Draft Donald McEachin

By: Rob
Published On: 12/15/2006 11:05:10 AM

There's a movement to draft Del. Don McEachin (D) to challenge state Sen. Benny Lambert (D):
McEachin, who lives in Benny Lambert's 9th Senate District, is rumored to be pondering a primary run against Lambert. To this date McEachin has neither confirmed or denied the rumor.

In the spirit of our successful "Draft Webb" campaign last year, I have created this site as a place for supporters and friends of Delegate Donald McEachin to come and leave messages of support. My hope is that if McEachin sees the tremendous grassroots and netroots support he has, he will agree to challenge Lambert in a Democratic primary.

Why promote an intra-party battle? Plain and simple. Bennie Lambert betrayed the Democratic party and revealed a bit about himself by endorsing the anti-choice, anti-equality, pro-"stay the course" Sen. George Allen. And this wasn't some passive endorsement - Lambert actively campaigned for Allen, even starring in a radio ad for the ex-Senator and penning an op-ed defending Allen's racially insensitive history. So, had Virginia voted the way Lambert wanted, his party would not be set to control the United States Senate. Instead, the Republican leadership and agenda would still control that important chamber of Congress.
I'll let teacherken take it away:
I join Richmond Democrat in his desire to persuade Don to run to replace Bennie Lambert, who simply put, is a disgrace. If in fact Allen had ever done anything for traditionally black colleges there might have been some justification, but Allen's track record was horrible. And in doing what he did Bennie violated the rules of the Virginia Democratic party, and of the various party committees with which he has been affiliated.

By contrast, Don McEachin stuck his neck way out on behalf of Jim Webb at a time when it was not clear Jim would survive his primary. Think what the result would have been - Harris Miller losing to Allen by at least 10 and probably more points.

So, the Raising Kaine follows other progressive bloggers to joins this movement. Draft Don McEachin.

Comments



Huge election. (phriendlyjaime - 12/15/2006 11:14:27 AM)
I'll be here, working my ass off to get McEachin drafted and then elected.  We owe Don BIG TIME, and I will do whatever it takes to help.


McEachin Risks (Newport News Dem - 12/15/2006 11:51:01 AM)
What are they?

Will he be at risk of losing his seat in the House if chooses to take on Lambert and lose? Is there a mechinism my which he can run for the House seat in the event he loses in a Senate primary or caucus?



whoops (Newport News Dem - 12/15/2006 12:01:42 PM)
make that "lost" not lose.......
make that "by" which and not my which.....

Where is the editor when you need one!



No rsik to the DPVA (JC - 12/15/2006 12:23:11 PM)
To the extent that there is a risk, it is only a risk to Donald himself.

If Donald were to lose his seat as a delegate, would be replaced by another Democrat.  The Democratic Party would not lose a seat in the House of Delegates one way or another.

I've seen you flitting about on a number of sites asking this question Newport News.  It's been answered before.

If you oppose the idea of McEachin primarying Lambert maybe you should speak up and tells us why instead of throwing out red herrings.



Excuse me for Breathing (Newport News Dem - 12/15/2006 2:19:52 PM)
Yes, I asked the question and it has not been answered.

From your blog and your answers.

Interesting question. Are you suggesting that Lambert and McEachin might "switch seats"?

I don't know if Lambert is even in McEachin's district (74). Senate districts are larger than House districts, and clearly there is some overlap, or else McEachin wouldn't be able to primary Lambert.

I suspect that by the time the Lambert-McEachin primary is settled, the Party will have also nominated all of its candidates for the House.

To which I replied.

Not so much as switching seats.

I am curious as to the political risk to Delegate McEachin if he challanged Lambert and lost. Obvioulsy, the best for him is to have the House seat option remain open.

Incumbents have the choice of options, primary or caucus. If Rchmond and Henrico could schedule the house event after the senate event, McEaching could have a "riskless" challange.

Just askin'. I bet Delegate McEachin is fully aware of his options!!!!

Then you replied...

Another very good question.

So no, I did not get the answer and the only red herring is how the same unanswered "very good question" is now some sort of muckraking in Richmond politics.

Ease up!



I'm just curious about your agenda (JC - 12/15/2006 2:32:41 PM)
I've certainly made mine clear.  What's yours?


His agenda (Susan Mariner - 12/15/2006 4:38:28 PM)
JC,

I can speak from experience with NNDem that his agenda is to promote the Democratic Party and its candidates.  As a Democratic Committee chair and one of the earliest and most active supporters of Jim Webb in the Tidewater area, NNDem is a strong supporter of Delegate McEachin.  I guarantee you that his concern for Delegate McEachin's political future is genuine. 

Thank you.



ISP went down - Could not Reply (Newport News Dem - 12/15/2006 4:48:06 PM)
My interest is in Delegate McEachin advancing on to the Virginia Senate and replace Senator Lambert. For him to do that, he must make a decision.

If a little strategic thinking is required to help him bring that decision to fruition, do it. Strategically, if there is a way for Delegate McEachin to hold onto his house seat in the event he was to lose and ALSO challenge Senator Lambert, I would think the decision becomes quite a bit easier for him and a win for all who hope he replaces our wayward Senator.

I am not looking for a fight with anyone but the GOP in 2007.



Thanks for your frankness (JC - 12/15/2006 8:37:29 PM)
Much appreciated.


McEachin odds (DukieDem - 12/15/2006 12:33:45 PM)
In an primary election in a state midterm year no less, it would seem that the only voters would be die-hard Democrats. If RD's reports from the Henrico and Richmond Demoratic committees and one memorable attende at the Webb VCU rally are any indication, Senator Lambert may be in a world of trouble.