Sen. H Russell Potts Jr., independent candidate for governor, took the stage at 3:30 p.m. He sounded off on several issues, including illegal immigration.
Potts said he thinks illegal immigrants should receive instate tuition if they meet requirements. Potts said immigrants work very hard to achieve the American dream and a student’s credentials should speak for themselves.
“I strongly believe you’re judged on merit,” he said.
Potts was also in favor of making voting easier for college students. He said he wanted to “throw all the shackles off,” and encourage more participation among college students.
“One of the greatest heartbreaks to me today is that we don’t have many students (getting) involved,” he said.
While all three candidates differed on a range of issues, all agreed on one thing – research dollars. Potts said the more research dollars brought into colleges and universities, the more jobs there would be.
He also pledged his commitment to helping limit the cost of higher education for students and acknowledged the growing number of students seeking a college education is a challenge for Virginia, but said his track record speaks for itself.
“I’ve been there time and time again,” he said
And when asked what he would say to the undecided college voter, Potts said, “vote with your heart and ask yourself the question, ‘who is the best candidate for the job?'”
Potts is a republican senator from Winchester who is running as an independent in this year’s gubernatorial race.