Janet Oleszek
Democrat
News Editor Rachael Dickson

In the 37th district, Democrat Janet Oleszek, a former Fairfax County School Board member is challenging five-year Republican Senator Ken Cuccinelli.

“Ken Cuccinelli’s extreme views do not accurately reflect the views of the constituents in our district,” Oleszek said in an Aug. 22 article in Broadside. “This district voted overwhelmingly for Democrats Tim Kaine and Jim Webb because voters want people who represent mainstream values and ideas.”

Oleszek is running her campaign on the base issues of transportation, education, and the environment, citing them as daily problems that affect Fairfax residents more than ideological issues. She has said that an effective way of dealing with the transportation issue would be to work for more investment in Northern Virginia from both Richmond and the federal government in both roads and mass transit.

“For too long, I have watched this district go represented in Richmond by an extremist who fails to tackle the challenges facing everyday Fairfax residents,” Oleszek said. “Fairfax deserves a senator in Richmond who will fight hard for fair funding for Fairfax schools and work creatively to find solutions to our transportation crisis, issues that affect our everyday lives.”

Oleszek has received endorsements from Planned Parenthood in Virginia PAC, the Fairfax the Virginia Education Association, Sierra Club and Emily’s List, among others. Oleszek has received criticism lately from many media sources.

The Washington Post refused to make an endorsement in 37th District, saying that “The district, in Fairfax County, deserves better choices.” The Oct. 15 article called Oleszek, “A Fairfax County School Board member who has run a lackluster campaign, at times embarrassingly short on substance.”

The Fairfax Times endorsed Cuccinelli in the race, saying that there are a number of things about his tenure that the editorial board found problematic but that Oleszek gave them no reason to support her.

"Democrat Janet Oleszek, a school board member, had essentially nothing to offer The Times' editorial board in the way of specific ideas for the state's future,” the Oct. 24 article read. “Similar to her performance in public debates, she answered questions about specific proposals with generalities. We feel it would be irresponsible to back such a weak candidate.”

However, the Fairfax Connection endorsed Oleszek, commenting that she “is far better on the job than she is on the campaign trial,” and that “It’s an understatement when she says, ‘I am not a politician.’ ” The Oct. 24 article went on to extol Oleszek as a“patient and cooperative,” candidate who has “demonstrated excellent priorities and the ability to work with others to accomplish her goals.” It also noted that “Her views on most issues, especially guns and education, are far more in line with this district than the incumbent.”