I've blogged about the Democrat's kickoff for the 2007 battle here and here. This article adds some more background to the Tim Kaine's "frisky" strategy.Something from the article I found interesting:
It's still early to know which districts will be targeted by Democrats, but party leaders are recruiting in key Republican-held districts that have become more competitive in recent elections.Very interesting. Leo Wardrup represents the 83rd District and John Welch represents the 21st District next door.Most are in Northern Virginia, but two Republican delegates in Virginia Beach could face competition this year.
During his gubernatorial campaign last year, Kaine won in House districts held by Dels. Leo Wardrup and John Welch. The two Republicans were among the governor's most consistent opponents during this year's transportation battles.
The article notes that Kaine won both districts. In 2006, Jim Webb and Phil Kellam barely won the 21st while the Republicans squeaked by in the 83rd. In light of this, I'd say that John Welch is much more vulnerable - his appears to be in a blue district.
We've long known that NOVA would be a focus for Dems in 2007, but Virginia Beach is an area that Democrats can be competitive based on Kaine and Webb's performance here. And these are the type of seats that Democrats must target in their hunt for majorities in the state legislature.
(p.s. I'd love to hear VB Dems chime in on these potential races and perhaps their own plans for 2007?)
Too soon for me to spill the beans on our candidates, though. Sorry!
Hope to hear about the candidates soon, and looking forward to your report on the 83rd.
Hamilton sends out his quarterly newsletter, the Hamilton Herald, and it I knew how to embed a picture, I would put the front of it here for all to see.
There is Phil posing with........Leo - nope....Allen - nope.....who do 'ya think...........
Yes, the front page of the Republican candidates newsletter is Hamilton with Governor Kaine. Do 'ya think phil is good at arithmetic?
Recruit and recruit some more!