Robert Hurt (Virginia politician)
Encyclopedia
Robert Hurt is the U.S. Representative
for , serving since January 2011. He is a member of the Republican Party
. The district stretches from Charlottesville
to Southside
and west to Bedford
and Franklin
counties. Prior to joining Congress, Hurt was a state senator and delegate, councilman
and attorney.
Hurt was born in New York City
and raised in Chatham, Virginia
. After graduating from Hampden-Sydney College
and Mississippi College School of Law
, Hurt served as a chief assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for Pittsylvania County, Virginia
from 1996 to 1999. Afterwards, he worked as an attorney for the firm H. Victor Millner, Jr. P.C. in Chatham from 1999 to 2008 and opened his own law firm in 2008.
Hurt's political career began with his election to the Chatham Town Council. A year later, he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates
and served three terms. In 2007, Hurt was elected to the Senate of Virginia
. In October 2009, Hurt announced that he would run for the U.S. Representative seat for the 5th congressional district in Virginia. After easily winning the primary, Hurt was elected to the House of Representatives, defeating the incumbent Democrat, Tom Perriello
.
, where he lived for about nine years. His father, Henry Hurt, was a journalist and editor for Reader’s Digest. In 1986, Henry wrote a book questioning the findings of the Warren Commission
called Reasonable Doubt: An Investigation into the Assassination of John F. Kennedy. Hurt was raised in Chatham, Virginia
, attended Hargrave Military Academy
and graduated from Episcopal High School
in Alexandria
. He earned a bachelor's degree
in English from Hampden-Sydney College
in 1991 and a law degree
from Mississippi College School of Law
in 1995. Hurt also graduated from the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadershipprogram in 2000. He served as a chief assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for Pittsylvania County
from 1996 to 1999. From 1999 to 2008, Robert worked in a general law practice with the firm of H. Victor Millner, Jr. P.C. in Chatham. In 2008, Robert opened up his own law practice in Chatham.
. He was elected and re-elected to the House of Delegates with at least 62 percent of the vote. He cited bringing the New College Institute and the Virginia Museum of Natural History
as accomplishments that he and other legislators of both parties have worked together to bring to the area.
During his time as a delegate, Hurt worked to increase state funding for K-12 education and increase the safety of Virginia’s children through membership on the Courts of Justice Committee and the Youth Internet Safety Taskforce. Hurt voted two dozen times to cut taxes and supported 28 bills in the General Assembly that sought to reduce taxes on food, gas, cigarettes, cars, real estate, computer sales and other items. In 2004, Hurt voted in favor of a $1.4 billion tax increase to narrow the gap in Virginia’s budget. Hurt stated that the increase was essential, based on the information lawmakers had at the time, to refrain from a government shutdown over a budget impasse and has since stated regret over the vote.
In November 2007, Hurt was elected to the Senate of Virginia
, winning 75 percent of the vote. Hurt represented the 19th district, which includes the city of Danville
, Pittsylvania
and Franklin
counties, and part of Campbell
county.
to Southside Virginia
and west to Bedford
and Franklin
counties. Hurt was the Republican establishment candidate in the primary and was not received well by the Tea Party
. On June 8, 2010, Hurt won the Republican nomination with a plurality in a crowded field of six other candidates. All of Hurt's opponents in the primary endorsed him. A local Tea Party Leader said his group would "unite behind" and "support" Hurt.
Hurt campaigned against Democratic incumbent Tom Perriello
and Independent candidate Jeffrey Clark in the general election. Republicans viewed his as a pickup opportunity and poured resources into the race. Perriello was listed as one of the 10 most vulnerable House incumbents by Roll Call
. Hurt was a member of the National Republican Congressional Committee
's "Young Guns" program.
On June 12, Hurt stated that he would "absolutely" participate in debates that included all the candidates, including Independent candidate Clark. Just days later, Hurt stated that he would not debate Clark. Although the statement was made in response to a direct query from a reporter as to whether he would debate Clark, Hurt’s campaign later tried to justify their position by insisting this was untrue. Hurt skipped the first debate which was organized by the Senior Statesmen of Virginia, becoming the first candidate to skip the forum since it started in 1996. In addition to the first debate, Hurt skipped two subsequent debates one sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce
in Nelson County
and another hosted by American Legion
Post 325 in Danville making a total of three skipped debates.
Hurt campaigned on his opposition to the Democratic-backed initiatives that Perriello supported, such as health-care reform
, the economic stimulus package and clean energy legislation
. On August 20, Hurt released his first television ad. Hurt's first television ad stated that he would fight tax increases, stop Washington’s spending and start creating jobs, however he never mentions his opponent. "You definitely see that he’s running against Congress as a whole and Democrats as a whole," Isaac Wood, an analyst at the University of Virginia Center for Politics
, said. "That was very clear. He spent just a few seconds introducing himself, then pivoted right away to attack the negative things happening in D.C. With voters, that can be effective." Another ad from Hurt called Perriello a "rubber stamp" for the policies of President Barack Obama
and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
. Hurt won with 51 percent of the vote.
to Governor Bob McDonnell
that would be effective on January 5, the day Hurt was sworn in to Congress. Hurt voted to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
which successfully passed the House. In February, Hurt criticized President Barack Obama
's $3.73 trillion 2012 federal budget proposal for its excessive spending and borrowing. Hurt would vote to pass a $1.2 trillion bill that would cut the year's budget federal budget by $61 billion. On April 8, Hurt voted for a continuing resolution that prevented the government from shutting down that day. On July 19, Hurt voted for the Cut, Cap and Balance Act
. On August 1, Hurt voted for the Budget Control Act of 2011
that raised the debt ceiling and cut spending by $2.1 trillion over the next 10 years.
Social issues
Virginia Citizens Defense League, a pro-gun organization, gave Hurt an 78% approval rating. Asked if he supports the purchase and possession of guns, Hurts has consistently affirmed his support for gun rights.
Hurt has traditionally voted for legislation that restricts abortion. Virginia Society for Human Rights gave him a 100% approval rating. Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice have consistently given him 0% approval ratings every year since 2002.
Equality Virginia has given him between 0% and 11% approval ratings for his position on LGBT rights.
Hurt has affirmed that he supports capital punishment
for certain crimes.
Fiscal issues
Hurt cosponsored the Balanced Budget Amendment
, which did not pass the House of Representatives
in November 2011. Hurt said of the bill, “By passing a Balanced Budget Amendment, Congress will be required to spend no more than it takes in, reining in out of control spending once and for all” Hurt also sponsored the Small Business Capital Access and Job Preservation Act that would exempt private equity funds advisers from certain registration and reporting standards. In July, 2011 Hurt sponsored the Market Transparency and Taxpayer Protection Act which would “protect the taxpayers of the United States by requiring Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to sell or dispose of the assets of such enterprises that are not critical to their missions.” However, because very little political leverage was used to pass this legislation, it most likely will die in committee. Hurt’s position on Government regulation is clear in his statement that “By reducing the unnecessary government regulations that hinder small businesses, keeping taxes low and allowing people to keep more of what they make, and cutting spending to get our fiscal house in order, the private sector will gain the confidence necessary to expand and create the jobs that the people of the 5th District need and deserve.”
During 2000-2010, the Virginia League of Conservation Voters gave Hurt an average approval rating of 40%. However, in 2010, when Hurt was running against incumbent Tom Perriello, the Sierra Club
and League of Conservation Voters
released television and radio ads against Hurt, attacking him on his previous votes to lift uranium-mining regulations in Virginia. The ads also pointed out that Hurt’s father is an investor in a uranium-mining company that had hoped to begin mining in Virginia. Hurt also received thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from uranium-mining interest groups. Hurt strongly opposed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s 2009 proposed “Cap-and Trade” climate control legislation. Hurt called on the Virginia Department of Interior secretary Ken Salazar to list bans on off-shore drilling and development.
|+ Virginia House of Delegates, District 16: Results 2001 to 2005
!|Year
!
!|Republican
!|Votes
!|Pct
!
!|Democrat
!|Votes
!|Pct
!
!Third Party
!Party
!Votes
!Pct
|-
|2001
|
| |
| align="right" |11,853
| |65%
|
| |Randy Collins
| align="right" |6,382
| |35%
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|2003
|
| |
| align="right" |8,744
| |62%
|
| |
| align="right" |5,441
| |38%
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|2005
|
| |
| align="right" |12,821
| |99%
|
| |no candidate
| align="right" |
| |
|
| |Write-ins
| |
| align="right" |123
| align="right" |1%
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:0.5em ; font-size:95%"
|+ Virginia Senate, District 19: Results 2007
!|Year
!
!|Republican
!|Votes
!|Pct
!
!|Democrat
!|Votes
!|Pct
!
|-
|2007
|
| |
| align="right" |29,735
| |76%
|
| |
| align="right" |9,488
| |24%
|
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:0.5em ; font-size:95%"
|+ : Results 2010
!|Year
!
!|Republican
!|Votes
!|Pct
!
!|Democrat
!|Votes
!|Pct
!
!Third Party
!Party
!Votes
!Pct
|-
|2010
|
| |
| align="right" |119,560
| |51%
|
| |Tom Perriello
| align="right" |110,562
| |47%
|
| |Jeffrey Clark
| |Independent
| |4,992
| |2%
. His brother, Charles Hurt, is the Washington bureau chief for the New York Post
. Hurt gave the commencement address at Piedmont Virginia Community College
in May 2011.
United States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
for , serving since January 2011. He is a member of the Republican Party
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
. The district stretches from Charlottesville
Charlottesville, Virginia
Charlottesville is an independent city geographically surrounded by but separate from Albemarle County in the Commonwealth of Virginia, United States, and named after Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the queen consort of King George III of the United Kingdom.The official population estimate for...
to Southside
Southside (Virginia)
Traditionally, the term Southside refers to the portion of Virginia east of the Blue Ridge Mountains and south of the James River, the geographic feature from which the term derives its name....
and west to Bedford
Bedford County, Virginia
As of the census of 2000, there were 60,371 people, 23,838 households, and 18,164 families residing in the county. The population density was 80 people per square mile . There were 26,841 housing units at an average density of 36 per square mile...
and Franklin
Franklin County, Virginia
As of the census of 2000, there were 47,286 people, 18,963 households, and 13,918 families residing in the county. The population density was 68 people per square mile . There were 22,717 housing units at an average density of 33 per square mile...
counties. Prior to joining Congress, Hurt was a state senator and delegate, councilman
City council
A city council or town council is the legislative body that governs a city, town, municipality or local government area.-Australia & NZ:Because of the differences in legislation between the States, the exact definition of a City Council varies...
and attorney.
Hurt was born in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
and raised in Chatham, Virginia
Chatham, Virginia
Chatham is a town in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, United States. Chatham's population was 1,338 at the 2000 census. It is included in the Danville, Virginia Metropolitan Statistical Area. Chatham is home to Chatham High School and Hargrave Military Academy. It is also home to Chatham Hall , an...
. After graduating from Hampden-Sydney College
Hampden-Sydney College
Hampden–Sydney College is a liberal arts college for men located in Hampden Sydney, Virginia, United States. Founded in 1775, Hampden–Sydney is the oldest private charter college in the Southern U.S., the last college founded before the American Revolution, and one of only three four-year,...
and Mississippi College School of Law
Mississippi College School of Law
The Mississippi College School of Law is located in downtown Jackson, Mississippi. The law school started out as the Jackson School of Law in 1930, but was acquired by Mississippi College in 1975. The main campus of Mississippi College is located in Clinton, Mississippi.In December 2005, the school...
, Hurt served as a chief assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for Pittsylvania County, Virginia
Pittsylvania County, Virginia
As of the census of 2000, there were 61,745 people, 24,684 households, and 18,216 families residing in the county. The population density was 64 people per square mile . There were 28,011 housing units at an average density of 29 per square mile...
from 1996 to 1999. Afterwards, he worked as an attorney for the firm H. Victor Millner, Jr. P.C. in Chatham from 1999 to 2008 and opened his own law firm in 2008.
Hurt's political career began with his election to the Chatham Town Council. A year later, he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates
Virginia House of Delegates
The Virginia House of Delegates is the lower house of the Virginia General Assembly. It has 100 members elected for terms of two years; unlike most states, these elections take place during odd-numbered years. The House is presided over by the Speaker of the House, who is elected from among the...
and served three terms. In 2007, Hurt was elected to the Senate of Virginia
Senate of Virginia
The Senate of Virginia is the upper house of the Virginia General Assembly. The Senate is composed of 40 Senators representing an equal number of single-member constituent districts. The Senate is presided over by the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia...
. In October 2009, Hurt announced that he would run for the U.S. Representative seat for the 5th congressional district in Virginia. After easily winning the primary, Hurt was elected to the House of Representatives, defeating the incumbent Democrat, Tom Perriello
Tom Perriello
Thomas Stuart Price "Tom" Perriello is the former U.S. Representative for , serving from 2009 until 2011. He is a member of the Democratic Party. The district includes much of Southside Virginia and stretches north to Charlottesville....
.
Early life, education and career
Hurt was born in New York CityNew York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, where he lived for about nine years. His father, Henry Hurt, was a journalist and editor for Reader’s Digest. In 1986, Henry wrote a book questioning the findings of the Warren Commission
Warren Commission
The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy, known unofficially as the Warren Commission, was established on November 27, 1963, by Lyndon B. Johnson to investigate the assassination of United States President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963...
called Reasonable Doubt: An Investigation into the Assassination of John F. Kennedy. Hurt was raised in Chatham, Virginia
Chatham, Virginia
Chatham is a town in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, United States. Chatham's population was 1,338 at the 2000 census. It is included in the Danville, Virginia Metropolitan Statistical Area. Chatham is home to Chatham High School and Hargrave Military Academy. It is also home to Chatham Hall , an...
, attended Hargrave Military Academy
Hargrave Military Academy
Hargrave Military Academy is a private American boarding school located in the town of Chatham, Virginia.Hargrave is a school affiliated with the Baptist General Association of Virginia emphasizing Christian values that focuses on a college and military preparatory program...
and graduated from Episcopal High School
Episcopal High School (Alexandria, Virginia)
Episcopal High School , founded in 1839, is a private boarding school located in Alexandria, Virginia. The Holy Hill's campus houses 435 students from 30 states, the District of Columbia and 17 different countries...
in Alexandria
Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of 2009, the city had a total population of 139,966. Located along the Western bank of the Potomac River, Alexandria is approximately six miles south of downtown Washington, D.C.Like the rest of northern Virginia, as well as...
. He earned a bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree is usually an academic degree awarded for an undergraduate course or major that generally lasts for three or four years, but can range anywhere from two to six years depending on the region of the world...
in English from Hampden-Sydney College
Hampden-Sydney College
Hampden–Sydney College is a liberal arts college for men located in Hampden Sydney, Virginia, United States. Founded in 1775, Hampden–Sydney is the oldest private charter college in the Southern U.S., the last college founded before the American Revolution, and one of only three four-year,...
in 1991 and a law degree
Juris Doctor
Juris Doctor is a professional doctorate and first professional graduate degree in law.The degree was first awarded by Harvard University in the United States in the late 19th century and was created as a modern version of the old European doctor of law degree Juris Doctor (see etymology and...
from Mississippi College School of Law
Mississippi College School of Law
The Mississippi College School of Law is located in downtown Jackson, Mississippi. The law school started out as the Jackson School of Law in 1930, but was acquired by Mississippi College in 1975. The main campus of Mississippi College is located in Clinton, Mississippi.In December 2005, the school...
in 1995. Hurt also graduated from the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadershipprogram in 2000. He served as a chief assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for Pittsylvania County
Pittsylvania County, Virginia
As of the census of 2000, there were 61,745 people, 24,684 households, and 18,216 families residing in the county. The population density was 64 people per square mile . There were 28,011 housing units at an average density of 29 per square mile...
from 1996 to 1999. From 1999 to 2008, Robert worked in a general law practice with the firm of H. Victor Millner, Jr. P.C. in Chatham. In 2008, Robert opened up his own law practice in Chatham.
Early political career
Hurt began his political career as a member of the Chatham Town Council. He was elected with 82 percent of the vote. Hurt was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2001 and served three terms. He represented the 16th District, which includes part of Henry CountyHenry County, Virginia
As of the census of 2000, there were 57,930 people, 23,910 households, and 16,952 families residing in the county. The population density was 152 people per square mile . There were 25,921 housing units at an average density of 68 per square mile...
. He was elected and re-elected to the House of Delegates with at least 62 percent of the vote. He cited bringing the New College Institute and the Virginia Museum of Natural History
Virginia Museum of Natural History
Virginia Museum of Natural History is the state's natural history museum located in Martinsville founded in 1984. The museums has several different award winning publications is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, and has more than 22 million items...
as accomplishments that he and other legislators of both parties have worked together to bring to the area.
During his time as a delegate, Hurt worked to increase state funding for K-12 education and increase the safety of Virginia’s children through membership on the Courts of Justice Committee and the Youth Internet Safety Taskforce. Hurt voted two dozen times to cut taxes and supported 28 bills in the General Assembly that sought to reduce taxes on food, gas, cigarettes, cars, real estate, computer sales and other items. In 2004, Hurt voted in favor of a $1.4 billion tax increase to narrow the gap in Virginia’s budget. Hurt stated that the increase was essential, based on the information lawmakers had at the time, to refrain from a government shutdown over a budget impasse and has since stated regret over the vote.
In November 2007, Hurt was elected to the Senate of Virginia
Senate of Virginia
The Senate of Virginia is the upper house of the Virginia General Assembly. The Senate is composed of 40 Senators representing an equal number of single-member constituent districts. The Senate is presided over by the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia...
, winning 75 percent of the vote. Hurt represented the 19th district, which includes the city of Danville
Danville, Virginia
Danville is an independent city in Virginia, United States, bounded by Pittsylvania County, Virginia and Caswell County, North Carolina. It was the last capital of the Confederate States of America. The Bureau of Economic Analysis combines the city of Danville with Pittsylvania county for...
, Pittsylvania
Pittsylvania County, Virginia
As of the census of 2000, there were 61,745 people, 24,684 households, and 18,216 families residing in the county. The population density was 64 people per square mile . There were 28,011 housing units at an average density of 29 per square mile...
and Franklin
Franklin County, Virginia
As of the census of 2000, there were 47,286 people, 18,963 households, and 13,918 families residing in the county. The population density was 68 people per square mile . There were 22,717 housing units at an average density of 33 per square mile...
counties, and part of Campbell
Campbell County, Virginia
As of the census of 2000, there were 51,078 people, 20,639 households, and 14,694 families residing in the county. The population density was 101 people per square mile . There were 22,088 housing units at an average density of 44 per square mile...
county.
2010 election
On October 7, 2009, Hurt officially declared himself a candidate for . The district stretches from CharlottesvilleCharlottesville, Virginia
Charlottesville is an independent city geographically surrounded by but separate from Albemarle County in the Commonwealth of Virginia, United States, and named after Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the queen consort of King George III of the United Kingdom.The official population estimate for...
to Southside Virginia
Southside (Virginia)
Traditionally, the term Southside refers to the portion of Virginia east of the Blue Ridge Mountains and south of the James River, the geographic feature from which the term derives its name....
and west to Bedford
Bedford County, Virginia
As of the census of 2000, there were 60,371 people, 23,838 households, and 18,164 families residing in the county. The population density was 80 people per square mile . There were 26,841 housing units at an average density of 36 per square mile...
and Franklin
Franklin County, Virginia
As of the census of 2000, there were 47,286 people, 18,963 households, and 13,918 families residing in the county. The population density was 68 people per square mile . There were 22,717 housing units at an average density of 33 per square mile...
counties. Hurt was the Republican establishment candidate in the primary and was not received well by the Tea Party
Tea Party movement
The Tea Party movement is an American populist political movement that is generally recognized as conservative and libertarian, and has sponsored protests and supported political candidates since 2009...
. On June 8, 2010, Hurt won the Republican nomination with a plurality in a crowded field of six other candidates. All of Hurt's opponents in the primary endorsed him. A local Tea Party Leader said his group would "unite behind" and "support" Hurt.
Hurt campaigned against Democratic incumbent Tom Perriello
Tom Perriello
Thomas Stuart Price "Tom" Perriello is the former U.S. Representative for , serving from 2009 until 2011. He is a member of the Democratic Party. The district includes much of Southside Virginia and stretches north to Charlottesville....
and Independent candidate Jeffrey Clark in the general election. Republicans viewed his as a pickup opportunity and poured resources into the race. Perriello was listed as one of the 10 most vulnerable House incumbents by Roll Call
Roll Call
Roll Call is a newspaper published in Washington, D.C., United States, from Monday to Thursday when the United States Congress is in session and on Mondays only during recess. Roll Call reports news of legislative and political maneuverings on Capitol Hill, as well as political coverage of...
. Hurt was a member of the National Republican Congressional Committee
National Republican Congressional Committee
The National Republican Congressional Committee is the Republican Hill committee which works to elect Republicans to the United States House of Representatives....
's "Young Guns" program.
On June 12, Hurt stated that he would "absolutely" participate in debates that included all the candidates, including Independent candidate Clark. Just days later, Hurt stated that he would not debate Clark. Although the statement was made in response to a direct query from a reporter as to whether he would debate Clark, Hurt’s campaign later tried to justify their position by insisting this was untrue. Hurt skipped the first debate which was organized by the Senior Statesmen of Virginia, becoming the first candidate to skip the forum since it started in 1996. In addition to the first debate, Hurt skipped two subsequent debates one sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce
Chamber of commerce
A chamber of commerce is a form of business network, e.g., a local organization of businesses whose goal is to further the interests of businesses. Business owners in towns and cities form these local societies to advocate on behalf of the business community...
in Nelson County
Nelson County, Virginia
As of the census of 2000, there were 14,445 people, 5,887 households, and 4,144 families residing in the county. The population density was 31 people per square mile . There were 8,554 housing units at an average density of 18 per square mile...
and another hosted by American Legion
American Legion
The American Legion is a mutual-aid organization of veterans of the United States armed forces chartered by the United States Congress. It was founded to benefit those veterans who served during a wartime period as defined by Congress...
Post 325 in Danville making a total of three skipped debates.
Hurt campaigned on his opposition to the Democratic-backed initiatives that Perriello supported, such as health-care reform
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is a United States federal statute signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010. The law is the principal health care reform legislation of the 111th United States Congress...
, the economic stimulus package and clean energy legislation
American Clean Energy and Security Act
The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 was an energy bill in the 111th United States Congress that would have established a variant of an emissions trading plan similar to the European Union Emission Trading Scheme...
. On August 20, Hurt released his first television ad. Hurt's first television ad stated that he would fight tax increases, stop Washington’s spending and start creating jobs, however he never mentions his opponent. "You definitely see that he’s running against Congress as a whole and Democrats as a whole," Isaac Wood, an analyst at the University of Virginia Center for Politics
University of Virginia Center for Politics
The University of Virginia Center for Politics was founded in 1998 by professor and political analyst Larry J. Sabato to put into practice his belief that "Politics is a good thing!" The Center for Politics is a nonpartisan organization based in Charlottesville, Virginia, which seeks to increase...
, said. "That was very clear. He spent just a few seconds introducing himself, then pivoted right away to attack the negative things happening in D.C. With voters, that can be effective." Another ad from Hurt called Perriello a "rubber stamp" for the policies of President Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Nancy Pelosi
Nancy Patricia D'Alesandro Pelosi is the Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives and served as the 60th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011...
. Hurt won with 51 percent of the vote.
Tenure
After his win, Hurt submitted a formal letter of resignation from the Virginia General AssemblyVirginia General Assembly
The Virginia General Assembly is the legislative body of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the oldest legislative body in the Western Hemisphere, established on July 30, 1619. The General Assembly is a bicameral body consisting of a lower house, the Virginia House of Delegates, with 100 members,...
to Governor Bob McDonnell
Bob McDonnell
Robert Francis "Bob" McDonnell is an American politician who has been the 71st Governor of Virginia since January 2010. A former lieutenant colonel in the United States Army, McDonnell served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1993 to 2006 and served as Attorney General of Virginia from 2006...
that would be effective on January 5, the day Hurt was sworn in to Congress. Hurt voted to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is a United States federal statute signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010. The law is the principal health care reform legislation of the 111th United States Congress...
which successfully passed the House. In February, Hurt criticized President Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
's $3.73 trillion 2012 federal budget proposal for its excessive spending and borrowing. Hurt would vote to pass a $1.2 trillion bill that would cut the year's budget federal budget by $61 billion. On April 8, Hurt voted for a continuing resolution that prevented the government from shutting down that day. On July 19, Hurt voted for the Cut, Cap and Balance Act
Cut, Cap and Balance Act
The proposed Cut, Cap and Balance Act of 2011 was a bill put forward in the 112th United States Congress by Republicans during the 2011 U.S. debt ceiling crisis...
. On August 1, Hurt voted for the Budget Control Act of 2011
Budget Control Act of 2011
The Budget Control Act of 2011 was passed by the 112th United States Congress signed into law by President Barack Obama. It brought conclusion to the 2011 United States debt ceiling crisis, which had threatened to lead the United States into sovereign default on or about August 3, 2011.The law...
that raised the debt ceiling and cut spending by $2.1 trillion over the next 10 years.
Social issues
Virginia Citizens Defense League, a pro-gun organization, gave Hurt an 78% approval rating. Asked if he supports the purchase and possession of guns, Hurts has consistently affirmed his support for gun rights.
Hurt has traditionally voted for legislation that restricts abortion. Virginia Society for Human Rights gave him a 100% approval rating. Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice have consistently given him 0% approval ratings every year since 2002.
Equality Virginia has given him between 0% and 11% approval ratings for his position on LGBT rights.
Hurt has affirmed that he supports capital punishment
Capital punishment
Capital punishment, the death penalty, or execution is the sentence of death upon a person by the state as a punishment for an offence. Crimes that can result in a death penalty are known as capital crimes or capital offences. The term capital originates from the Latin capitalis, literally...
for certain crimes.
Fiscal issues
Hurt cosponsored the Balanced Budget Amendment
Balanced Budget Amendment
A balanced-budget amendment is a constitutional rule requiring that the state cannot spend more than its income. It requires a balance between the projected receipts and expenditures of the government....
, which did not pass the House of Representatives
House of Representatives
House of Representatives is the name of legislative bodies in many countries and sub-national states. In some countries, the House of Representatives is the lower house of a bicameral legislature, with the corresponding upper house often called a "senate". In other countries, the House of...
in November 2011. Hurt said of the bill, “By passing a Balanced Budget Amendment, Congress will be required to spend no more than it takes in, reining in out of control spending once and for all” Hurt also sponsored the Small Business Capital Access and Job Preservation Act that would exempt private equity funds advisers from certain registration and reporting standards. In July, 2011 Hurt sponsored the Market Transparency and Taxpayer Protection Act which would “protect the taxpayers of the United States by requiring Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to sell or dispose of the assets of such enterprises that are not critical to their missions.” However, because very little political leverage was used to pass this legislation, it most likely will die in committee. Hurt’s position on Government regulation is clear in his statement that “By reducing the unnecessary government regulations that hinder small businesses, keeping taxes low and allowing people to keep more of what they make, and cutting spending to get our fiscal house in order, the private sector will gain the confidence necessary to expand and create the jobs that the people of the 5th District need and deserve.”
During 2000-2010, the Virginia League of Conservation Voters gave Hurt an average approval rating of 40%. However, in 2010, when Hurt was running against incumbent Tom Perriello, the Sierra Club
Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is the oldest, largest, and most influential grassroots environmental organization in the United States. It was founded on May 28, 1892, in San Francisco, California, by the conservationist and preservationist John Muir, who became its first president...
and League of Conservation Voters
League of Conservation Voters
The League of Conservation Voters is a political advocacy organization founded in 1969 by American environmentalist David Brower in the early years of the environmental movement. LCV's mission is to "advocate for sound environmental policies and to elect pro-environmental candidates who will adopt...
released television and radio ads against Hurt, attacking him on his previous votes to lift uranium-mining regulations in Virginia. The ads also pointed out that Hurt’s father is an investor in a uranium-mining company that had hoped to begin mining in Virginia. Hurt also received thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from uranium-mining interest groups. Hurt strongly opposed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s 2009 proposed “Cap-and Trade” climate control legislation. Hurt called on the Virginia Department of Interior secretary Ken Salazar to list bans on off-shore drilling and development.
Committee assignments
- Committee on Financial ServicesUnited States House Committee on Financial ServicesThe United States House Committee on Financial Services is the committee of the United States House of Representatives that oversees the entire financial services industry, including the securities, insurance, banking, and housing industries...
- Subcommittee on Capital Markets and Government-Sponsored Enterprises
- Subcommittee on Insurance, Housing and Community Opportunity (Vice Chair)
Electoral history
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:0.5em ; font-size:95%"|+ Virginia House of Delegates, District 16: Results 2001 to 2005
!|Year
!
!|Republican
!|Votes
!|Pct
!
!|Democrat
!|Votes
!|Pct
!
!Third Party
!Party
!Votes
!Pct
|-
|2001
|
| |
| align="right" |11,853
| |65%
|
| |Randy Collins
| align="right" |6,382
| |35%
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|2003
|
| |
| align="right" |8,744
| |62%
|
| |
| align="right" |5,441
| |38%
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|2005
|
| |
| align="right" |12,821
| |99%
|
| |no candidate
| align="right" |
| |
|
| |Write-ins
Write-in candidate
A write-in candidate is a candidate in an election whose name does not appear on the ballot, but for whom voters may vote nonetheless by writing in the person's name. Some states and local jurisdictions allow a voter to affix a sticker with a write-in candidate's name on it to the ballot in lieu...
| |
| align="right" |123
| align="right" |1%
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:0.5em ; font-size:95%"
|+ Virginia Senate, District 19: Results 2007
!|Year
!
!|Republican
!|Votes
!|Pct
!
!|Democrat
!|Votes
!|Pct
!
|-
|2007
|
| |
| align="right" |29,735
| |76%
|
| |
| align="right" |9,488
| |24%
|
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:0.5em ; font-size:95%"
|+ : Results 2010
!|Year
!
!|Republican
!|Votes
!|Pct
!
!|Democrat
!|Votes
!|Pct
!
!Third Party
!Party
!Votes
!Pct
|-
|2010
United States House of Representatives elections in Virginia, 2010
The 2010 congressional elections in Virginia were held November 2, 2010, to determine who will represent the state of Virginia in the United States House of Representatives...
|
| |
| align="right" |119,560
| |51%
|
| |Tom Perriello
Tom Perriello
Thomas Stuart Price "Tom" Perriello is the former U.S. Representative for , serving from 2009 until 2011. He is a member of the Democratic Party. The district includes much of Southside Virginia and stretches north to Charlottesville....
| align="right" |110,562
| |47%
|
| |Jeffrey Clark
| |Independent
| |4,992
| |2%
Personal life
Hurt lives in Chatham and is married to Kathryn Raine Heithaus. He has three sons, Charles, Clement and John. Hurt is a member of Chatham Presbyterian Church and Chatham Rotary Club. Also, he is a member of the Board of Directors of the New College Institute, the Virginia Bar Association’s Board of Governors, the state advisory board of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership, the Hampden-Sydney Wilson Center Advisory Board, the John Marshall Foundation Board, the Board of Directors of Roman Eagle Nursing Home and the board of directors of the W. E. Skelton 4-H Conference Center at Smith Mountain LakeSmith Mountain Lake
Smith Mountain Lake is a large reservoir in the Roanoke Region of Virginia, located southeast of the City of Roanoke and southwest of Lynchburg. The lake was created in 1963 by the Smith Mountain Dam impounding the Roanoke River. The majority of the south shore of the lake lies in Franklin County...
. His brother, Charles Hurt, is the Washington bureau chief for the New York Post
New York Post
The New York Post is the 13th-oldest newspaper published in the United States and is generally acknowledged as the oldest to have been published continuously as a daily, although – as is the case with most other papers – its publication has been periodically interrupted by labor actions...
. Hurt gave the commencement address at Piedmont Virginia Community College
Piedmont Virginia Community College
' is an open access community college offering two-year associate's degrees, one-year certificates, continuing education and workforce training. The campus is located in Albemarle County, Virginia, south of Charlottesville...
in May 2011.
External links
- Congressman Robert Hurt official U.S. House site
- Robert Hurt for Congress official campaign site
- Profile from Virginia Public Access Project