RK ARCHIVE - The Burke Connection

What I'm wondering is how important it is to Byrne's campaign to move against Burke. Assuming Connolly does run against Byrne, is it obvious that Burke and others who supported Miller against Webb in '06 will line up with Connolly? And, if this does happen, is there any chance that we can minimize the mudslinging?

Regardless of whether Davis runs for re-election, I think it's best that the Dem nominee is as strong and widely supported by all factions of the party as possible.

I'm leaning strongly for Byrne. I know there's a lot of anti-Connolly sentiment in the RK community. I can't imagine, however, that the RK community would view Davis or whoever is the Rep general election candidate as preferable to Connolly.

If Connolly does run and we see a race even half as contentious as the Webb-Miller, I hope both sides see the wisdom of adhering to a fair and honest debate.

Along those lines, I hope Denneny supporters aren't too offended by my presuming that he'll not be a factor. Denneny seems like a candidate I would be very willing to support in the general election, but I don't see any reason to favor him over Byrne, and I don't see how he'll be able to beat her with her experience, institutional support, and money.

Comments

Interesting take on this Joel (AnonymousIsAWoman - 12/8/2007 1:13:47 PM)

I suspect the last thing Leslie or Gerry need is this kind of feud going on.

The primary should be about the competence and skill of the candidates and their positions on issues. The real focus should be on what they stand for and how successful they would be as as a representative in Congress.

My hope is that we at least keep both these clashes separate.

Something about Larry? (jsrutstein - 12/8/2007 1:47:05 PM)

Mary, didn't take up my offer to bring her speculation from the George Burke Must Go thread over here. She alleged a plot to replace Burke with Larry Byrne. I guess unless and until Connolly announces we can leave him out of this, but with a very real push against Burke and one allegation about Larry Byrne, do you care to speculate on a connection?

Here's the deal (Ben - 12/8/2007 2:32:19 PM)

Connolly put together a slate for the 11th District Committee when elections were held in May of 05 so he would control it. The idea was to oust the Chair (Emilie Miller) and replace her with George Burke. AIAW's husband was on the old committee and joined the slate- probably because it was going to win and he wanted to stay on the committee. But it is well known that the 11th CD overall is now stacked towards Gerry Connolly.

Something about Larry/Petersen thugs (Mary I - 12/8/2007 10:30:02 PM)

Joel..First, one more time and a suggestion. Put a sticker on your computer that Mary I and no doubt others have a life. I, for one, do not spend my day in front of a computer screen. In fact, I go days without clicking on RK and/or NLS. I know not of your "offer" and frankly, have no interest in tracking down your post.
As for "she alleged a plot to replace Burke with Larry Byrne" my exact words were "some are wondering if the game plan is to deep six George and bring in Larry. Don't know the answer to that thought" Suggestion number two..if you quote me, do it in my words; not your feeble attempts at drama.
Now, having said all I care to say about the 11th District, I have a request. Since you obviously spend time I don't on these boards, do you or does anybody know about an event that took place close to the end of the 34thDistrict Senate race that involved a "group of Petersen thugs with a bull horn?"
I just got home from an event in an upscale City of Fairfax community. I have a personalized plate on my car and a Mark Warner bumper sticker on my car. It was noted and for a short time, the discussion was upcoming and past elections.
A comment was made and it drew much attention about an event at Farr House for JMDD. It was said a group of "Petersen thugs with a bullhorn" (exact quote") showed up and the police were called.
I allowed as I knew nothing about it and I don't.
I am going to be back in that community again tomorrow for another gathering. This one will no doubt among others include Eric Cantor's Chief of Staff. So I don't get broadsided again, anyone care to tell me if this did indeed happen?

um, sure, o.k., whatever you say (jsrutstein - 12/8/2007 11:27:40 PM)

Gosh, Mary I, I sure am sorry to have replied to your comment offering to continue our dialogue in a thread in another post. And, I honestly didn't mean to imply that your not following me there meant you didn't have a life. I probably do spend more time in front of a computer screen clicking on RK and NLS than you. I didn't realize until you enlightened me that this means you have more of a life than I. I hope someday you find this reply and let me know exactly how bad I should feel about myself.

As to misquoting you, again, I must apologize. I can't say I see much of a difference between saying you alleged something and your saying "some are wondering if." Again I suppose it has something to do with your having a life and being qualitatively different than those of us who are mere "somes."

And a third apology is owed to you from me, because, despite the inordinate amount of time I spend in front of my computer, clicking on RK and NLS, I don't know anything about a bullhorn incident. In fact, I have trouble even understanding anything you wrote after letting me know you've said all you cared to say about the 11th District.

Finally, I'm sure it's just my pathetic nature talking, but I find you to be weird and creepy, and I probably will ignore your replies to my comments or your comments to my posts in the future. Perhaps that's exactly how you hope we lesser beings will react to you. If so, you win. Congratulations.

Gerry Connolly Is Not Going To Congress (Lee Diamond - 12/8/2007 4:48:12 PM)

I am a real Democrat. I will not stand for Connolly taking our seat away from us and giving it to developers or whoever it is he sells to.

If we want to win Va next year, there has to be a house cleaning.

What if we start a public campaign to clean up FCDC and the 11thCD?

Lowell thinks it can't be done, but we're the people who won the Senate back. Our cousins in Montana also won the Senate.

1) I say approach FCDC and 11thCD with a written letter outlining our demands.
Assuming rejection, begin a disciplined, focused blogging campaign. This has to include the FCDC reformers. Enough is enough. Time to lay your cards on the table. DO WE WANT TO WIN IN '08 or not?

2)Approach DPVA

3)Approach DNC

By the way, it is ridiculous that any of these problems would be aired on a tv show. This should be dealt with in a formal enough manner that people clearly understand that their credibilitiy is on the line and that there is some price to be paid for lying. Even if it is only personal honor that is something. A lot of people are quite certain about the violations of Party rules. The situation should not be ignored.

The Burke Connection - to Connolly?

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