GOP candidate commits to 'never sway' from core conservative beliefs

In what he described as an “unconventional” campaign announcement, one Republican candidate running for the 5th District GOP nomination pledged to 10 goals Thursday in Danville.

Albemarle County real estate investor Laurence Verga held a free lunch for about 25 people at Mary’s Diner, where he laid out his campaign promises before taking questions from the group about his candidacy. Democrat Rep. Tom Perriello holds the 5th District seat.

“In spite of the inevitable pressures from the party establishment and special interest groups,” Verga said, “I pledge that I will never be swayed from my core conservative beliefs … I will never forget that I work for you, the people, and not for self-serving ambition.”

Laurence’s 10 goals include pledging to serve a maximum of three terms in the House of Representatives, vowing to never vote for tax increases or new taxes, eliminating special interests and earmarks, relinquishing congressional perks, fighting for limited government, the right to life, Second Amendment rights, Tenth Amendment rights and accountability.

Verga also expressed his discontent with the health care reform legislation moving through Congress, saying that the only bill necessary involves tort reform. He described himself as a “supply-side economic believer” in creating sustainable capital through the private market.

After delivering his prepared remarks, Verga was greeted with applause when he signed a copy of his pledge. He said his campaign was influenced by attending a TEA Party event earlier this year.

“I was very inspired by passion that people have for their country and the change that they wanted,” he said. “… It was born from the TEA Party, which is fundamentally about getting back to the Constitution.”

Danville TEA Party chairman Nigel Coleman attended the lunch, taking diligent notes on Verga’s comments. But Coleman said his group as a whole will not be endorsing any one candidate.

“Right now it’s very early,” Coleman said. “We need to let all the candidates have a fair shot.”

Local resident Barbara Royster questioned Verga about his ability to stand behind his promises.

“I think we are all, regardless of where we’re from, desperate for fresh voices, desperate for the truth, desperate for honesty in our politicians,” Royster said. “Politicians sound so good on the campaign trail … and they break all the promises and don’t listen to us when we protest.”

Verga promised to deliver his pledge to elected officials throughout the district, asking them to hold him accountable to his words.