Several weeks ago Senator Nick Rerras tripped over himself during an interview with Mary Commander for a Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court Judgeship in Norfolk.There are few things Rerras' admitted to in Commander's letter to 17 legislators, but he did admit to using the misogynistic term "FemiNazi" during the interview.
Several Virginian Pilot articles followed in the past two weeks (Feb 5, 2007 - Candidate for judgeship protests her interview; Feb 7, 2007 - Rerras out of order on judge interview; February 12, 2007 - Politics' role in selecting judges condemned, defended) with in-depth coverage on the topic, and as a reluctant constituent of Senator Rerras (due to Gerrymandering and Geography), I felt due an explanation of his use of the misogynistic term "FemiNazi."
What did he mean by this hateful term?
Nearly two weeks passed and no response.
I sent e-mails to his office and made phone calls to his legislative aide, and was informed the term was "slang." I retorted Senators should have knowledge of the words they use. That was long 2 weeks ago. Today I sent another e-mail.
Finally, this evening my phone rang. It was Nick Rerras on the other line.
I immediately asked for my definition, skipping all small talk. This was the moment I have been weeks waiting for - Nick Rerras' definition of "FemiNazi."
I know you are on the edge of your seat?
To Virginia's State Senator of the Sixth Senate District Nick Rerras' definition of "FemiNazi" is "inflexibility".
According to Rerras this "inflexibility" knows no sex.
I realize Rerras' may not know my level of intelligence, as we do not really have the same pals, and perhaps he does not comprehend "FemiNazi" contains the prefix "Fem" meaning "a woman." (Perhaps he is unaware of what a prefix is.)
During the conversation Rerras went on to say he was proud he nominated two women judges, as if nominating a woman was an accomplishment. Female attorneys and judges, just as males, are professionals, worthy of appointment - a female judge is not a trophy for Rerras! No feathers for his cap. I am not at all surprised women are qualified to be judges - Virginia's First Lady Anne Holton was a JDR Judge and resigned only when her husband, Governor Timothy Kaine was elected governor.
Readers may also be glad to hear that Rerras claimed he has used the word only "once in the past five years." I did inform him the words we use in every day, casual conversation (which was how he described the interview with Ms. Commander to me) are generally used often enough that they are not slip-ups. For example one who uses the F-word all the time may find that they say it at inappropriate times. I relayed this to Rerras' and he responded "Hey, I don't deny I said it ["FemiNazi]."
OK, all is good as long as you admit to it?! WRONG!
This conversation reminded me of the Senate race last year. You remember, a certain former Virginian Senator, using an offensive word that causing him to fall from the national platform, and lose his seat in the US Senate to a real leader?
Back to Rerras?
I asked, since the definition he provided was simply "inflexibility", that if I was stand my ground and indeed be "inflexible" with my husband, would that in turn make me a "FemiNazi"?
Rerras said "It is not a word I recommend any one using."
JUST SAY NO, KIDS! O.K. Nick, if you say so.
I responded by telling him to "Lead by example."
The conversation ended with him telling me to enjoy beautiful Mathews County. As if I do not know Mathews is beautiful - I live here! I don't just show up at festivals and various events uninvited during election season.
I hung up the phone wondering if he thought our conversation was just as relaxed as his conversation with Mary Commander?
Just as a note, as business woman who juggles career, family, raising a daughter, and volunteerism, I am deeply offended with Senator's use of the misogynistic term "FemiNazi", and believe that any elected official should be drawn and quartered for referring to women in this demeaning manner, even if Rerras believes the term applies to any gender despite word origins.
Nick Rerras sets a poor example for our children, both male and female (again "Fem" as in woman).
e.g. FemiNazis like Nick Rerras do nothing for families. Rather than addressing things like college tuition, jobs, traffic congestion, and health care, they spend all of their time trying to transform Virginia into Taliban-era Afghanistan.
Mmmm. Might work.
So by his own definition Rerras and many of his GOP buddies are FemiNazis? Have to keep that one in mind for future reference.
LOL. I think you hit the male on the head.
BTW, an inflexible woman is called a Femi-Nazi. An inflexible man is called President Bush.
Ms. Jen - We can ALWAYS count on you for the unvarnished truth. And thanks for shaming this stooge. I don't even think Nick's political soul-mate, Rush Limbaugh, would confuse the meaning of "feminazi". Do you all have someone to run against this troglodyte?
Can you imagine my shock while on the phone?
All of this has nothing to do with any candidate running against Rerras. Rerras must be held accountable for his own actions as a sitting Senator regardless of his opposition. He has done and said some very bad things.
Having said that, I am personally excited about 2007. The Democrats have a much stronger, more intelligent, dynamic, and an all around better person for a candidate. It will be a fun year!
As to your question - "Do you all have someone to run against this troglodyte?" (Great description of Rerras, btw). As Teddy stated Rerras will face opposition this year (Hence the kissing of my butt, about "beautiful Mathews County." Blatant pandering.), and there is an act blue account too so you can use your credit card right this very minute :)
If you can help us get rid of Rerras in the Sixth Senate District that would be SUPER!
If you can contribute that would be FABULOUS, and I personally would be most grateful.
It is as simple as that!
Am I the only one who finds it repulsive he said, "Hey, I don't deny I said it", and then says "It is not a word I recommend any one using."?
Which is it?
"Northam for Senate" and mail posthaste to P.O. Box 9363, Norfolk, VA 23505.
He will soon have a website up, but early money helps right now.
Also, Rerras cannot raise a dime "legally" while in session.
Great report from a fellow Webb campaign veteran! The story is circulating widely. I found your post through a link on the Center for American Progress Fund Website!!!
It is helpful that the Senator is his own worst spokesman. Looks as though Doctor Northam will be a part of the Blue Tide.
Dan Sullivan