Democrat Says He Understands Rural America Because He Watched Classic Shows Like ‘Waltons,’ ‘Dukes Of Hazzard’

Democratic Virginia state Sen. Lamont Bagby claimed Thursday that watching “The Dukes of Hazzard,” “The Andy Griffith Show” and “The Waltons” as a child taught him about rural America.

A judge in Tazewell County, Virginia, declared Virginia’s redistricting referendum that passed with just 51.5% of the vote Tuesday was unconstitutional, citing both procedural violations and ruling that the state’s Democratically-controlled Legislature exceeded its authority. Bagby, who represents parts of Henrico County and the state capital, Richmond, argued during a floor debate on the referendum that he understood rural Virginians because he had watched classic TV shows depicting rural culture.

“And listen, I almost took issue with the other side saying that we don’t understand ,” Bagby said during the floor debate. “But I grew up watching ‘The Waltons,’ I grew up with Opie , I even watched the ‘Dukes of Hazzard.’ I think I know a little bit about rural America.”

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Bagby’s comments drew laughter from fellow state senators. “And when I think about why we’re here, we’re not just here, I’m not just here for Theo , I’m not just here for Arnold or Willis. I’m here for Opie, John Boy, Blossom, Topanga,” Bagby continued.