The Shadow
Speaking at The Historic Masonic Theatre on Wed. on Oct. 5, Sixth District Congressman Ben Cline pledged to keep fighting for accountability, securing borders, reduction of inflation and protection of citizens’ rights.
Cline stressed that he is for all forms of energy to return the nation to energy independence, and he said that the open border policy of the Biden Administration is contributing to the fentanyl deaths in America.
He said, “We’ve got to get hold of our borders because the cartels are playing games.”
“Cartels control the border crossings and send large groups of migrants across the border to occupy border patrol while they smuggle their drugs across the border at other locations,” Cline continued.
He added, “Fentanyl is a threat to our kids; it’s scary stuff.”
Cline cited inflation as a major problem, and he said that when you see prices so high at grocery stores that consumers start substituting two slices of bread for hotdog buns, then you know we are in economic hard times.
Cline remarked, “Not only is the price of food going up, but it is higher than the increase in wages.”
As for the Biden Administration’s programs, Cline laid the blame for high prices at the pump on the anti-fossil fuel policies and the cutting back on the approval of leases to drill.
Cline remarked, “The Biden Administration is putting the lid on leases for energy production.”
He noted that the overspending of the Biden Administration is also to blame for a 40-year high in inflation and fuel prices, and he noted that OPEC has now reduced its oil production by two million barrels per day, an act that will drive prices at the pump even higher.
As for the Biden Administration’s programs, Cline observed, “They never tell how they can pay for their programs and just keep printing money.”
As for the Alleghany Highlands and the Shenandoah Valley, Cline, a resident of Botetourt County who grew up in Rockbridge County, praised the region’s appeal to tourists.
He said, “The western part of Virginia is the best part of Virginia.”
Cline added, “I was the first, first-term representative to get a bill passed into law.”
Having served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2002 till he ran against Jennifer Lewis of Waynesboro in 2018, Cline won in 15 of the 19 districts, losing only in Roanoke, Lexington, Staunton and Harrisonburg. Cline even managed to edge Lewis in the vote in Waynesboro, her hometown.
As a lawyer prior to running for office, Cline served as chief of staff for Robert “Bob” Goodlatte.
Cline noted that he had walked his district at one time, from Amherst to Roanoke to Lynchburg and to Front Royal.
He stressed the need for Republicans to take back the House of Representatives in Nov.
“We won’t be able to get things by Joe Biden’s desk unless we win,” Cline admitted.
Cline concluded, “I will fight for the people of Alleghany.”
A number of dignitaries and community officials attended the gathering, including Delegate Terry Austin who was accompanied by Kathy, his wife.
Others were officials from Clifton Forge: Jeff Irvine, mayor; Charles “Chuck” Unroe, town manager; and Deborah Laudermilk, councilwoman.
Jonathan Arritt, vice-chairman of the school board for Alleghany Highlands Public Schools who introduced Cline; Matt Garten, chairman of the Alleghany Co. Board of Supervisors; James M. Griffith, Alleghany Co. supervisor representing the Covington District; Teresa Hammond, executive director of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism; and David Crosier, vice-mayor of the City of Covington; were in attendance.
Also, Ray Tucker and Nancy, his wife, were in the audience. Tucker was the first director of The Virginia Opry which made its debut in the theatre on Oct. 17, 1992. The Virginia Opry became the Commonwealth of Virginia’s official Opry in 2020.
