NAACP Brings Republicans and Democrats Together in Spotsylvania

Spotsylvania NAACP President Moe Petway (Photo by Eunice Haigler)

Photo by Eunice Haigler

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The NAACP Spotsylvania Chapter didn’t just sponsor the “Meet the Candidates” event — they organized and oversaw it from beginning to end at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Salem Church Branch on Saturday.

Early voting begins in September, a reminder shared by Spotsylvania NAACP President Moe Petway as he hosted the nonpartisan event attended by both Republican and Democratic politicians and candidates.

The November 4 general election features pivotal delegate races in the 63rd, 65th, and 66th districts. Forrest Miller (D) vs. Phillip Scott (R), Joshua Cole (D) vs. Sean Steinway (R), and Nicole Cole (D) vs. Robert “Bobby” Orrock Sr. were all present and eager to claim victory in the first week of November.

“I just wanted the public to meet the candidates,” Petway said. “All of the candidates showed today except for one.” Petway and the Spotsylvania NAACP staff reserved the library and set up the tables the candidates used during the meet and greet.

The event went smoothly, but Petway wished more citizens had taken advantage of the opportunity to meet their local politicians. “Citizens had a chance to ask questions, and those who attended made the necessary connections,” Petway said. “I think there were a lot of other things going on in the area as well.”

The NAACP worked with the Spotsylvania Democratic and Republican chairs to ensure the event remained nonpartisan. Ultimately, all sides agreed, and several Board of Supervisors and School Board opponents met face-to-face for the first time.

“Everybody together under one roof — some people missed out unfortunately,” Petway added.