RK ARCHIVE - Raising Kaine Changes Policy, Will Start Endorsing Candidates

For each primary race that RK identifies for a potential endorsement, the candidates will be invited to introduce themselves and to interact with our community over a period of about 10 days. We're talking live blogs, Blog Talk Radio, diaries and comments, and whatever other way the candidates may creatively discover to reach out to us. Each candidate will have an equal opportunity to make his/her case - but it's up to the candidate to seize that opportunity and to make the most of it. If one candidate in a race chooses not to seek the endorsement, we'll obviously take that into account in making our decision. Hopefully, all candidates will take advantage of this opportunity to introduce themselves and their positions, strengths, and vision to Virginia's most passionate progressives.

There are six voters: Lowell, Josh, Brian, Eric, Rob, and the Raising Kaine community. Since it's a big deal for a progressive community to choose one Democrat over another, we're setting a high bar to receive the RK endorsement: five out of six votes. For the community vote, we'll announce a voting period where we will post a diary with a poll which allows users to choose a candidate to endorse or "No Endorsement." At the end of the predetermined voting period, we will announce the final number of votes and who, if anyone, gets the RK endorsement.

And what does getting endorsed by RK mean exactly? Well, most importantly, the endorsed candidate will gain the active support of the largest pro-Democratic, netroots community blog in Virginia. In addition, endorsed primary candidates will be included on the RK/ActBlue fundraising page, will have their own "front-page diary" and mass email to announce the endorsement, and will receive front-page coverage of their events and other news. Oh, and there's the snazzy logo they can add to their web page, if they'd like:

Well, that's the plan, anyway. We hope the primary candidates get involved, and that all of you are as excited as we are about this. On Wednesday, we'll announce the first race where we are considering making an RK endorsement. Any preferences? Thanks.

Comments

What about the no-primary races? (pitin - 4/2/2007 5:16:56 PM)

Are Democrats without a Primary challenge going to be able to say they are RK endorsed and get to use that spiffy little logo?

As a side note, I think this is a great idea, the progressive community really does need to start getting involved in primaries and shaping the Democratic party from the inside, for example McEachin-Lambert, that one is a no brainer, we need to go balls to the walls for that one.

I'd also like to see Morris Meyer endorsed by RK, I think the fact that Leslie Byrne went out on a limb and endorsed him in the primary speaks volumes. We can prob get the community vote for Morris, now it's just a matter of getting the rest of the committee on board ;o)

Just my $0.02

Unopposed Dems... (Lowell - 4/2/2007 7:45:40 PM)

...or ones that win the nomination would, almost by definition, be endorsed by Raising Kaine. Of course, Democratic nominees or unopposed candidates might want to check with us before using the logo, but with the exception of Benny Lambert (or anyone who endorses someone like George Allen), I cant't see why this would ever be a problem.

Sounds great...would like to see Rex Simmons get serious consideration.... (SaveElmer - 4/2/2007 5:40:41 PM)

The more I talk to him and hear him speak the more convinced I am that he is the right guy for the job...

I know Morris Meyer probably has a bigger following in the online community right now, but there are several of us that would like to ramp up the enthusiasm for Rex as well...and I think this endorsement procedure you have laid out is the perfect opportunity to do just that!

Thanks!

Races that RK should consider endorsing in: (DanG - 4/2/2007 6:05:11 PM)

McEachin vs. Lambert - This is a gimme.
Galligan vs. Barker - Probably the most important Senate Primary.
Venderhye vs. Sullivan - the most important House primary.
Meyer vs. Simmons - Another house Primary.
Joannou vs. Light - Both are Moderate Dems in a solid-Blue district. One supports Kaine on Transportation, the other does not. Winner here probably wins the seat

Those are the primary races that I can think of off the top of my head.

I just endorsed..... (Ambivalent Mumblings - 4/2/2007 7:22:28 PM)

Margi Vanderhye in a post on my site today. I will also be announcing my endorsements in the Barker, Galligan Senate primary in the 39th and the Meyer, Simmons primary in the 40th HoD District shortly.

Jackie! (Bill Kuster - 4/2/2007 6:54:03 PM)

Jackie for the 74th District! Proven progressive leadership in the mold of Tim Kaine. This could be the year of local officials moving up to the legislature and helping Tim on critical issues affecting our state. With crime dramatically down in the city of Richmond and great growth we need someone who can produce results like Jackie to replace Donald.

You got my endorsement... (Kindler - 4/2/2007 8:03:07 PM)

I think this is a neat idea that will increase attention to the candidates and their races.

One suggestion I do have is to make "No Endorsement" the default -- i.e., the burden should be on the candidates to prove why either deserves that endorsement, and if they fail (or are too evenly matched), "No Endorsement" in general should be the verdict.

Why? Because there is no reason to stir the pot within the Democratic party unless one candidate is clearly superior to the other(s). In addition, such an approach should encourage candidates to work harder for the endorsement, which should be viewed as an advantage to be earned, not as something to which any candidate is automatically entitled.

You're right Kindler (Eric - 4/2/2007 9:06:50 PM)

Check out Lowell's comment regarding the number of required votes. 5 out of 6 will make it tough and therefore only a strong preference will result in an RK endorsement.

Which should mean a good healthy debate about the candidates and, if there is a clear choice, that should become obvious through the debate process.

5 is better (Evan M - 4/3/2007 2:57:48 PM)

I believe 5/6 is the right way to go. We're looking for unity and consensus, without losing debate and diversity. 4/6 is just a way for someone to have their cake (say they don't want to support a candidate) and eat it too (be comfortable saying that because they know the candidate will get the endorsement anyhow).

Not that I think anyone running RK would think that way, but I think RK is establishing a precedent here - one which may be watched by similar blogs.

This Is Great! (AnonymousIsAWoman - 4/2/2007 9:41:51 PM)

I'm not going to lobby for any favorites now. And I may not always agree with the endorsements - no two humans, let alone this many, could possibly agree on everything. But I think we need to do endorsements. It's definitely a way to shape the party from the inside and to move it in a progressive direction.

Ya'll might like this... (elevandoski - 4/2/2007 10:36:26 PM)

http://www.baconsreb...

Guest Column
Margi Vanderhye

Green is Good

Virginia needs a comprehensive plan to encourage conservation and renewable energy. Here's what it should look like.

The environment has always been a top priority in our family. It is a personal commitment all my family members share, and it has shaped our public life. I have been recycling long before there was curbside pickup, and I worked hard as Governor L. Douglas Wilder's appointee to the Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Board to protect and improve the Bay. Since 2000 we`ve had solar cells on our house in McLean, and we supplement that power source by purchasing green energy[i]. One of our family cars is a hybrid. Our house has Energy Star appliances, and we use compact fluorescent light bulbs wherever practical. My campaign uses recycled paper. My husband invents and develops wind power technology & gives renewable energy presentations to schools, camps, & civic groups.

We need a comprehensive environmental program in...

I agree with the toughness of the endorsement for lots of reasons (Used2Bneutral - 4/2/2007 10:56:48 PM)

But most of all, we need to be fair and equitable to all the candidates who have stepped up to the task of running in the first place. Where there is no clear reason to endorse, it is just as important to not endorse and let the primary settle the decision. We can not afford to damage our chances to win in the general election just to satisfy a no-holds-barred primary race that chews up lots of money and resources and leaves "land-mines" for our Repugs to exploit. We need the best qualified and most electable candidates on the ticket in November not dead or damaged bodies littering the landscape......

Gee, I gotta think about that one... (Lowell - 4/3/2007 6:07:43 AM)

Let's see, should I go with Del. McEachin? Or, there's always Donald McEachin. Or Don McEachin. Or Donnie M. Or Not Benedict Lambert. Or...

Ha.

Question (CommonSense - 4/3/2007 6:57:58 PM)

You five guys = 5 votes
RK Community At Large = 1 vote
Endorsement = 5 of 6 votes
Am I the ony one who is counting?
So if you five decide yea or nay that would be the end of the discussion/vote?
Don't have a better solution, just curious.

You count correctly (Eric - 4/3/2007 10:31:14 PM)

Yes - that was part of our discussions and one possible outcome is that all 5 of us vote one way and the community votes for another outcome.

If all five of us were always of the same mindset this might very well be a problem - I can assure you that we're not.

But ultimately we'd like to see this community based endorsement concept work - so as we move forward if anyone has concerns about how it's going please feel free to contact us privately or write a diary for all to see.

Thanks, Eric (CommonSense - 4/4/2007 6:15:23 AM)

I know change is a good thing. I also know a Pandora's box when I see one.

I also see a Raising Kaine endorsement as a very serious (and no doubt a highly prized and sought after) thing.

With such a diverse community as exists here it should get interesting, but if anyone can do it I think you five can.

Hang onto your hats...