This will be the first time I have voted for a president or contributed to someone’s campaign. So why now?

It is the most historic American election since 1932. We are in a financial crisis akin to the Great Depression. Virginia is seeing real hardship in the form of faltering businesses, a deplorable education system and healthcare being cut significantly for the first time in the state’s history.

Virginia has voted Republican in every presidential election since 1964. I believe that it is time for a change.

Barack Obama means more to Virginia and progress here in Hampton Roads than John McCain.

Obama has specific plans for local and small businesses that will encourage growth and stimulate the economy. He will provide them access to a special loan program that will give them a fighting chance to compete in our fast-paced market. McCain has no such plans for small business.

Virginia’s education is at one of its lowest points in years. One in four children is unprepared for kindergarten. The problem is not that our children are stupid or developmentally slow. The problem is that the programs set up to help them learn, including Head Start and No Child Left Behind, are grossly underfunded and understaffed. Obama plans to reform and increase funding to these programs so they’ll work better. What about McCain? He repeatedly voted against fully funding childhood programs. Worse than that, he voted against hiring as many as 100,000 new teachers!

Barack Obama has a nationwide healthcare plan that would give the uninsured a range of options, including discounts on private insurance or participation in a plan currently available only to government employees. Employers would be encouraged to provide insurance for their own employees, and a special tax credit would enable them to purchase insurance for workers.

John McCain wants to tax healthcare, instead of fixing it. Independent studies say his plan would cost 20 million Americans their health insurance. Does that make sense to you?

America needs a change in its government, in its economy, in its education and in its healthcare systems. Barack Obama has plans that will work to create a bright future for this great country. John McCain does not.