Wayne Powell, Democratic candidate for Congress from Virginia’s 7th District, told an audience of about 80 at a club-sponsored reception Sept. 12 that the vast amounts of money being spent to influence elections is a threat to the democratic process.
“The takeover of government by corporate interests, multinational interests and those people who fund people like Eric Cantor is real,” he said. “We can’t let the money take over our country.”
Powell, 62, is a native of Richmond and owner and proprietor of the Powell & Parrish law firm. He is making his first bid at elected office by challenging six-term Republican congressman Eric Canter in the wide-ranging district that includes all of Orange County.
Powell particularly condemned the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, which held that political contributions from corporations cannot be limited by law.
“I own three businesses, three corporations, and none of those corporations are human beings, and they don’t deserve the same rights as human beings,” he said. “I don’t put any of them to bed. I don’t hug any of them. They make money; that’s what they’re there for.”
Powell said that as a congressman he would work to overturn the Citizens United decision through a Constitutional amendment if necessary.
Powell said his campaign is reaching out to both Democrats and Republicans, seeking out voters don’t like the extremely partisan culture in Washington.
“These people who think that either you’re a communist if you’re a Democrat or that you’re a Nazi if you’re a Republican are just wrong,” Powell said before a group of about 80 attending a reception sponsored by the Lake of the Woods Democratic Club. “Both sides are wrong. They need to sit down and do what’s right for the country.”
Powell admits that his candidacy faces an uphill battle, but he draws hope from a June poll by Hickman Analytics, that showed that 43 percent of 7th District residents said Cantor should be replaced.
“I have the audacity to think I can make a difference if I’m elected to Congress,” he said.
Powell and Cantor are scheduled to debate economic issues in Richmond Oct. 1 in a debate sponsored by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and local chambers of commerce.
The reception, which took place in the lower level of the LOW Clubhouse, featured a lovely array of refreshments provided by the Special Events Committee.