Woodbridge, Va. –– Tito “the Builder” Munoz is running to beat Democratic rival Toddy Puller in Virginia’s 36th Senate District, which includes portions of south Fairfax, North Stafford and eastern Prince William.
Munoz made his announcement in Woodbridge alongside U.S. Senate hopeful George Allen, but noted he got his “builder” nickname from an even more popular republican.
“I was given the nickname “Tito the Builder” by Sarah Palin. It was because I own a small construction company, and she gave me the nickname not only because…I was not afraid to speak up and say our country is going in the wrong direction,” said Munoz.
Munoz became somewhat of a local celebrity in 2008 following a campaign appearance by then presidential hopeful John McCain and Palin, his candidate for vice-president, at Prince William’s government center.
Munoz laid out his priorities for his campaign, including bringing more jobs to the state so Virginians can “feed their families,” explore for new energy options of Virginia’s coastline, and build better roads in the state.
“Governor [Robert F.] McDonnell is doing a great job controlling spending, he’s keeping taxes low and creating jobs, but he needs allies in the Virginia Senate. The Democrats in charge, including Toddy Puller… would rather score political points than have a discussion about what’s best for Virginia,” said Munoz.
He was born in Columbia but has long called Woodbridge his home.
Puller, from Fairfax, was first elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1992 and later to the state senate in 2000.
Munoz will face former Republican House of Delegates member Jeff Frederick, who represented the Dumfires’ 52nd District now held by Democrat Luke Torian, in a primary August 23.
