Seriously, I think that Webb would fight hard in the 9th. 

On a related note, tell us more about your local Dems - the party, the infrastructure, the local leaders.  The more we all know, the more we can all help.

I agree, Adam.  We need to get Webb down here - and soon. 

They keep telling me that he will be down this way.

One thing about the far-Southwest is that we have a lot of good Democrats even if this is a "red" area.  And, more than likely, those Democrats will vote for the first candidate that comes down here asks for their support. 

I couldn't tell you how many people I ran into during my signature outings that would say something akin to "I can't sign it, because I haven't met him," or "I haven't heard from any of the cadidates yet," and "Which one has been down here?"

If you're a Democrat and you want to win a statewide race, Virginia can't end at Roanoke.  We've got a lot of committed Democrats and a lot of disaffected Republicans who would vote for Jim Webb if they could hear from him, and not just volunteers.

Webb is planning extensive statewide travel before the primaries.

He's just gettin' warmed up. ;)

and my guess is that he will be greeted warmly as the son of SWVA that he is.  Also, I expect that he will receive much support and many endorsements.  What appeal could Harris Miller possibly have in rural parts of Virginia?  I have no idea, unless you think broadband is the answer to everything. Hell, I know that getting DSL solved all MY problems. Ha. :)

Driving force behind economic development of Southwest Virginia.  In fact, the wide access to broadband connections has directly resulted in the ability of thousands of people to attend College at home through the Virginia Community College System with online classes.  Obviously the difference between 45 minutes to download an assignment on dial-up and two minutes on a broadband connection has been a significant factor in this.  While it is not the only answer needed it has been an answer to a lot of problems in our area directly and indirectly. This post isn’t a question of whether Webb himself will come down here not, it is meant to point out that Southwest Virginia is not lost to the Republicans in every race.

Adam, Rob, and Brian,

I'm with you guys 100%.  If Webb or Miller will come down to the beginning of Virginia (Lee County) or to Scott or Wise or Hell even Abingdon (although that is a good 2 1/2 hour drive from Western Lee County) he'll meet alot of fantastic dedicated Democrats.

The 1st Legislative District can be won by a Democrat.  But he must be an Excellent Candidate who is well funded, and comes down shakes the voter's hand and asks for his vote.  Convince us that you are one of us.  Webb should have the advantage here, but people have to know who he is and why he can claim a connection to the area.

The grassroots Democrats are sick and tired of the State party wanting our money and our support and giving nothing in return.  They promise money and support to get our candidates to run then they hightail it when the bills come due.  Just ask Rex McCarty.  He did Tim Kaine a big favor by keeping Terry Kilgore tied up in his own district and hasn't even gotten a notice from the State Party. But now I'm raging on.  And preaching to the choir.

You would be suprised that sometimes campaign scedulers overlook certain areas due to a perceived lack of people interest.

Best thing you can do is call the Webb campaign. Persistence is the key. Keep calling. Let them know how important a visit would mean to you and to local Democrats, and how it can help galvanize support for Webb.

The Webb campaign # is (703) 778-4080.

discuss inviting him with the UVA-Wise Young Democrats on Tue. Webb is just the current candidate and with Mudcat on his side I highly doubt we will be neglected this time around. I am new to politics but it seems to me that the potential for gain is widely under appreciated by both parties. Take this past week with Miller signatures, he was on the verge of not having enough in the ninth and had to make a dash for the finish. I’d be willing to bet that none of his signatures came from down here.  repugs think they will get the ninth by default and Democrats write us off without a second thought. then a Mark Warner comes along a shows that the ninth is not just full of party line repugs and that we do notice who is paying attention to us.

I actually heard from Jim Franklin tha Miller got all his 9th CD signatures in Blacksburg.

I heard they chilled outside the post office for hours collecting signatures.