Sam Rasoul for US House VA-06

Background:

Sam was raised and educated in Southwest Virginia. Growing up in a working class family, Sam attended Roanoke City, Roanoke County and Botetourt County Schools. After graduating from Lord Botetourt High School, he continued to obtain a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Roanoke College in Salem, VA.

After the atrocities of September 11, 2001, Sam believed that the best way to improve the world around him was through economic development, because with quality jobs and adequate wages comes an improved quality of life, reduced violence, and a better future for our district. At 22, the Roanoke Valley native completed a Masters Degree in International Business Administration from Hawaii Pacific University.

As a small business entrepreneur, Sam started several small businesses in women's fitness, tanning, movie rentals, and real estate. With his business background, Sam was recruited to begin a new medical sales and distribution firm in the Roanoke Valley. The Roanoke Valley native continued to wait for the day when he could fight for working families.

Joining Valley Character, Sam began working to improve character development in our youth around the region. Working with The Hope Fund, the congressional candidate has helped to develop an avenue to provide a college education for poor refugees. Participating with organizations such as the Williamson Road Business Association and youth sports, he has stayed active in our community.

Sam and his wife, Layaly, now live in the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, just outside of Roanoke in Botetourt County.

Goals:

I believe we have a leadership crisis in America. Powerful lobbyists and special interests have taken control of our legislators, and the results are farthest from the true will of the American people.

My goals are (1)to call attention to our leadership crisis and the problem we have with government corruption (2)make solid small steps towards trying to improve our federal government (3)tackle important domestic issues such as healthcare, education and infrastructure (4) set an example that ethics can factor into any political equation

Issues:

(1) Economic Fairness and Government Corruption (they are tied together)
(2) The healthcare crisis which must be solved with a comprehensive bill similar to H.R. 676
(3) Education, namely pre-k and post secondary skills and vocational training

Grassroots Support:

We started campaigning about two years in advance for this congressional race. Grassroots is everything. We have already canvassed neighborhoods, involved ourselves in community events, started youth groups, held fundraisers for non-profits, held many "coffee-shop discussions," and given a voice back to so many that have not had a democratic candidate in a decade!

DFA Values:

I am a small business owner. I know how to spend each penny I take in, so I know the importance of being fiscally prudent. The best way is to CUT out government waste and inefficiency that has been created for the sake of profit, and replace that with programs that help people.