Chairman Robert Barnette announced his candidacy Ashland, VA on Friday, June 12, 2009, for the 55th district of Virginia.

"We have accomplished many things in Hanover and it’s time for a new vision of leadership," he said. "I believe that in a time such as this, our district needs a representative that possess many of the qualities and skills that I’ve acquired over many years.  I invite voters to look at my experience and the ability to produce results on behalf of all people in this district.”

Emphasizing the importance of teacher’s pay, Barnette said the opposition to using stimulus money could jeopardize teachers' and students' ability to reach their full potential. "We must have representation that will have rational judgment," he said.