What ‘China’ Ads in Virginia Race Omit

Television ads in the Virginia governor’s race criticize Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam for his role on a state economic development board. But there is less here than meets the eye:

• The ads say Northam missed 58 percent of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership meetings. Northam was an ex officio member of the board and sits on 13 other boards. Northam or his representative attended all VEDP board meetings.
• The ads also say Northam “helped lead Virginia’s economic development agency that gave $1.4 million to a Chinese company with a fake website.” However, the board does not approve grants, which are recommended by staff and approved by the governor.

Virginia and New Jersey are the only two states with gubernatorial elections in 2017. In Virginia, Republican Ed Gillespie, a former chairman of the Republican National Committee, faces Northam, a Democrat the Virginia race remains close.