Viola Baskerville (1st Article in a Series)
By: Sam
Published On: 2/17/2005 2:00:00 AM
Lowell has asked me to look into the Democratic candidates for Lt. Governor, thinking that we might sometime endorse one of them. First in our series of four, or perhaps five if Jim Dyke of someone else joins the race, is State Delegate Viola Baskerville. I'll continue on in alphabetical order. Disclaimer: I do web advertising for the Chap Petersen campaign.
Delegate Baskerville has a lot going for her. She is eloquent and comes across as extremely intelligent and friendly. I have met her several times, and she is perpetually upbeat. She says that she believes that "slow and steady wins the race," and often wears a silver turtle brooch, her "mascot." Baskerville can get away with lines that other candidates cannot, such as "Honey, I am the best," when asked who she thinks would make the strongest running mate for Tim Kaine. Phil Puckett or one of the other candidates would probably be branded as arrogant if one of them used that line. Baskerville is an African-American, and would probably boost the African-American turnout in November if she wins the primary.
Viola Baskerville's personal story is compelling: She was raised in a house that her parents built in the East End of Richmond, and left at the age of 13 to attend Northfield Mount Hermon School in Massachusetts on a full scholarship. Her political career is also impressive. Upon returning to Richmond, she became a community leader, and, in 1994, ran for City Council, and won. The city council also elected her Vice Mayor. In 1997, she ran for State Delegate, and won. Since then, she has served admirably in the House of Delegates. In 1998, the Richmond YWCA awarded her their "Outstanding Woman Award in Government and Politics." She was also inducted into the National Honor Society of Omicron Delta Kappa.
Baskerville's platform is made up of standard Democratic planks, including environmental protection, equal access to health care, and campaign finance reform. She also wants to make it easier for small businesses to compete for state contracts and will work to make Virginia more friendly to military families.
However, a Baskerville candidacy would have some drawbacks. She is running as an unabashed liberal in a state with a definite conservative bent. She has placed third in the money hunt among the four Democratic candidates for Lt. Governor, with just over $137,000. With only $61,000 in the bank, she lags behind all of the others in both parties, beating only Republican Gil Davis. In a Democratic district, she also has never had to campaign hard against a Republican. The last Republican she faced was T.C. Elliot, who she beat 76%-24%. Her home district popularity reflects well on her, no doubt.
Baskerville?s campaign made the following statement to RaisingKaine:
"Viola Baskerville is the strongest candidate in this race. This position is not a stepping stone for her, it is her chance to use the bully pulpit to continue her fight for small businesses, military families, and quality healthcare for all Virginians. Her compelling life story makes her the best possible advocate not only for Virginia's central cities but also for its rural communities. Viola Baskerville is not a poll driven candidate, she is a woman of principle who will fight for progress in Virginia while respecting and upholding Virginia's traditional values."
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