Jim Webb: Vote Leslie Byrne Tomorrow!

By: Lowell
Published On: 6/9/2008 10:20:39 AM

This just in from Jim Webb's Born Fighting PAC. Now, it's up to all of us. Please take Jim Webb's advice and vote Leslie Byrne tomorrow!  Thanks.

Dear Friend,

Since 2001, the Democratic Party has enjoyed great success in Virginia by running smart, tough, and honest candidates. More importantly, Democrats have governed Virginia effectively -- earning the trust and support of more people.

I am proud to be part of this success.  This year, I am working to keep it going by supporting candidates like my good friend, Leslie Byrne.  Leslie is a longtime state legislator and former member of Congress, who is working to replace Tom Davis in Virginia's 11th Congressional District.

Leslie was one of my earliest supporters in 2006.  She and I share certain fundamental beliefs -- that America's leaders must be accountable to its people, that our economic system must give everyone a fair shot at success, and that our foreign policy choices must be governed by thoughtful strategic goals.  Like me, Leslie was an early warning voice against the war in Iraq.

Throughout her career, Leslie has proven she is a tenacious and skilled leader. During her time in the Virginia House of Delegates, the State Senate, on Capitol Hill, and as the White House Consumer Advocate, she made a name for herself as someone who could be counted to actually accomplish her goals. She championed the first full funding for Head Start in its history, and freed up millions of dollars for childhood immunization programs. She worked to develop Polluter Pays laws and helped pass the Family and Medical Leave Act. Leslie is the kind of results-oriented leader that Northern Virginians deserve to have representing them in Congress, and she's more than deserving of your support.

http://www.actblue.com/page/we...

During our campaign's toughest moments, Leslie remained loyal to our effort and to the importance of these shared beliefs. And so when she decided to make a bid to return to Congress, I was determined to show her the same loyalty and support.

I hope you will join me in supporting Leslie Byrne's campaign for Congress by making a contribution of $35, $50, $100 or $250 today.

http://www.actblue.com/page/we...

The 111th Congress will face considerable obstacles.  Leslie Byrne has the courage and the experience to help us win those fights. I am looking forward to seeing her defend our common principles on the House floor. Please join me in helping Leslie become the next U.S. Representative from the Virginia 11th today.

http://www.actblue.com/page/we...

Sincerely,

Senator Jim Webb
Chairman, Born Fighting PAC


Comments



Chap weighs in as well (Lowell - 6/9/2008 10:26:45 AM)
over at his blog, Ox Road South:

Leslie Byrne is unique. We served in the Assembly together and then ran against each other in 2005 for the Lt. Governor nomination.  We didn't agree on every issue but I will confirm one thing -- Leslie was definitely proud to be a Democrat before it was cool.

A couple issues stand out.

In early 2003, the Virginia Assembly was facing a massive budget deficit.  We were freezing salaries, raising tuitions and cutting back services across the board.  Meanwhile, the Richmond Republicans wanted to repeal the estate tax so that multi-million dollar estates could be inherited tax free.  What a travesty.

Because the business lobby had declared it a "pro business" bill, most Democrats were too scared to speak up.  At that time, our numbers in Richmond were woeful:  16 Senators and 34 Delegates.  Opposing the estate tax repeal was considered political suicide.

Only a few Dems spoke up.  I was one.  Leslie Byrne was another.  We didn't win the floor votes but at least we brought enough negative attention so that Governor Warner could veto the bill.  His veto was sustained.

And the conclusion:

Leslie spoke out not just when it was popular.  She was also there when the chips were down.  For that reason, I will be supporting her Tuesday.  I hope that others will do the same.