Join Jody this Saturday (elevandoski - 11/8/2007 10:12:30 AM)
She is our guest speaker at our VBDC breakfast this Saturday, Nov. 11, 9:00 am at Jason's Deli (Pembroke Mall). $8 which includes breakfast, tax and tip.
With last night's election results in, it's time to turn our attention to the special election for Congress in the 1st district, and also to 2008. With regard to the 1st district, the Democratic Party will select a nominee through a nominating convention later this week. Each county will hold a caucus, either on Thursday evening (11/8), or in Colonial Williamsburg on Saturday morning (11/10).
The two confirmed Democratic candidates for the nomination are Phil Forgit and Ted Hontz. Republicans have nearly a dozen candidates, but are most likely to nominate former Virginia Club for Growth President Paul Jost or Jo Ann Davis' widower Chuck Davis. The election to fill the seat will be held on Tuesday, December 11.
As far as 2008 is concerned, there are going to be a number of interesting races here in Virginia. One of those could very well be in the 2nd Congressional district against Bush rubber stamp, Thelma Drake. Theoretically, Drake should be politically vulnerable, given that she received just 51 percent of the vote last year. In addition, Drake has steadfastly supported Bush's misbegotten Iraq war and has voted to deny health care to poor children. She even ranks dead last for influence and effectiveness among Virginia's congressional delegation. Ouch.
First, though, Democrats have to find someone to challenge Drake. One rumor I've heard is that a young Democrat named Glenn Nye might run. A lifelong Virginian, Nye grew up in Norfolk and graduated from the Norfolk Academy, where he has addressed students on foreign affairs issues. He is a graduate of the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. and is currently serving as a civilian in Iraq.
Reportedly, Nye is being encouraged to run by... well, let's just say "various people." My sources tell me that Nye was back in the United States last month. While here, he reportedly made numerous phone calls to gauge the level of support he could expect if he ran for Congress next year.
Has anyone heard of Glenn Nye or any other possible Democratic candidates to run against Thelma Drake next year? What do you think it will take for Democrats to win this seat?
P.S. According to yesterday's Hotline:
...the possible Dem pickup of the VA state Senate will be the big story of the night. And if it does happen, GOPers like Frank Wolf (R-VA 10), Tom Davis (R-VA 11) and even Thelma Drake (R-VA 02) may have more to worry about than just the redistricting implications for '12. They'll feel the heat in '08.
That's right, Thelma Drake could be in trouble, as well as Tom Davis (if he doesn't retire first) and Frank Wolf. Should be an interesting year!
Forgit can make the argument that it's time for a change after several unsuccessful shots at this seat by Dems from the Fredericksburg area.
Of course Hontz just picked up the endorsement of Albert Pollard, who's very popular in the northern neck. Perhaps that could take votes away from Forgit?
This is not a primary when a widower would stand a chance, these are conventios where endorsements and organizations make all the difference.
Jost has this in the bag - now we need to start spreading the word on what an extremist we are about to see elected to Congress he is from what has traditionally been a more moderate seat among Virginia's delegation.
Jost could really rally our troops, not just locally, but on a national level.
I thought Rob Whitt, from the VA 99th was the "shoe-in" for the R spot.
As for Chuck Davis - he mixes his wife's social liberalism (she was mainly a military/money Republican) with his own economic liberalism and takes it even further. This is a man who called for universal healthcare in one of his first statements. If he wins the nomination and goes on to represent the 1st district, I'd be proud to have him on our side.
BTW: His son-in-law, Mick Staton, was just ousted from the LC BoS on Tuesday and good riddance to him too.
I think it could be a close race, and he could be the one to give her a run for her money and get someone in this seat who represents the district!
I don't know how serious he's thinking about challenging her, but I sure hope he decides to run. It's about time we have someone who knows what they're doing in the second district when it comes to foreign policy, immigration, health care (for children and others), education and national security. We need some fresh perspectives in Washington.
For all non-Second bloggers, let me give you some advice about my home: don't automatically assume military credentials are the key to the Second. Owen Pickett never served, but was in that seat for decades. Conversely, David Ashe was badly beaten in 2004 even with his service in Iraq.
The only "Dear Constituent" mail we get from her is addressed *only* to my husband, a GOP donor. Her "Veterans for Thelma" group are comprised of local GOP staffers and volunteers. And one City Councilman.
The Bushes and Cheney were smuggled into town for high end fundraisers in '04, and she still barely won.
Why should it be so hard to defeat her?
My checkbook is open, who's the challenger :)