Candidate Spotlight: Norm Mosher of the 1st Congressional District

Norm Mosher is running against Rob Wittman in the 1st Congressional District. He is a long time resident of Irvington and has served as the chair of the Lancaster County Democratic Committee and as a Virginia representative to the Democratic National Convention in Boston. He served on the Irvington Town Council for six years. Prior to settling in Irvington, he retired from the US Navy with the rank of Captain and he is the founder of several small businesses.
Mosher was educated in public schools and went on to get a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Boston University. He later earned a Master of Arts degree in International Relations and a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.

He served in the Navy for 26 years, including tours in Vietnam. He was awarded three combat decorations: The Legion of Merit with Combat Distinguishing Device, The Bronze Star with Combat Distinguishing Device, and the Air Medal. The first ship that he commanded in Vietnam received recognition and was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for its performance in the war zone. While in the navy, he served both in the Atlantic and Pacific Fleet.
After his naval service, he served as a staff member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, chaired by Senator Sam Nunn. He also worked closely with Senator Ted Kennedy and was responsible for analytical oversight of $25 billion of the Department of Defense budget for Research and Development and Procurement for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Special Operations forces.

He started a consulting company in 1990 that specialized in oceanographic research, shipbuilding and ship propulsion systems. In addition, he was a founder of Crosswater Cats, LLC, which builds large power catamarans; he sailed a prototype for the company to Bermuda in a powerboat rally, arriving a full 25 hours ahead of the next competitor. He currently is a board member of LJI, Inc, a nonprofit organization that develops programs for at-risk girls in India who have been rescued from human trafficking, an indication of his interest in and dedication to women’s issues.

Among the issues that he lists as priorities on his website (www.normmosher.com), are creating jobs and rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure, protecting Virginia’s seniors, reforming higher education financing and reducing student debt load, equitable pay for women, affordable healthcare, making sure that veterans are supported and taking care of the Chesapeake Bay. In addition, Mosher specifically includes LGBT Equality as a major issue about which he is concerned. He believes that protecting the rights of everyone strengthens America and will work to protect the rights of the LGBT community. Norm supports marriage equality and efforts to ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in employment and housing.

His strong background in the military, as a small businessman and a local politician provide him with skills that will make him a great representative for the 1st District. His strong ties to the Chesapeake Bay as a naval officer, and as a businessman uniquely qualify him to represent this district bordering the Bay. His depth of education in law and diplomacy and his experience as a businessman and naval officer will make him a stronger voice for all Virginians.

The LGBT Democrats of Virginia have sent all candidates including Mosher endorsement questionnaires. We have not received the questionnaire or voted on endorsements yet, but we will post on our website when endorsements are made. We will be highlighting Democratic candidates for all the Congressional Districts in the coming weeks. We encourage you all to go out and talk to the candidates in your area and to help out as you are able. It is important to Virginia to elect strong Democratic candidates.

Next: Suzanne Patrick – Candidate for Congress in the 2nd Congressional District