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When politicians fall in love with money instead of people, what happens to the dreams and aspirations of ordinary citizens? Merle Rutledge Jr., a Norfolk State University graduate and former gubernatorial candidate for Virginia, joins us to share his vision for a political system that prioritizes people over partisanship.
Rutledge doesn't mince words about what he sees as the fundamental problem in today's political landscape: leaders who are more concerned with fundraising and special interests than addressing the struggles of everyday Virginians. "I can't talk to politicians that no longer speak to me unless I pay $1,000 for a plate," he observes, highlighting the growing disconnect between elected officials and their constituents.
With refreshing candor, Rutledge outlines his innovative solutions to revitalize Virginia's economy and communities. His "Family Business Act" aims to cut red tape for home-based entrepreneurs and create pathways for talented young people—especially in underserved communities—to build wealth through business ownership rather than being forced exclusively into traditional educational routes. He passionately argues that academically gifted students who receive substantial scholarships should have the option to invest in their own businesses, potentially becoming "millionaires on the day of graduation."
Most boldly, Rutledge proposes eliminating state and local taxes entirely by tapping into Virginia's natural resources, expanding its ports to create thousands of jobs, and establishing more direct supply chains to reduce consumer costs. "We have so many different sources of revenue that don't have to come off the taxpayers' back," he explains, positioning himself as a champion for working-class Virginians struggling with inflation and stagnant wages.
Whether you lean left, right, or somewhere in between, Rutledge's message challenges listeners to look beyond party affiliations and consider which candidates actually address the economic realities facing ordinary families. Follow Rutledge's continuing political journey as he runs a write-in campaign offering Virginians an alternative to what he calls "legacy politicians" from both major parties.

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