The Nation magazine:

After Webb entered the race, he shot up the list for total netroots donors through ActBlue.com (ranking fifth at this writing)...Virginia Republicans counter that Webb's relationship with the netroots is a liability. Allen Campaign spokesman Bill Bozin told me, "Liberal blogs like Daily Kos are in the same extreme category as MoveOn.org. They're completely out of the American mainstream, and if Jim Webb wants to continue cozying up to the far left, our campaign welcomes it." (The Allen campaign recently hired an e-campaign manager, Philip Guthrie, to lead its Internet outreach.)

So what do you think about the "netroots?"  Is it an asset for candidates, a liability, or both?  How did you see the efforts of the Virginia blogosphere with regard to your candidacy for Attorney General last year?

Thanks.

Great to be here. I hunt and peck, so pardon my speed. I'm thinking. Great questions.

  Last year, when it was too early or too late in the day to make money calls, I read the blogs. My staff said I obsessed. In fact, my campaign guys kept me away from a computer screen for several weeks right before the election. I think they were afrid I would engage in a debate. I am not the best judge of the netroots effect on last falls' results. Though I was proud of the work my folks did on the webpage, and I know the blog we kept gave me an outlet.

Obviously, the blogs made a difference in this spring's primary. I think you can continue to intensify support for Jim and raise money.

for Jim.  It's hard, with everything else going on in the world and all the other races out there.  Any suggestions on how to make this THE race that the netroots cares about this year?  Thanks.

I wish I knew the answer. Jim personal story and his political journey are very compelling. If we can win this race, I think Democrats anywhere would understand the implications, not just in Virginia, or the southeast, but nationally as well. Why else would Kerry and those other guys get involved in the primary? Those fellows need to tep up, NOW.

column in today's Washington Post where he talks to "one of the founders of the postwar Republican Party in the South."  The piece is titled, "Simmering Rage Within the GOP," and the Republican diehard has this to say about his own party:

I'm a conservative, but they make me sound like a damned liberal the way they act. They spend like fools, they run up the deficits and they refuse to give a raise to the working people who are struggling. How the hell are you supposed to live on $5.15 an hour these days?

He also blasts the Republican party on blocking embryonic stem cell research, and concludes, "Get some checks and balances and teach these guys a lesson."

I'm curious:  in talking to Virginia Republicans, are you hearing any of this "simmering rage?"  More broadly, do you feel a trend in Virginia this year towards the Democrats, one strong enough to sweep people like Jim Webb, Phil Kellam, Judy Feder and maybe even Andy Hurst or Al Weed into Congress?  Or not?  What about the 2007 Virginia General Asembly races and beyond?

Thanks.

There is more than a little truth in Broder's piece. Lots of folks I talk with are tired of candidates who say one thing before the election, and something different after. This goes for both Ds and Rs. Now though, its interesting that the party allegedly in favor of smaller government and fiscal austerity has presided over the largest budget deficit in history.

Something Chap said the other day rings so true: most voters just don't think of themselves in terms of Ds and Rs. People want to have the opportunity to succeed. They want to raise their families in safety. They want the best for their children: the best schools, safe neighborhoods
,clean air and water, good jobs when school days are done. Quality health care when they need it. And they support candidates who they think can best provide those things.

A number of people, who over the last generation or so, have voted Republican are disatisfied and I am convinced that if we offer reasonable alternatives, we can elect Democrats at every level. Thats why its so important that Jim's campaign have the resources necessary to raise the level of discussion. If he can be successful, that will spillover to the congressional raises.

Democrats in Virginia have been on a roll since Mark Warner was elected Governor in 01. The gains in the House in 03 and 05, the election of Gov. Tim Kaine and of Sen. Mark Herring have continued the purpling of Va. We cannot afford to take our eyes off the ball. Gains this year will aid in gains in next year's critical legislative elections.

You nailed it, as far as I'm concerned. Keep our eyes on the ball and keep turning Virginia blue.

Hi Creigh - thanks for coming on.

My question has to do with how regional favorites may play out during the coming election.  Last year there were clearly visible trends, such as a number of the SWVA counties pulling for you but then going against Kaine/Byrne and a few NOVA counties pulling for Byrne.

How would you break out the reason for this trend between such aspects as:
a) Regional loyalty (i.e. people are voting for the local)
b) Familiarity (i.e. name recognition due to running in that region previously)
c) Individual/specific campaign efforts
d) Other

And how do you see this regionalism playing out in the Webb/Allen race this year?

Thanks in advance!

This is a very interesting question. In 2000, Sen. Robb won Albemarle County, the home of his opponent. I am just not sure how stong regional differences will play in this race. Sen. Allen has run statewide twice. His name id is high. We have to work extra hard to raise Jim Webb's id. His message and his life story are compelling.

Thanks for the question.

Senator Deeds,
How soon do you beleive Governor Kaine will be able to implement his universal pre-K program? Do you forsee Speaker Howell and House Republicans playing politics with this issue as they did with transportation? Thanks for coming on and talking with us.

An excellant question. I wish I knew how those guys think. Transportation is the number 1 issue and I am confident that if we can address it this year, we can move to pre k next winter. The governor's iniative will not involve anywhere near the dollars involved in a long term transportation solution, but it will mean that more children start school ready to learn. I am hopeful that smart legislators of all parties will work to ensure that this important goal is met.

Most people seem to agree now that the senate race will come down to money, meaning that Webb has to have a lot of it if he is going beat Allen.

Based on your experience of just running a statewide campaign against a guy who had money coming out of his ears, what do you think is Webb's best bet to raise the most money?

I'd like to take it a step further and ask Creigh what he thinks Webb needs to do to get "establishment" money, both from within and outside of the state?  Specifically, what will get elected VA officials to give to the campaign and what will get the national party structure to fully support this campaign?  Webb needs money, the money is there, and Allen is vulnerable if the money comes in.  Thanks.

We will be outspent this year. Democrats are nearly always outspent. But we don't need as much money, because we have a better message. We just need enogh message so that our message can be heard over the irrelevant noise the other side will throw out.

I agree with all of your points. There is no quick or easy solution: the candidate must always take personal responsibility for the fundraisinf. Al Smith taught me that 15 years ago and he was right. Jim Webb got the 04 Democratic Presidential candidate's support during the primary. I think that qualifies as the Democratic establishment. Now that establishment must produce. To continue your train of thought- Webb needs the money, the money is out there, the other guy is vulnerable, and Webb can win. This is one we can win. In fact, we can't let it slip though our fingers.

Getting the message out, connecting with voters takes money. A statewide campaign takes lots of money.  I'm not sure what Jim's targets are, but I think he probably needs $12-15 million. He is probably spending all of his time now on the phone. If he's not, he should be! The best way to raise it is to ask for it, and the best person to make the ask in the candidate himself.

Because he need so much and because of the feederal limits, his campaign needs to utilize a mail strategy and an internet strategy to look for smaller donors. In addition, there ought to be regional fundraising efforts, in each congressional district to hold hose parties and cookout, anything to enthuse the base and raise the dollare.

Several prominent out of state politicians demonstrated an interest in this campaign during the primary. Jim should utilize his own national network, plus those of Sens. Kerry, Schumer, et al, to raise national money.

There is no simple answer, but the candidate takes responsibility for raising the dough, and leave no stone unturned.

becoming central in this campaign?

We're now 1 year into the "Attorney General McDonnell" regime.  What are your thoughts on year 1?  Where would you have done things differently?  What major policy positions of the AG's office (assuming there have been any) would you have approached differently?  Finally, anywhere you agree with what they've done?  Thanks.

I disagree with much of what the AG has done, beginning with his opinion that the Governor could not tell executive branch agencies they could not discriminate in hiring. His opinion on the budget situatiuon was not necessary, and invited crisis. But its easy for me to second guess. I am in the cheap seats.

I saw a need for reorganization in the office to boost careerism, morale and effiency. My concerns remain.

There are a multitude of issues, but successful campaigns hone in on no more than three. I would love to spend a campaign talking about health care, use of national parks and forests, and the environment, among other things. But this year, I think people are interested in the war in Irag(and the escalation of violence in Israel and Lebanon), energy independence and the budget deficit. I also think the minimum wage is a great issue and can be woven in with a the widening gap between the haves and the have nots, into a discussion on the federal budget.

Do you think that's a top tier issue?

Our polling last year indicated that the stem cell issue is one that resonates with voters, and I think it is important in every part of the state. Beginning with our first debate last June, I talked about the issue, and I think, scored points.

Jim is running against a guy who claims to be a political heir of Jefferson, but who votes against the advancement of science.  I think the stem cell issue is great for Democrats. Its one of those issues where the politics and the policy line up perfectly.

I'm just not sure its a top tier issue, with everything else thats going on in the world today. Thats one of the toughest things about politics; sometimes the issues we are the most passionate about just don't resonate so much with voters, who are stuch in traffic, worried about their son or daughter in Iraq, tired of paying $3 for gas, and seeing their bring home pay bring home fewer groceries.

I think that for a lot of people, especially those with family members who could be helped by embryonic stem cell research, it's significant.  All in all, I wouldn't underestimate this issue...

on the latest developments on the transportation problem in Richmond?

If I learned nothing else last year, I learned first hand about transportation needs in every corner of the commonwealth. I know that we must marry land use planning with transportation planning. But we must also acknowledge that in those areas of the state that have grown the fasted, reworking planning is simply not enough; we need new money, in Hampton Roads and Northern Va. in particular. But we also need to make improvements in the I-81 corridor. We need to complete the 4 laning of Rt. 58. We need to build the Coalfields Expressway. We all benefit from the enormous economic growth which has occurred in NOVA and in southeast Va. But in other parts of the state, economic opportunity is lost because of inadequate infrastructure. In fact, opportunities will be lost if we fail to make needed investments in NOVA and Hampton Roads.

  I simply cannot understand why the majority in the House refuse to discuss a long term statewide transportation plan. I am convinced  that if all legislators and the Governor work together, we can meet our transportation needs.

Because they're right-wing, anti-tax, flat earth fanatics?

Frankly, there have been areas of significant agreement between member of both parties in the Senate on thransportation, and other budgetary area. I think it probably flows from the power sharing arrangement which was a result of the 20/20 split in 96-97.

In 2010 we're up to redistrict in Virginia.  Will Democrats have the majorities necessary in the House and Senate to have a real say in the process?

The 2001 redistricting was one of the most traumatic events of my time in the legislature. Every year since, I have introduced bills calling for an amendment to the state constitution to establish a nonpartisan redistricting commission. In the long run, Virginia will join a host of other state that have taken this approach.

I am ever optimistic. Tom Moss once told me I was like the kid who finding nothing but horse manure in his stocking on Christmas morning, starts looking for his pony.

I think we will have a majority in the Senate. It will be close, and it will require us all to stay focused, but a majority in within reach, and will guarantee that we have a voice in the redistricting process. Every voter that cares about that process needs to work to elect a Democratic Senate in 07. We could have as many as 44 or 45 seats in the House by 2011. I think the 2009 Governor's race is critical to ensuring that we have a place at the table in 2011.

Well that answers my question too:)

Senator Deeds,

While the State Central Committee of the Democratic Party, Governor Kaine, Jim Webb, Harris Miller, and the other leaders of the Virginia Democratic Party all opposed the Marshall/Newman Amendment, you voted for it. Can you please explain your vote on this issue?

Thank you. 

I appreciate the question. I have been asked about this before, and responded in detail in earlier interviews on Raising Kaine and Waldo Jacquith's blog. I would direct you to those interviews, and wish I was clever enough to establish a link in this answer. Nothing has changed in my explanations since those answers were published.

No answer, no link.

And its the only interview with Creigh Deeds.

Here's the link Creigh talked about:
http://waldo.jaquith...

Creigh's the man, regardless of the fact that we disagree about the amendment.

You have been mentioned as a possible 2009 candidate.  What method of nomination would you want?  Primary or Convention?

I appreciate the question. We have much to do before 2009, like electing Jim Webb, picking up seats in our congressional delegation, and next year, recapturing the Senate and picking up seats in the House.

That being said, I've not really thought about the nominating process in 2009. In general, I prefer primaries because even with low turnouts, more people are involved in the process. But I think a good argument can be made for a convention, in particular on the basis of costs, both to the candidates and to the localaties, which bear the expense of the primary election. Believe me, I've heard from more than one irate Supervisor upset about having to pay for a poorly attended primary.

That's a thoughtful answer. 

:)

give us your opinion on the House races?  For instance, what do you think about Kellam's chances?

Thanks for blogging with us!

Phil Kellam is a great candidate. I have known him for several years. An old friend, who passed away a year and a half ago, used to work on Phil's campaigns and introduced us early in my AG campaign. Phil is raising the money, has done a great job as the commissioner at the Beach, and has the positive name id, and is running a great campaign. He is going to win.

Judy Feder has raised over $600,000!!! She is a great candidate. Andy Hurst has poll numbers which caught me a little offguard. Lots of folks talk about the incumbent in the 11th like he is some kind of untouchable, but I think Andy could catch him. Al Weed is a great guy, with high id, and surprisingly good poll numbers. His opponent's contributers continue to face scrutiny. Jim Nachman is exactly the right guy to run in the 3rd. He got a late start, but he is a well grounded guy. I hope his opponent takes him for granted! I attended a fundraiser for Sean O'Donnell on Saturday. He has lots of good support, an impressive level of energy, and is a great candidate.

In short, we have an impressive group of candidates, and I think any of them can win, but two things must happen. First, each must have the resources to run credible campaigns. Second, Jim Webb must run strong. I think his campaign will lift so many boats, it is imperative that we raise the money to allow Jim to play on the same field as the incumbent.

On top of Rob's question, you have previously been very excited about the Democrats chances of taking back the State Senate. Are you still optimistic? How many seats do you see as in play?

James I know you are excited about school. good luck.

A few months back I would have said that  four seats currently held by Rs,and perhaps 2 held by Ds would be in play. At this point however, I can tell you that I have been surprised at the number of potential candidates from around the state that have come forward. Just this week I have spoken with two serious possible candidates in districts currently represented by Rs. I have made a number of trips, talking with potential candiates, and will spend much of August traversing Virginia.

  I believe that there could be spirited contests in districts which have been previously considered safe for the other guys. Much of the credit for this development goes to the success of Mark Warner and Tim Kaine.

The other side of that coin is that we know of only one(for sure) candidate against an incumbent Democratic Senator. Nevertheless, we must remain focused on the races. Recapturing control of the Senate is the first sure way to guarantee that we have a place at the table when the districts are redrawn.

Thanks for the questions. I will head home now. Pam and 2 girls are at a Horse Show in NC, so its up to me(and Gus) to care for the equine which didn't rate the trip. Believe me its interesting to grain horses with that nosy donkey of mine trying to steal as much grain as he can get. If
I stop on the way home and buy a pouch of chewing tobacco, he will be satisfied. I think he likes the sweet taste, and it serves as a good wormer.

Thanks again. I will check later if there are more questions. Please forgive my spelling. On to victory!

...for all the time and effort you spent in liveblogging here on Raising Kaine today.  I GREATLY appreciate it, and I'm sure Jim Webb does as well.  Thank you again, and come back soon!

"I attended a fundraiser for Sean O'Donnell on Saturday. He has lots of good support, an impressive level of energy, and is a great candidate."

... and thanks for attending Creigh! 

Todd Smyth took these at the event ...I noted that Creigh made sure to talk to everyone there and even future Virginia voters

http://www.flickr.co...

November 7th is right around the corner and Jim Webb and I appreciate all the help and support folks like Senator Deeds and the netroots community!

Shawn

http://www.shawnforc...

Make sure the people in the 1st remember that Jo Ann Davis wanted Bush's IRS to go after the NAACP. She instigated it.  Do they vote on the marriage bill the preachers are telling them is so important or do they vote for themselves and their own best interests for a change.  Draw the line in the sand.  Which side are they on.