GOP County Clerk Candidate’s First Goal? Putting In God We Trust on Everything – Friendly Atheist – Patheos

The Culpeper County Circuit Court in Virginia is having a special election next Tuesday to fill the remainder of a retiring clerks term. Its one of those elections thats bound to have small turnout, where many people probably couldnt even tell you whos running, but this one could have ramifications because of how different the two candidates are.

On one hand, you have Carson Beard, an independent whos worked in the clerks office for several years, knows the place inside and out, wants to digitize the place as much as possible, and make everything easier for the public to access. A perfectly sensible platform for a candidate running for a non-partisan position.

On the other hand, you have a Republican named Marshall Keene whose primary goal in office would be putting a Christian stamp on everything.

Consider a simple question: What are your goals in this position? That was posed to both candidates during a recent Q&A session hosted by the local Chamber of Commerce. Beard gave a perfectly normal response:

Beard said modernization is vitally important as new technology such as e-filing allows the office to better serve the public. Even with modernization, he noted that the office would provide traditional access options. Regarding customer service, Beard said he hopes to continue the outstanding public service established by [predecessor Janice] Corbin.

Now heres Keene, making it clear that non-Christians would not be welcome in the building:

Keene said his first order of business would be placing In God we trust on all stationery and signage. In addition to modernization of the office, he said fiscal responsibility is important along with supporting the 2nd amendment. The most important goal, he said, is ensuring the office is accessible to all citizens.

Nothing says accessible like a phrase telling atheists theyre outsiders

And thats his first order of business! Not helping the people, but shoving his religion in everyones faces. (By the way, the clerk has no say in 2nd Amendment issues. Theres no legislating in the job. Thats just catnip for conservatives.)

All of Keenes responses are like this. Its obvious he doesnt know anything about the position other than its an elected office and hes a Republican who wants power in order to proselytize. Its entirely possible hell use this very post as proof of Christian Persecution even though the problem isnt his faith; its the way he wants to push it on others.

I dont know what Beards religion is because its irrelevant. I dont know what his politics are because, again, its irrelevant. Its possible we disagree on quite a bit. But at least he seems to be taking this race seriously. The same cant be said of Keene.

Local races, especially ones with no big-ticket races on the ballot, can be very tight. So if you or someone you know lives in the area, please make sure to vote.

(Thanks to Brian for the link)

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GOP County Clerk Candidate's First Goal? Putting In God We Trust on Everything - Friendly Atheist - Patheos