FLOYD – A Floyd woman who is both an attorney and registered nurse is running for U.S. Congress.
Karen G.H. Baker served her country for 30 years as a federal employee, and now is running for Congress in Virginia’s 9th House District against Rep. Morgan Griffith (R).
“Voters throughout the sprawling Southwest Virginia district are circulating petitions to get her on the ballot as a challenger to the Republican who has held the seat since 2011,” according to her campaign. The Ninth District includes the counties of Montgomery, Pulaski, Lee, Wise, Dickenson, Buchanan, Scott, Russell, Tazewell, Washington, Smyth, Bland, Giles, Grayson, Wythe, Carroll, Craig, Floyd and Patrick, as well as portions of Alleghany, Roanoke and Henry. It also includes the cities of Radford, Bluefield, Bristol, Covington, Galax, Martinsville, Norton and Salem.
“Southwest Virginia literally fueled the industrial growth and electrification of America,” Baker said. “We have earned an investment in well-paying 21st century jobs, a robust rural healthcare system, improved housing, great schools, and protection of our land, water, and air. I will fight for the fighting 9th because we deserve the nation’s respect.”
Baker worked as a trial lawyer in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and eventually as the agency’s assistant general counsel for systemic litigation. Later she served 17 years as an administrative law judge for the Social Security Administration. Since moving to Floyd County in 2014 she has continued her legal career by providing pro bono assistance to individuals seeking disability benefits.
Baker’s late husband, Richard Kimm, was a 20-year Navy pilot who continued his aviation career with Eastern Airlines and other companies. At their farm in South Carolina, they raised horses and fostered rescue border collies.
With her husband’s health declining, Baker entered nursing school at Greenville Technical College, became a registered nurse in 2011, and was able to help care for him. Kimm died in 2014 with Lewy body dementia.
Baker says health “will be a key focus” in her campaign.
“We need improved rural healthcare,” she said, “with emphasis on homegrown, community care, support for RN’s to become nurse practitioners, comprehensive women’s healthcare, and a plan to let our seniors age in their homes.”
Baker says she also sees a need in the district for jobs and for skills training, so young people needn’t leave the area to find work.
“Any comprehensive plan for job creation also requires a plan to provide broadband for all, more housing, and equity for our public schools,” she said.
There’s more about her campaign at https://bakerforva9th.com.
Staff report