I concur, we cannot use Kilgore's connection with the Swift Boaters against him here in Virginia.  We really don't want to be tying ourselves to Kerry after all.  While some in the blogosphere have glasted Kaine for distancing himself form some Democrats (notably Kerry), I think it was completely prudent to distance himself from Kerry's tactics (Kaine has not distanced himself from Democrats in terms of positions notably).

However, knowing about this sort of connection, we can anticipate the sort of attacks that will be levelled against Kaine.  His faith has already been called into question, and now it appears that Kilgore is trying to say that Kaine isn't really a Virginian and that Warner is like Kerry.  Disgusting.

I'm not sure I agree with your conspiracy theory - without further evidence that there is a "big story" out in Scott County. So a bunch of papers are owned by right-leaning corporations? Great. The Washington Post, Roanoke Times, and Virgnia Pilot are owned by lefties. Not a bad balance, if you ask me.

Right now we have some voter fraud that may or may not have been orchestrated by Kilgore's mother. Other than that, all we have is a bunch of innuendo.

So, what are you hinting at, Lowell? If you've really "already gotten more ?tips? and other information about the Kilgore family?s Scott County ?Boss Hog? machine than I?ve seen in all the newspapers of Virginia combined" then please tell us what they are!

It's amazing how Terry's office has stated to me personally that they don't help folks get jobs but they look in on the status of their applications. However, one tends to notice things like their relatives/cronies getting jobs on the Tobacco Commission or other parts of state and local government. I believe it was his elderly aunt who got hired with little or no qualifications that would set her apart from the pack for a major position on the Tobacco Commission.  We have an incompetent Town Manager in Gate City who was put into office over more obviously qualified candidates because the Kilgore patronage machine. And you have a registrar's office that is either grossly incompetent, corrupt, or both at the same time that just so happens to be staffed by  Jerry and Terry's mother and aunt. You have a PSA water system that is ran by Kilgore cronies who have proceeded to run it into the ground so badly that Terry has to use the Kermit water situation as a ploy to get to the Moccasin Gap PSA's surplus funds to bail them out and so his buddies can sell water to Tennessee to help pay off those debts. The evidence is there waiting for someone to put it together. Apparently no one in the media is willing to take a look at it.

never mind that the public school system is a welfare system for the kids of republicans to get teaching jobs.

Media needs, by-and-large, people that go on the record. Rcently, someone objected to having a camera present at the Gate City Town Council meetings because "people that know about things that were done wrong" would never speak in front of a camera. In case you don't get the hint, they will only speak OFF THE RECORD.

I understand very well that things are harder to believe the further away you are from their source, but not many non-Kilgore Republicans (we have two kinds in Scott County, Kilgore Republicans and sincere Republicans) doubt that there's something substantive to the mud the Kilgores are wallowing in.

The Kilgore-backed beneficiaries of the voided Gate City Town Election capitulated because additional depositions were planned, and additional evidence was due to be presented. Once they said, "Oops, you're right, let's invalidate the election, we MADE A MISTAKE," that took those additional resources that could have made voter fraud piercingly clear off the table - at least for the time being.

And as for the Commonwealth's Attorney, who really is a sincere person in most things: do you think that anyone who walks side-by-side with Jerry and his twin, Terry, at all the parades isn't going to find SOME way not to prosecute Willie Mae?

Marcus is a good guy and I have know and respect his father in law, Ford Quillen. He is in a difficult position and I wouldnt be surprised if he returned to private practice soon to avoid all those headaches. and you are right about the non-Kilgore Republians. With Democrats being outnumbered nearly 2-1 in Scott County there is no way the Demcs could have taken 6 BOS seats without their support. You have the "law and order" Kilgore gang leading the charge to get rid of a respected town police chief for doing his job and voter fraud that I've heard many say has been going on for years on top of the general incompetence and corruption that is to be expected in small town machine politics.

Thanks for the link, Lowell.  :)

The Matt Stoller article that the post links to is really worth a read in its entirety.  Matt got inside the RNC last summer, and sat in on their workshop about how to spin republican candidates to women voters--against women's own interests.  Matt's article should be required reading for ever state party, house and senate caucus, and candidate recruitment committee in the country.

Thanks for clearing up the fundraising question i had. In Va I dont think you can use the Swifties against Kilgore. I think most people believed them and Kerry still has not signed 180.

First, UVA-Wise houses WAY OVER 200 students.. It has faculty of about 120..over 1800 FULL time students. Fact
Next, the weather, Wise county schools operated on a Regular schedule that day. Fact.
Why I read other blogs...It is called being well informed.

Jiah I feel compelled to reply to what you said as a fellow gay democrat this too alarmed me.  What we have to understand as an underrepresented group, is that it's a fact that the majority of the United States does not agree with gay marriage.  Kaine does, like Kerry/Dean/etc, support RIGHTS for gays AT LEAST.  It is unfortunate that we must compromise our values, but its better to get a foot in the door than nothing at all.  If Kilgore were to be elected we would probably then lose all rights and give the republicans the chance to pass a concrete law not allowing gays the rights of marriage and to marry.  I think the majority of people get caught up on the title "marriage."  When in fact it is not "marriage" that Gay people desire, its the rights that come along with it.  I do not care what it is called as long as I have the same rights that are given to straight individuals.  It also comes down to whom is better overall for the State of Virginia.  While Kaine may not be the speaker of equal rights we would like him to be, he as a whole is better for Virginia.  What we can do instead is help him get elected.  Once he is elected we could then push him to make a stance and push for LGBT rights.  From hearing Kaine in the past I do not feel he is as conservative as those comments made him sound, but he is portraying himself in a manner that will not allow republicans to use those particular social issues against him...much like Bush did to kerry.  So I will fight for Kaine because as a whole he is better for the State of Virginia.  Sooner or later the Democrats will have to have solid stances on issues like this and for our sake it will be on our side. 

(I did not proofread, so forgive any grammatical or spelling errors) 

The question is not how many times Tim Kaine has been to Southwest Virginia, its what has been done for Southwest Virginia. And Warner/Kaine's record is superior to Jerry Kilgore's in every regard. Kaine has been to SWVA several times over the past 3 years he's been in office as has Jerry, but Jerry seems more interested in having expensive fundraising parties in Lee, Scott, and Wise County .What? You don't think he was hanging around the sticks back home just to see Miss Willie and family do you?

I never said anything bad about Kaine, please show me where i did. I said in a few words that your blog posts are negative and for most people a turn off. While you waste time posting about Kilgores gay voice and just as you said above
"Well yeah, the goal here IS to actually get ELECTED so you can do some good on a wide range of issues." Smart statement by you and it will probably be picked up on by others.

So is Kaine Pro Gay or not? Sounds like you will say anything to Raise Kaine. Sorry buddy, it is not working in SWVA. The first polls showed Kilgore way ahead.I stand by my statement that 200 people at a college is pitiful.There were 50 or so Republicans holding a press con upstairs. All those working Democrats who could not attend? Are they the same Democrats who helped Bush carry SWVA? You do know students can attend such events, just like Pro Art events and miss class. Kilgore will win by a landslide in SWVA. Your rhetoric may go over in N. Va, but not here. Just how many times has Kaine been to SWVA in the past 3 years? Yes the ODBA is right wing, but you are blind if you cannot see the difference in what they are doing for Kilgore, the tone of the posts, compared to this blog.

Lowell - you ask if I think being for gay marriage would work politically in a red state?  You are basically saying you would subordinate your actual political beliefs just in order to get elected.  That's pathetic.  You are either principled or you are not.  I've heard Tim Kaine speak so many times about how he believes in equality.  He's obviously does not.  And my outrage isn't just about Tim Kaine being against gay marriage - it is him saying he's a "conservative" on all the issues.  I wasn't supporting Tim Kaine because he's a "conservative" - I was supporting him because I thought he was committed to equality.  Guess not.  I do have a right to be treated equally.  I know a lot of Democrats agree with me.

UVA-Wise only has 1700 students most of which are commuter and only about 200 live on campus. and most Democrats in Wise County have to work during the day teaching kids or in the mines making sure you have electricity. real work that doesnt involve playing golf with pharmaceutical lobbyists  , etc. Considering the snow and the number of elderly democrats in Wise, (because most of the Republicans have driven the young people elsewhere to find jobs) I though the turnout was ok. If you are from Southwest Virginia you would know this already and I have a feeling you aren't.

Jiah Grey!! Well Said! This blog and it's tone will Raise Kaine right into what i predict to be a huge defeat for democrats.The entire hateful tone and bias rhetoric of this blog compared to bloggers for Kilgore (ODBA)is amazing! As a life long democrat I am ashamed of the tone of this blog. There are a few good posts by Brian, but Lowell is totally a turn off to anyone but the far lefties. The message was real clear when a Democrat like Kaine appears at a college, in a democratic county (Wise) and less than 200 show up. Pitiful buy any account.

Talk about jeering and booing.  Tim Kaine should be jeered and booed for the most recent radio ad I heard from him.  This is part of what his ad said: "I'm against same sex marriage.  I'm conservative on personal responsibility, character, family and the sanctity of life.  These are my values and that's what I believe." As a proud Gay Democrat, I'm offended at this statement.  If this is the best the Democrats can offer, I am angry.  All Dems should write Tim Kaine and tell him to get in line with OUR values! 

I went to UVa-Wise my freshman year. This isn't your typical college campus burning with activism. It's full of mostly students from working class backgrounds and I know for a fact that most of them living on campus would not get up before 10 am for anything short of a natural disaster.  You are assuming that the faculty and the 523 students (I see they've built a few more halls) all don't have classes, were not kept home by the weather, and all are Democrats. You are also not mentioning that It was SPRING BREAK for UVa-Wise. Residence halls closed on March 12 until Sunday the 19th meaning quite a few professors and students were out of town.

A lot of people have noted that several prominent Republicans, including Santorum and DeLay himself, have started to say that this should go before the rthics committee, and are expressing confidnece that the ethics committee will deal with the matter.  This accomplishes both of the GOP's goals on the issue: one, it makes them look like they care about ethics, and two, because of the way the ethics committee has been stacked, it gives them the ability (unless one of the GOPers has a sudden blossoming of conscience) to clear DeLay right before the public eye.

What can Democrats do?  They could attack the ethics committee, but that would give the GOP another edge.  Why?  Because then, if folks do not think much of the ethics process in the house, the GOP will feel more free to engage in their dirty tricks without fear of consequences.  Nobody in Congress can hold them accountable anymore after all.

In the end it'll lead to their ruin of course.  The Democrats have to keep airing these charges out in the public, they have to hammer 'The Hammer' continuously.  Let the GOP make a mockery of the ethics process, and their transformation into corrupt insiders will be complete.  At that point, Democrats can run as ourside reformers, and sweep them from office (if they have their act together at least).

I just want to say that although money matters in the end we ALL know that it is the votes that really count, and I KNOW that Jerry Kilgore will be celebrating WITH Willie Mae and the rest of his family, friends and supporters come November!

LOL...Fitch just 2000 short of Kaine? Spin it however you like, but Kaine and crew are through! This is a major blow to Kaine and company, who with all the so called N. VA vote could not muster a better showing! Looks like the ODBA did some good, and Raising Kaine dropped the ball.

Darn... you guys really laid it on us.  There is pie all over my face. 

I guess I will just fold up my blogs and start supporting Kilgore. (Sarcasm included at no additional charge) 

Sooner or later, Republicans will come to regret selling their souls to the theocons. There's still time for moderate Republicans (yes, I think there might still be a few out there somewhere) to join Democrats in saying no to the intolerant bullies of the RRR (Republican Religious Right) -- but there's not much time.

You failed to mention why these people were so upset at Justice Kennedy. If you are so open and honest I dare you to tell all Virginians in your appearances the reason they were upset at him. Tell them that Justice Kennedy uses foriegn law to make his decisions. "We the people of the United States" is what the Constitution says. Justice Kennedy, and apparently Tim Kaine, seem to think it says "We the people of Europe (and maybe the United States if the judges feel like it)..."

Hello, I don't know much about Mr Kaine, but if you put the same effort in considering a candidate as you did for General Clark then I am sure he is an honorable man. Good Luck to you,

firsts consigns dot dole inestimable nicknames

Small point: Wes Clark was not "born" Jewish. He was born of a Jewish father and a Christian mother: since his mother wasn't a Jew he is not considered Jewish, born or otherwise, under Jewish law.

Last I heard, the General is now attending service at a Protestant (Methodist or Presbyterian, I believe) church, because, he said, the music is better. A lot of people might not know that General Clark, blessed with a fine singing voice, grew up singing in a choir, and has had a lifelong interest in church music. I once met an officer who worked under him in Europe, who told me Clark would play the piano at their Christmas parties, while all the guests sang carols.

He's truly the Renaissance man? (sigh) Why isn't he our president?

rebuff.Strauss considerably.contingents implementer nullify?revere - Tons of interesdting stuff!!!

shut tease reap tenors.Chris consoling inductors collections?

This Marine Sergeant supported him in 2004 and will continue to do so. hoorah!! to Gen Clark, even if he never went through Parris Island. We need a common sense, common value, common man  that I can be proud to wear his bumper sticker on my Dodge in Grand Bay, Alabama!

Just once in my lifetime I would like to have a president of Clark's stature, intellect and courage--someone the whole country could look up to. The Democrats deserved to lose the 2004 election, because they were not smart enough to nominate this man.  Although I am a lifelong Dem I am close to giving up on the party. 

Clark got this exactly right.  He criticized conservatives' misuse and manipulation of Christianity, while simultanously reaching out to people of faith.  Too often in the past, Republicans have succeeded in portraying Democrats as elitists, looking down on people of faith.  If Dems are going to be successful on a national level, we need to counteract that portrayal.

"Make America All It Can Be!"

"Support Our Troops.  Elect One."

Wes Clark for President 2008!

General Clark and Mark Warner.  Now THAT is a ticket!

Clark/Warner 2008

I continue to be proud at the well constructed and organized compaign of Greg Werkheiser. It is delightful to see another Democrat winning a Northern Virginia seat from a Republican incumbant.  Greg will be our fourth victory in four years.  This will be continuing victory for fiscal responsibility and investment in our Commonwealth for all our families.

Fantastic!
As a Tennessean, I can very much appreciate the need to counter the Christian Wrong with their anti-Chrisitan, hate-filled rhetoric. I have had to stop going to church because I am too often faced with political shenanigans over religious messages.
Jesus Christ would be saddened to see what has become of His message of love and peace.
The Religious Wrong uses the fire and brimstone of the Old Testament to punish people who they believe are sinners and have totally ignored the New Testament and Jesus's pronouncements of peace, forgiveness and love of neighbor.
The Republican Party has used this perversion of faith to rake in donations from otherwise decent people who have bought into the media manipulation that voting Republican equates to loving God.
It's time to kick the moneychangers out of the temple because THAT'S what Jesus would do.

Great statement!  Thank you.  I wish you and General Clark the best of luck in your leadership quests.  Clark/Warner 08.  Not bad, not bad at all!

What a fine candidate! As an old William & Mary alumna, I am very proud of this young man. He WILL win, and everyone who can afford to send him a few dollars should do so. There's a trend starting in Virginia,and northern Virginia is where it has begun. Now, let's continue the progressive change that the Old Dominion needs so badly.

I am especially enthusiastic about Greg's candidacy because he will represent the 42nd District with honor and integrity.  Having known Greg for many years, I can attest to Greg's strong moral compass and his consistent refusal to compromise his core ethical values for personal gain.  I have also had the pleasure of witnessing Greg give new meaning to the term "service."  When we were law students at UVA, he assisted students who were struggling and did whatever he could to help them, no matter how busy he was.  Greg's integrity and unrelenting commitment to service will make the 42nd District proud.

I'm also proud to see Greg officially launch his campaign to take the Delegate seat in Richmond...especially since he is doing it as a Democrat who is not afraid to campaign as a Democrat...just like Mark Sickles did last time out. Greg has the political courage and personal security to embrace issues of equality for ALL Virginians in addition to the traditional Democratic issues of Education, Jobs and Healthcare. Tim Kaine and Chap Peterson should take note. We need more Democrats in Richmond, not GOP-Lite.

I LOVE it.  I saw General Clark on Bill Maher and he is just what the Democratic Party needs.  He talks tough and tells it like it is.  He is my man for sure.

Clark is amazing.  There is a rumor that his wife Gert, might be the Democratic Candidate for Lt. Governor of Arkansas.

Dang.  I used to live in the 13th.  It'd be a pleasure to vote for Bruce Roemmelt to get Marshall out of there finally!  Prince William County needs more folks like Roemmelt in office.  All they have left is Sen. Charles Colgan(D) sadly.

But Bruce's numbers give me hope that he can indeed turn that around!