The noon hour of the Kojo Nnamdi show on WAMU radio today features the Virginia Politics hour, with special guest Chap Petersen. In addition, SWSNBN ("she who shall not be named") will be on. If you have questions for either candidate, you can either call 1-800-433-8850 or email kojo@wamu.orgI'm sure SWSNBN will appreciate your calls about her abysmal campaign tactics, her frantic attempts to run away from the Republican Party, her possible attempts at suppressing minority vote turnout, the abusive driving fees, etc., etc. Ha.
[UPDATE: So far, it's been mostly analysis by reporters Bob Gibson (Charlottesville Daily Progress) and Amy Gardner (Washington Post). Gardner all but writes off Janet Oleszek against Ken Cuccinelli, says she's a weak opponent who's not a good public speaker. Gibson says it's unclear who will win the state senate. Gibson also says that the abusive driver fee issue has subsided while the illegal immigration issue has surged. The worst ad, according to Gibson, was by Rex Simmons against Tim Hugo (the Abu Ghraib ad).]
2. I've shown myself to be a proud Democrat but also independent, advocate for Fairfax County.
I'm a market-oriented fiscal conservative. Says "Democrat majority" is pro-union, anti-business.
GLBT: Discrimination is wrong against everybody. Discrimination should not be tolerated for any community.
I've always voted for sensible gun control. I've never changed on death penalty. I was chief sponsor of legislation that would ensure no discrimination with regard to sexual orientation. Informed consent and partial birth abortion ban. Most people disagree with partial birth abortion.
Ten years ago, in a former job, my organization sent out a mailing against Ms. Devolites when she was running for state delegate. Congressman Tom Davis exploded. He called me screaming about the mailing (which was factual, by the way.) He called my boss screaming. He demanded both of us show up at his Congressional office to yell at us in person about doing a mailing against the beloved Devolites. Yes, we had to show up at his Capitol Hill office to get blasted over a state political issue. Coincidentally, she showed up. He wanted me to see how beautiful and lovely she was. Huh??? It was a very creepy experience -- and left a very bad taste for a number of reasons.That was ten years ago. Now Davis and Devolites are married. They still run negative, ugly campaigns.
Lets embrace all of the constitution, run those who would have us give up our personal rights out of town, and move on to more serious and pressing issues.
Crossing the Line in Fairfax Dear Friends:
I'm no stranger to close elections and I believe that a campaign should be a vigorous debate about the issues and the future of our Commonwealth. But, on Friday I learned that my friend Chap Petersen's opponent crossed the line by bringing his wife and young children into the campaign.
Click Here to Join Me in Helping Chap Petersen Fight Back!
With no response to Chap's positive message for Virginia, his opponent has been sending negative attack mail throughout Fairfax's 34th Senate District. Her latest mailing crossed the line of acceptable political discourse: She circled in bright, red ink Chap's home address and phone number. Since that flyer reached voters' mailboxes, the Petersen family has received several threatening phone calls and local authorities have helped intervene.
There was no good reason for her to send Chap's home telephone number to thousands of voters, but before I would ask you to help Chap respond, I wanted to hear her explanation. You won't believe it: She says Chap's family is "Fair Game."
Let's send a message to politicians who believe that their opponent's family is "fair game."
Click Here to Join Me in Rejecting These Dirty Tricks!
Others are joining in condemning these despicable tactics by Chap's opponent. Over the weekend we learned that the Virginia Coalition of Police and Deputy Sheriffs is in the process of dropping their endorsement of her, calling her actions "horrible."
In the final days of a campaign, you learn the true character of a public servant. Can they rise above the negative attacks and continue delivering a positive message, or will they resort to dirty tricks and outright lies? Chap Petersen took the high road and responded when necessary; his opponent has shown her true character.
Please join me in supporting friends like Chap who have the character to lead!
Very Truly Yours,
Creigh Deeds
P.S. Chap is on the path to victory, but in these final days when it's been shown that his opponent will say and do anything to win reelection, he needs our support. Please click here to give Chap Petersen the last minute help he needs to win next Tuesday!
Boy, those commenters have a naive understanding of how government works. If you are working for a group, such as a trade association or a public interest group, and a powerful congressman says he wants to see you, you go. It's one thing to get into a fight with a congressman over an issue -- fences can be repaired later on. But if you personally defy a powerful congressman, you've just shot yourself (and your association) in the stomach.