Comstock Picks Up Law Enforcement, Business Endorsements

Incumbent state Del. Barbara Comstock, R-McLean, picked up a pair of endorsements this week from groups representing law enforcement and business interests.

The support came from the Fairfax County chapter of the Virginia Police Benevolent Association, which represents current and retired law enforcement officials, and the National Federation of Independent Businesses, or NFIB, which represents about 5,500 small business owners in Virginia.

"During the screening process, Barbara Comstock demonstrated why her experiences and values make her uniquely qualified to represent the voters of the 34th district in Fairfax County. She also demonstrated that she is committed to making strong effective law enforcement a priority in her campaign," the police group stated in its endorsement.

"Barbara Comstock clearly understands the challenges facing Virginia's job creators. Our members believe Delegate Comstock will continue to take a fiscally responsible approach to managing state government and support legislation that helps our small businesses grow and create jobs," Nicole Riley, state director of NFIB/Virginia, said in a statement.

Comstock, in separate statements, said she was honored to receive the endorsements.

"As a small businesswoman myself, I am particularly honored to receive the support of those who are creating jobs and opportunity throughout the Commonwealth," she said of the NFIB endorsement. "I am proud to be working day in and day out with our job creators, entrepreneurs and business community. My legislative successes have very much been focused on jobs and opportunities and I look forward to continuing to work with the men and women of the NFIB."

The Virginia Public Access Project, or VPAP, which tracks campaign contributions, reported this week that Comstock had recently received $5,000 from the Presidential Coalition, or $10,000 total from that group so far this election cycle.

Since 2012, the Presidential Coalition, a conservative public policy group connected to Citizens United, has donated $89,000 to Republicans in Virginia, according to VPAP.

Comstock faces Democrat Kathleen Murphy in November.

Murphy has received $8,000 so far this election cycle from Democracy for America, a group founded by Howard Dean.

Murphy's endorsements so far include the Sierra Club and the Virginia Education Association.