Laura Kleiner will receive her bachelor’s degree in political science from Mary Baldwin College in a couple of weeks. Then she hopes to put it to use as the next delegate for the House’s 20th District.
The Staunton Democrat on Saturday announced her plans to seek the seat held by Del. Dickie Bell.
Joining her at the downtown Staunton announcement were Staunton City Councilman Bruce Elder and state Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath.
Kleiner, 22, said more could be done for 20th District constituents “in looking for jobs and economic growth.”
She also would like to see more funding for schools.
Kleiner became immersed in politics when she worked for Sen. John Watkins, R-Chesterfield, two years ago at the Virginia General Assembly’s annual legislative session.
She also has held several positions with the Young Democrats of Virginia and worked in Deeds’ 2009 gubernatorial effort.
“I fell in love with Virginia government and politics,’’ Kleiner said of her work in the General Assembly in 2009. “I learned what we can do better. It is a part of my life.”
Deeds said that Kleiner’s campaign has unlimited potential, and that she “understands the issues and is not afraid to take a chance.”
He said Kleiner’s leadership is what is needed as Virginia builds a 21st-century economy.
Elder said he respects Bell, a Republican. The two served on Staunton City Council together.
But he said Kleiner brings youth and energy to the race. He also anticipates a spirited discussion of the needs of the district and of the state at a time when an assessment is needed “of where we are and where we are going.”
Bell, who won the seat two years ago, declined to comment on Kleiner’s entry into the race.
Whoever wins the seat in November will represent a district that will lose its Rockingham County precincts and acquire Waynesboro and a portion of Nelson County, assuming this year’s changes to the state’s legislative boundaries are approved by the U.S. Justice Department.
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