Politics & Government

Sen. Warner Stumps High Up for Reston's Plum

Democrat points out delegate's record of "thinking longterm, not just about the next election cycle."

As guests at a fundraiser for Del. Ken Plum looked out from atop the roof deck on the 22nd floor on Tuesday, there was a common reaction: "Not the same old Reston anymore, huh?"

They were on the roof of a glamorous building, checking out the Blue Ridge Mountains in one direction and the many, many new office buildings that line the Dulles corridor in the other.

Even Virginia Sen. Mark Warner (D), who stopped by the event - one of several appearances he made Tuesday in Northern Virginia - remarked: "We were coming in, and I thought 'Reston has come a long way.' "

Find out what's happening in Restonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Through all the development, there has been one constant - Plum. The Democrat and Reston resident has represented Virginia's 36th District from 1978-80 and from 1982 to today. He is running for re-election against Republican Mac Cannon.

"As Sen. Warner pointed out, Reston's really come of age," Plum told the guests. "Appropriately, we are here in an urban setting. We are a diverse group of people. This is a reflection of what our community has been. As we go forward, know that I have been around a while, but I have not lost my enthusiasm."

Find out what's happening in Restonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Plum reiterated his commitment to public education, the environment and equality for all citizens, regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation.

Warner says Plum has "always been willing to put the community and the Commonwealth ahead of everyone else."

"He is a hardcore Democrat ... but time and again he has been able to think longterm- and not just about the next election cycle."

Attributes like that are necessary at every level, Warner said, as the nation faces some tough partisan politics and a $14 trillion deficit.

"It is going to take some serious debate, conversation and hard choices," he said. "It is going to take people from both parties who are willing to give a little bit.

"I do wonder about the new crowd - the 'my way or the highway.' I wonder what kind of constitution they say they support, since the founders had this set of checks and balances."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here