Ralph Reed: "the Abramoff scandal's first electoral casualty"
By: Lowell
Published On: 7/19/2006 7:41:04 AM
Last night, right-wing Christian "poster boy" Ralph Reed went down to defeat in Georgia's Republican primary for Lt. Governor. Reed, of course, had been tied to convicted Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Could this be a sign of things to come, right here in Virginia? Let's review the connections between Jack Abramoff and Virginia Republicans:
Aside from the $1,000 he gave to George Allen on 4/28/00, Abramoff also gave to a couple of leading Virginia Republican Congressmen:
*Eric Cantor (R-7th District) received $1,000 on 5/08/01, $1,000 on 7/29/02, and $4,000 (in two separate, $2,000 contributions) on 3/19/03.
*Tom "Not as Moderate as He Claims to Be" Davis (R-11th District) received $500 on 3/31/00.
*Another Abramoff associate, Adam Kidan, was doing his part to help out, giving $1,000 to Tom Davis on 9/9/97 and another $250 on 12/17/97.
*And, indicted Abramoff associate, David Hossein Safavian gave Tom Davis $500 on 5/18/05 (returned after Safavian's indictment).
*Oh yeah, let's not forget that yet ANOTHER Abramoff associate, Tony Rudy, gave $750 to Virginia State Senator Ken Cuccinelli (R-37th District) and $1,050 to Delegate Jeff Frederick (R-52nd District).
The question is whether Ralph Reed's defeat last night was an aberration or the start of a trend. I supposed we'll find out in less than 4 months.
Lowell Feld is Netroots Coordinator for the Jim Webb for US Senate Campaign. The ideas expressed here belong to Lowell Feld alone, and do not necessarily represent those of Jim Webb, his advisors, staff, or supporters.
Comments
I had a dream last night (Dan - 7/19/2006 9:53:37 AM)
Usually I don't share my dreams with all of you, since you probably aren't interested in the machinations of my mind. However, in this dream it was election night and returns were coming in. Hurst won, Weed won, but the races were close. I was searching around for Kellam's results, and found that he won as well. It was less clear, but the assumption was that Webb won by a couple points. The fanfare was that all these Virginia Democrats won. For some reason, in the dream, Feder did not win, nor did O'Donnell. At the end of the dream, I was trying to find out if the Dems won back the House. I assumed they did, since they got 3 victories in Virginia. Of course this was a dream, but it would make an excellent reality. Maybe in reality, Feder will win as well.
I think Feder will win (Rebecca - 7/19/2006 4:32:55 PM)
Of all the candidates you mentioned I am most sure that Feder will win.
Let's Not Forget Virgil (Mark - 7/19/2006 10:04:24 AM)
Virgil Goode took money from Abramoff as well. Of course, he 'didn't know' that it was from a crook, just like he 'didn't know' Mitchell Wade's straw donations to him were illegal. If he really is this stupid, he doesn't belong in Washington.
After all, he has only had one bill passed since he has been in Congress. Such a lack of productivity and oversight is not something we can allow to continue.
Stupid is, as stupid does. (Bubby - 7/19/2006 10:19:34 AM)
You would think that after all these years in Congress, Virgil would have more to show in CD 5 than a scandal. Good grief Virg, the Democratic governor has done more for your district than you have! And you caucus with the majority party! What the hell are you doing? Maybe it's time to get out?
Not. One. Democrat. (Bubby - 7/19/2006 10:20:50 AM)
There is NOT ONE Virginia Democrat on Jack Abramoff's payroll. Not one.
Mark and Bubby (Kathy Gerber - 7/19/2006 11:00:19 AM)
Virgil does not like Washington, doesn't really fit in there, and is not comfortable there.
That's a view that very much reflects the view of many in the rural parts of the 5th (raising hand - nights and weekends).
But. Functioning effectively in Washington is a healthy part of the job! We pay the person not just to reflect the constituency, but to represent and advocate for the constituency.
Virgil has been elected repeatedly on a general attitude of don't let Washington run your life! By now, after 10 years, the irony is that he is Washington. If after all that time he has not yet adjusted, if he doesn't fit in yet and can't work collaboratively, he isn't doing his job and he does need to come home!
And. If he is making that much money and still duct taping his car, then clearly he doesn't manage his money very well. It's not cute. And we're way past cute anyway.
Great News About Ralph Reed Going Down to Defeat!!!!!!!! (ScoopJacksonDemocrat - 7/19/2006 4:59:10 PM)
The news about Ralph Reed crashing and burning is great! Hopefully, we will see the voters going to the polls in Noember intent on driving the money changers out of the temple of American Democracy! I just sent yet another check to James Webb and will send a check to Phil Kellam's campaign. I am hoping that Mark Warner will bring the same electoral magic that he showed here in Virginia to his presidential campaign. Lord knows that we need somebody like Warner to bring sanity back to Washington and to break the gridlock over domestic and foreign policy.