Vivian Watts
Democrat | Virginia
Candidate Profile*
Verified Liberal
*Additional information appears below for educational purposes; however, only data received prior to the candidate deadline was considered during Panel Evaluation.
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Vivian Watts
Party
Democrat
Election Year
2021
Election
General
Race
House of Delegates, Dist. 39
Incumbent
Yes
Links
EDUCATION
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, BA, 62
WORK & MILITARY
Fairfax CASA, Executive Director, 1993-2000
consultant, See www/VivianWatts.com
Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, Dir of Research & Legislative Activities, 1977-79
AFFILIATIONS
See www/VivianWatts.com
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Virginia Sec of Transportation & Public Safety, 1986-90
Virginia Delegate, 1982-85; 1996 -
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Chair, Fairfax Board of Supervisors, 1981
Race
Previous Races
SCORECARDS
CONSERVATIVE ORGANIZATIONS
2019
60%
2019
31%, 21% (cum.)†
2021
21%, 15% (cum.)†
2020
5%, 13% (cum.)†
2021
13%
2016
5%, 10% (cum.)†
2021
5%
2019
|31%, 21% (cum.)†
2021
|21%, 15% (cum.)†
2020
|5%, 13% (cum.)†
2021
|13%
2016
|5%, 10% (cum.)†
2021
|5%
LIBERAL ORGANIZATIONS
2021
100%
2021
A
2021
100%
2019
79%, 95% (cum.)†
2021
93%
2020
100%, 89% (cum.)†
2012
75%
2021
|100%
2021
|A
2021
|100%
2019
|79%, 95% (cum.)†
2021
|93%
2020
|100%, 89% (cum.)†
2012
|75%
ENDORSEMENTS*
*These endorsements were received after the deadline and were not considered in the Panel Evaluations and are for additional educational purposes only.
LIBERAL (10)
Emily's List
Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund
LGBT Democrats of Virginia
NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia
National Organization for Women (VA chapter)
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (1)
See www/VivianWatts.com
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (14)
ActBlue (2020)
College Democrats of America (2016)
Commonwealth Victory Fund (2011)
Dan Helmer (2019)
David W. (Dave) Marsden (2017)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (25)
Amalgamated Transit Union (2011)
American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (2018)
American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (2021)
American Nurses Association (2006)
Communication Workers of America (2017)
OTHER INFORMATION
Listed as a patron (co sponsor) of legislation to expand late term abortion: http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?191+sum+SB1451
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Strongly Disagree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds or grants from federal, state, or local governments.
Disagree
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
As it has been under Roe v. Wade, abortion should continue to be a woman's legal healthcare decision, which after the first trimester should be (as it has been) a rare but essential medical option. Birth control that prevents a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus (such as an IUD or the pill) should never be termed an abortion -- Note: No Republican supported my 2020 bill to thus protect birth control.
ECONOMY
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
Disagree
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Agree
Congress should pass a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.
No Answer
Socialism provides a robust foundation for a stable economy.
Disagree
What is the best way to bring down unemployment?
Up to 1 million of the 1.5 million job vacancies in Virginia over the next decade will require more than high school but less than 4 years of college. Upward mobility is open to workers with industry-recognized certification or an associate degree – particularly in cyber security, construction trades, and many areas of healthcare. Therefore, my priorities are free and/or needs-based community college assistance and strengthening industry and union apprenticeships.
What role should government play in boosting the economy?
(1) State and local government's first responsibility is robust, relevant public education. (Our educated workforce was the driving factor in Virginia being again ranked as the Best State for Business this year.) (2) We must address the challenge of the ever-widening spread between wealth and poverty to provide equal opportunity and, at the same time, to increase the buying power of consumers. Pressing areas include the minimum wage, affordable housing, and tax reform. (3) Virginia will always be challenged to address regional differences in attracting employers and holding jobs. Expanding high speed broadband and development of green energy jobs are key components; bidding wars on tax incentives with other states are not.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Governments should not discriminate against individuals, organizations or business owners because of their deeply held religious beliefs.
Agree
Governments should not penalize those who define marriage as between one man and one woman; no other definition of marriage should be legalized or supported with taxpayer or public funds.
Strongly Disagree
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Agree
HEALTHCARE
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has health insurance.
Neutral
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
Since we finally acted in 2019 to participate in the Affordable Care Act, over 528,000 Virginians now have basic Medicaid coverage. Due to those unemployed by COVID losing employer coverage, this exceeds the 400,000 projected. By 2023, we'll have a state-run insurance exchange as a lower cost option for individuals and small businesses to rates currently available through the 9 private insurers in Va's exchange. Perhaps because we have more private insurers competing than in other states, almost all the 9 insurers did reduce rates this year. Other areas we're addressing include reducing the cost of prescription drugs, mental health coverage, dental coverage, and ending surprise billings by hospitals for healthcare services by non-network providers. A major consideration in every initiative is whether it expands coverage so more share in the cost of the healthcare of those who will need it. Finally, I am committed to improve nursing home Medicaid standards of care.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Neutral
IMMIGRATION
I am in favor of construction of a wall and other necessary infrastructure on our border that gives complete control over entering and exiting the United States.
Disagree
I support sanctuary cities.
No Answer
EDUCATION
Tuition-free public education should be guaranteed through college.
Disagree
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which permitted our system of limited government.
Agree
Any teaching to children on sex education in public schools must include all contraceptive methods, and should not show preference to abstinence.
Agree
People should be allowed to use public restrooms, showers, and changing rooms based on "gender identity."
Agree
Free speech is under attack on public university and college campuses.
Disagree
Parents should be the primary authority in decisions affecting their minor children.
No Answer
What in the nature of mankind caused America’s Founders to carefully define, separate, and limit powers in the Constitution?
Fallibility
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
The Golden Rule; Matthew 25:40 (In as much as you have done it unto the least of these ...); Matthew 25:14-30 (Parable of the Talents); married in a white dress, with mutual loyalty and support that has lasted 61 years.
ABOUT YOU
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and immigration, which of the following best describes you overall?
Somewhat Liberal
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
vivianwatts.com/About Me vivianwatts.com / Vivian's Views vivianwatts.com / The Election https://vpap.org/http://leg1.state.va.org
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
Growing up in a low-income rural area. Being the first in my family to graduate from college with a strong, diverse education that prepared me for lifetime learning. Over 15 years of active community involvement before running for office. Serving as Virginia Secretary of Transportation and Public Safety. A wide-range of employment from Chamber of Commerce to Executive Director of Court-Appointed Special Advocates assigned to the most severe cases of child abuse and neglect. Staying in touch.
E-mail address and phone number for voters to reach you:
vwatts@erols.com 703-978-2989
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I am using this space to address questions I didn't answer: 14. I greatly value Virginia's triple-A bond rating which reflects our budget discipline, but I need details of a Balanced Budget Amendment. 16. Virginia doesn't have sanctuary cities. Bills prohibiting them are un-necessary at best and bad policy at worse if they lead to predatory exploitation of immigrants who are afraid of law enforcement. 23. While parents should take full responsibility, having worked extensively with abused and neglected children, I can't give a blanket answer to this question.
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
Islamic law (Sharia) should take precedence over national and state laws where there are Islamic majority communities in the U. S.
Strongly Disagree
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support the death penalty.
Disagree
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
Disagree
2ND AMENDMENT
More restrictive gun control is needed to protect public safety.
Agree
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Agree
