Laura Peters

lpeters@newsleader.com

STAUNTON - Some Staunton residents may "Feel the Bern" with the new Bernie Sanders volunteer office opening up earlier this month.

Organized by Marc Armstrong, the all-volunteer run office opened to the public with more than 100 visitors on Jan. 9.

Although not directly linked to the Bernie Sanders 2016 Presidential Campaign, Armstrong said he and other volunteers are meeting and organizing before the campaign has hired a Virginia state director.

The small office, located across from the Howard Johnson in Staunton, rotates about 25 volunteers. According to Armstrong, the office has a mailing list of 200 people who have either attended events or are interested in being involved.

The Staunton volunteer office is the only physical office dedicated to the campaign so far in the state, Armstrong said. He is also unaware of any other candidates having volunteer offices in the area or rest of the state.

"Bernie 2016 volunteers opened offices in Staunton and Cleveland, both of which opened on Jan. 9," Armstrong said. "My information is that these are the first dedicated Bernie 2016 volunteer offices in the country."

One volunteer, Dolores Curry, has only lived in Staunton for a few months, but with regular visits to her daughter who calls Staunton home, she wanted to reach out and do something.

"Just looking at his slate ... he was the only one who makes good sense to me," she said. "He's honest, generous and on the right track."

Prior to opening the office in town, the organization's first event — a Democratic Primary Debate Watch Party — drew more than 70 people to Queen City Brewing on Oct. 14.

Debate party 'a wild success'

"There is significant support for Bernie Sanders here in Staunton," Armstrong said. "Bernie Sanders has a common sense approach to solving the issues we face as a nation. His proven record representing and supporting the interests of the people in a rural state shows that his judgement can be trusted. Moreover, his courage in standing up to Wall Street is unmatched. Many of us still believe that government can serve the interests of the people and Sanders is the only candidate who understands that this is possible by coming together to demand a political revolution. We're doing our part."

Volunteer meetings are held every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the office, which is located at 240 N. Central Ave. #6 in Staunton.

Other Sanders volunteer movements through social media have opened up in Charlottesville, Harrisonburg and Waynesboro. To learn more go to Staunton4Bernie.org.

Once the primaries are over, physical offices for candidates are expected to reach the area, like what the Valley saw for the 2012 election.

As for other candidates moving forward in the state, Micah Johnson of the Marco Rubio, said Rubio's campaign has made it a point to have a presence in all 50 states.

"We are encouraged by the outpouring of support from Virginians eager to spread Marco's message and help ensure that we elect a leader who is focused on solutions to make the 21st century America's best," Johnson said. "Their hard work and support is a testament to Marco's strong conservative record and unique ability to unite Republicans."

Other Republican candidates, like Trump, Bush and Cruz, also have reached out to Virginia representatives for support. The other Democratic hopeful, Hillary Clinton, has garnered support from Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe and other state representatives.

Follow Laura Peters@peterslaura and@peterpants. You can reach her at lpeters@newsleader.com or 213-9125.