Jeanette Rishell

For Immediate Release
April 14, 2009

Manassas Park, VA - Jeanette Rishell announced today she will run once again for Virginia's 50th District House of Delegates seat. Rishell said President Barack Obama's landmark victories in Manassas, Virginia and the country showed her she should run again.

"I'm running to strengthen our families, our community and our Commonwealth," Rishell said. "Because of the economic downturn, we don't have time to fight yesterday's battles."

"Virginia is at a crossroads. I believe people will once again vote for change this year."

Rishell, a mother of two and a community activist from Manassas Park, ran for the House seat in 2006 and 2007, losing both times to Delegate Jackson Miller. 2009 will be different, she says, because of recent Democratic gains in the area.

"In 2006 and 2007, we were breaking new ground and did not see immediate results," Rishell said. "Then in 2008 people responded to a message of hope instead of fear."

Prince William County Democratic Committee Chair Pete Frisbie says Rishell can win this year.

"Jeanette is an incredibly hard worker, and she has our full support," Frisbie said. "She is committed to providing positive results for her neighbors."

Frisbie pointed to Obama's vote totals in the 50th District last year as evidence of Democratic momentum.

"President Obama received nearly 57% of the vote in Jeanette's district," Frisbie said. "These are people who know Jeanette and support her. She can win this year, definitely."

Rishell said she's learned from her previous campaigns.

"I'm going to be myself," she said. "I'm going to speak from my heart about the opportunity for every Virginian to experience the American dream. I think that's what people need to hear now, that we can all still achieve that dream we share."

More information about Rishell's campaign, including her announcement video, can be found at www.JeanetteRishell.com.

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