25 Places in Western Virginia That Could Shape the Governor’s Race

In this episode, host Dutchie Jessee sits down with Dwayne Yancey, founding editor of Cardinal News, to explore 25 eye‑opening destinations across Southwest and Southside Virginia—places where gubernatorial candidates Abigail Spanberger and Winsome Earle‑Sears could learn critical policy lessons firsthand.They journey from the congested lanes of Interstate 81 (a traffic and infrastructure flashpoint) to booming solar farms in Southside that highlight the state’s renewable-energy divide. They unpack nuclear innovation in Lynchburg, the controversies around the Mountain Valley Pipeline, and the upcoming Rocky Forge wind farm in Botetourt County—all showcasing how energy, infrastructure, and rural development intersect.📌 Highlights you'll hear about:I‑81 “trucktrap” traffic between Christiansburg and Salem—a transportation dilemma begging for policy attention.Solar farm surge in Pittsylvania County, and why it's both a lifeline and a lightning rod.The push—and opposition—to small modular reactors near Lynchburg, and what that signals for Virginia’s energy future.The Mountain Valley Pipeline’s decade‑long saga—where federal, environmental, and economic interests collide.A sneak peek at wind power in Botetourt, rural schools, hospitals, broadband, and more—illustrating the diversity of challenges western Virginians face.🎧 Why it matters now: With both Spanberger and Earle‑Sears gearing up for statewide office, understanding these “real Virginia” issues is crucial. Shouldn’t our statewide leaders walk the roads, talk to the farmers, visit the schools?Tune in for a candid, sharply informed conversation on regional resilience, energy transitions, infrastructure equity—and why visiting these places could shape policy in unexpected ways.🔔 Subscribe and leave a review if you believe that no part of Virginia should be left off the map when it comes to governance. 📢 And don’t forget: share this with anyone who cares about rural communities and the real-world impact of policy decisions.