Sen. Ralph Smith will not seek re-election: Candidate Michael Hamlar is the Front runner for the Democratic Nomination
Roanoke, VA (PRWEB) March 17, 2015 -- The Roanoke Times reports that earlier this week on March 16th, Sen. Ralph Smith has announced that he will not seek re-election for Virginia State Senate District 19. Last year, Michael Hamlar announced that he will be seeking the Democratic Party’s nomination for the seat.
"Sen. Ralph Smith is a self-made businessman who brought his expertise to Richmond,” states Hamlar, the front-runner for the Democratic nomination. “I thank him for his service to the community, but now it’s time to look forward to how I can utilize my experience to impact the lives of the people in Southwest Virginia,” Hamlar states.
Hamlar is a family man and business owner from Roanoke, Virginia. His inspiration to bring positive growth to Virginia is a reflection of his own beliefs and the values of the people who live in Virginia. Recognized as one of the “Top 20 Leaders Under 40” by The Blue Ridge Journal, Hamlar is a graduate of Cave Spring High School, Wake Forest and Liberty Universities, the Sorenson Institute’s Candidate Training Program, and is currently completing his doctorate degree. Bringing his educational and business experiences together with his dedication to providing for a better future for the people of Virginia, Hamlar is excited to promote the changes needed to bring positive growth to Virginia’s middle class.
Small businesses account for 75% of all job creation in Virginia, per the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, and Hamlar has an extensive background in the area of business startup. As the owner of Hamlar Enterprises, Michael understands the struggles faced by small business owners and the importance of their role in Virginia’s economy and hopes to inject his non-profit and business experience into a strategic plan to open up the Virginia economy. This move will help business owners create more jobs for the people of Virginia in a time when the economy is especially affecting the middle class.
Hamlar serves on the board for Noah-Christian Academy, 1st Tee of Roanoke, Downtown Roanoke Inc., Legislative Advocacy Committee, and the Roanoke Chamber of Commerce. He has also served on the Child Health Improvement Partnership, Family Service of Roanoke, and Roanoke Symphony Orchestra.
More information can be found on the website at http://www.hamlarforsenate.com where volunteers and donations are welcome for the campaign. For more information, please contact chris(at)hamlarforsenate.com or call (919)608-0662.
Chris LaGant, Hamlar For Senate, http://www.HamlarForSenate.com, +1 (919)608-0662, [email protected]
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