We Have a Nominee Against Virgil Goode!

By: Lowell
Published On: 1/9/2008 12:07:57 PM

This morning, the Daily Progress reported that "Tom Perriello, an Albemarle County native challenging 5th District Rep. Virgil H. Goode Jr., R-Rocky Mount, apparently wrapped up his party's nomination Tuesday as fellow Albemarle Democrat David Shreve dropped out of the contest."  The article continues:

Fifth District Democratic Chairman Fred Hudson of Free Union said Shreve's decision all but locks up the party nomination for Perriello. No other Democrat is actively seeking the nomination, which is to be made May 17 at a district convention in Lovingston.

"Tom has done a terrific job of raising money to run against the incumbent," Hudson said. "I am looking forward to working with Tom to make sure he is the next congressman from the 5th District."

As I have written previously, Tom Perriello is an extremely intriguing candidate who is generating a great deal of enthusiasm.  Tom's progressive, faith-based approach, combined with his impressive fundraising, could very well give Virgil Goode a run for his money like he's never seen.  Let's do a brief highlight reel on Goode, just to whet your appetite to defeat him:

*He's connected to convicted felon Jack Abramoff. (What part of "illegal" doesn't Goode understand?)

*Goode donor Mitchell Wade of MZM was fined $1 million by the FEC "for straw contributions to Reps. Virgil Goode and Katherine Harris."

*In May 2006, Common Cause asked the House ethics committee "to investigate the dealings between a corrupt defense contractor and U.S. Rep. Virgil Goode."

*Goode's an embarrassing anti-Muslim bigot.

Needless to say, it's time for Goode to go.  Fortunately, Democrats are going to have a strong candidate, one with tremendous energy, passion and integrity -- plus a "rag tag army" of progressive, faith-based supporters -- to take him on this year.  And, with lots of help from people like you, Tom Perriello will defeat Virgil "So Bad He's" Goode and be elected the next Congressman from the 5th CD this November.  I strongly endorse Tom Perriello for Congress.  Go Tom!

Comments



He sounds great. But the "faith based approach" part troubles me. (Tom Counts - 1/9/2008 5:14:56 PM)
Realizing of course that the 5th CD is pretty conservative and Virgil really should go, I am a little troubled by the "faith based" part of his "approach". What does that mean exactly ? I don't have any problem with any candidate following his/her own personal religious beliefs but I think it's vitally important that the candidate assure voters that he can and will keep personal religious beliefs separate from government responsibilities. The last thing we need to do in any race is to replace a bigot (a former Dem. in the case of Goode, as I recall) with a person who says his approach is "faith based" - regardless of present or previous party affiliation - without making the important distinction between personal beliefs and official government actions as Tim Kaine has done.

I am not implying that the "faith based" label in whatever context is intended by the presumptive nominee is an indication that he can't or won't keep his personal religious beliefs completely separate from decisions and actions he might take if elected. But I do think it is very important that he or someone who can speak for him explain his meaning in crystal clear and very specific language ASAP - i.e., well before the convention.

Respectfully submitted for your comments.

                        T.C.                    



I'm sure you'll be hearing from Tom Perriello (Lowell - 1/9/2008 5:18:34 PM)
right here on this blog.  At that time, I encourage you to ask him your question directly. I'm confident he'll have a strong answer that should allay your concerns.


Eh (Jack Landers - 1/10/2008 11:07:39 AM)
Good for him, stepping into the arena. Good luck and God speed and all that. But of course he's probably doomed.


Beating Virge is not impossible (aznew - 1/10/2008 1:00:58 PM)
Goode will be tough, but not impossible, to topple (although people I know here in C'Ville think Virge can't be beat). That said, I don't think the MZM/Mitch Wade scandal or bigotry, unfortunately, will be enough to do it. Goode will argue that all the MZM stuff was done to benefit the 5th District, not to line his pockets. As for the anti-Muslim stuff, it is odious, and I actually think a majority of folks in the 5th find it so (not only in C'Ville/Alberarle, either), but I'm not sure they care about it enough to let it guide their vote.

I think a better argument for Tom's candidacy is that these things have made Goode anathema in Congress, and given the likelihood of continued Democratic control of Congress, not to mention the presidency, Tom can do a much more effective job in D.C. representing the parochial interests of the District -- representation that unfortunately might become much more important in 2008's economic circumstances.

One constituent's take, any way.

Alan



I think the #1 argument is (Lowell - 1/10/2008 1:04:26 PM)
that Goode is simply not effective representing the district.  It's time for someone new.


Re: I think the #1 argument is (ashleigh1876 - 1/10/2008 4:49:07 PM)
Goode will be a tough opponent, but if there is one person who can beat him, it is Tom Perriello. I met him a few weeks ago, and I was struck by how hard he works and how much he wants to make the 5th district a better place. He inspired me to get involved and as he goes around the district meeting people I'm sure others will be inspired too. I have no doubt that Perriello can pull it off, and I, for one, will work hard to make sure that he does.