I'm riding on an electric bus across the heart of downtown Denver with Creigh Deeds, and as always, I'm amazed at his energy. I've seen Creigh Deeds at events across Virginia often at opposite ends of the commonwealth and even on occasion within hours. I can't imagine when he sleeps or if he ever stops. The guy bleeds red bull.
Remarkably, there's nothing frenetic in his manner. Rather, he comes across as affable, intelligent, and most of all, concerned with the future of Virginia. "This could be Richmond in just a few years. They've figured out a lot of things here that we could do with the right investments and planning. Look at this." He's right. Denver is a sight to behold, with its smart growth developments, excellent public transportation, and energetic cafe life, but we're here to talk about the short term, specifically Virginia's elections in 2008 and 2009.
Clearly, Creigh has the experience to match his vaunted energy: "I've fought and won contested primaries and elections. I've served in both the majority and the minority of both the House and the Senate. I have over 50,000 recorded votes and I know how to get things done."
Virginia Democrats have been very uncomfortable with the impending primary between Deeds and House Minority Leader Brian Moran. It's a simmering area of concern. As we watch the wounds of the 2008 presidential primary giving way to democrats nationally rallying in unity around Barack Obama, Virginia Democrats are not at all excited live through it again. "First of all, we've got to focus on 2008," Says Deeds, "I'll do anything and everything I can for Obama. I'm proud to serve as a surrogate, but I'll spend most of this political year stumping with Mark Warner and our other great congressional candidates. The only race that can't be won is the one you don't run. We have great candidates across Virginia, and it's clear that we could pick up three to five seats."
Still, Deeds is doing what he can to keep the primary as collegial as possible. "We'll pick all of this up only after we elect Barack Obama and Mark Warner, but if you ask who my opponent is for 2009, I'll tell you it's Bob McDonnell."
Deeds asserts that he has support across the commonwealth and across the political spectrum. I've been endorsed by great Virginians like Dick Saslaw and Mary Margaret Whipple. I've voted with them and built coalitions around issues to get things done. That record is going to help during the campaign and after the election. I'm going to win it, and build on the great successes of Virginia Democrats."
We hop off the bus and wander over to the new media tent, where I can see his eyes gleem at the sight of the frenetic energy and the new blood the progressive netroots are infusing into politics. He's quickly picked up for Obama interviews with bloggers, radio and print media, and my role as escort is complete. As I thank him for his time, he claps me on the shoulder and smiles, "Next time in Richmond". I'm not sure whether he's talking about our next interview, the Virginia Democratic nomination, or the 2012 nomination, but I know that he's got Richmond on his mind.
Again, not sure where I stand yet, especially with such division. I might be leaning Deeds though.
Both Moran and Deeds seem like great people and have been great public servants -- but what are their visions for Virginia, and how do they intend to get them implemented? When Dominion comes begging for another coal-fired plant, where does the rubber hit the road in terms of balancing a forward looking environmentalism and a new energy economy versus the economic interests of today? How about fighting to make Virginia more friendly to labor and working people? How do we make Virginia a model state for a transit-oriented development, especially in the clogged NoVa and Hampton Roads areas?
These are big questions that deserve a good debate. Just as the primary between Clinton and Obama made the Democratic Party stronger (in spite of some bumps along the way), the gubernatorial election could do the same.