High Gas Prices Not Cramping Style of Virginia Democratic Party Staffers

well done, Miles (0.00 / 0)

You're absolutely right about Don Mark being tone deaf and arguably clueless.  I hope he's successful finding work soon... elsewhere.

---

by: jack hughes @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 18:01:02 PM UTC

Seriously? (0.00 / 0)

Slow news day

---

by: George Jefferson Davis @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 18:07:19 PM UTC

This is nit-picky to the extreme, IMHO (3.00 / 2)

There are plenty of criticisms that can be leveled at the DPVA, but this seems a little strained to me.

I'm glad these guys are working on a beautiful Saturday!

Would it be incrementally better if they did it in a more energy-conscious, environmentally-friendly manner? Sure, I'll grant you that.

Is highlighting their gas-guzzling vehicle a little tone deaf? Maybe.

Does it deserve a front-page calling out on Blue Virginia? That kind of loses me.

Or maybe I'm missing something.

---

by: aznew @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 18:19:24 PM UTC

I would agree, aznew, (0.00 / 0)

except for the sarcastic response Miles received from Dave.

---

by: pontoon @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 18:51:20 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I'm with Miles on this one (0.00 / 0)

The issues of energy security, our addiction to oil, unrest in the Middle East, climate change, etc. have never been more burning (pun intended) than they are now. What we need is LEADERSHIP, particularly from the Democratic Party, because we're sure as heck not going to get it from the Republican'ts. In that context, having the Executive Director and Political Director of DPVA touting their drive to a party function in a big-time gas guzzler is highly unfortunate. And then to blow it off, flippantly, as if it's all a big joke? Sorry, as I said, I'm with Miles on this one!

Follow me on Twitter.

---

by: lowkell @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 19:07:35 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Agree that that the flippant response was not ok (0.00 / 0)

Once the issue was raised in a serious manner, I think the DPVA people should have responded more thoughtfully.

Also, I'm not saying Miles is wrong -- only that this particular transgression seemed relatively small potatoes to me and needs a little perspective.

---

by: aznew @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 19:52:39 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Totally disagree that it's "small potatoes" (0.00 / 0)

but again, energy/enviro issues for you don't seem to be a big deal. I don't get it at all, but that's your prerogative; we all focus on different things I guess.

Follow me on Twitter.

---

by: lowkell @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 20:51:54 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Also, I know that energy/enviro issues (0.00 / 0)

are not your "thing" (hence, our difference in 2009, when I never in a million years would have supported Creigh "Mountaintop Removal's Just Fine" Deeds versus almost any other Democrat), but for those of us who care deeply about this stuff, to see our "leaders" acting like it's all a big joke just drives us bonkers. It's bad enough we've got the Cooches of the world, and all the other heads-in-the-sand know-nothings on the "other side of the aisle," but to see it on our OWN side....grrrrrrrrrrrrr.


Follow me on Twitter.

---

by: lowkell @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 19:20:39 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Agreed (1.00 / 1)

It's a Saturday.  They have a four-hour drive over to freakin Wytheville - who knows why - and are most likely lugging boxes of docs, overnight bags, etc.  I'm not going to bash them for taking a decent car.  I think that's Don's point, they're noting taking the usual compact shitbox that they're usually in.

---

by: NotJohnSMosby @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 23:52:06 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

There's nothing in"decent" about a fuel efficient (0.00 / 0)

vehicle. There are many, of all sizes, available. Also, you completely miss the point of their flaunting the gas guzzler, putting up a photo of it, mocking concerns about it, etc. It's a terrible example for top officials in the Democratic Party to be setting.  

Follow me on Twitter.

---

by: lowkell @ Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 00:01:24 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

What exactly is that compact shitbox they're usually in? (4.00 / 1)

Give us some context.  A Yugo?  A Pacer?  A 1982 Corolla?

---

by: jack hughes @ Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 00:18:08 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

And how do you know what vehicle (0.00 / 0)

the Executive Director of the DPVA is "usually in?" Obviously, you're a Democratic Party insider, why don't you just tell us your name (although we're 90% sure who you are).

Follow me on Twitter.

---

by: lowkell @ Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 00:38:14 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Note that use of profanity (0.00 / 0)

is expressly forbidden by Blue Virginia posting guidelines. You have done this repeatedly, once again leaving yourself open to banning at any time and at the discretion of the Blue Virginia editors.

Follow me on Twitter.

---

by: lowkell @ Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 15:13:54 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Trends.... (0.00 / 0)

As an issue, it's small and virtually insignificant. However, it tells me (don't know about others) that DPVA seems to be full of clueless frat boy types. If leadership is this stupid, it filters down.  I find DPVA not relevant.  I deal with my reps individually and in person, with a check, and at times, I volunteer with a clip board.  Don Mark and Dave Mills are nothing to me and would suggest they get a real job but if you donate to DPVA, at least you know where your money is going... gas!

---

by: Mike1987 @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 21:23:20 PM UTC

What's really sad is that it is (0.00 / 0)

not just DPVA who hires these youngsters.  The vast majority of people hired for campaigns are young kids still in or right out of college trying to get a job in government after their candidate wins.  While I strongly encourage participation by young democrats in any organization, it would be extremely beneficial to the candidates and to the DPVA to also have on staff some more-seasoned Democrats with knowledge of the geography and the people in the communities in which our candidates run.

---

by: pontoon @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 22:42:34 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Another Suggestion (0.00 / 0)

I would also suggest that the DPVA learn to hold effective, up-to-date training for those young people who get into politics. One reason that the young are drawn to political races is that they are the ones who have the energy and the time to work 14-16 hours a day on a campaign. However, they don't come with the knowledge base to be effective. Too often, they spin their wheels, waste time on things that don't garner votes, etc.

A personal example: I tried to explain to a young man I know who was in over his head managing an underfunded House of Delegates race how cheap it would be to have his candidates's website use You Tube to make short videos of the candidate's stand on the issues in the campaign. I also tried to explain the ways the Internet is a godsend to campaigns fighting a well-funded opponent. Went in one ear and out the other.

I long for an effective grassroots organizer in Richmond, as well as someone who has learned the basics of Effective Campaigns 101 and can teach candidates and staff those basics. Sigh....

---

by: Elaine in Roanoke @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 23:19:32 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I agree (0.00 / 0)

But, those people aren't going to work 100 hours a week and sleep on someone's couch or floor or, if they're really lucky, an actual spare bedroom for all of $1,000-$2,000 a month.  Working campaigns is a stepping stone, the hope is that after working a few you get a campaign managers gig - which still doesn't pay much, but you tend to get some staff jobs out of it.

You can't have it both ways.  If you want older, seasoned politicos, you'll need to hire at least twice as many and pay at least 2-3 times as much.  Besides, how many people approaching their 30s are comfortable with being out of work for long stretches of time, and having to migrate from campaign to campaign, state to state for the low pay and long hours?  

---

by: NotJohnSMosby @ Sat Mar 12, 2011 at 23:48:05 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Not saying the entire campaign (0.00 / 0)

staff, nor the entire DPVA staff, needs to be seasoned politicos.  IMHO, each campaign should hire a couple of folks who, if not local, are at least knowledgeable about the area, the community and its constituency.  Folks from all over the country don't know Virginia geographically or its politics.  Case in point, some folks from NoVa wanted to help on a recent campaign.   They asked for a specific locality,  but the RFD from the campaign told them another locality was closer to them, which of course it was not. The NoVA volunteers just laughed and called the local dem committee instead of going through the campaign.

---

by: pontoon @ Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 00:33:48 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Example (0.00 / 0)

Let me give an example of the excellent wisdom of what you are suggesting. When Mark Warner, one of the best politicians in recent times in Virginia, wanted to do well in the western part of the state, he wisely hired "Mudcat" Saunders, a good-ole-boy who showed him the way to carry both the 6th and the 9th congressional districts. Smart move on his part. Heck, by the time Mudcat was through, people out my way actually believed that Warner loved bluegrass music and was a fan of NASCAR. Why? Because Mudcat told him what would work, and he was smart enough to take the advice.

---

by: Elaine in Roanoke @ Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 01:20:35 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Thanks Elaine for the great example! (0.00 / 0)

I can quote examples where the youngsters hired by campaigns are given authority to coordinate in several localities.  They come in with their plan and are determined to carry out that plan at all costs.  They do not listen to the folks in the communities, and end up offending the very folks they are asking to work in their phone banks and canvasses.  They can quote all sorts of technical data, but have little knowledge of actually working a successful campaign on the ground.  

---

by: pontoon @ Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 17:23:27 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

A little perspective... (3.00 / 1)

concerning young campaign staffers....

First of all, I am a young (23) campaign staffer. I most recently helped out with a HOD race and before that worked for a VA Congressional campaign. I agree with much of what was said but I believe a little perspective is necessary. One concern mentioned above was the lack of local knowledge that a lot of young staffers have. This is a valid concern which is why when I am working in an area i'm not familiar with I try to get as much input as possible from the locals. IMHO every good field staffer should do this. That being said it is not always possible to actually hire somebody local to run a campaign in a given area. I worked in a number of rural counties last cycle and while i'm sure there are folks who could have handled the job as mentioned before it is pretty hard to find folks willing to work 16 hour days...7 days a week...for 7 months...for just over $2,000 a month (pre tax).

Somebody also mentioned that staffers sometimes seem like they are bent on executing a given plan at all costs. This, along with the similar concern that staffers don't take the locals advice, has been an issue on every campaign I have worked on to some degree. Every other person I know who works on campaigns reports much the same thing. What a lot of folks don't realize is that when I come into an area to work for a campaign the vast majority of decisions regarding strategy are not made by me but rather by the folks sitting in the campaigns head office. (This is particularly true on larger races but also applies to HOD races as well.) My job is to execute that plan and give feedback about what works and what doesn't. A good campaign is always nimble enough to make changes on the fly and tweak the plan as necessary but the point is yelling at me about why I should be talking about issue A instead of issue B doesn't change the fact that, at the end of the day, it isn't my decision. I'll be happy to pass your concerns along of course but if it doesn't happen it doesn't mean i'm not listening or that i'm bad at my job.

The final point I want to make is regarding the advice that people give to campaign staff. Let me say that I know I am young and there are often locals who have been a part of many more campaigns than I have. I am more than happy to listen to them and take their advice. The problem is that on any given day I get advice from 10 or so people (in a hot election like the one I worked on) about "how to win" or something similar. Most of this advice comes from very smart and strong willed people who are often very used to getting their way. They are sure that their idea is the one that will carry us over the top. In many cases the idea is a good one and I try to work it into the plan as best I can. If, however, the idea is a bad one or simply just not going to fit then I'm sorry. Unfortunately I don't always have the time or energy to debate the virtues of a particular idea and I apologize if this comes across as not listening. The problem is that when some of these folks realize you aren't following the advice that they gave you they either get bent out of shape or assume you have no idea what you're doing. Basically, they just aren't seeing the whole picture and as a result the part they do see comes across in a bad way. My advice, for what it's worth, is to simply approach the campaign staffer and have a quick conversation about why your particular idea is not being used. In my case I would be happy to quickly explain whats going on and I usually have a really good logical reason for it.

Hope this adds to the conversation!  

---

by: realclearwin @ Mon Mar 14, 2011 at 00:22:37 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

You make some great points! (0.00 / 0)

Let me try to address a couple of them.  I am completely aware that the you and others in your position are given the responsibility to carry out the plan which has been created by someone higher up the chain of command.  Therefore, you are, essentially, the liaison between campaign and local committee. Your statement supports my point about hiring someone local.  If the folks creating the plan had a couple of local voices among them, it could make a big difference in the plan.  For example, one size fits all plans are not particularly popular with rural localities.  The ease with which voters can be reached in cities and towns simply cannot be duplicated in a county with 10,000 voters scattered over hundreds of square miles.

If issues like staff not taking advice from localities and working the plan at all costs are complaints in every campaign as you have indicated, then perhaps, the campaign hierarchy should recognize there is a problem and not be so arrogant.  After all, the people closest to the electorate and who have worked on campaigns for 30 and 40 years know what works in their communities.  Make the plan flexible and creative.

Another issue is that the local volunteers are not aware of the big picture.  IMHO, an effective campaign would have someone in the local community not only aware of the big picture, but become a part of the big picture.  An example: during a recent campaign, I was the volunteer from my locality who participated in Regional conference calls every night and as the campaign progressed the nightly Statewide conference calls.  The localities were made to feel a part of the big picture, not excluded.  The community then had a voice they knew and trusted who could explain the plan and the big picture.

Lastly, I am grateful for your participation in the process and respect your willingness and eagerness to work the hours necessary to elect Dems.  I have known folks like you fall asleep at the wheel from sheer exhaustion, not eat because you don't have or take the time, and be as dedicated to their cause as anyone I've ever known.  I commend you for that work.  My goal in this discussion is determine how we can all become more effective in our common goal to elect Democrats!

---

by: pontoon @ Mon Mar 14, 2011 at 14:08:07 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Fair point to raise (4.00 / 3)

It's not a big issue in the sense that the people in question should be disemboweled, but it's a fine example of where the DPVA can and should set policy that puts its money where its mouth is.

If Brian Moran wants to win the hearts of the progressive activists who are the cannon fodder of every campaign -- he ain't there yet -- he would be wise to clean up the DPVA's act and put in place policies like one to mandate use of more efficient vehicles for party business.

And, BTW, the hybrid Ford Escape is a roomy large vehicle that is cheap, American-made, available and gets 30 mpg. Not a little compact s***box at all.  

Impeachinelli! Now on Twitter.

---

by: kindler @ Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 01:43:19 AM UTC

This won't build any bridges (0.00 / 0)

While I am sympathetic to Miles' point of view of conservation, it seems to me like some folks go out of their way to pick unnecessary fights.  Tone is also important; we can critique our friends without so much acrimony.  Would it be nice if everyone in the DPVA drove Volts?  Yeah, sure.  I'm not going to write the check that buys them.

Another consideration is what if anything they were carrying with them.  Did anyone bother to ask?  I've scratched up my little BMW Z-3 (23/31 mpg: I hope you approve Miles) more than once transporting yard signs in a vehicle that isn't designed for carrying cargo.  Even if they didn't need to carry anything today, people in their position are often in the position of having to carry lots of volunteers or boxes of literature, stickers, signs, etc.  It isn't practical for everyone to own one big vehicle for carrying cargo and another small car for commuting.

I just wonder whether the "zero-to-snarl" in six seconds approach is always necessary, every time.  It just isn't constructive.  Did anyone stop to thank these guys for working on a beautiful Saturday?  

The Richmonder

---

by: The Richmonder @ Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 02:31:50 AM UTC

Well said (1.00 / 1)

The Jeep looks new - March inspection sticker and the red splotch on the new tires.  Maybe that's what Dave just bought to cart Jennifer and child around in.  Who cares really?  With all of the issues going on, and with plenty of legitimate complaints, blasting Dave and Mark for driving an SUV across state is pretty stupid.  

---

by: NotJohnSMosby @ Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 03:47:04 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Yeah, I didn't even think of their child (0.00 / 0)

Believe me Miles, as a confirmed bachelor who drives a little car I am not especially fond of distracted drivers in SUVs (who could crush me like a bug if they aren't paying attention).  But people with small children seem to find mini-vans and SUVs invaluable.  Go figure.

The Richmonder

---

by: The Richmonder @ Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 03:58:15 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

I care (4.00 / 1)

I really care. This IS a legitimate complaint about their attitude if not their wheels per se.  Many people have a hard time understanding energy, yet it is absolutely pervasive in our lives.  Setting a good example matters, especially for public officials.  When Dominion owns and runs the state, with the coal industry a close second, energy policy matters.  One can survive and even thrive without health care, if one is healthy.  We can survive without education, though certainly we will not thrive.  But we cannot survive without energy.  It is the food that runs the economy and our daily lives.  [yeah, yeah, the back-to-the-landers will ding me for that, but I'm talking the practice of living and economy we have today, to transition to a better tomorrow]

---

by: jack hughes @ Sun Mar 13, 2011 at 16:04:01 PM UTC

[ Parent ]