Brian Moran denies the reality he represents an industry that preys on the unfortunate. He defends businesses promising outcomes that are highly improbable; betraying the goodwill and trust of the American people. As their agent, he facilitates what is de facto fraud. Where's the outrage from Virginia Democrats? Here's mine.
Benson Rollins wants a college degree. The unemployed high school dropout who attends Alcoholics Anonymous and has been homeless for 10 months is being courted by the University of Phoenix. Two of its recruiters got themselves invited to a Cleveland shelter last October and pitched the advantages of going to the country's largest for-profit college to 70 destitute men. - Business Week
What we have here, is a state party chairman who shamelessly defends an industry that dredges federal funds by trolling for the homeless and despairing in an effort to siphon entitlements and grants you and I provide in the belief they may rehabilitate fellow citizens. What is more worrisome than Moran's (and, thus, the DPVA's) vulnerability to criticism for hypocrisy (because it will be hard to find a Democratic candidate who will defend these thugs) in the next cycle, is that Moran may lead the Party lurching backwards. Recall: Brian Moran unabashedly supports Virginia's "Right-to-Work" laws. It all fits nicely: If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
In the lead-up to the selection of a new Party Chair, the new Executive Director of the DPVA rolled out an initiative to provide a weekly update. A new chair was selected who emphasized "communications" to the Central Committee. Brian Moran said "We must communicate with our grassroots activists..."
That was three weeks ago. That first update was featured on the grassroots blogs. It garnered 623 views as of today. Two weeks ago we got our second weekly update. Actually, we didn't get it, we had to look for it. Message to DPVA, your site is not compelling enough (actually not compelling at all) to get traffic and to use as a primary communications tool. As of this morning it had 140 views. After this, a few more will have been added; maybe. Want a reason to watch? How about this highlight:
"As a former member...well actually I still am a current member...I hope soon...of the Alexandria Democratic Committee..." - Brian Moran, DPVA Chair
There's some communicating. Oh, and the third installment is overdue. But from the beginning, the concept was awkward. What does the DPVA think the audience for these "updates" is? If it is the Central Committee, fine. If it is Democrats, not so fine. If it is the grassroots, fail. Mr. Mills as a narrator, fine. Mr. Mills on the front line going after the other guys, not fine at all. Where are the members of the legislature going after all this budget craziness from Bob McDonnell? On the blogs, like this one. Where are the grassroots staying informed? Not here.
As a voting member of the DPVA central committee (no, I do not feel I am part of a commie "politburo") and a strong supporter of Peter Russelot for the next chair of the party, I was quite surprised by the virulence of some of the comments made on the live feed of the committee that Blue Virginia provided. Look, I knew when I got into a car at 4:30 a.m. for a four+ hour drive to get from southwest Virginia to Newport News that our efforts for Peter were going to fail. I am sure that Peter knew that as well. However, I don't believe in quitting before a game is played out. Nor do I believe in quitting now because I didn't get my way yesterday. I'd rather stand my ground, knowing that there will be another chance to win on another day, that some day I will prevail.
The fact that we had vigorous, contested elections at the last two state central committee meetings - one for first vice chair and then for chair of the party - is a giant step forward for the DPVA, which, like every other political group I have ever been involved with, is an "insider's game." Both of the "outsider" candidates in those contests can be proud of forcing new ideas to the forefront of party deliberations, of proving to the insiders that there are other ways to do political business, that those of us who believe that aren't going to go away.
Proof? Peter Rousselot insisted that state Democrats needed to have candidates to contest every seat in the 2011 legislative elections. That forced Brian Moran to go on record, saying in a letter to all committee members, "We need to recruit and support candidates in every jurisdiction and district. No Republican goes unchallenged and every open seat has a Democratic candidate running." Would he have put a commitment like that in writing without a strong challenge from Peter? Of course not.
The support for Brian Moran was not centered in just one area of the state. I had felt all along that the more rural parts of Virginia would be fertile ground to garner votes for Peter, especially since both candidates were from NOVA and would split those votes. I was dead wrong. It was obvious to me long before I went to the meeting that the fact that Mark Warner had suggested Brian Moran for chair carried enormous, insurmountable weight with most committee members.
The latest email from Peter Rousselot for DPVA chair, in which Peter pledges to "serve out the entirety of my term, devoting myself full-time to my role until May 2013." Good stuff, go Peter!
Dear Fellow DPVA Central Committee Member,
I have promised that if I am elected Chair of the DPVA, I will serve full-time in that position.
I have outlined an ambitious set of strategic priorities that the next Chair of DPVA must pursue.
I have made proposals about Messaging, Organizing (my 134-locality strategy), Candidate Recruitment and Training (contest all 140 VA Senate and HOD seats), Electronic Communications, Coordination of the Work of Major Stakeholders, and Fundraising.
And today I'm making another promise to you: If you elect me as DPVA Chair, I pledge to serve out the entirety of my term, devoting myself full-time to my role until May 2013.
1. Peter has demonstrated that he knows how to build a party organization. What he accomplished in Arlington demonstrates that.
2. He has the ability to recruit good people.
3. He knows how to listen, but also can act decisively when firm direction is needed.
4. He understands, as did Howard Dean for the DNC, that we cannot leave any race uncontested, that we can ignore no part of the state. Just think - if we had had one extra vote per precinct statewide, or even 3 votes more per city/county, in 2005, Creigh Deeds would have been elected Attorney General, and Bill Bolling would probably have been the (weak) Republican nominee for governor last year.
By now, I hope you have read my plan for DPVA. More importantly, I now have had the opportunity to talk with more and more of you individually. You have been telling me how dissatisfied you have been with what you see as the lack of sufficient help and encouragement from DPVA to recruit and encourage candidates to contest races for the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates.
Your message is clear. It's great to have a fair process to choose certain races for special attention and targeting. But DPVA is leaving Virginia Democrats in all the other races to fend for themselves, sink or swim.
I realize that DPVA has to set priorities and allocate its resources accordingly. Right now, until it raises a lot more money, neither DPVA nor the Democratic Senate or House caucus leadership can provide significant financial assistance to candidates in non-targeted races.
But here's what DPVA can and should do for all official Democratic Senate and HOD candidates:
Let me say up front that I believe that Peter Rousselot would be the best choice the DPVA could make for chair. Hands down. My opinion isn't based on a dislike of any other candidate for the job, however. It's simply because I think Rousselot would bring to Richmond a badly needed new political perspective and a determination to build the party.
Below are a few comments reacting to his press release on the future of the DPVA, based on feedback he has received from Central Committee members and local party chairs.
"DPVA has got to help local committees recruit and field candidates in elections that are not targeted by the Senate and House caucus leadership." - Amen! I'll use the open seat created by Morgan Griffith's victory in the 9th District congressional race against Rick Boucher as an example. The retiring chair of the DPVA, Dick Cranwell, is from Vinton, a town in Roanoke County. That county happens to comprise over half of Griffith's House of Delegates district. To date, I have not seen any DPVA assistance being given to the local chairs in Roanoke County or Salem to assist in candidate recruitment. Why not?
As if that's not bad enough, we had the majority leader of the State Senate, Dick Saslaw (D-Fairfax), telling the press that the party wouldn't "waste our money" in fielding a candidate for Robert Hurt's senate seat, left vacant by Hurt's defeat of Tom Perriello. Not only do we have a candidate, but a strong one, no thanks to Saslaw. He's Henry Davis, chair of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors. If Peter Rousselot becomes chair of the DPVA, we might actually get some state party assistance for Davis.
Need another strong reason to support Peter Rousselot for DPVA Chair? How about the fact that he'll be able to devote himself 24/7 to the job, while his opponent...well, see here for more on that subject.
This weekend the 10th District Democratic Committee is meeting and invited both candidates for DPVA Chair to attend. Peter Rousselot accepted and is attending. Brian Moran declined because he is "away all weekend for a work-related trip" according to the Chairman.
Oh, and what type of "work" are we talking about here? For more information on that subject, see the New York Times, FRONTLINE's expose, a fine ABC News story by Chris Cuomo, what the United Negro College Fund and other civil rights organizations have to say, Sen. Tom Harkin's report on this issue, and much, much more. Also, as Elaine in Roanoke asked yesterday, "Why would we Democrats put ourselves in a position of never being able to raise questions about lobbying and its influence on contemporary politics by selecting a lobbyist to chair the party?" And why would we Democrats put ourselves in a position where we select someone who can't devote full time and energy to the job over someone who can? It makes no sense whatsoever.
If there's one thing two-term Arlington County Democratic Committee chair Peter Rousselot knows, it's Democratic committees. Which is why we should all pay attention to Peter's "134-local-committee strategy" for the Democratic Party of Virginia. According to Peter:
This strategy is modeled after the 50-state strategy that Howard Dean developed at the DNC, but a strategy I have adapted to the circumstances of a state political party - in particular, Virginia.
[...]
It's not clear that DPVA has the funds right now to hire the field organizers I recommend. If I am elected Chair, until we can raise the money needed, I will immediately begin to personally do the outreach required to understand what the unique needs are in each locality, and to develop strategies to meet them. As the former chair of a very effective local Democratic committee, I know what it takes to be successful.
Yes, he most certainly does. To learn more, click here. I encourage everyone to support Peter Rousselot for DPVA chair, that is if you want to grow the party, realize our best Democratic ideals, bring people together, and of course win elections!
P.S. For some testimonials about Peter Rousselot, click here. As current Arlington County Democratic Committee chair Mike Lieberman writes, "Peter was the gold standard for local party chairs when he served in Arlington, and he will no doubt be the gold standard as Chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia. I enthusiastically support his candidacy, and encourage others to do the same."
has nothing whatsoever to do with Brian Moran's current business activities. I also think it is irrelevant and irresponsible to discuss Brian's financial situation.
My support for Peter is simple. The job of a party chair is to build the party apparatus. Peter did so magnificently in Arlington. He has presented to the state party what he did, but there are unfortunately some leaders around the state who have yet to listen to what they need to do to make their party organizations effective and - to put it mildly - relevant.
Brian has demonstrated a good ability to recruit candidates for office when he was caucus chair in the House of Delegates. But that is something very different that the skill set necessary to have a functioning statewide party apparatus, as well as functional local party structures.
There may be others who have demonstrated they have the necessary skill set and requisite experience. So far none has stepped up. Peter has.
I hope those supporting Peter can do so positively and avoid unnecessary attacks on Brian or on any other possible candidates. It does not serve the Democrats in the state to have this kind of public bickering and slash and burn attacks.
It is unnecessary. It is unhelpful. It should be unwelcome.
Support your candidate for positive reasons. Advocate for him or her.
Paul Goldman has an interesting post up at Blue Virginia suggesting that some Obama officials may be complaining behind the scenes about the attempt by certain Democratic insiders to anoint Brian Moran as DPVA chair.
Once again, the power of the blogs, through their ability to convey information to the Mainstream media in this particular case, has been proven. My sources, generally reliable but to be fair, not big fans of Congressman Jim Moran, tell me that the Obama White House, admittedly through intermediaries at the capo level, has made the following clear as "crystal" to quote Tom Cruise in his great courtroom scene with Jack Nicholson: if Brian Moran gets to be Virginia Democratic Party Chair and he dares continue to lobby against the President or be associated with those lobbying against the President, then as Clemenza said in Godfather 1, "it's time to go to the mattresses."
Mr. Goldman's information is interesting, but I don't think he's gamed out the possible consequences properly. Goldman suggests that if Moran takes the DPVA post while continuing to lobby against the President's stated position on for-profit education, then Obama will somehow act to have Moran removed from the chair of DPVA. It won't happen that way.
The Democratic Party of Virginia whacks 2nd CD Republican nominee Scott Rigell for his "hate group" support. For more on that, see here. The DPVA also reminds everyone of the racist emails - including one called "Barack the Angry Negro" - forwarded by Rigell supporters.
Upon hearing and reading of Rigell's ties with Lou Sheldon, Charley Conrad, chairman of the DPVA's LGBT Caucus, said, "I am shocked and disappointed that anyone, a Democrat, Republican, or Independent, would promote the endorsement of someone from a hate group."
DPVA Executive Director, Dave Mills, said, "This is three strikes on Scott Rigell's associations. Scott has yet to provide a satisfactory explanation about why he has associated himself and his campaign with these kinds of individuals."
In the last two weeks, David Bartholomew, chair of the Virginia Beach GOP, was caught forwarding racist emails and was forced to step down and Karen Beauchamp, former Virginia Beach GOP chair, and prominent Rigell supporter, was caught forwarding an email that contained a video entitled, "Barack the angry negro".
Former Senator Ken Stolle tells a tale that hints at Virginia Democrats' lack of savvy. It makes one seriously consider Thelma Drake's assessment that 2008 was simply the Democrats' turn. Insiders undeservedly expect deference from and take credit for grassroots efforts. Too many in DPVA circles are all about themselves.
Paul Lanteigne, who had his eyes on the position, approached Republican Stolle some years ago about making the Virginia Beach Sheriff a High Constable. A Sheriff who is also High Constable keeps the money collected during service of process. Other Sheriffs send that money on to State of Virginia. For Virginia Beach that amounts to almost $700,000 a year. Stolle never thought he would be able to get this initiative through the Senate because it was a presented bill and on scrutiny, he figured it would not pass due to the funding aspect. Stolle expected that he would be asked why he was carrying the bill and if his motive was challenged he was unwilling to be less than honest that it was about the money. Once the cat was out of the bag, he knew everyone would want a piece of the action and that would kill this and any future such initiative.
Frank Drew was the Virginia Beach Sheriff at the time. Stolle was the chairman of the Public Safety Subcommittee in the Courts and Justice Committee and as politics works, as a committee chairman carrying a bill, the Senate asks very few questions when a bill is presented. So he took the bill over to the House of Delegates and presented it to the Courts and Justice Committee. Kenny Melvin, a Democratic Delegate from Portsmouth, asked the question Stolle feared" "Ken, why do you want to make Frank Drew the High Constable of Virginia Beach?" Stolle thought, "Well, this is it," but just as he was about to explain, Delegate Ward Armstrong interrupted the proceedings sarcastically, "He wants to do it because Frank Drew has an ego as big as this damn building!" And Kenny Melvin pivoted off the witty jab with, "No need to say another thing, I forgot about Frank's ego." The bill passed out without further scrutiny. Later, upon the realization of the impact, Virginia Beach's Sheriff was made the last to be so designated.
"A reception for Virginia State Senator Donald McEachin was held on October 14, 2010 at the home of Charlie Diradour and Dr. Ann Ritter. Mr. Diradour introduced Senator McEachin, who then made some brief remarks to the guests."
Thanks to The Richmonder for the video, thanks to Charlie Diradour for hosting the reception, and thanks to Donald McEachin for all the great work that he does!
Yesterday, Olympia Meola reported rumors that "[l]eadership changes could be afoot at the Democratic Party of Virginia." Well, I've had it confirmed to me that not only is this a rumor, it's true -- Dickie Cranwell will be stepping down in December as DPVA chair after 5 years on the job.
Let's be blunt; the DPVA has not exactly been the most effective organization in recent times. A few adjectives and phrases that spring to mind include lackluster, uninspired, unimaginative, lazy, slow-to-react, complete inability to create an effective political narrative, etc. Meanwhile, the 2009 Democratic debacle looms large, and by all rights should have resulted in a housecleaning last fall. Given that it didn't, I guess I'd say "better late than never." I'd also say, let's turn this decision by Dickie Cranwell into an opportunity for positive change at the top of DPVA. Let's get someone in there with energy, commitment, determination, and proven leadership abilities. Fortunately, I've got just the person for the job:
That's right, Sen. Donald McEachin, the man who more than anyone has filled the leadership vacuum over the past year, has most effectively stood up to Cooch and Company, who most powerfully has articulated Democratic values, who "gets" the grassroots and netroots, who represents everything we'd want in a party chair. I'd say that right now, it's time for the DPVA to open things up, hold a competitive election, let whatever interested candidates battle it out, but in the end select Donald McEachin to lead the party. I'm not even sure if Donald's interested, but if he is, he should know that he has a lot of friends and supporters in the progressive activists community. If you're with me, or even if you're not, please let's hear what you think in the comments section. Thanks...and go Donald!
The search for a successor has been under way for weeks with Warner, Kaine and others trying to persuade 2009 gubernatorial contender Brian J. Moran of Alexandria to replace Cranwell.
Moran was described Tuesday as "the first among equals," should he resolve issues regarding his family and his job that would allow him to hold the post.
Others under consideration include Greg Werkheiser, who raised and spent about $500,000 in a 2009 bid to unseat Del. David Albo, R-Fairfax County, and Michael Signer, a Democratic strategist who unsuccessfully sought the party's nomination for lieutenant governor last year.
Are you sitting down? I hope so, because this is going to shock you. That's right, the Democratic Party of Virginia, which was last seen boarding a Greyhound bus to parts unknown, never to be heard from again, has actually issued a press release!. I told you I hoped you were sitting down. :) Anyway, it's good to see the DPVA return from the Land of the Living Dead. It is a bit pathetic, however, that it took craziness even by Ken Kookinelli standards to prompt this DPVA reappearance, but hell, I guess we'll take it.
"I was glad to see this ideological crusade by Mr. Cuccinelli dismissed by Judge Peatross, but the real victims are Virginia's tax payers," DPVA Chairman Dick Cranwell states. "The Attorney General is using his tax payer funded office as his own personal piggy bank, at a time when Virginians need help. These ideological crusades do nothing to protect Virginians from predatory lending. They do nothing to protect consumers from unsafe products or fraudulent services. In short they do nothing but advance the Attorney General's reputation as an extremist who cares more about his ideology than he does about Virginia. Tax payers beware, Mr. Cuccinelli is wasting your money."
UPDATE: Of course, the DPVA has not weighed in on this, which it should do ASAP given the level of importance. Hello? Anyone home at DPVA?
The McDonnell-Cuccinelli antics add to the fog that provides cover for the unfounded ramblings of the Goodlattes of Virginia. Unchallenged by Democrats, these anecdotes become embedded in the electorate's world view. That won't change anything in the 6th District this year. But they wash over Virginia for 2011 and beyond.
The Mutt and Jeff act is a perfect one-two reactionary strategy. The Attorney General tilts at windmills while the Governor provides a "more balanced" view of principle, sounding reasonable, businesslike, and bipartisan. Meanwhile, uncontested Republicans like Goodlatte (here showing bipartisan appeal) hold town halls with apprehensive audiences where they twist the facts to stoke the fear and resentment. No effective counter from the Democratic Party of Virginia (DPVA).
"George King of Lynchburg asked why energy products that are made in China, such as photoreceptors, couldn't be made in the United States. Goodlatte said the answer lies in reducing the cost for companies to operate in the United States, through lower health-insurance costs and lower corporate taxes." - reported in The News & Advance
It couldn't be the almost slave labor cost advantage...it must be the evil health insurance and taxes. Unfortunately, this plays well in Peoria...or more appropriately, anywhere outside NOVA. And when these trees fall in the Republican forest, the case for a red Virginia is built from the timber.
Thank you, DPVA -- more like this! (Note: Also, there's this minor matter of raiding the state pension system of hundreds of millions of dollars -- smoke and mirrors, in other words, like almost all "conservative" economics)
The Democratic Party of Virginia responded today to Governor McDonnell's announcement of Virginia's budget surplus.
In September of 2009, as covered by the Washington Post, Governor Kaine cut approx $1.35 billion from the Commonwealth's budget. (See background #1 & #2, and the Governor's official spending cuts in #3) Then again in December of 2009 he again made difficult spending cuts (see document #4).
Senate Majority Leader Richard Saslaw stated, "This surplus is the work of the General assembly money committees working on the recommendations of Governor Kaine. The current Governor had little or nothing to do with cutting the state's budget that led to this surplus."
The following is from Susan Mariner, who asked me to post this for her. Susan came very close yesterday, and from what I hear received nothing but positive feedback on her run for DPVA 1st Vice Chair of Organization. I'm confident that Susan has a great future ahead of her as a Virginia Democrat (and otherwise). She is a class act all the way.
Fellow Democrats,
Please join me in congratulating Gaylene Kanoyton on her election as DPVA 1st Vice Chair of Organization. Gaylene ran a strong, energetic, and determined campaign. These traits demonstrate the kind of outstanding leader Gaylene is, has been, and will be for the Democratic Party. I look forward to working with and in support of Gaylene in her efforts to put "Boots on the Ground!"
I also wanted to thank all of my supporters and the many new friends I made over the past few weeks. Together we talked about how we could grow the Democratic Party across this great Commonwealth. This was a positive campaign based on maximum inclusion. I am proud of what this campaign was about and was deeply honored to have gained the votes and friendship of so many. And though I fell a little shy of the votes I would have needed to win, be assured that I will keep working together with you to make this a Bluer Virginia.
On that note, I hope everyone will join me in making GOTV calls for Kai Degner's and Bill Brown's special election Tuesday. To make calls from home for Kai, please email trent@DegnerforDelegate.com To make calls from home for Bill, please email plclerkin@gmail.com For those of us who don't live nearby enough to put our "Boots on the Ground," let's put our "Fingers on the Dial" for these great Democrats.
In unity towards Democratic victories in 2010 and beyond,
Susan Mariner
Chair, Virginia Beach Democratic Committee
"To whom much is given, much is required" Luke 12:48
This journey started 3 weeks ago, when Long time Democrat Pixie Bell asked me for the final time to run and I accepted after speaking to Delegate Jennifer McClellan. I thank them both for their support.
Yesterday was a joyous bittersweet day for me! Joyous- Yes WE won the 1st Vice Chair of Operations position and I say "WE" because of the enormous thoughts, prayers and support! Thank you! Bittersweet: During the nomination segment my Church member and very good friend (like a mother) was being funeralized. However, I could hear her voice of support during the entire process. Friendship is Golden and yesterday my opponent Susan did what Democrats do ,when you fall short of votes. A Good Democrat give their votes to the winner to make the vote unanimous. I thank her for that measure of Unity. I attended the National Convention when Hilliary Clinton gave her Delegates to Pres. Obama and the Unity in the audience was awesome!. Senator Locke had me in tears with her 1st nomination speech, she has known me for 30 years..taught me in college and Sean Houlihan President of the YD's 2nd nomination speech was awesome! It's great to have people to speak on your behalf that actually know your work. Now I'm ready to
"PUT BOOTS ON THE GROUND,BOOTS ON THE GROUND, WE'RE GOING TO WIN WITH OUR BOOTS ON THE GROUND!" Thank you all and stay tuned!
UPDATE #2: Gaylene Kanoytan has posted a revised version of her statement here.
With the DPVA's central committee set to meet tomorrow and vote on who is to be the next 1st Vice Chair of the organization, bloggers across Virginia are posting their closing arguments in favor of their favorite. The Richmonder supports Susan Mariner for 1st Vice Chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia. Susan has displayed tremendous commitment to growing the Democratic Party of Virginia. She has the right skills to grow and unify the party going forward.
Susan Mariner has shown the energy needed to fight for all Democrats in every race. I first met Susan during the Webb campaign in 2006. Jim Webb's campaign for the U.S. Senate was far from a sure thing, but Susan was tireless in her support. It was the commitment of people like Susan that positioned Jim Webb to take advantage when George Allen's campaign fell apart in August 2006.
The post of 1st Vice Chair is charged with growing the Democratic Party of Virginia. You can't do that by focusing just on the easy races. Susan has shown that she will take on the longshot campaigns that produce upset victories. Susan has shown that she can work within the Democratic establishment in Virginia while, at the same time, reaching out to new and growing constituencies.
When I decided to support Susan Mariner for the post of 1st Vice Chair of DPVA I also made the decision not to engage in any negative campaigning. I do not know Gaylene Kanoyton, but from everything I have heard about her she seems to be a perfectly decent person and qualified for the position. I simply believe from past experience that Susan Mariner is the superior candidate for the position.
What I do find myself compelled to criticize is the element of race that has been injected into this competition by some of Gaylene's supporters. I have no reason to believe that Gaylene approves of these arguments made on her behalf, so I would ask my readers not to hold them against Gaylene personally.
The element of race I am referring to is the idea that the post of 1st Vice Chair is "set aside" or "reserved" for a black woman. I have searched the DPVA party plan in vain for such a rule, yet there are those who seem to believe it exists.
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Brian Moran denies the reality he represents an industry that preys on the unfortunate. He defends businesses promising outcomes that are highly improbable; betraying the goodwill and trust of the American people. As their agent, he facilitates what is de facto fraud. Where's the outrage from Virginia Democrats? Here's mine.
In the lead-up to the selection of a new Party Chair, the new Executive Director of the DPVA rolled out an initiative to provide a weekly update. A new chair was selected who emphasized "communications" to the Central Committee. Brian Moran said "We must communicate with our grassroots activists..."
As a voting member of the DPVA central committee (no, I do not feel I am part of a commie "politburo") and a strong supporter of Peter Russelot for the next chair of the party, I was quite surprised by the virulence of some of the comments made on the live feed of the committee that Blue Virginia provided. Look, I knew when I got into a car at 4:30 a.m. for a four+ hour drive to get from southwest Virginia to Newport News that our efforts for Peter were going to fail. I am sure that Peter knew that as well. However, I don't believe in quitting before a game is played out. Nor do I believe in quitting now because I didn't get my way yesterday. I'd rather stand my ground, knowing that there will be another chance to win on another day, that some day I will prevail.
The latest email from 
Let me say up front that I believe that Peter Rousselot would be the best choice the DPVA could make for chair. Hands down. My opinion isn't based on a dislike of any other candidate for the job, however. It's simply because I think Rousselot would bring to Richmond a badly needed new political perspective and a determination to build the party.
Need another strong reason to support Peter Rousselot for DPVA Chair? How about the fact that he'll be able to devote himself 24/7 to the job, while his opponent...well, 
has nothing whatsoever to do with Brian Moran's current business activities. I also think it is irrelevant and irresponsible to discuss Brian's financial situation.
Yesterday, 
The McDonnell-Cuccinelli antics add to the fog that provides cover for the unfounded ramblings of the Goodlattes of Virginia. Unchallenged by Democrats, these anecdotes become embedded in the electorate's world view. That won't change anything in the 6th District this year. But they wash over Virginia for 2011 and beyond.
Thank you, DPVA -- more like this! (Note: Also, there's 
The following is from 
