With Daniel LeBlanc's Nomination in Jeopardy, Will More Democratic Blogger-Activists Respond?

By: Conaway
Published On: 2/15/2006 2:00:00 AM

Weeks ago, Virginia?s Republican bloggers reported that General Assembly Republicans were planning to gun down Gov. Kaine?s nomination of Daniel LeBlanc as Secretary of the Commonwealth. Now, the mainstream media has picked up on the story, which signals a not-so-subtle shift in Virginia's current political dynamic. At one point, some Democrats were said to be rallying around the LeBlanc nomination to ensure that the political will was there to confirm him. One LeBlanc supporter had hoped that ?the more moderate and less partisan Senate [would]?confirm him, albeit with some nay votes.? That now looks to be a rather optimistic viewpoint.

In light of the recent events, the relative silence from most of Virginia?s Democratic bloggers on this developing story is peculiar. While some did respond to the initial grumbling last month about the LeBlanc nomination, for the most part, no mass effort has formed as of yet to take up the banner for him now. Thus far, Alice Marshall has written in support of LeBlanc saying, ?Gentle reminder to Devolities-Davis, Cuccinelli, et al, Leslie Byrne won the 11th district. Being anti labor is no longer a winner in your neighborhood.? A bit earlier, pseudonymous blogger J. Sarge noted the rising nature of the attack on LeBlanc by critics on the Right

That more Democratic or otherwise progressive bloggers have not responded is quite surprising. Could other factors be at play?

Still, one Democratic source says that the fight is not over. In a passionate defense of the former AFL-CIO chief, this person says:

?Danny is a leader in the labor movement, no doubt, and as that leader gave enormous help to Tim?Danny earned that appointment because of his years of devotion to the Democratic Party. Danny always does what is needed?when candidates are failing and other supporters cut and run, Danny is always there to exhort the Democratic faithful to keep up the good fight. Danny does not engage in personal political retribution or battles. He truly appreciates people for their devotion and efforts on behalf of the Party. Party activists around the state are thrilled with Gov-Elect Kaine's choice because we feel as if one of our own has been selected and our efforts over the years appreciated and rewarded.?

Indeed Governor Kaine won handily in November, and the spoils should go to the victor. That includes the right to pick his own people. While shooting down the LeBlanc nomination may help the Republicans gain self-confidence and salve their wounds, it is still a petty and childish move. That they see fit to tee off on him because of their own dysfunctional family - under the guise of "protecting" the Commonwealth's virtually sacrosanct Right-to-Work law - is yet another sign that Virginia?s GOP faces much deeper issues. If there was ever a time for the Governor to whip out his better way, now is it.

Comments



"Indeed Governor Kai (Tom Palk - 4/4/2006 11:32:43 PM)
"Indeed Governor Kaine won handily in November, and the spoils should go to the victor. That includes the right to pick his own people."  "Danny earned that appointment because of his years of devotion to the Democratic Party."  Hey, what's a little cronyism among Dems?  The last thing VA needs is someone from the AFL-CIO-union ranks being inserted to help us "transform", and become less competitive in even MORE ways and in more industries.  Better take a pass on this nominee....


That more Democr (Waldo Jaquith - 4/4/2006 11:32:43 PM)
That more Democratic or otherwise progressive bloggers have not responded is quite surprising. Could other factors be at play?

You bet: Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.



OK, Conaway, I just (Lowell - 4/4/2006 11:32:43 PM)
OK, Conaway, I just responded! :)