San Pasqual woman seeks office in Virginia
Vicki Vasques, who served as director of the Office of Indian Education during the Bush administration, is seeking public office in Virginia.

Vasques announced her candidacy for the Virginia House of Delegates, 45th District, yesterday. She is running as a Republican.

"It's an honor to accept the nomination," said Vasques. "I’m excited to continue working with citizens to find sensible solutions on the issues facing our district."

Vasques credits her father, Ron Peralta, for inspiring her to become involved in education. Peralta served as chairman of the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians of California for nearly 20 years.

Vasques served as assistant deputy secretary with the Department of Education, as executive director with the White House Initiative on Tribal Colleges and Universities and as director of Indian Affairs with the Department of Energy. She also served as a staff member for the President’s Commission on Indian Reservation Economics, the President’s Commission on the HIV Epidemic, and the White House Conference on Small Business.