WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville | News7 talks to the candidates in the 17th House district race
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Western Virginia will be sending at least one newcomer to the General Assembly.
Republican Bill Cleaveland and Democrat Gwen Mason are vying for William Fralin's seat in the House of Delegates.
This week, News 7 caught up with both of them on the campaign trail.
On city sidewalks and county streets, the candidates in 17th House District have taken their fight to the front door.
Democrat Gwen Mason and Republican Bill Cleaveland have been working Roanoke Valley neighborhoods for months, knocking on thousands of doors in the district.
"I would say experience and ability, proven leadership would be one thing I bring, just because I've got the battle scars," says Gwen Mason.
"I'll agree that proven leadership is what we need, but we don't need another politician," says Bill Cleaveland.
William Fralin's surprise exit from the General Assembly set up the contest between a veteran attorney and a Roanoke city council member.
When we tagged along this week in a Botetourt County subdivision, Cleaveland told us his top priority is to limit government spending.
"I think what we have to do is have government sort of ratchet down. And whatever that means, I think we need to show the folks at home what we are doing in Richmond is the same things they are doing at home and that's looking at the bottom line in the budget."
We followed Mason and members of her family as they went door to in Roanoke's Raleigh Court. There she stressed her strong support for public education.
"It matters less to folks whether you have a 'D' after your name or an 'R' after your name or an 'I' after your name. They want folks who are committed to this valley, who are committed to public education, committed to transportation and finding real solutions for it, who will work hard for them."
Both candidates are hoping the months of hard work they've already put in... will pay off at the polls next Tuesday.
With the last campaign finance report, Mason had an advantage in fundraising, and she didn't have to spend any money on a primary battle as Cleaveland did, but both candidates have raised over $200,000 dollars for their campaigns.
