Cross-posted at Fred2Blue
On his way to campaign in Fauquier Co. Saturday morning, (Yes, the 1st district stretches from Hampton Roads to Fauquier. It's ridiculous.) Phil Forgit stopped in Stafford to talk to some local Democrats as we get focused on the upcoming special election on Dec. 11. He answered a lot of questions about where he stands on various issues, (For those who haven't read Lowell's exclusive interview with Phil) and told us a little about himself as well. For those of you who haven't gotten a chance to meet Phil or talk with him, I highly recommend it. I was especially fascinated to hear about his recent experiences in Iraq as a Navy Reservist. He has a first-hand account of what's going on in that part of the world, and why.
pictured above: Phil waits as he is introduced by Ted Hontz before speaking to Democrats from Stafford, Fredericksburg, and Prince William
Because of his education background, the military sent him to Iraq to train members of the Iraqi Army. When he arrived the place he was assigned to was under American control. By the time he left, it was run entirely by Iraqis. Unfortunately, due to the turnover, he heard that a few months after he left, it was under American control once again. Phil said he was amazed by how ignorant many Americans were of cultural differences between us and them. He says it wasn't uncommon to see an officer cross his legs and show the underside of his feet to an Iraqi, which is incredibly insulting to them.
When Phil Forgit was awarded the NEA Foundation Award in 2005, it included a cash prize. He used that prize to start a company called ForgitFilms LLC. His plan is to one day go back to Iraq, even as a Congressman, and make a documentary about the Iraqi people. The film isn't intended to be pro-war or anti-war, just to show people a side to the country that hasn't been seen up until now.
Phil expressed the same sort of disappointment that many have felt about the Democratic Leaders in Congress and their ineffictiveness at changing the course in Iraq. He believes that the Bush administration just wants to wait it out until 2009, and make it someone else's problem.
It goes without saying that sending Phil Forgit to the House of Representatives would send a powerful message to the rest of the country about the state of things here in Virginia. But it would also send a message that, even in the more conservative areas of the country, we want a new direction in the Middle East. We may not have the votes in Congress (yet) to end the war, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't bother to stand up for our convictions and do what's right.
The Republicans will pour money into the district to keep it Republican. With turnout probably below 20 percent for this one, I sure hope the area Dems work like crazy to get their folks to the polls.
The party has a great candidate in Phil. I hope he can pull it off.
Elaine in Roanoke
I think in a normal campaign cycle (and I have to think that win or lose there will be a rematch in '08) Phil will run well in the district. His military background will help him, as will his distinguished record (Bronze Star).
We're prepared to go to the mattresses to help Phil win next month.
He gave some standard answers on pro-choice (I'll stay out of your bedroom if you will stay out of mine); immigration (stop the flow at the border, then talk about earned citizenship), and Iraq (leave on two years).
Because Iraq is America's worst problem, we need someone with "boots on the ground" knowledge to solve it. Wittman has advisors -- Phil was there.
Save the 1st from another Republican who sucks-up to Bush/Chaney/Rice....Wittman would rather borrow from the Chinese than revoke the Bush tax cuts...Anti-choice; anti-immigrant; another tight *'ed Rep.
Hey, Roanoke and all of Virginia, the 1st needs help. Can you folks make calls and distribute literature? Collect campaign funds? We need you! Call Phil's HQ!