$50,000 raised for Goode campaign

Supporters of U.S. Rep. Virgil Goode raised $50,000 for what might be the most important race for the Rocky Mount Republican.

A large crowd at Ben Davenport’s farm enjoyed barbecue and bluegrass music, as well as Southside politics.

Davenport told the crowd the race between Goode and Democrat Tom Perriello is very serious. He said there are 15,000 new voters on the rolls who weren’t there two years ago.

“We better not take anything for granted,” Davenport said.

The Southside business leader called Goode the most important elected official in the area. He said Goode has brought home federal assistance to help rebuild the regional economy.

Goode never addressed Perriello by name, but he said the differences between him and his opponent are vast.

The incumbent congressman supports drilling for oil in Alaska and the U.S. coastal regions, while Perriello has said drilling is not a quick fix. Goode said what has been done already to ship oil from Alaska hasn’t hurt the environment.

On health care needs, Goode said he has worked to fund community health centers in Southside, but objects to more federal intervention. Goode said he also wants to make sure Southside gets its fair share of the federal dollars to help projects.

Perriello has raised more money in the campaign cycle than Goode, according to the Federal Election Commission. Goode said Perriello has raised more than $100,000 from states like New York and California.

Former state Sen. Charles R. Hawkins said Goode has been involved in each major economic development announcement in the area, but added this may be the congressman’s most difficult race.

“This is about us and our soil,” Hawkins said.

Delegate Donald Merricks, R-Pittsylvania County, encouraged people to get out the vote and make their voice heard.

“This is a battle. We’re trying to preserve our Southside values,” Merricks said.

State Sen. Robert Hurt. R-Chatham, said all hands are going to be needed to secure another term for Goode.

“There’s no harder working congressman than Virgil Goode,” he said.

• Contact Bernard Baker at or (434) 791-7986.