Conaway B. Haskins III, Delegate Don McEachin have got STYLE!

By: phriendlyjaime
Published On: 12/13/2006 10:02:36 AM

After attending a very successful fundraiser for Delegate Don McEachin last evening, I was happily surprised to see that Virginia's very own Conaway B. Haskins III of South of the James has an article published in Style Weekly.  The article focuses on the future of Delegate Don McEachin, and I must say; 2007 is shaping up to look like a VERY interesting political year. 
With the 2006 elections dead and gone, one of the biggest beneficiaries of the final tallies may well be a man found nowhere on the November ballot. While bloggers and media types are enthralled with the latest installment of GÇ£Mr. Webb Goes to WashingtonGÇ¥ or the gnashing of teeth among Virginia Republicans as they regroup, the 2007 elections loom. On that front, several story lines are developing, including the future of Richmond-area House of Delegates member A. Donald McEachin (D-Henrico).

Amid the backdrop of Sen. Benjamin J. Lambert IIIGÇÖs defection to George AllenGÇÖs corner and the curious tale of African-American ministers who joined him, McEachin, by demonstrating a high degree of loyalty to his partyGÇÖs candidate, actually may be in the best position to take advantage of the prevailing political winds.

snip

Though it may seem unfamiliar to VirginiaGÇÖs chattering classes, McEachinGÇÖs actions are in line with the emerging paradigm of younger African-American Democratic politicians being more aggressive and less tradition-bound than their predecessors. In Virginia, McEachin has ridden the same wave that brought bright stars like Barack Obama; Harold Ford Jr.; and Washington, D.C., Mayor Adrian Fenty to the forefront in their respective arenas.

In the Democratic primary, McEachin energetically threw his support to Jim Webb, once concerns over WebbGÇÖs affirmative-action writings were relieved, sensing that Democrats had a unique opportunity. He says in an e-mail that he GÇ£believed it was very important that the Democratic Party put forth the strongest challenger to George Allen. Clearly, the public was and is disenchanted with the policies of the administration in Washington, and I believed this was an opportunity to make a change, for Democrats to strongly challenge George Allen and the Bush Administration.GÇ¥

snip

McEachin basically set aside his own campaign activities, fundraising included, to help elect Webb to the Senate. With Gov. Kaine headlining a December fundraiser to help with McEachinGÇÖs 2007 General Assembly race, the gentleman from Henrico seems entitled to reap some rewards for his loyal service. As a rising voice inside his party, one who gave so that Democrats might get, it would be fitting for McEachin to get more than a little help from his friends no matter what General Assembly chamber he seeks membership in. Having been declared a GÇ£winnerGÇ¥ by The Washington Post and having recently been given space to share his post-election thoughts by the Richmond Times-Dispatch, if he can successfully cash in some of his newfound political capital, McEachin may emerge as VirginiaGÇÖs next African-American power player of note. Lord knows he has earned it.

I strongly encourage all readers to go check out the article in its entirety.  Delegate Don McEachin is an outstanding person and I for one cannot wait to help him in any way that I possibly can, in any race he decides to run.

Congrats, Conaway!  Great work, as always!

Comments



Right on the mark (Teddy - 12/13/2006 11:11:38 AM)
Conaway, as always, is a very shrewd and articulate observer. Thanks for the update.  He is also very correct: now it's payback time, and what a pleasure it will be to help Mr. McEachin (I've already made a donation and encourage others to do the same--- more than once as the campaign goes on).