RK ARCHIVE - DPV Doing a Great Job Recently

DPV Doing a Great Job Recently

By: Lowell
Published On: 6/14/2007 2:44:44 PM

For whatever reason, the Democratic Party of Virginia has really been doing a great job recently. I just wanted to say that since I criticized their website a few weeks ago. Obviously, though, as a passionately committed Democrat, I want the DPV to succeed, not fail. Which is why I'm happy to say that the DPV has really been kicking butt recently. Check this out, for instance:

MEMORANDUM
TO: New Chair, Virginia Republican Party
FR: Virginia Democratic Party
RE: Tips for Cleaning Up the Gillespie Mess

First of all, congratulations on your new post. We at the Virginia Democratic Party look forward to working with you to keep making progress for Virginia. We know Washington super-lobbyist and Bush confidant Ed Gillespie has left a mess for you to clean-up. We don't envy your position, so we put together five tips that may help you meet with success in your new job and help move Virginia forward.
1. Stop Gridlock
Maybe you saw our sign outside the GOP gala earlier this month . It was our way of sending a helpful hint. Virginia voters are tired of partisan gridlock, and don't appreciate your Party dragging its feet for years on transportation. Nor, frankly, are voters happy with how you've blocked efforts to expand pre-K and raise the minimum wage. As your first priority, we'd recommend you order your Party to stop the gridlock and start working with Democrats to make progress for Virginia.
2. Clean-Up Corruption
Of course, you understand how corruption, scandals and a lack of progress doomed national Republicans in 2006. Unfortunately, those same characteristics have come to typify Virginia Republicans in 2007. From Chairman Gillespie's alleged role in leaking grand jury secrets to force Mark Tate out of the race, to editorials raising questions about the appearance of impropriety in Attorney General McDonnell's office, Virginia Republicans have an image problem. We'd recommend you quickly call for thorough investigations into both of these matters, so you can put the "scandal" tag behind your Party once and for all.
3. Find a Positive Agenda
We know part of your base wants your Party's top priority to be divisive on issues like abortion, but we'd ask you to stop and consider whether a partisan agenda is what Virginia really needs. With challenges like education, health care and energy looming, shouldn't Virginia's leaders do more than appeal to the extreme right wing of the Party? We think so. This is why we've made issues like pre-K, protecting consumers at the pump and raising the minimum wage top priorities. Republican candidate Tricia Stall, on the other hand, wants to "end government involvement in education." We'd welcome the opportunity to work with Republicans on issues that move Virginia forward.
4. Get Control of the Extremists in Your Party
As you know, one of Chairman Gillespie's greatest failures was his inability to control the extreme partisans in the Republican Party. Instead of talking about the issues facing the Commonwealth, too many Republican candidates for office had to deal with in-party squabbling about "who is conservative enough." And this week's primary results have only worsened the situation. In today's Washington Post, Sen. Russ Potts points out: "If the Republicans retain control of the Senate, it will almost be as far right and radical as the House of Delegates, and that is bad news for Virginia." Virginians are tired of partisanship. We want leaders who will put the Commonwealth - not ideology - first. As a result, we recommend you try to unite your party behind a mainstream agenda. For an example of how that looks, perhaps you could browse the website of Governor Kaine.
5. What's the Deal With Bush's Money? Find New Sources of Campaign Finance
It's nice that Chairman Gillespie was able to bring his new boss George Bush to Richmond for a $600,000 fundraiser. The only problem is - who's going to take those tainted funds? Your candidates don't like George Bush. According to press reports, Ken Cuccinelli no longer considers Bush the leader of the Republican party. Similarly, Del. Jeff Frederick has said Bush is "dragging us down" and "crazy" on the issue of immigration. With opinions like those, how can they possibly take the President's money without compromising their character? Clearly, Gillespie has left them in an uncomfortable place. As Chair, you'd be wise to find fundraisers your candidates find more acceptable.

Ha, I love it! :)

Comments

Great Job? (J.Scott - 6/14/2007 5:06:18 PM)

I question whether the DPV has been doing a "great job". I only ay this because what we have witnessed in these primaries is not reflective per say in the job they are doing. What I mean to say there are far too many local primaaries and distrcist without Democrat candidates. Now I know each county in the Stae has its own committee, but don't we need more involvement from the DPV in these localities if the party to is continue to grow. case in point. In a County like Chesterfield where the Board is all Republican only one district has a Democrat challenger thus far. There are districts without a single Democrat on a ballot. Another case in point, the 68th House race no Democrat primary , not a single one on ballot for the General; One republican One Independent thats it.Shameful. There are many more example across Virginia where at the local level the DPV is failing in influence the debate...I understand these may be areas where Republican ties are deep but should it not be the goal of the DPV to get in their a take the fight to them or do we simply watch as incumbants roll with no opposition. The DPV is doing a Good job granted, but not "great" as I see it.

Chesterfield County (vadem - 6/14/2007 10:18:19 PM)

Not sure where you're from, J. Scott, but your comments make it clear that you don't know what you're talking about as far as Chesterfield County goes. First of all, the Chesterfield County Democratic Committee IS the local arm of the DPVA in the county. The influence here is local, where it should be because the residents of the county know the people, the politics and the issues best. The committee works very hard to battle the Republican majority in the county and if you look at the last few election cycles, the gap has been shrinking. These things do not happen overnight, but rather through lots of work by dedicated people and done over a period of time.

Here is where I really take issue with your comments. There are 5 magisterial districts in the county and currently, Democrats are running in 3 of them. In a fourth, a Democrat is running as an Independent because he knows all to well that district simply isn't going to elect a Democrat right now. There is one district that is going unchallenged. The 11th district Senate seat will have a Democrat challenging Steve Martin.

It isn't up to the state party to locate candidates for local races. This is done within the county and requires countless hours of meeting with potential candidates. This county committee has a very active and excellent candidate selection committee.

Not sure where you're from, but please learn the facts before you post misinformation and disparaging remarks.

Where are they??? (J.Scott - 6/14/2007 11:54:18 PM)

First and foremost lets face facts. The CCDC has been running from the Ed Barber a Democrat affair for over year. Ed Barber was my Supervisor for your information and now its Republican Don Sowder. Mr. Dan Gecker did a valient job on very limited funds to compete for the postion left vacant by Mr. Barber but failed to win. Working for his efforts in the election cycle was a pleasure. He now still remain a voice of reason on the Planning Commission.
If Democrats are running in three Districts, where are they. Gecker will run as an Independent, Bayne is an Independent, an excuse me but Holland just announced to run against Miller as a (D) and Ree Hart and Bill Hastings for which I referred. So Democrats have 3 that are willing to call themselves Democrats and (2) that are not is what you are saying.
You failed to dispute the 68th conveniently or offer up any reason they did not get behind any challenger to Cantor. So lets simply stick with the BOS. Your point is well taken regarding the Party, however the state organization is there for support for the local committees, something that you obviously feel content with and is why the CCRC is winning elections because of the stewarding by the Party officals. Are we to believe that local committees have the where withall regarding election campaigns. The State body is in the profession of running and winning campaigns my friend, while the local level people like myself do alot of grunt work and volunteering.
For the record, nothing was "disparaging". Fact remains that was and is what is happening in the 68th and the 7th. As for the BOS with the addition of Holland we have three (D) running. I stated (2) because Holland has not officially released.
Your comment regarding "he knows all to well that the district isn't going to elect a Democrat right now" well VADEM step up say it, its Midlothian where I live my friend and its that kind of mentality to keeps us from moving forward. I wonder who gave that candidate that advice. Mr. Gecker did well in a district that is highly Republican, he's a Democrat and should be proud of that fact. His platform is sound and one year later he has been proven to be correct.
If you want to take up the challenge go to www.alteroffreedom.blogspot.com and chyme in VADEM

You're uninformed and uninvolved (vadem - 6/15/2007 6:46:11 AM)

I will not get into a pissing contest with you on a blog. If you are not currently an active member of the Chesterfield Democratic Committee, I will again say, you don't know what you are talking about. Join the committee and work with the rest of us to increase Democratic activity to elect Democrats in the county. As for Mr. Gecker, many were distressed to learn of HIS decision to run as an Independent. I repeat, HIS decision. He was not advised by anyone on the committee to make this decision. Go speak directly to him to confirm. Ed Barber damaged his own reputation in Midlothian and gave Republicans that seat back. CCDC has run from no one. We have proudly had a large presence in every event possible in Midlothian, including a large contingent in a parade last fall with Dan Gecker, and marching with Jim Webb signs and banners even while George Allen himself walked for the Republicans. Were you there marching with us, or manning our tables at the Midlothian Days festival?

The challenger to Cantor last year was Jim Nachman. He was supported fully by the 7th district committee and by CCDC--by fully, I mean with manpower, money and lots of time. I do not dispute that there is no challenger in the 68th district race. If you are in that district and have the money and time it takes, we'd have loved for you to step up to run. Actually, a Democrat did declare that he was going to run as an Independent but he is a resident of Richmond and I have not seen confirmation of his filing.

Again, join the committee and work with the rest of us. Its easy to sit on the outside and cast stones.

Thank you (J.Scott - 6/15/2007 11:13:40 AM)

I want the thank you for your reply to my comments. I in no way was dismissing the efforts of local folks supporting the CCDC of which family has supported for years, but I feel that the dialogue has uncovered an issue which is the one I attempted to address. I should have described the events as "perceived". It is my opinion along with alot in the homeowners association, metro soccer assossociations and such, and by alot I mean those of us who have voted Democrat over the years. If you read my blog at alteroffreedom.blogspot.com its not a shill blog against anyone and I attempt to be fair in respresenting what is being discussed within the community (on both sides)
Question is why would Democrats lose someone as valued as Dan Gecker? I will attempt to contact Mr. Gecker to get his take on why he made that determination. People are a bit confused and admittedly VADEM so am I.

You cannot expect us "uninformed" people to be informed without your and the CCDC's help. Otherwise we go with what we feel and vote that way as well.I too have worked tirelessly to get messages out in my district and others in working to support "individuals" who are worthy of the support regardless of party affilliation. There are great people on both sides of the debate.
My intent is not to put anyone on the defensive. I am not casting stones at all but simply voicing what the perception is on the street regarding involvement. I did not mention the CCDC in the original post. I was referring to the greater establishments invlovement locally if you recall and how we need to increase that like other States have.
If the voting folks are unaware of who is involved and running and its only the people on the committee in the know success will ever elude the movement.
So please do your part if your on the CCDC and inform the rest of the residents like myself, create a blog of your own in Chesterfield like mine and I will link your blog to mine so people can be better informed. Its all about visions and the one be communicated with a louder voice in Chesterfield is that of the Republicans my friend and if thats to change the CCDC vision/goals need to get some airtime. We, I think agree to that end. Lets make it happen. I think we both are reasonable people, but what we are fighting is a "perception" battle about the future of Chesterfield. Inform me and I will pass all of it along I assure you. People are seeking change right now, I already have forty people signed up to attend the debates in Chesterfield at Cosby High in the Fall. I will do my part my friend, only through working together will the futre be secured. Again things are not "great" but we can make it so.

Clever (libra - 6/14/2007 9:01:47 PM)

Nicely snide and snarky, given that some of those questions "answer themselves". Take, for example:

"With opinions like those, how can they possibly take the President's money without compromising their character?"

How? Easily... As Emperor Vespasian used to say: "pecunia non olet" (money doesn't stink). As for the rest of that quote...

What "character"? And since when have the Revolutionary Wing of Repubs started to care about compromising anything, much less character? All they care about is avoiding jail time.

The New Chair will, indeed have a Herculean job (of cleaning up the Augean stables)

County committees, being in the dark, and the unfortunate candidates! (soccerdem - 7/3/2007 10:17:16 AM)

JScott wrote in this diary: "If the voting folks are unaware of who is involved and running and its only the people on the committee in the know success will ever elude the movement." Unfortunately this is all too often true of other county committees.

I have been removed from my local Democratic county committee's e-mail distribution, although I worked long hours for candidates, worked very hard for the committee itself, and even won a grassroots volunteer award. But I made the "mistake" of stating to the leaders of the committee that the committee was not run in a democratic manner, by giving the members a voice in how the committee is run (e.g., a say in the bylaws and giving members a chance to run for office), and I was "iced" right out of the committee (as one of the sympathetic Regional Directors told me).

Vast resources and votes are being ignored and sacrificed while those "in the know" continue to hold onto their committee positions and power.

Good luck to the Dems in Chesterfield.