their own balanced budgets. Vanke also supports reforming the tax system to make it more effective and reducing the amount of U.S. debt held by foreign nations. Vanke furthermore seeks to end the multi-billion-dollar agribusiness subsidies that his opponent Bob Goodlatte implemented.
Jeff Vanke believes that Americans want a common sense approach in Congress. Vanke is focusing on results, not ideology, in his campaign, as he reaches out to all voters in the Virginia 6th district. Vanke not only talks about what he believes in but acts upon it. To do his part to get our debt out of foreign creditors’ hands he has pledged to keep at least 50 percent of his net worth in U.S. bonds (currently 65%). Vanke has challenged incumbent Bob Goodlatte to join this pledge (no response so far).
Vanke is proud to be a member of the Modern Whig Party (www.modernwhig.org) in his challenge to bring public service back to the people of Virginia’s 6th District. Vanke stated, “The Modern Whigs are inspiring to me in purpose, earnestness, and steadfastness.” In summing up his campaign, Mr.Vanke stated, “Virginians are tired of the political games. They want service. They want leadership. They want common sense solutions in government similar to the common sense solutions that have to be used in the real world.
