Over the past couple weeks, I have been hearing a lot about James Webb. How special he is. How unique he is. How he isn't an ordinary politician. The integrity he brings to the political debate. While I agree with these assessments, I want to stress that James Webb is not the only candidate with these qualities seeking office this year in Virginia. In the past few months, Andrew Hurst has impressed me as much as any candidate I have ever met. Hurst, running for the Democratic Congressional nomination in the 11th District, is special. He was named the top lawyer under 40 in Washington DC by the American Bar Association. Hurst is unique. He is a young Democrat from a working-class background, who already has a great career and has nothing to gain professionally by running for Congress. He isn't an ordinary politician. He has refused to take PAC money. He has said openly that an elected official shouldn't be afraid to lose. They should follow their principles, even if that cost them in their next campaign. He doesn't bash his opponent or try to create fear. He focuses on substantive issues. He contends that Congress is full of career politicians who care more about being there than fighting for good government and public service. He is one of us - a progressive with values, honor, and integrity.
As we profess our excitement about James Webb, and how special and unique he is, we should not forget Andrew Hurst. He is also facing a primary. He also has a large grassroots following. In the coming weeks, we can elevate these two unique, special, and principled men into the political battleground against two powerful incumbents who are both trite, common, career politicians without a scrape of integrity left. Imagine James Webb standing up to corrupt Republican leadership in the Senate. Imagine Andrew Hurst standing up to the corrupt Republican leadership in the House.
Andrew Hurst needs volunteers in the coming weeks as he combs Northern Virginia discussing his message. Please visit Andrew Hurst For Congress to find out more.
I want to note that I am not from the Hurst campaign, and he hasn?t seen this article. I simply respect him a great deal.
That Miller and Webb were at Longmyer's kickoff does not necessarily mean they are backing Longmyer. Miller and some Webb people were also at Hurst's campaign kickoff on March 16. That event drew about 225-250 people. It was fantastic!
Andrew Hurst is a passionate warrior and a gentleman of high integrity, who has issued a statement describing his promise to run a positive campaign. Hurst has what it takes to win.
Check out the current figures for each candidate's fundraising:
Hurst
Longmyer
I think Bruce is staying neutral. My understanding was that he plans to help both Ken and Andy through the primary.
Glad to see we're branching out into other races. We also need to start talking about Phil Kellam, Al Weed, and Bern Ewart.
Of course, tonight we have a Webb "blogcast" from DailyKos and another Webb interview on MSNBC. Let the orgy of Webb commentary begin!