I'm hearing that a decision was made last night that there would be an open primary in the 40th House of Delegates District. That's good news, as far as I'm concerned, following a similiar decision in the 39th State Senate district. The two Democrats contesting for the nomination in the 40th are Morris Meyer and Rex Simmons. Currently, the seat is held by Republican Tim Hugo. As always, may the best candidate win!
[UPDATE: I received the following from a highly knowledgeable source:
Since there is a lot of overlap with the 39th Senate District and the 40th HOD District, the debate obviously affected the 40th HOD race as well. Morris immediately came out in support of an open primary, while Rex was leaning towards a caucus at the Springfield District Democratic Committee meeting.The decision was made by Penny Duscheles, serving as legislative chair, and received input from Laura Granruth (for Rex's campaign) and Joyce Putnam (for Morris's campaign).
In signs of a victory for the blogosphere, I have heard that even though Rex was initially leaning towards a caucus, his representative contacted a blogger and then was more welcoming to the idea of an open primary.
Morris also issued a statement about how he views open primaries right after the SDDC meeting last month. Here's the link:
http://www.morrismey...
Very interesting, I'd say.]
I think Morris is THE candidate to support in the 40th, and I'm glad that the decision was made to go with a primary, the more inclusive the better.
Heard him speak recently and to me he has an excellent grasp on issues affecting Virginia. Add that to his long time experience as a comptroller, I would trust him to do what was necessary for Virginia to maintain its AAA status.
Meyer was also impressive, but didn't seem to quite have the grasp on issues as they affected Virginians...though I have no doubt he would get there...
Simmons in my view would be the better prepared to hit the ground running once elected...
In part from Meyer's website discussion:
-- Your circle of friends wins a caucus. The strength of your campaign wins a primary.
-- Broadens the candidates' discussion beyond the circle of Democratic regulars to the electorate at large
-- Primary churn identifies new Democratic and lean-Democratic voters
-- Democrats talking to Democratic regulars does not broaden our circle of base voters