Rasoul campaigns in Lexington
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| Click the image to watch a video report on Rasoul's candidacy. (CAMERON STEELE/ Rockbridge Report) |
The nation’s youngest congressional candidate, 27-year-old Democrat Sam Rasoul, is looking to unseat incumbent Republican Bob Goodlatte in Virginia’s 6th Congressional District.
But even his supporters acknowledge it’s an uphill campaign.
“My thought is that [Rasoul’s] going to be pretty competitive,” said Mike Oxford, Lexington Democratic Committee chair. “I have a hard time thinking the odds will favor him, but I think the number he brings in is going to surprise some folks.”
It isn’t an easy road for the young candidate, an entrepreneur and community activist from Botetourt County. Goodlatte is seeking his ninth term as the 6th District’s representative. Independent Janice Lee Allen is also running.
Not everyone thinks Rasoul will be a force come Election Day.
“I think Goodlatte’s been a wonderful servant for the community,” said Mildred Goughner, a volunteer from the Rockbridge Area Republican Committee. When asked if she was concerned with Rasoul’s presence in the race, Goughner laughed.
“Oh, no, I don’t think so,” she said.
“It’s an uphill slog going against an entrenched incumbent,” said Oxford. “Folks in this part of Virginia tend to be pretty risk-averse. They don’t like to change stuff …. Bob Goodlatte is what they know.”
A poll conducted by WDBJ-TV Roanoke in mid-August of 900 adults from the district showed Goodlatte leading Rasoul 59 percent to 30. But for Rasoul, percentages are no deterrent.
“A hallmark of our campaign is that we stay very, very positive,” he said.
Oxford argues that the poll numbers have changed since August. He also says name recognition for Rasoul has increased since August.
“The reason he is going to be competitive is that he’s worked extremely hard and he’s relentless,” said Oxford.
Rasoul said he spent the past 21 months spreading his name and ideas across the district’s 19 cities and counties.
“We’ve knocked on over 100,000 doors, and my wife and I have traveled 100,000 miles across this district trying to bring this message,” he said.
Rasoul touted his campaign message further at a public meeting on Oct. 10 at Washington and Lee University.
“I think it’s really neat to be running … bringing some new and fresh ideas to a nation that is going through some very, very troubling times,” he said at the meeting. “We’ve got a lot of work to be doing.”
But only 13 people showed up to hear Rasoul speak. Those who did left impressed by his message. Independent Pam Rickett of Rockbridge Baths was one of them.
“I like what I’ve read about him,” said Rickett. “I want to see some changes and I think that’s the kind of person we need. I’m happy to see the right someone take Goodlatte’s place.”
Chris Wise was equally excited about the candidate.
“I was very impressed with Mr. Rasoul because he was very eloquent in terms of expressing his feelings about what needs to change in this country,” said Wise.
Produced by
Washington and Lee
journalism students.
Lead Supervisors:
Prof. Brian
Richardson
Prof. Indira Somani
Editing supervisor:
Prof. Pamela Luecke
Reporting Supervisors:
Prof. Doug Cumming
Prof. Indira Somani
Technical supervisor: Michael Todd