9th CD Convention...Webb and Miller No-Shows

By: Neal2028
Published On: 5/30/2006 9:00:26 PM

Okay, so last night, I decided to call the Webb and Miller campaigns, and see if they'll be attending the 9th district convention on June 10th in Marion.

I called the Miller folks first (since I came to their number first in my cell phone directory), at about 8:50 or 9:00. The guy who answered didn't know if Miller would be coming and told me to call back, which I did at around 7:30. I called Webb's folks at around 9:10, and they, too, said to try back later. I did that at like 7:40.

First, the Miller campaign; First, understand that I've had a long day. And both campaigns have 703 area codes, and the numbers looked basically the same to me. When I called the first number back, my phone cut out, and I heard " --- --- for Senate." So I just played it safe; I refered to "the candidate" coming to our convention. Apparently, "the candidate" was is going to be in the Tidewater area that day, but will try to send a surrogate. I said, "Well, I know Phillip Puckett and Chap Petersen endorsed Webb, and Leslie Byrne did really well in the coalfields," to which he responded, "Actually, this is the Miller campaign." Crap. I apologized, said I had been trying to call both campaigns, and "Northern Virginia folks all sound similar." He said it was fine, and to e-mail him the information and he would let me know about what kind of surrogate they would try to send (I suggested Jack Kennedy, and, even though he's made no endorsement, Dan Bowling).

I then called the Webb campaign. The guy I talked to said it looked like Webb wouldn't be able to make it. So I suggested they send a surrogate, either Puckett, Petersen, or Byrne (since she's awesome). He said to send the information, and he'd let me know what he found out.

So, there we have it. So, let me pose the question to you all; Since neither candidate will be there, which will make a better showing with a surrogate speaker?

(I'll give my opinions later--I've got to go to Wal Mart)

-Neal

Comments



I'm actually surprised Webb is not attending (JennyE - 5/30/2006 9:10:50 PM)
But who knows, there may be a change of plans.


I hope (Neal2028 - 5/30/2006 9:13:18 PM)
I hope there is a change of plans.  I believe Brian Patton said somewhere that whoever shows up, and if the other one doesn't, that's who'll win the 9th district.  So I guess if neither show up, nobody wins? :)


How about Phil Puckett or Rick Boucher (Lowell - 5/30/2006 9:15:52 PM)
for Webb?


if boucher endorses (teacherken - 5/30/2006 9:48:25 PM)
do u have info on that?


Mostly wishful thinking... (Lowell - 5/31/2006 5:14:11 PM)
although it makes a great deal of sense.


Either one (Brian - 5/31/2006 11:49:36 PM)
Since Boucher has not endorsed yet, I would guess Puckett will be speaking in Webb's behalf.  He will do a great job, too. 


Retraction (Brian - 5/31/2006 11:47:27 PM)
After spending the last few days getting Webb's message out in Southwest Virginia and seeing Miller call us "the people down there," I don't think it will matter if Webb fails to attend. 

Don't get me wrong, though, I still really hope Webb can work it out to attend.  It would be a great chance to hang out with Southwest Virginians.



Its on a Saturday (phriendlyjaime - 5/30/2006 9:48:32 PM)
and there are no events as of yet scheduled on Webb's site.  I haven't checked Millers; I hope Webb or a good stand in can make it, though I don't have any suggestions bc I don't know the 9th that well.


Boucher and Puckett (Neal2028 - 5/30/2006 10:30:19 PM)
Puckett has already endorsed Webb.  Boucher is officialy neutral for the time being.

I for one don't understand why they couldn't make it.  But Milelr is supposed to be in the tidewater area, and Webb's people didn't elaborate.  I do know Webb made it to the 5th and 6th CD conventions...



Puckett for Webb (ScottCoDemocrat - 5/31/2006 10:45:00 AM)
Brian is right whoever shows up at the Ninth District Convention will have a good shot at carrying the Ninth.
Personally, I hope that Webb will decide to do what he has to to be there.  Perhaps Phil Puckett can get him down here.  If not Phil would be a great surrogate.

At least Webb has been to far southwest Virginia.  He did make a stop on his announcement tour in Scott County and has some family ties here. As an aside maybe his cousin Jimmy Webb (from Russell County) could convince him to make a quick trip home.

Brian has a great post on his website regarding Miller's opinion of the Ninth.  I hadn't intended to donate until after the primary, but now I'm going to the Webb website and making a donation.  I'll also be on the phone trying to turn out the Democrats for Webb on June 13.  IMO if Webb would make a personal appearance at the convention that would seal the vote and go a long way to increase turn out.



Jimmy Webb (Neal2028 - 5/31/2006 11:11:26 AM)
Question...
I believe I know Jimmy Webb...Is he involved with the newspaper business?


Hmm (Brian - 5/31/2006 11:48:12 PM)
Not that I know of, but I don't really know Jimmy Webb, so don't hold me to that.  :)


Jimmy Webb (ScottCoDemocrat - 6/1/2006 11:14:03 AM)
At the Scott County event, Phil Puckett said that he ran into Jimmy Webb at the bank in Lebanon and he was singing the praises of his cousin Jim Webb who was running for the Senate.

Like Brian I don't really know Jimmy Webb, but my Russell County sources tell me that he's a good Russell County Democrat.