Voter Guide: Democratic primary for Va. lieutenant governor

Mike Signer

Residence Arlington

Occupation Senior national security policy fellow, Third Way, a nonpartisan Washington-based think tank.

Personal Born in India; age 36; single.

Experience Former deputy counsel to then-Gov. Mark Warner; former legislative aide to state Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath County; former foreign policy adviser for John Edwards’ presidential campaign; and national security and veterans policy adviser for President Barack Obama’s campaign and transition team.

Education Law degree, University of Virginia, 2004; Ph.D. in political science, University of California , Berkeley, 2001; bachelor’s degree, Princeton University, 1995.

Contact (703) 229-1235; info@michaelsigner.com; www.michaelsigner.com

Why people should vote for you

“I strongly believe that the office of lieutenant governor should be more than just a placeholder or stepping stone – it should be a public advocate, taking on the systems that are failing working Virginians and shining a spotlight on the problems that we’ve ignored for too long. We saw a great example of a public advocate lieutenant governor in Don Beyer, who used his eight years in office to fight against domestic violence and for the rights of persons with disabilities. For nearly 15 years, I have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with you in the trenches of the fight for the Democratic Party – the party of social justice and economic fairness, and I know what it takes to win. As your lieutenant governor, I will be a public advocate for all Virginians – an aggressive progressive working for social justice and economic fairness to keep Virginia moving forward.” 

Jody Wagner

Residence Virginia Beach

Occupation Attorney

Personal Born in Canton, Ohio; age 53; married to Alan Wagner; four children.

Experience Virginia secretary of finance under Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, 2006-08; state treasurer under Gov. Mark Warner, 2002-06. Unsuccessful candidate for U.S. Congress in 2nd District in 2000. Co-owner of Jody’s, an Oceanfront popcorn and confections shop. Formerly an attorney with Kaufman & Canoles law firm in Norfolk.

Education Law degree, Vanderbilt University Law School, 1980; bachelor’s degree, Northwestern University, 1977.

Contact (757) 325-9608; info@jodyforva.com; www.jodyforva.com

Why people should vote for you

“As former state treasurer under Mark Warner and secretary of finance under Tim Kaine, I have seven years of experience serving the people of the commonwealth, and believe I’m best positioned to carry on the Warner-Kaine legacy of success. I am proud to have been a member of the team that got Virginia’s economy back on track and kept the commonwealth moving forward. We balanced the budget, maintained the state’s Triple-A bond rating, and invested millions in education. Along the way, Virginia was named the 'best managed state’ and 'best state for business.’

As a longtime Hampton Roads resident, a small-business owner, and a proud mother of four, I understand the challenges that face Hampton Roads families every day. I am committed to creating new jobs, growing the economy, improving our public education system, and preparing Virginia to be a leader in the industries of the future.”

– Compiled by Pilot staff writer Bill Bartel