Virginia Democrats have taken an unconventional approach by using a breach of state law as a focal point for fundraising. Susanna Gibson, a House of Delegates candidate, engaged in explicit live performances with her spouse via an online streaming platform, as reported by The Washington Post.
Gibson, a 40-year-old married nurse practitioner with two children, was identified in the report. She solicited “tips” from Chaturbate viewers in exchange for specific actions with her husband, claiming the funds would support a charitable cause, as detailed in the report.
Virginia State Senator L. Louise Lucas has publicly endorsed Gibson, encouraging voters to contribute to her campaign and turn it into a major fundraising day. She also provided a link for campaign donations.
Under Virginia law, committing “an obscene display or exposure of one’s person, or private parts thereof, in any public place” constitutes a misdemeanor. While regulations concerning pornography can be unclear, the prohibition against exposure is straightforward.
Instead of pursuing legal action or requesting the candidate to withdraw her campaign following the solicitation of donations for explicit live performances, supporters from her political party are labeling critics as misogynists.
Lucas asserted that the publication of the story was coordinated by Virginia’s Republican governor in an effort to embarrass and shame Gibson, an endeavor she contends ultimately backfired.
“Susanna and I just crossed over 100 donations today to fight back against the Republicans,” Sen. Lucas stated. “If you are as pissed as I am then please donate tonight!”
The videos were shared in September 2022, following Gibson’s official announcement of her candidacy for the House of Delegates in the 57th district.
“Anybody who looks at this knows it’s a hit job,” said defense contractor Amanda Linton, according to a report from Fox News.
Linton, upon discovering the videos, made a $25 contribution to Gibson’s campaign and expressed her intention to donate an extra $100, despite not being a resident of Gibson’s district.
The report also highlighted that Emily’s List, an organization dedicated to supporting Democratic female candidates, continued to show support for Gibson.
“Susanna originally ran for office because of the overturning of Roe and she’s been very outspoken on standing up for reproductive rights,” remarked Emily’s List spokeswoman Lauren Chou.
“People are coming out in support of Susanna because they know that Republicans are coming after her because she was standing up for them.”
Addressing the controversy, Gibson said, “My political opponents and their Republican allies have proven they’re willing to commit a sex crime to attack me and my family because there’s no line they won’t cross to silence women when they speak up.”
She labeled the incident as “an illegal invasion of my privacy designed to humiliate me.”
