MoveOn is Proud to Endorse Tim Kaine for Reelection to the U.S. Senate in Virginia!
Meet Tim Kaine
Tim Kaine’s journey is rooted in the values of hard work, kindness, and service. Growing up in Kansas City, he worked in his family’s ironworking shop before attending the University of Missouri. His life took a transformative turn when he volunteered at a Jesuit technical school in Honduras, where he taught carpentry and welding. This experience reinforced his belief in the power of education and instilled in him the desire to help others achieve their potential. After earning a law degree from Harvard, Tim dedicated 17 years as a civil rights lawyer, fighting discrimination in Virginia.
Bid for Congress
Tim’s public service began with a narrow victory for Richmond City Council, where he tackled local issues like crime reduction and job creation. As Mayor of Richmond, Tim played a crucial role in the city’s revival by improving public safety, building schools, and creating good-paying jobs. His leadership led to his election as Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor and later Governor, where he managed the state through a national recession while expanding early childhood education and preserving the Chesapeake Bay. His effective fiscal stewardship earned Virginia recognition as the Best Managed State and Best State for Business during his tenure.
Leadership in the Senate
Since being elected to the Senate in 2012, Tim has focused on bringing people together to deliver real results for Virginia. He has championed infrastructure projects, expanded educational opportunities, and worked to improve healthcare access. Tim’s dedication to Virginia’s military community includes reducing military spouse unemployment and improving the quality of life for troops. His leadership in the Senate spans key committees, including Armed Services, Budget, and Foreign Relations. With a commitment to lowering costs, protecting democracy, and safeguarding freedoms, Tim is running for re-election to continue standing up for Virginians.
MoveOn is Proud to Endorse Missy Cotter Smasal!
Background and Career
Missy Cotter Smasal, a veteran, former small business owner, and mother, is running for Congress to bring a brighter future to Coastal Virginia. She served as a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy and deployed aboard the U.S.S. Trenton during Operation Enduring Freedom. After her military service, Missy settled in Hampton Roads, where she opened and operated a Rita’s Italian Ice for over a decade. Currently, she is the Executive Director of a nonprofit that honors service women through running events and also serves as an adjunct professor.
Community Involvement
Missy is deeply involved in her community. She serves as the Virginia Citizen representative on the Chesapeake Bay Commission, a bipartisan, multi-state body dedicated to Bay restoration and the health of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. For over 20 years, she and her husband, Bryan, an Army Officer, have lived in Virginia Beach, raising their two children who attend Virginia Beach Public Schools. Missy’s community service includes coaching youth sports, leading Girl Scouts, and participating in Clean the Bay Day cleanups.
Missy Cotter Smasal’s Advocacy and Leadership
Missy has been a passionate advocate for school safety in Virginia Beach and supported the city’s ERA resolution. Her dedication to public service is evident in her efforts to ensure children and families in Coastal Virginia have the opportunities they need to succeed. She is a steadfast champion for families, military families, and veterans, committed to standing up for the values of Hampton Roads.
Missy Cotter Smasal’s Congressional Bid
Missy is running for Congress with a focus on enhancing the future of Coastal Virginia. Her military background, business experience, and deep community roots position her as a strong advocate for the region. She aims to bring practical solutions and dedicated leadership to Congress, ensuring that the needs and values of her community are represented and addressed at the national level.
