A year ago, after Raising Kaine helped to "blog Tim Kaine into the Governor's Mansion", we had an internal debate among the leading blog contributors on the direction and future of the blog, PAC, and community.It was a time of great excitement about the achievements of Virginia Democrats, and the power of online and offline activism. We were, and remain, dedicated to producing change in this nation, to building an Enduring Democratic Majority.
Back then, the questions arose: How could we (underfunded) few help to make real change in Virginia? How could we work together to turn a great victory in to a lasting political transformation for the common good?
Many wanted us to discuss or champion issues. Many wanted us to focus on the Kaine Administration. Many wanted us to create a driving, coherent criticism of the radical extremism that rules the republican party in Richmond and in Washington. Many wanted us to just go with the flow.
All of us agreed on two critical things:
1. We needed to continue to stand up for real Virginia Values and support a vision of a greater America.
2. Winning Rocks!!!
The end result of the discussion amounted to this. Raising Kaine would proudly proclaim itself the "Voice of Progressive Virginia". We would dedicate ourselves to creating an enduring Democratic Majority in the Commonwealth. We would champion the critical issues facing Virginia by fighting for our fundimental beliefs: Democracy and Universal Opportunity, Investing in the Future, Responsible Government, Strong Communities, Healthy Families, Energy Independence, Sustainable Growth, Fair Trade, and Leading the World by Example. Our focus would be on two goals: Electoral Victory and Legislative Accountablity. And so, we faced an uncertain future with only our mission, our values and each other.
The day after Election Day 2005, the landscape for electoral politics in Virginia looked bleak for Democrats. George Allen's political position seemed nearly unasailable. He was "well-liked". He had never lost an election. He was Rush Limbaugh's favorite for the 2008 presidential nomination. His "aw-shucks" profile seemed to endear him to men and women alike, across Virginia. He had millions in the bank, an installed activist base, the smiling favor of a cash heavy national Republican party, and a talent for retail politics.
Each for their own reasons great Virginia Democrats like Mark Warner, Chuck Robb, Don Beyer, and LF Payne decided not to challenge George Allen for the US Senate in 2006. The field was wide open, but George Allen seemed like the Mike Tyson of VA politcs. Who'd want to step into the ring against Mike Tyson?
Enter Jim Webb.
Jim Webb was largely unknown. He had no base, no money, no staff. He ran a primary victory over 100 days in which he was outspent 3-to-1. After the primary, Allen led Webb by 20 points or more.