You know, folks, I keep hearing that Rep. Abigail Spanberger is this “moderate” Democrat. That’s the narrative her campaign wants out there: steady hand, pragmatic, a bridge-builder. But when you take a hard look at her record — her actual votes on issues that matter — the veneer of moderation starts to peel away.
On Policing
Let’s start with law enforcement. Back in 2023, Spanberger voted against a resolution condemning efforts to defund the police. Think about that. At a time when police officers across America were under siege — demoralized, undermanned, and vilified — Congress had a chance to stand up and say, “We reject this reckless ‘defund’ idea.” Spanberger said no. She later told interviewers that she supports police funding and loves to highlight her endorsements from various law enforcement groups. But actions matter more than press releases. Her co-sponsorship of a 2020 bill nibbling at qualified immunity wasn’t “moderate reform.” It was a step toward the anti-cop agenda that makes our neighborhoods less safe. – https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2023216
On Transgender Policies
Then there’s the cultural agenda. Spanberger was a co-sponsor of the so-called Equality Act — Washington’s way of bulldozing local say-so and imposing radical gender policies nationwide. She voted against the “Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act,” which would have kept biological males out of girls’ locker rooms and athletic competitions. That wasn’t a tough call for anyone with common sense, yet she sided with the left-wing activists. And when pressed on bathrooms and sports, she gave the classic politician’s non-answer: she supports it, but only with “clear provisions” and “local input.” Translation: she’s on board with the radical agenda, but she’ll sprinkle in some lawyerly caveats so it doesn’t sound extreme. – https://wset.com/news/local/spanberger-addresses-stance-on-transgender-women-in-sports-and-bathrooms-democratic-party-virginia-gubernatorial-candidate-election-day-2025
On Taxes & Spending
Now, on fiscal issues, you’ll hear Spanberger talk about bipartisanship — infrastructure deals, “middle-class tax relief,” whatever the buzzword of the week is. But let’s not forget she cheered on the Inflation Reduction Act, a trillion-dollar tax-and-spend spree that poured gasoline on an already overheated economy. The League of Conservation Voters gives her a near-perfect rating because she votes for every new regulation and climate mandate that comes across her desk. Meanwhile, Heritage Action criticizes her for backing big government repeatedly. That’s the real scorecard Virginians should be paying attention to. – https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2022420
The Bottom Line
So when Spanberger hits the trail for governor, remember this: her “greatest hits” aren’t bipartisan deals or centrist leadership. They’re votes empower Washington bureaucrats, undermine law enforcement, and put progressive social engineering ahead of parents, taxpayers, and common sense.
The record doesn’t lie — even if her campaign spin does.
Rusty Sullivan is a contributor to Direct Line News. He can be contacted at Rusty.Sullivan@mcgopclub.com
Direct Line News is a Maryland-based free-access publication committed to the Republican reform tradition.
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