Sam Rasoul Enters Democratic Primary for Mayor of Roanoke

While a lot activists in Virginia are taking a breather from the state and local elections that were held in November, folks in Roanoke are gearing up for another election. That’s because Roanoke will be picking a new mayor in May, which means the Democratic firehouse primary will be held in February.

Most of the speculation I’d heard about the race focused on whether or not councilman Sherman Lea would challenge incumbent David Bowers in the primary. That speculation didn’t last long though because Lea announced he wouldn’t be entering the race for mayor, but would simply be seeking re-election to the council. Bowers won’t be escaping a primary opponent, however, as Sam Rasoul has announced that he’ll be running against Bowers in the Democratic primary.

I don’t think most people outside of the 6th Congressional District remember much Sam Rasoul besides how he got slammed by Bob Goodlatte in 2008. In a year when Democrats performed at historic levels in Virginia, Rasoul only managed to secure 36% of the vote. Yes, he was running in a tough district, but he ran 5 points behind what Obama got in the district and Mark Warner won the district with 58% of the vote in the same year. Rasoul also received a significantly lower amount of votes than Tim Kaine (who received 44% in 2005) and Jim Webb (who received 40% in 2006).

He had received only meager support from the Democratic Party because he was running in a tough district and, quite frankly, wasn’t viewed as a high quality candidate. With that being said, most people still thought he’d probably use the 2008 experience as a launching pad for his political career. He was only in his mid-twenties, after all, so he had a long time to gain more experience.

Before deciding to move to Roanoke last week, however, Rasoul had dropped out of the political world. He would sometimes send an email to his Congressional campaign’s email list, but he had spent most of his last three years “focusing on his family.” After taking those years off, however, Rasoul seems eager to run a campaign based upon his desire to create more jobs.

"Roanoke is a great city, the region has many resources, and we have many talented people who need jobs,” Rasoul said in a press release sent out earlier today. “During this economic time we cannot afford to be complacent. Under my leadership we will create sustainable solutions that utilize our regional talents, forge partnerships with other cities and regions, and be fiscally responsible to make sure that every dollar spent creates a return on investment for the city. As a business man and a job creator, I know what it takes and I intend to do just that as Mayor of Roanoke."

You can read the full release below “the fold.”

After several years of focusing on his family, small business owner and CFO of Kissito Healthcare, Sam Rasoul, has decided to run for Mayor of Roanoke City. Raised in the Roanoke Valley, Rasoul would like to contribute more to an area that has blessed him with so much.

"We are putting the campaign together now and we will be making a formal announcement at the beginning of the year". Rasoul's campaign will center on several priorities including job creation through economic development, limiting wasteful spending, and education.

A small business owner, Rasoul believes more can be done to make Roanoke a formidable regional player to attract more jobs. With cuts looming in Richmond and Washington, Rasoul believe his financial background will help him work with other members of city council, and other local entities to maximize our resources to stimulate the region.

"Roanoke is a great city, the region has many resources, and we have many talented people who need jobs. During this economic time we cannot afford to be complacent. Under my leadership we will create sustainable solutions that utilize our regional talents, forge partnerships with other cities and regions, and be fiscally responsible to make sure that every dollar spent creates a return on investment for the city. As a business man and a job creator, I know what it takes and I intend to do just that as Mayor of Roanoke."

In order for any region to thrive, the education system has proved to be a huge catalyst for attracting business. Rasoul says that education will be an unusually high focal point for a mayor. "I believe it's everyone's responsibility to participate in our education system. Our students are competing globally and our country has fallen way behind. Education is the only equalizer - so it is important that we maximize every tax dollar spent on education, to build the capacity to ensure that every single child comes to school ready to learn, and receives a high quality education."

Believing in grass-roots campaigning, Rasoul will spend much of his time not talking, but listening to the citizens of Roanoke and learning more about their thoughts on improving our city.

Rasoul will be seeking the Democratic nomination in February for the general election this May.