Democrat Tom Shields formally began his campaign today to unseat Republican Del. John O'Bannon in Henrico County's 73rd House district with an attack on O'Bannon's record.
"Whether it's been on the economy, education or health care, John O'Bannon has repeatedly voted against the interests of families in the 73rd district," he told about 50 supporters in front of Tuckahoe Elementary School in the district.
O'Bannon, a physician seeking re-election to a fifth term, said "I'm sorry he chose to begin the campaign in the negative."
Shields promised to put independent leadership over partisan interests. He did not refer to himself as a Democrat.
Shields, director of the Center for Leadership in Education at the University of Richmond, called into question the value of the Standards of Learning, which he said are costing $35 million annually. If elected, Shields said he would propose creating a commission to evaluate the effectiveness of the SOLs.
Shields, 41, is making his first run for public office. He is a former aide to Rep. Robert C. Scott, D-3rd.
Shields said O'Bannon joined Republican colleagues in voting against a grant for the Qimonda plant in eastern Henrico. The plant has since shut down.
O'Bannon said the vote was in 2008 before the plight of Qimonda was known. Several Democrats also voted against the grant, he said.
O'Bannon has a sizeable fundraising lead. He has raised about $314,00 to Shields' $90,000.
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