Just off a conference call with Congressman-elect Tom Perriello in which Tom discussed a range of issues.
Tom reiterated his campaign theme that the problems that we face today are not about political labels of right, left and center, but about "people-powered" and conviction politics aimed at finding practical solutions.
Tom mentioned "people power" a couple of times, noting that he believed one of the keys to his victory was his willingness to get out in the district and meet people on a one-to-one basis. "The consultants said we were crazy" to spend money on eight district offices he said, "rather that television ads."
I thought this was a particularly interesting comment in light of the recent extensive discussion here at RK about VA-10.
And before I hit the flip, I should point out that Tom thanked our very own Lowell Feld, along with Firedoglake ond Open Left, for their netroots support during the campaign.
(Much more on the flip)
While Tom expressed humility and reverence (my words, not his) on a personal level about what lay before him as a new member of Congress, he also said this was not a time for small changes, but an opportunity to do and accomplish big things.
Tom specifically mentioned investing in workers, wrapping up the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and ensuring accountability in our financial system. but again, he returned to the theme that addressing these issues by lining up on "this or that side of the political spectrum" is minimal.
We need to "get beyond the political labels that have paralyzed political activity," Tom said.
At a more local level, Tom also mentioned the need the need for constituent services and "delivering for the District" while in Congress, but saw his success in Congress as hinging on his doing what he said he would do: turning the economy around, bringing jobs to the District and not becoming a slave to the ideological divide in the national political scene that all to often stands in the way of helping out the people in our nation who need the help.
In terms of committees, Tom mentioned that he hopes to serve on committees that will be directly related to the District's needs in transportation, jobs, agriculture and education, but also thinks based on his experience in national security that he has something to offer in broader areas as well.
Asked whether he would favor some sort of "Church Commission" to investigate the abuses of the Bush era, Tom answered, "I don't know," adding he would need to know more. But he emphasized that accountability at all levels of our society, whether individually, among CEOs or Wall Street bankers, or government officials who may of violated the Constitution, is essential.
But people want solutions to their problems. One of the reasons he won, he said, was "because thoughtfulness trumped fear," and that people "appreciated competence." His campaign, he said, was about what he could do to serve the people of the district, "not just to score cheap political points."
Here's hoping that Tom changes Washington, and that Washington doesn't change him.
investing in workers, wrapping up the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and ensuring accountability in our financial system.
All noble goals, but obviously none are at all straightforward...
And it's tough to get too specific without a bill in front of you.
The message I took away was Tom really meant what he said during the campaign: It's not about ideology or party, it's about doing what works.
The one thing of which I am certain is that he is sincere, and will work his butt off.
And as for help, it's nice to see that there are blogs still in the 5th District. Unfortunately, none of them, apparently, were thanked. I thought they had all disappeared.
It's also nice to see that us underlings and n'er-do-wells are still being thought of after the race.
Have fun, everyone.