For her story today, national political correspondent Story Hinckley spoke with a group of avid supporters of President Donald Trump in Virginia. One of them, Michelle de Stefano, was the Rivanna Magisterial District Chair of the Albemarle County Republican Committee. She had been told not to talk to the press because of her position, but she disagreed with that policy – and quit.

Ms. de Stefano told Story she values connections with the media, even if other Republicans are afraid to speak out. “At least in this area, we are so invisible. Here was this opportunity. Let’s take advantage and have our story be told a little bit.”

She says it’s about being willing to put your name to what you believe in. “Other people weren’t. And that’s disappointing to me.” If Trump supporters are worried about getting their cars keyed for their political beliefs, she says, “That’s really worrisome – if you’re worried about those things happening, then our society is in bad shape.”

We are grateful to Ms. de Stefano. People like her make it possible for us – the media – to report on politics with accuracy and balance.