RK ARCHIVE - UPDATED: Virginia Democrats Need a Primary

At this meeting the State Central Committee will decide whether the party requires a Primary for the coming election cycle, or whether the nominee for the Senate race can be effectively selected by a Nominating Convention.

In order to allow as many Democrats as possible to influence this decision, it is critical that Democratic Party of Virginia hold a Primary for this election cycle.

With two strong candidates, Information Technology Lobbyist Harris Miller and Former Secretary of the Navy James Webb, now in the race for the US Senate, this is too important an issue to leave to a small-draw Nominating Convention.

Moreover, the primary will serve to promote each of these candidates and give the winner of the Primary the strong and broad-based party recognition he will need to face George Allen in November.

I challenge all Virginia political bloggers to crosspost or link to this article on their blogs today.

If you're a Democrat and you happen to have a personal friendship with any member of the State Central or Steering Committee, please take a minute to send an email. Here's the list of contacts with email addresses, please take a look. You may be surprised to recognize a name you're familiar with. Please be respectful of these Committee Members. This is just a quick note to make a request of a friend . Just send them an email.

Remember, this decision is too important to leave to a small groups. It should be opened up to as many Virginia Democrats as possible.

Comments

Thanks, JC. I hon (Josh - 4/4/2006 11:32:17 PM)

Thanks, JC.

I honestly don't think anyone on the Central Committee would consider a Convention a wise choice at this point. Still, it doesn't hurt to chat with your influential friends.

Josh

Mark Warner was out (DanG - 4/4/2006 11:32:18 PM)

Mark Warner was out of state, campaigning for his eventual candidacy for President. I think Warner believes, however, that this is Kaine's moment to shine, and the time for our two Senate candidates to get some attention. Warner will come campaign heavily in 2006 like some returning hero, and he'll seem all the more glorious for it. Not that I can complain, I want his influence to help elect Webb. Then I want Webb's victory to help push Warner into the Democratic Nomination.

I was surprised to f (Josh - 4/4/2006 11:32:18 PM)

I was surprised to find that I actually know 4 members of the Central Committee. Nice chance to catch up, really.

In a time when more (Huntah - 4/4/2006 11:32:18 PM)

In a time when more independants hold sway over the general election victor in Virginia, a primary is certainly more inclusive and democratic (little D) than a convention. But would a convention prevent the wasting of precious resources in a protracted state-wide battle?

I asked a similar rhetorical question yesterday. Hit the trackback link.

I think it depends o (Josh - 4/4/2006 11:32:18 PM)

I think it depends on your definition of "waste". If it's a waste to inform and include citizens in the electoral process early on, then maybe...

A primary would incr (DanG - 4/4/2006 11:32:18 PM)

A primary would increase name recognition greatly. Both Webb and Miller lack severly in that department. Besides, if there is a convention, supporters of the loser will be quite angry. I know that if a convention were held, and Miller won, I'd be furious. A primary is the only way to avoid party cleavage and keep us strong for the fall.

Great work, Josh. A (Lowell - 4/4/2006 11:32:18 PM)

Great work, Josh. Anyone who would oppose a primary is anti-Democratic and anti-democratic. Let the people decide who they want as their nominee! Money well spent, by the way, in a) getting out the Democratic message; b) raising the profile of our candidate(s); and c) honing their campaign skills for the knockdown/dragout with George "Who's Ben Bernanke?" Allen.

The vote in Richmond (Don Schellhardt - 4/4/2006 11:32:18 PM)

The vote in Richmond for a U.S. Senate PRIMARY, as opposed to a Convention, is GREAT NEWS!!!!

I sent in some E-Mails, and I am glad to see that so many other people did the same.

QUICK, TECHNICAL QUESTION:

What is the exact date for the primary?

It's my impression that the primary will be held on Tuesday, June 13 -- but I've never seen that in writing. [I know it was on June 14 LAST year.]

Could someone please confirm or deny my impression? Thanks.

Sincerely, Don Schellhardt of Roanoke

No, he doesn't give (DanG - 4/4/2006 11:32:18 PM)

No, he doesn't give a crap about LA. I think it's all part of his campaign to get people to agree with his spying plan, and so far it's working. Polls show he's gaining support. Of course, it will just make his fall hurt even more when we prove what he's been doing all along is ILLEGAL. No matter what spin he puts on it, he won't be popular if he's a criminal.

Anybody who still th (Lowell - 4/4/2006 11:32:18 PM)

Anybody who still thinks we have a "liberal media," I've got some weapons of mass destruction in Iraq to sell you. Real cheap! :)

In fairness, CBS had (Lowell - 4/4/2006 11:32:18 PM)

In fairness, CBS had an excellent report on this a few minutes ago. Gloria Borger called it an "embarrassment" to the Administration. Damn lib'rul! :)

It'll come out soon, (DanG - 4/4/2006 11:32:18 PM)

It'll come out soon, I think. Also, it will eventually be pointed out that the Bush plan that worked was 5 years ago. Cheney could be in SERIOUS trouble for this one.

CNN doesn't have any (Doug in Mount Vernon - 4/4/2006 11:32:18 PM)

CNN doesn't have anything on the main page, but they still have a link to Bush "I foiled an LA attack". It's all over the place.

What a crock. Does he even believe Republicans have a chance in hell in LA?

Hmm, how will the sn (Adam Sharp - 4/4/2006 11:32:18 PM)

Hmm, how will the snowfall affect things? I know I won't make it to Richmond if it snows Friday night, and I'm on the Central Committee.

Ain't politics great?