Find out how Cooch took $55,000 from the disgraced "U.S. Navy Veterans Association," in apparent exchange for his promise to get the Virginia Office of Consumer Affairs (which had "notified Thompson's group that it no longer qualified for an exemption from state registration requirements") off the group's back. Can we say "pay-to-play?" Find out more.
I had a chance to meet General John Douglass a couple weeks ago, and was very impressed. I definitely feel like he's a strong challenger to Frank Wolf, aka the rubber stamp for John Boehner and Eric Can'tor's radical, right-wing agenda in the House of Representatives. Clearly, 2012 should be the year that Frank Wolf is sent to a well-deserved retirement, and replaced by someone like General John Douglass. Anyway, check out the press release and well-made video and see what you think.
Our country is under tremendous stress. But too many in Washington are playing political games instead of facing up to the challenges of jobs, energy, transportation, education, health care, national security, and more.
I've served this nation for over three decades. I've served presidents of both parties. I rose to the rank of General because I have a proven record of standing up, taking on the tough fights, and winning them.
This won't be easy. My opponent has been in Congress for decades, getting a free pass for too long. As I've talked with my neighbors throughout Virginia's 10th district, I've heard them loud and clear: It's time for an independent voice and a focus on practical solutions to our nation's challenges.
We face grave challenges. But when it comes to America, failure is not an option.
Two points on this: 1) gotta hand it to Frank Wolf, at least he's been consistent in his dislike of tunnels, either at the airport (where we don't need one) or in Tysons Tunnel (where we badly DO need one); and 2) good for the union members protesting Wolf's constant anti-worker, pro-corporate, right-wing ideological votes on everything from health care reform to the environment to huge tax breaks to rich people to defunding Medicare to...you name it. Every time Wolf pokes his head out of his spider-hole, he deserves to be confronted with protests like these.
Among other things, Lind is reportedly (according to Dave Schmidt) a big fan of "Republican loyalty" tests, has "a record of causing party divisions and excluding coalitions that could forge majorities in November," has "one of the worst attendance records on the 10th District Committee," and was "asked by Congressman Wolf to withdraw from the Tenth District chairman race because he could divide the party." The "end result" of all this? "Victory for the Democrats," according to Schmidt.
Bottom line: I strongly endorse Howie Lind for 10th CD Republican Committee chair, as I sincerely believe he would best for the Republican Democratic Party in the 10th CD. Go "loudmouth malcontent!" Heh.
UPDATE 1:30 pm: Hahahahahah, it looks like good news, "Howie Lind wins." Exxxxcellent. :)
Frank Wolf is lucky he has long term incumbency on his side because he is now majorly marginalized in northern Virginia GOP politics. The 10th District Committee (and its largest component, the LCRC) are firmly in Cuccinelli camp, and completely beholden to him, and that is absolutely at odds with someone like Frank Wolf (you know, thoughtful and non-confrontational). Wolf didn't want to get involved at all in this contest and he will now have to deal with these people. Good luck, Congressman.
Before he withdrew from the race on February 26, 2010, Dennis Findley was a candidate for the Democratic nomination in Virginia's 10th Congressional District. I had a chance to meet Dennis and talk to him on several occasions, and there's no doubt that he is a class act all the way. Today, unfortunately, we received very sad news about Dennis' wife, Bonnie. I just wanted to convey my deepest condolences to Dennis and his family on this tragedy.
To Dear Friends of Bonnie Barit and Dennis Findley,
With great sadness we share with you that Bonnie Barit, wife of Dennis Findley, mother of Tillman and Stirling, and faithful Franciscan, died suddenly on Monday, May 10 at their home in McLean.
In accordance with ancient church tradition Bonnie's casket will be brought to the church on Sunday evening, where the family will receive visitors from 6 to 8 pm. On Monday May 17 at 11 am we will celebrate a choral Requiem Eucharist, to be followed by a reception in Millen Hall. Interment will take place later in the day, attended by family and close friends.
Further details about memorial donations will follow. Please keep Dennis, Tillman, Stirling, and Bonnie's mother Mickey in your prayers in this very difficult time.
If you can help with hospitality on Sunday evening or Monday please contact the parish office.
fc[Rest eternal grant unto her, O Lord, and let light light perpetual shine upon her.
Penny Bridges, Rector
St. Francis Episcopal Church
9220 Georgetown Pike
Great Falls, VA 22066
703-759-2082
Although Rep. Jim Moran is a Democrat and Rep. Frank Wolf is a Republican, I don't think I've ever heard Moran say a negative word about Wolf, or vice versa. Well, last night, at former Del. Margi Vanderhye's house (at a fundraiser for 10th CD Democratic nominee, Jeff Barnett), that changed. Watch as a fired-up Jim Moran strongly lays out the case against Frank Wolf and why he need to be replaced. Good stuff.
It is with great disappointment that I must announce that I will no longer be a candidate for the Democratic nomination for the United States Congress in the 10th district of Virginia.
Over the past 3-4 weeks I have been experiencing a reoccurrence of a back injury I suffered years ago. While I attempted to push through the pain and continue on, I found myself in an orthopedic surgeon's office on Monday. He gave me the news I hoped I would never hear, I need to have surgery on my back.
After discussing all of my options, I was told that postponing the surgery until after the election could result in permanent nerve damage. The best case scenario puts my recovery at 4 to 6 weeks. During that time I would not be able to actively campaign. With only 8 weeks until the election, such a time frame simply does not allow me to run an effective primary campaign. So, in conjunction with my doctor and my family, I have come to the sad conclusion that I must end my campaign for congress in Virginia's 10th district.
The decision is disappointing, and was difficult to make. I truly feel that with my background in economic and workforce development and my strong message of getting our economy on the right track would have made me a strong alternative to Frank Wolf in the fall. But I believe this is the best decision for my family and me.
I want to thank all of my supporters, my staff and my family for all of their help. I can't put into words how much it has meant to me personally. I will contact as many of you as I can in the days ahead.
Once my treatment is complete I intend to do everything I can to support Jeff Barnett's campaign and focus on our ultimate objective, defeating Frank Wolf in the Fall.
All my best,
Rich
Richard Anthony
I'll have more to say about this race in coming days. For now, let me just encourage everyone to support Jeff Barnett, a strong progressive (see my Blue Virginia interview with Jeff here) like Rich Anthony.
7 pm: It begins, George Burke hosting. Introductions of the two candidates, Jeff Barnett and Rich Anthony. 3 minute opening statements.
Jeff Barnett Opening Statement: Stepping up to answer call to serve once again. "I am tired of Republican debt and denial." Tired of them "passing off the buck to the next generation." Four big areas: jobs, housing, transportation, ending our wars. I have specific proposals, people want action. Wolf has not delivered, I will. "Rock solid" Democrat, retired colonel. "This is a winnable election." "If Massachusetts can elect a Republican Senator, we can elect a Democratic Congressman."
Rich Anthony Opening Statement: Thanks everyone for debate. "I can and will beat Frank Wolf this fall...never would have gotten into this race if I didn't believe that." Positive economic message has resonated well. This issue is what I know, what I've been doing for the past 15 years - economic and workforce development. Help communities attract new employers, help people who've lost their jobs get training and assistance they need to get back on their feet. It's important to know something about the issue you're running on. One hell of a retirement party for Frank Wolf.
We knew this would happen. It's no surprise, but it is disappointing and unacceptable. The special interests and defenders of the status quo have retaliated. The attacks are deceptive, extreme and have become violent.
Lawmakers who have long defended the greedy insurance companies are trying to repeal health care reform. Right here in Virginia, our Attorney General has launched a baseless attack to overturn the legislation and is using our tax dollars to do it. But that's not the worst of it. Members of Congress have received death threats, had their home address posted online, and some have had their offices vandalized.
Representative Wolf has said nothing. Done nothing. He refuses to stand up and speak out, even when members of his own delegation are under personal attack. That's not the kind of representation we need in Virginia's 10th District. In Congress, you can count on me to stand up for your interests and speak out on your behalf.
Standing firm and refusing to back down is the most important thing we can do right now. I'll be fighting every step of the way to make sure the voters of the 10th District know the truth about health care reform and how much it will help Virginia's small business and families.
But I can't do it without your help and hard work.
Together, we can stop the deceptive fear-mongering by the special interests and put an end to politics as usual in Washington. We can send a real leader to represent Virginia's 10th District who isn't afraid to stand up to the bullies and speak out against hatred and violence.
Representative Wolf Opposes Quality, Affordable Health Care Votes Against Small Business and Middle Class Families
(Fair Oaks, VA) - Yesterday, Representative Frank Wolf once again put big profits for corporate interests ahead of Virginia's hard-working middle class families and our vital small business owners. Wolf voted against the comprehensive health care reform bill that passed the house.
This legislation will end the practice of insurance companies discriminating against those with pre-existing conditions. It will end the days of hardworking families and small businesses being priced out of the care they need in the name of insurance company profits. This legislation will help seniors by closing the donut hole in Medicare, and it will reduce the deficit by more than a trillion dollars over the next two decades.
"Yesterday's vote was an opportunity for Congressman Wolf to put the people of his district ahead of the special interests and greedy insurance companies. Sadly, he chose to side with the greedy insurance companies instead of with his constituents," said Anthony for Congress campaign manager John Murphy. "People in this district have a lot of respect for Rep. Wolf"s three decades of service, but votes like this make it clear he just isn't ready to stop toeing the line for the Republican Party. The voters of this district, and all across the country, are crying out for real representation in Washington. If our elected officials cannot free themselves from the firm grasp of corporate interests, then it's time for them to go," concluded Murphy.
The following is from the 10th CD Democratic campaign of Rich Anthony, who I endorsed in December and have been consulting to on netroots/new media matters since January. For more on Rich, please see his Blue Virginia interview. Just to be absolutely clear, please note that my endorsement of Rich is my own, not necessarily that of other Blue Virginia "front pagers."
...Like many of you, I attended one of the nearly 400 Coffee Parties yesterday and I think an answer is easily available with these groups.
When you look back to elections where Democrats and Progressives have been successful, they have mostly had strong grassroot movements behind them, with people who have been willing to talk to their neighbors and complete strangers about a positive progressive vision for our country. The people, who showed up at the Coffee Party I attended, are the same people who have organized for successful progressive candidates in the past. These people went door to door for Jim Webb in 2006 and for Barack Obama in 2008, talking about progressive values. However, election cycle after cycle there is a conventional wisdom that creeps up, if Democrats act meek or act like Republicans and don't strongly proclaim any values that people will vote for them... when has this ever worked?
We need campaigns with energized volunteers to organize in their communities to get a strong progressive message out to the voters. We need campaigns where the people who came out to the Coffee Parties will want to volunteer and spread a message, campaigns where people involved in local progressive organizations or local Democratic parties will do more than simply vote or work their poll on Election Day. I am committed to bringing a strong message of progressive values. This is the type of campaign I am going to run and come November, I look forward to proving conventional wisdom wrong.
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Well, this is a bummer:
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