No question in my mind, Galligan.  The way I see this, Galligan is Jim Webb.  He runs because he's got a passion and the fire.  Barker is Harris Miller, an ol' party activist who's been looking for the opportune moment to run and get elected.  I know who the back like that in a race before, I know who to back this time.

Just my $.02, take it or leave it.

As a former Pentagon employee (civilian), I had to endure right wing military personnel and their civilian counterparts. It's great to see that Democrats can  be in the military and also be progressive. Wes Clark and Jim Webb proved the point. Even some military folks that are Republican (Battiste and Zinni) have questioned the war.

MJW

This is a hard endorsement for me. I met George Barker, his wife, and his campaign manager.

All great people, and great Democrats.

But, I think Galligan is young and I can't help but support all those fellow veterans who have worn a uniform in service to this country.

Greg Galligan is out there on the trail too, everyone I know is talking about him.

Best of luck though to both campaigns, as they work for our endorsement.

Also would point out Galligan's positive campaign versus George's negative campaign.

He's out there working for your vote, walking the walk and letting people know who he is.  If we, in Virginia, don't start to recognize that we need to look to our younger Democratic leaders, we won't have anyone to turn to in a couple of years.  Galligan has shown he's got the right stuff by serving his country proudly (to this day) and he has ideas and leadership and guts to continue that service in the General Assembly for the people of Fairfax. 

I am supporting Greg Galligan.  He is a military veteran and currently serves in the U.S. Army National Guard.  He was appointed to two state boards by Governor Warner.  In the State Senate, we can count on Greg having the passion to fight for better transportation, education, and healthcare on behalf of the citizens of the 39th district.  He is running a positive campaign with impressive grassroots support and fundraising.  And Greg has the broad voter appeal needed to beat Jay O'Brien in November and help us retake the State Senate.

He is the only horse in the race, in my view. This primary is all about who can knock Jay O'Brien off, and its obvious that Greg Galligan is the candidate willing to go tooth and nail to the finish. Not only that, but his campaign is the epitome of a true grassroots effort. Greg is going to give O'Brien the fight of his life, and help us take back the majority in the Senate. Galligan all the way!

has demonstrated to me, as a resident of the 39th, that he the man to take on Jay O'Brien. This primary, in my mind, is not a referendum on who would be the best Senator (that's Greg as well by the way), but rather who is going to take the fight to Jay O'Brien in November and lay it on the line to help us take back the Senate this year. Greg's ongoing military service, his willingness to run in 2003 in an adverse political climate and the campaign that he has run thus far demonstrate to me that Greg will get right in O'Brien's face this year and do the work on the ground to turn this seat blue.

Supporting George Barker in this one.  Why?  Experience.

Know what I'd like to see?  George Barker debate transportation with Jay O'Brien.  Ha!  I'd probably collapse in giggles when Mr. O'Brien had his turn, but it would be some show.  George would mop the floor with our worthy incumbent.

Look, George and Greg are both honest, good guys worthy of your support when it comes to character.  I've seen both in action, and not just last week.  Our friends and family will tell you lovely things about both -- all true.  Neither will generate tabloid headlines.  A popularity contest?  Choice based on fondness and friendship?  Impossible.  So don't go there. 

Compare resumes instead.

You'll see lots of good Dem credentials and worthy views on either side, but George Barker's experience stands out.  He knows the stuff & how to move legislation.

1.  Transportation, health & education.  There's more, but those are the biggies.

2.  Ask George about the ins & outs of a bill he followed -- where it went & why; who got it defeated or passed; what we might try next time.  Boring mechanics?  Maybe.  But that's the daily work in Richmond that counts for me. 

What other people might not tell you:  George Barker is a tireless work machine who's not afraid to drill down into the details and get it right.  He can explain it the simple way -- great for campaigning -- but he can give you the how-do details if you want them.  What a contrast with Mr. O'Brien.

This is where the Commonwealth is going.  Very diverse people chose Kaine not because he's the best warrior or coolest dude in town, but because they thought he could Get The Job Done.

George v. Greg?  Love 'em both.  Gotta respect 'em both. Geeze, we're lucky to have such a choice.  But supporting George in this one.

however, unfortunately, that's not the case. In an off/off year election like this, victory comes olny with a strong, grassroots campaign. The nominee in this race is going to have to literally knock on thousands of doors, make twice as many phone calls and raise more money than has ever been raised in this district. George has a ton of experience, as does Greg, and that is an great feature for a sitting Senator, but it really doesn't matter as much to a challenger facing an entrenched incumbent. I support Greg's candidacy because I know he is going to do whatever it takes to win, and because I know that people don't vote for resumes, they vote because a volunteer or the candidate himself has called and knocked on the door several times. The members of the RK community know more than anyone that local political campaigns are about hard work and nothing else, and Greg has already proven through his voter outreach and fundraising efforts that he is the hardest working guy in this race.

will be critical come November.  You've got a good point here.

My question to you is: What have you seen that makes you think  that Barker will not put in as strong a campaigning effort?  In other words, what led you to the conclusion that Greg will be doing more than George?

I have been paying very careful attention to this race and have made use of every resource available for information on each candidate (emails, websites, facebook, etc.). It's been clear to me that there are two very different campaign philosophies in play here. George and his supporters have been committed to the idea that this campaign is about experience and a resume and who will make the best Senator (this is very evident on this thread). This isn't a terrible philosophy, and I admire George for his experience and hard work that he has done over the years on behalf of a number of great causes.

However, the Galligan philosophy has been grassroots campaigning. If you sign up for his email updates or hear him speak, that's the theme, beating Jay O'Brien by outworking him. This will be won on the doors and the phones, and not at political receptions outside the district and etc.

Adding to all of this is Greg's demonstrated ability to raise money (raising twice as much as Barker and outraising O'Brien in Q1). That to me, no matter how you spin it, is a clear indication of a candidate's dedication to the race. Fundraising calls are not pleasant, no one likes to do them but they are critical to a successful campaign and Greg has made it happen in a big way thus far. He's my guy because I believe that is going to do anything he can to turn voters out for him in November.

You mention that Greg has raised much more than George - maybe you should look at the fact that $45,000 of Greg's money was loaned to him by his family.  That should make you wonder about his constituent support.

As it's been explained before, it's impressive that Greg - not a rich guy - has put his own money on the line.

But even if you EXCLUDE family money- Greg still outraised George in the last period.

Greg Galligan is the candidate that's proven that he'll do everything he needs to do to beat Jay O'Brien. He has run THE most effective grassroots campaign this cycle. And we're going to need that energy in the turnout war that this fall will be. Barker is def. just as well-qualified as Greg, but unfortunately he's just been largely missing in action.

I looked at both Greg and George's web sites.  George has held canvasses every weekend in April and May (the two months still on the system).  GREG DID NOT HOLD ANY.  ZERO.  ZILCH.  NADA.

So how can you claim that Greg is running a "grassroots campaign" when he isn't out talking to the grassroots??

Don't take my word for it, go to their sites and check.  You will see that Greg has been sitting back while George has been out working his backside off.

So if your criteria is who will work harder, check the web sites and see who has been working harder.  The answer is Barker, all the way.

I just noticed that Greg does have one canvass scheduled for next Saturday, the first one in two months.  So the ratio is 9 canvasses by Barker to one by Galligan.

I apologize for the error.

No offense to Mr. Galligan, he seems like a good guy with his heart in the right place, and with a solid future ahead of him...but if experience, judgment and a solid record of substantive accomplishment on behalf of the people of the 39th District and of Northern Virginia mean anything, and in  my opinion it should be the primary factor, this should not really be a contest.

A recitation of George's community involvement would make this post almost too long to read. His work on health care, transportation, and education is really quite stunning, and more extensive than any candidate I have seen in this area for quite some time. It is not only important that he has been involved in these issues over such a long period of time, but the fact that he was chosen time and time again to lead many of these efforts speaks volumes as to the type of Senator he would be.

Chairman of the Fairfax County Transportation Advisory Committee, Vice-Chair of the Fairfax County task force on Tysons Corner, PTA President, Founding Chair of the Northern Virginia Perinatal Council, Founding Member and Chair of the Fairfax Alliance for Human Services, Founding Member and Chair of the Northern Virginia Access to Health Care Consortium...and on and on and on.....

A person is not chosen to lead community organizations such as these unless they are extraordinarily talented, and have a substantial record of accomplishment.

I see some comments here in support of Mr. Galligan citing his youth as a factor, or that it is time to give young Democrats a chance...etc...but not one post that I saw made the argument that Mr. Galligan was more qualified for the job based on experience and accomplishment than George. The fact of being young should not be the main qualification for office. I have met George on more that one occasion and I can tell you for a fact he will work as hard, as diligently, and as effectively as any candidate in either party.

Really, with all due respect to Mr. Galligan, George Barker is far and away the superior candidate in this race...and if he is the Democratic nominee, as I expect him to be, you can kiss Jay O'Brien goodbye!!!

Endorse Barker!

It is an important question. Who is more qualified to represent Northern Virginia? I submit to you that Greg Galligan is the most qualified. But such proof doesn't come in the form of a list of boards and commissions- it comes from real experience and it comes from demonstrating qualification through action.

Yes, Greg Galligan is the only candidate with legislative experience.

Yes, Greg is the only candidate with military experience.

Yes, Greg is the only candidate with recent political experience.

But more than all of that: Greg is the most qualified candidate because he has demonstrated the most important quality a public official should have- the ability to represent, to reach out, to engage, and to energize. The fact that Greg is running a more impressive and exciting grassroots campaign isn't just an "electability" argument- it is the most important qualification of someone who seeks to represent people. And that goes a lot farther than any resume.

Your description of George's experience as being merely membership on boards and commissions, and simply as a resume disingenuously in my opinion,  distorts what that "resume" represents.

In virtually every endeavor on behalf of the community George has been asked to take a leadership role. This does not occur simply because you are a member of a board, it occurs because you have a record of effectiveness that others look too.

Seeing as most of these are community organizations, it stands to reason then that George has not only shown he can reach out to, and engage with the community, it also shows that he is extraordinarily effective at doing so. The fact that the community was impressed enough with his abilities to ask him to take leadership roles time and time again testifies to this...

It is really astounding that the word "experience" is almost being used as a pejorative as applied to George Barker...I seriously doubt the voters of the 39th District will see it that way!

but the voters of the 39th are not going to be motivated to vote by experience. The point that Brimur, Dannyboy, myself and others have been trying to make is that a resume is a great thing, but it is not and should not be the first dedicing factor in a primary. The electability of the candidate should be the first thing on the mind of any voter, and the first indicator of electability is the strength of his campaign. Fundraising and voter contact are what matter in an election such as this, experience is a nice addition to those two things but it will have little bearing on the result in the general election. The winner will be the candidate who put more effort into fundraising and voter outreach. These things are won on the ground, where resumes matter very little.

George Barker has a history of working with people to get things that matter to our lives done. 

Greg demonstrated in 2003 and since, that he is stubborn man who does not take advice well from others

I may admire style, but I vote for substance.  I vote for Barker.

While we may disagree about the relative strengths of the candidates, there's really no reason to make purely spiteful remarks about either candidate.

Both candidates have unique and interesting experiences and perspectives to offer. I look forward to supporting the Democratic nominee on June 13th!

The person who posted this comment is Frank Blechman.

The same Frank Blechman who managed Ken Longmyer's campaign.

The same Frank Blechman who got GREG GALLIGAN to help him on Longmyer's campaign.

Now he attacks Greg?!?!?!?!

As I recall Frank, you sought Greg's help on that campaign, went to his house to get his advice, and even asked him to go to one of the debates you couldn't attend and take notes on how Ken did.

Now you attack him personally citing time "since 2003".  Yet you asked for his help in 2006?

Actions speak louder than words, and your attempts to attack Greg after you sought his help LAST YEAR show a vile hypocricy that seems to radiate around you and the Barker campaign.

This is not a Lifetime Achievement Award!!!!

George Barker and his supporters do not, and have not understood that in this campaign.

Y'all don't even sound like you are promoting a candidate.  It sounds like a eulogy at a funeral.

This is exactly why George can't win.

The Barker campaign is the very definition of a positive campaign.  They've got oodles of volunteers and a whole lot of positive energy, and are out there doing what they have to do.  George has knocked on thousands of doors, and so has his team.  The people who they're talking to are enthused about George's candidacy and are impressed with the wealth of knowledge and experience he has. 

And at the end of the day, voters want to send someone to Richmond who can represent them from Day One, without having to conduct on-the-job-training.  That's why George will win - because he's ready to fill this role right now! 

but it's just not true. If voters just wanted experience, they'd probably keep the incumbent in office. I'm sure Jay O'Brien could start his term without much training either. Winning this election is going to require back-breaking voter contact efforts and personal sacrifice. I disagree with a lot of the things Ben posts about, but he's right on this. It's not a lifetime achievement award, no one has "earned" it and there is no amount of experience that will win an election of this sort. I take issue with the claims that Barker is that much more qualified than Galligan in the first place, but I take even more issue with the idea that that's enough to merit his nomination. That attitude is the mark of a losing campaign and I sincerely hope that it does not cross over into the general in the form of the Barker campaign.

That so many think relevant experience matters so little. You say if folks wanted experience they would just keep O'Brien in office...as if experience were some generic quality that is the same for everyone that possesses it.

Not only is George experienced, but he has the right kind of experience to make him a supremely qualified State Senator. He has experience making a tangible difference in the lives of people.

Jay O'Brien has experience, he has experience screwing over Northern Virginia..

I also take issue with the contention that somehow the Barker campaign is not doing the back breaking work of building the level of support necessary to win in November. From my perspective they are doing exactly that...

I agree with those who have said that these are both fine and respectable candidates, and I will support whichever man wins the nomination 100%.

That said, while it normally would be my instinct to support the young up-and-comer, I actually was more impressed with Barker after having seen both of them speak.  He came across as tough, confident, knowledgeable, smooth and experienced.  Galligan came across as a young man with a bright future, but not necessarily the one who is most ready to take the fight to the enemy today.

Still, it's a close call, and I suspect this may be one of those cases where we deadlock rather than choosing an endorsee.

May the best man win!

Greg is an all around good guy who definitely has the energy and politics to defeat Jay O'Brien!

From my perspective, Greg has been working non-stop in a grassroots driven campaign.

As long as I never hear "Captain Greg" again, Greg Galligan has my support!!! :-)

I would also define experience as having a history of making personal decisions requiring the maturity and backbone to do something even though it is unpopular or inconvenient; this is a quality that becomes obvious irrespective of age and resume. Age is not the only source of wisdom just like youth is not the only source of energy. The true test in this race will be seeing who does the best job of getting out the vote at primary time.

I have been watching and part of this campaign since last September.  The "negative campaigning" has not come from Barker or anyone associated with it.  It has come from another Blogger who is supporting Greg.  Now those allegations have been repeated here on RK.

Despite the negatives that have been posted on line, Barker has refused to go negative (and no one in his campaign is associated with this post).  He continues to promote his positive message.

On the other hand, Greg has repeatedly refused requests to go on-line and set the record straight on some of the issues.  He has allowed attacks on his DEMOCRATIC opponent that were unwarrented by standing silent.  And when asked publicly to clarify the situation, Galligan simply attacked the person asking the question.

For me that shows he does not have George's integrity.  Barker is the one who should represent our district.

Do you realize the irony here? You just questioned a Democratic candidate's integrity in order to say HE is negative.

And your basis for attacking on behalf of Barker (I assume you are acting on his behalf since you are a party official)? Because Greg didn't respond to a blog? Greg has never blogged and has laid down a rule that no paid staff should blog. You are making the point clear- Barker's people are being too negative. You need to cut it out.

I never said Greg was negative.  I said Greg refused to correct errors made intentionally by others to blast Barker. 

And by the way, why did you wait to attack me and not blast Ben when he went negative 5 days ago on Greg's behalf? 

I also said I am NOT acting on Barker's behalf.  George has repeatedly tried to stay positive, but I, myself, feel it is important for voters to know about the candidates.

Greg had an obligation not to allow the blog to lie on his behalf and sit by.  I asked Greg to his face and on the phone.  And by the way, Greg did eventually post on that blog, but still refused to address the lie, so whatever policy he had did not apply.

Everything I posted is based on what I have personally observed. 

So no, I don't need to cut it out until Greg's supporters start telling the truth.  Until then, I need to make sure that accurate information is aavailable.

Just stop being negative, it's not that hard. Yeah Greg and his supporters do post on blogs, I meant that he intentionally does not engage negative discussion on the blogs either way.

STOP BEING NEGATIVE. Just stop.

We are fortunate to have both of these candidates in the race and each would make a fine senator.  Let's stop personal attacks and talk issues like transportation and environment. O'brien doesn't have a clue.
Remember we need a unified base of party volunteers if we are going to prevail in November.

And I also agree that both have a strong chance to knock off the incumbent this cycle. However, I think I have to apply the rule I used when I was asked this time last year about Webb and Miller... In my opinion Webb could win, because he understood the issues and he talked from the heart. When I have observed the two of these guys in action I have to say that George is more knowledgable on the issues. He already has the respect of his peers in the NoVa delegation and most of all he has his not so secret advantage - Jane. The community and political infrastructure that Jane and the rest of the Barker campaign bring to the table have made a big difference two elections ago for Kaine and again last year for Webb. They mobilized and pounded the sidewalks as well as ANY others anywhere.  To me they are a known and demonstrated major factor that should make a big difference getting George a solid win over O'brien. I know their heart will be in it with George as their candidate, I'm not so sure they have same level of confidence in Greg. So that said, If there has to be an endorsement in such a close primary, I would have to go with George. He has all the experience, tools, and campaign machine.... just ask any member of the Clifton Womens Democrats organization WHOM WILL be a factor in the race.

As long term residents of Fairfax County we strongly support George Barker as being overwhelmingly the best chance to oust Jay O'Brien.  Perky and Ben Pepper

I think Barker really showed why he is the superior candidate in this race. On question after question he displayed a mastery of the issues, not only generically, but as they specifically affected residents of Northern Virginia and the Commonwealth as a whole.

He also showed that he keeps very close track on what proposals are on the table to address these issues, and was very impressive discussing them and showing he had formulated cohesive opinions about them.

Galligan is a well spoken person obviously, but he did not display the depth of knowledge on these topics that George did...

Ben, you abuse the rating system by troll-rating my comment above, which was fair and respectful to both candidates. 

As a resident of the 39th District who has lived here for more than 20 years, I strongly endorse George Barker to be my representative.  His grasp of the issues and his wealth of experience makes him the perfect choice to challenge - and defeat - Jay O'Brien in the general election.

Moreover, the fact that George has been endorsed by EVERY Democratic member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, as well as all the elected representatives in Northern Virginia, is VERY important and speaks volumns.  These are the people with whom our next Senator from the 39th District will have to work, and they've made it clear that they want it to be George Barker. 

I have the greatest respect for Greg Galligan and consider him a friend.  In fact, I worked on Greg's 2003 campaign in an advisory capacity.  And while I supported Greg four years ago, I think this time around it's George Barker who has the better qualifications to beat Jay O'Brien. 

Kate Wilder 

All the elected representatives of Northern Virginia? Um, no. Barker's endorsements are impressive, but the vast majority of them aren't voters in the 39th, I guess Greg was busy securing the endorsement of voters.

Let me clarify my statement for you, Jamur.  George has the endorsements of those elected officials in Northern Va who represent districts within Fairfax County. 

And of course these aren't voters in the 39th.  These are elected officials respresenting other districts!

I get your point but Galligan does have the endorsement of David Englin who represents a significant portion of Lee and Mt. Vernon districts. He also has the endorsement of several other prominent elected officials and former officials including Leslie Byrne and Chap Petersen.

Well, actually you don't get my point, Jamur.  So let me make it clearer by giving you a similar comparison from last year's Senate primary.

If you will recall, there was a huge endorsement of Democratic Senators for Webb over his primary opponent. By this endorsement they were loudly proclaiming to the voters that it was Webb they wanted in their Senate club.  He was the one they wanted to work alongside them in the Senate.

By that same analogy, the huge list of elected officials within Fairfax County who have endorsed George are saying that it's George that they want to work with in the General Assembly.

And except for David Englin, whom I like and respect very much, George has the support of every other current elected official.

And if you still don't get the importance of that, I give up! 

Fairfax County Democratic establishment refused to endorse Jim Webb in the primary. The same folks who are endorsing Barker now, endorsed Harris Miller. Who was the most vocal Fairfax proponent of Jim Webb in the primary? Leslie Byrne. And to whom has Leslie given her strong support? Greg Galligan. I don't personally pay much attention to endorsements, I don't think they matter in elections of this size, but if you want to talk about them then paint the real picture.

With all due respect Kate, George does not have the endorsement of "every other elected official." Del. Sickles to date has remained neutral and Del. Brian Moran, who does represent a portion of Fairfax County in representing part of Mason District, has not endorsed either. This made Del. Moran an excellent impartial moderator tonight and he was very gracious to take the time to do so. It was a good forum tonight.

Listening to both candidates I truly believe Mr Galligan will get the job done. No question about it. His enthusiasm and sincere desire to work for us and our 39th district cann't be more clear. Good luck Greg and you can count with my vote.

A. Pardo

I have just listened to the debate on BlogRadio (Thanks - for hosting!) and for the third time I have heard these 2 candidates respond to questions on the issues.  We've had a slight shift toward the left in the 39th but make no mistake - O'Brien will be a formidable opponent.  We need a Democratic Candidate who will win this seat!  That is why I support George Barker in this Primary.  He has the relationships, the results, the smarts and the passion to carry the 39th.  His every response pointed to his involvement in the process and his network of contacts that will inevitably help US get what we need from Richmond.  He and his Campaign Team will run an intelligent and energetic campaign against O'Brien - then George will take all our best interests and his considerable credibility to Richmond to get results! 

By contrast, though I like him, I find Greg Galligan saying good things without the depth of experience to prove that he can produce results.  I do hope he continues to pursue political office since he shows considerable commitment.  Let's see him appointed to some more meaty committees than the Trails Committee, then lets see whether he is ready for us to bank our future on in Richmond.  A lack of experience isn't a bad thing - but there is too big a gap here to gamble this Senate seat on.

And for the record - I am with George Barker on the question of drilling off Virgnia's shores.  A vote for drilling would be a non-action that could have very serious and long-lasting consequences to the ecology of our shoreline and our fisheries.  Put up some legislation to incent conservation and advances in wind, biofuels and solar; that would be leadership.

Am I the only one here who thinks theres a problem in calling the primary based on a resume and endorsements? While those two aspects are certainly impressive, they aren't deal breakers when deciding who is going to take on an incumbent right winger. While I think George has a solid resume, I just don't think he is capable of knocking off someone like O'Brien, and that should be the key factor in choosing someone in the primary.

Galligan is bold and articulate, and is ready to go blow for blow with an incumbent in a race that could very well determine Democratic control of the Senate. Not to mention, the endorsements aspect just seems a little silly. It looks good to have the endorsements of the FFX Co. supervisors, but when you get down to it, I think having the endorsements of Chap, Leslie and Englin speak volumes in regards to who those electeds and former electeds think can win this race and be the best voice for the district in Richmond.

In a red state like Virginia, Democrats need the credibility a military background brings to stand their ground against the Republicans. Greg Galligan is the only way to go here.

This kind of stuff is always hard for me.  I am glad there are two good choices for the dems.  All too often we're ridiculed all over the country.  I guess the tides have turned,

I dont want this to be a military veteran issue.  My brother is a Marine and I've worked for Navy as a civilian-we all serve our country in our own ways. 

That said, I'm going to have to throw my support behind George Barker.  We need someone who knows the issues and (unfortunately)) the other players in the state.  I'm not usually vocal in political circles, but I want to ask everyone to vote for Mr Barker

  While both candidates are excellent and would be a huge improvement over Jay O'Brien, my instinct tells me Greg will be the better choice. He has exhibited personal characteristics that make him uniquely qualified for the State Senate. 

Courage.  Leadership.  Greg has demonstrated these traits in his military service and his earlier run for the State Senate. 

Having trained to be an Army Officer implies a willingness to take risks most would not face in other occupations.  Being a medivac Helicopter pilot has many hazards which requires skill and an ability to work under pressure.  Greg's accomplishments in this area tells me a lot.  Couple this with the fact that Greg is a Progressive Democrat in an organization, the U. S. military, where the majority of its members are Republican, and you have a person comfortable in his own skin and sure of his beliefs.  While it is true that today much of the military is disillusioned with the Bush Administration because of its Iraq War policy and shabby treatment of returning veterans, Greg's service goes back to a time when the military was much more sure of its conservative Republican beliefs. 

I can attest to this culture from my own active duty days.  While in the Navy and assigned to the Pentagon in 2000,I was a supporter of Al Gore. Those of us who were Al Gore supporters almost had to meet in a secret place and know a special password.  A bit of an exageration perhaps, but not far off the mark. 

Finally, Greg had the courage of his convictions to take on Jay O'Brien in 2003, when the demographics of the district and Bush's then high popularity ratings made his attempt a very uphill battle.  Then only 28, Greg cared enough to discount the long odds and take on this difficult challenge.  He lost, but did much better than many thought.  And four years later, with 2003's experience under his belt, Greg has come right back to take on O'Brien, and this time win. 

I've been told that George Barker also took on Jay O'Brien, back in 1991.  No doubt the demographics weren't very good then for a Democrat, either. Yet he has waited a long time to make another attempt. 

Both candidates have sound, positive stands on the issues.  But Greg's personal attributes of demonstrated leadership and courage make him my choice for the Democratic nomination.