Barker displayed a breadth and depth of knowledge on the issues that Galligan frankly could not match. He seemed to answer mostly in generalities, while Barker's answers were clearly informed not only by a deep knowledge of the issue as it affected northern Virginia, but interlaced was his awareness of the very latest proposals to deal with these problems and his opinion of them.

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 on my vote.

A. Pardo

After listening in to the debate tonight I have to say that I really am impressed by George Barker. Not only did he answer the questions that were given to him, but he did so with confidence. It was clear that Barker knows these issues inside and out, is in touch with his constituents, and can offer more than just talking points-he has actual solutions. Not to mention, I lost track of how many Fairfax County/Virginia officials have endorsed George (as well as the National Organization of Women) while I can count how many have endorsed Greg Galligan on one hand. Barker clearly has the confidence and approval of the people that he will be working with if he is elected.

I want nothing more than to see Jay O'Brien retire this November, and George Barker is the man that can do it. Galligan is a great guy, but creating a recycling club in high school just isn't going to cut it. We need a senator with real experience and substance-tonight's debate proved that George will be that senator. 

If Webb-Miller showed anything its that a bounty of endorsements really don't mean anything. Two good candidates, O'Brien has his hands full either way.

It is always a shame when you have two good Democratic candidates run against each other, yet it now seems obvious who is the better November candidate.

I got home late, but listened to the entire tape.  Both did pretty good, yet at this point George seems to have secured the primary victory. 

When every single Democratic Supervisor in Fairfax endorsed George for this race (during a primary!!), that meant something.  The Supervisors sent a clear message: Constituents and all Northern Virginians can trust George Barker in Richmond.

Add to that the Stark's pashionate involvement with George's campaign, Jane Barker's incredible network in the Clifton area, and a bunch of other things that are favoring George, the primary winner seems obvious.

Or am I missing something?

 

n/t

Brimur, You heard the same show I did. George made the point that he literally jogs from house to house hitting several dozen a night, seven days a week when he can.....A sincere hand-shake and a smile sure beats any telephone calls. Now add in the campaign machine that Jane and the others are running with major door knocking/canvasing and how could you even begin to fool yourself that he isn't getting voter contact ??.... Then add another 3 to 6 hours every month of TV time throughout the entire Cox cable and Verizon FIOS areas for the Springfield/Franconia show George has been hosting as a community volunteer for many months now and how can you even think he isn't getting massive voter name recognition/contact??? Others talk about Greg's energy, George has got be one of the most active involved people I have ever kown, yes he may be a little "under stated" because he doesn't push it, but there is a reason SO MANY amazing elected officials like and TRUST George....

I thought that debate was great. I thought both candidates showed themselves to be a great alternative to the awful O'Brien. But I agree that Greg demonstrated exactly why he is the strongest candidate. He showed himself to be knowledgeable and thoughtful without being pedantic. He also was unafraid of taking strong positions. That's going to be important in this year when we need to inspire record off-year turnout among the base.

clearly displayed his superiority as a candidate tonight. I don't need to hear the candidate list his friends and his boards and commissions, I can get that on the website. Greg proved tonight what I've known all along. He's a fighter, and he's going to get the job done. On another note, I would love to get an answer from Barker on gay marriage, he sure did duck that question, as well as the Tyson's tunnel. I can't believe anyone would say, especially TO LOWELL that he would support the above ground rail. Must have been a mistake.

You may have not clearly heard George Barker's comment on the tunnel issue.  I just went back and found it at 41:30.  If you have a minute, please go back and listen again.

As an outspoken tunnel supporter, I have to agree with George.  I have spoken with George about this issue on numerous times because he was one of the original supporters for the tysonstunnel.org movement. 

George is even on the list of active supporters who signed the petition, yet Greg is not (which is odd since given his answer). 

http://www.tysonstun...

I would also like to add that most tunnel supporters DO WANT rail to Dulles:  it is essential to our transportation needs and the airport use.  Even Scott Monett, the President of tysonstunnel.org, advocates for rail to Dulles because commuters in Reston, Herndon, and beyond need rail transportation.  Scott has also publicly stated that since the tunnel through Tysons Corner is now economically feasible and the engineering has been proven elsewhere, it makes sense to fight hard for a tunnel.  HOWEVER, Scott and the many supporters (including George Barker) do not want to derail a long-term commuter solution for northern Fairfax and Loudoun.

Finally, I have been to almost every tysonstunnel.org event.  Guess which candidate I have always seen?  Yep, George Barker.  Come to think of it, I think Lowell even interviewed him (videotape and all) after the tysonstunnel.org event at Meadowlark (sp?) Gardens. 

While I applaud Greg Galligan for his support of the tunnel, there are many substantive issues that affect millions of commuters.  The "tunnel-or-nothing" approach is not the answer, and it is harmful to a political AND pragmatic resolution to this issue.

http://www.raisingka...

Yeah, it does sound like Barker supports a tunnel, but the point that everyone is making is that he is willing to accept the non-tunnel approach. And we won't get a tunnel without a fight. We need a fighter.

Thanks, Eric.

Wow, that brings back memories.  What a day that was! 

I have no doubt now that we'll be able to take O'Brien in the Fall. I think it's pretty clear that whatever happens, the 39th will be in good hands. George Barker seemed to take the debate though, in my opinion. I think Mr. Barker definitely has the needs of the citizens in his district in mind and has everything he needs to get it done in Richmond. His answers were clear and showed a definite ability to reason out and solve the problems that plague many of our legislators down in Richmond. I know many of the students at George Mason are really excited to do everything they can to get George into office, and I'm definitely one of them.

Barker showed his skills and knowledge clearly and without using canned answers. Barker knows the issues and has proven over the years that he is "solution oriented" and works to find a solution to a problem rather than just say no.

Greg loves to use his canned answers and repeatedly refers to his military experience for almost every answer - I'm tired of hearing about his Blackhawk.

Do we really need another wimpy resume candidate?

Barker will not overcome O'Brien's advantage in Clifton- he will just be marginalized there and he doesn't provide a stark contrast with the incumbent anywhere else.  Barker talks and sounds like an old time establishment politician.  Reading off his laundry list of endorsements from old pols just underscores that. 

Greg will inspire a big turnout in the more youth oriented Democratic strongholds around the Franconia Road corridor.  That is how we will beat O'Brien. 

The rapid growth in that area favors Greg.  He is a perfect fit for the demographics of Lee District.  He planted the seeds by doing well there in 2003 and is poised to expand on that this time. 

Greg is also not afraid to hit O'Brien and hit him hard.  Barker is too reserved and low key to take out O'Brien.  Let's give the young lion a chance. 

My vote goes to Greg Galligan. I think he is the more electable candidate.

Brooke

It's clear that Barker is the candidate with the know-how and practical experience to get things done down in Richmond. It's one thing to say that you support the tunnel, which both candidates did, but it is also another thing to realize that the tunnel will never be a reality unless people keep pushing the project forward. Barker hit the nail on the head with this one.

As far as endorsements go, Barker has been endorsed by most of the individuals that he would be working with down in Richmond. It is clear that he is the person that they most want to work with. 

There shouldn't be any question after last night's debate.
George Barker won it hands down.  He has experience in every area important to all of us in Northern Virginia.  He knows the transportation issue inside and out.  He should know the issues, as he's served on the Transportation
Advisory Commission for the past six years.

I am particularly impressed with his being endorsed by NOW.  George has worked tirelessly for women and believes in a woman's right to choose.  He also pushed for legislation to make it possible for women who drop out of high school to be trained in job skills so they can be actively engaged in the job market.

George is totally against off shore drilling off the coast of Virginia as he realizes the damage this could do to the fishing industry.  Gregg, on the other hand, felt this issue needs to be studied some more.  George's vast knowledge about environmental issues is impressive.

George is running an unbelievable campaign.  He not only walks door to door.  He runs.  He has volunteers from all walks of life working for him both in the 39th and outside of it.  He is a known Democrat as he has worked for ages
in the party and has worked polling places at every election for the last several years.  He has never taken a break from politics and working for Democrats to get them elected.  O'Brien should be quaking in his boots with Barker in this race.  He is also well thought of by Republicans who most likely will cross over and vote for him. 

His endorsements by elected officials in both Fairfax County and Prince William Country are impressive.  These are the people who he will be working with after his win in November.  He will hit the ground running as he's familiar with all the issues important to our state.

Great debate George! 

 

Both candidates showed a lot of strength, but Barker had a substantially better command of the issues.  George understands more than just the slogans, he understands the details.  We need a Senator who will be able to draft bills and understand the implications of new proposals.  Clearly that candidate is George Barker.

the Barker folks can stick to talking points. Good for you guys. I would hope, however, that you will take this month to consider what you're doing. George Barker is a good man, he's got a resument a mile-long, a commission or board for every issue and very rich, very important friends. He has lived a good life, no doubt.

The thing that no one has said, and for good reason, is how he is going to beat Jay O'Brien. The talking points for this camp focus on why George would be a good Senator, as if that had anything to do with being elected to the Senate. His knowledge, his resume, do not put voters in the booth. His connections may do a little bit of that, but without the ability (or willingness?) to run a sound ground campaign and fundraising effort, you really do have nothing. I respect George Barker immensely, but for all of his experience and friendship, he got DOUBLED UP in fundraising by the guy who you say doesn't have the experience or connections to cut it?? 

I support Greg because I know he has the POLITICAL experience and the gravitas to take Jay O'Brien head-on, in messaging, in field campaigning and in fundraising. Greg Galligan will take on Jay O'Brien the way that you take on such a thug. He'll punch him back as many times as it takes to put him down. Demonstrate to me that George Barker has that sort of spine and we'll talk, but last night's debate, and this thread, give me the exact opposite feeling. Barker will not beat Jay O'Brien if we nominate him, which would make that decision a mistake. Support the guy who can win, and let's take back the Senate.

Makes sense politically...attack your opponents area of strength, which coincidentally is your candidates area of weakness by comparison.

The fact is Barker has a more impressive record of accomplishment as it pertains to the citizens of Northern Virginia and the 39th District than Galligan does, and a far better command of the issues...which was quite apparent in the debate. Barker consistently gave on point answers which showed that he knew the issues inside and out and had well thought out positions on them. Something Galligan simply could not match.

Barker also has a more substantial and impressive list of endorsements, including the vast majority of elected officials in Fairfax County who are making endorsements. Here too I can see why Galligan supporters would want to deride this as a factor. I have no doubt were the situation reversed you would be trumpeting them to the heavens. Barker has the endorsement of so many current elected officials because they know how effective he is, and because they know quite well Barker will be able to jump into the job on day 1 with little on the job training required.

You talk about fundraising as if it is the only criteria for measuring support, or for gauging possible success in November. O'Brien is not some abstract Republican that can be defeated by providing generic, canned answers to specific questions. Galligan is going to have to debate the incumbent, and if he performs as he did the other night, it won't matter how much money he has.

Barker has built up a substantial base of support in the community through his involvement over the years that a fundraising figure does not make apparent.

Also you claim Galligan doubled the funds contributed to Barker. Now I am not an expert reading financial disclosure reports, but it looks to me like 45K of Galligans money was a loan from his parents. Is that true? So Galligan did outraise Barker, but not by double as you say.

It makes sense that you would minimize electability, your opponent's area of strength and your candidate's area of weakness.

Greg is more than qualified to be State Senator. Distinguished military record, Former US House Legislative Director, etc. Does he have as much experience as Barker? Of course not. But Chris Dodd also has more experience than Barack Obama or John Edwards. It just doesn't matter.

No matter how desperately people try to spin it, Greg Galligan has run a much stronger campaign. He's knocked on more doors, talked to more voters, raised more money, and taken this fight more seriously. As for money- the loans were almost all from himself- and since Greg is by no means a rich guy- this just goes to show again how much more seriously he's taking this campaign. But even if you exclude those loans, he still out-raised Barker last period.

Barker's touted "community support" couldn't get more than 30 supporters to a debate held within his own precinct. This is the same area he swears is going to deliver the vote for him in these two elections. Furthermore, on the debate the other night Barker claimed to have knocked 30 doors/hour "by running". Anyone who knows voter contact knows that can't be right. I'm not saying he's lying, but I am saying he might have fallen prey to some irrational exuberance.

So yeah, Barker has a long resume, he's got a long list of endorsements, and he's more than qualified to be a very fine Senator. But when it comes to real CAMPAIGN METRICS whether it's voter contact, community organizing, or fund-raising- Barker just doesn't stack up.

I keep hearing that Greg has "knocked more doors" but as far as I can tell its been all talk.

I see all the canvassing that goes on in a large part of the district.  I have not seen ANY canvassing for Greg in 3 months.  ZERO.  Not a single one.

On the other hand, I have seen several convasses for Barker every week.  I have even run into George while he was out knocking on doors.

As to community support, I suggest Brimur take a look at the kick off events.  Barker had well over 200 at his SECOND event, much more than Greg had at his only event. 

Finally, Brimur, in the interest of full disclosure, shouldn't you disclose your position with Greg's campaign?

I have as much of a position with Galligan's campaign as I have with Barker's campaign (i.e. none). If you consider me to have a position with Galligan's campaign because I'm a heartfelt supporter, I suppose you too have a position with Barker's campaign. Care to "disclose" it?

I am not a member of Barker's campaign but I am a supporter.  I am a member of the Springfield District Committee and in the past I have posted my full name and e-mail.

Of your information on the number of doors George Barker has knocked, and the number of voters contacted...

My understanding is that you are actually working for Galligan.

Are you that hooked in to the Barker campaign that you can say with that amount of confidence that Galligan has actually "knocked on more doors,[and] talked to more voters...?"

Somehow I doubt it...

I am not working for Galligan. I have volunteered for him though. I got my information about Barker's campaign from the statements of George and the campaign.

Obviously the fundraising numbers are on the public record, but specifically what statements from the Barker campaign would lead you to the conclusion you have drawn?

but I can tell you where I got my numbers.  I just looked at both web sites.

George has been out canvassing, knocking on doors every weekend in April and May. Greg has not been out once, but he is scheduled to be out next Saturday.  And if you include March, Greg did just 3 hours of canvassing all month while George had canvasses on 5 Saturdays that were each at least 2 hours long.

By the way, George continues knocking on doors long after the volunteers have gone home.

So how can Greg claim to have knocked on more doors?

So if you are looking for a dedicated candidate, hard working candidate, hard fighting candidate, just look at who has really been out knocking on doors.  Its been George Barker.

That actually it has been George Barker who has been wearing out the pavement contacting voters...despite what Galligan's supporters have been claiming here...

George won the debate hands down.  Not only that, but he has been working in the political arena for years, providing real solutions to real problems.  With him, you have have a proven track record, and someone who doesn't need any on-the-job-training once he gets down to Richmond.  He's already been doing the work of the people! 

Young, energetic and with fresh ideas and outlook on life, that's what we need.  Mr. Galligan provides us with these characteristics and is exactly the type of candidate we need to lead us into the future.  I look forward to being one of those who can say "I helped vote Mr. Galligan into office!"

I am truly looking forward to having Greg Galligan represent me and my family. Well done, Greg!