VA-06 Weekly Round Up

By: 81 Blue
Published On: 3/22/2008 7:06:23 AM

Having noticed that the Sam Rasoul / Drew Richardson primary in VA-06 wasn't getting much play in the blogosphere I started a new blog, 81 Blue over at 81blue.blogspot.com to provide an in-depth look at the daily happenings in the valley.

Here's the first of the now weekly "81 Blue round-ups" coming to you live in your tubes not only through the Democratic nomination but through November as we take on Bob Goodlatte.

1. Initial impressions on Sam Rasoul and Initial impressions on Drew Richardson. Nothing more than my ramblings

2. Sam's former campaign manager stumps for Drew.  Well actually, Rick Howell sent out a scathing email slamming Rasoul for out of district money. This was before the WaPo article on Judy.

3. I discover Sam has filed fourteen FEC Amendments for only four financial reports. He is also signing them himself making him personally liable against any FEC actions.  I then discover the reason for the amendments are the three letters from the FEC the Rasoul campaign has received.  Reasons include reporting corporate donations to not having columns add up.

4. Bob Goodlatte is a sellout. Nothing surprising but here are some fun facts.

5. Sadly the Democratic family in the 6th loses a true friend and pillar of the Party as David Layman, Chair of the Sixth District Committee passes away.

6. Virginia ACLU threatens to sue Botetourt County on behalf of Rasoul campaign.  In short, Rasoul placed 4x4 signs all over Botetourt County since last year.  Botetourt BoS sends letters to Dems, Reps and Libertarian Parties reminding them of County Ordinances banning political signs until 60 days ahead of a general election.

7. And to finish off the week, a look into the delegate allocation for the sixth district convention and rumor milling on how the caucuses will be run.

Comments



great post--long ways to go!! (Shenandoah Democrat - 3/22/2008 11:19:34 AM)
This is a badly needed idea for the far-flung 6th District. It will probably take a far stronger candidate than either of those running to knock-off Goodlatte, and we have a long ways to go in terms of party organization etc. BUT whoever the candidate is can begin to soften up Goodlatte, truly the corporate representative.
Our Congressman once bragged to me that there was now a billion dollar poultry industry in the Shenandoah Valley. I happen to believe some of the probable impacts (e.g. fishkills in the Shenandoah River from nitrogenous run-off) are not so good. But it would be interesting to research how the explosive growth in poultry factory farms has effected farm income etc., and whether it really has enhanced the rural economy, especially in Augusta, Rockingham and Shenandoah Counties, which are among the top three ag counties in the Commonwealth.


"Chairman" Goodlatte (81 Blue - 3/22/2008 12:48:43 PM)
Goodlatte is a sorry excuse for a "representative".  When he was Chair of the agriculture committee and even now as the ranking Republican member he has only represented the corporate super-farm.  Keep in mind of course, that they have donated well over $2 Million to his campaign and leadership PAC.

I think both candidates bring something unique to the race.  Sam brings a level of energy and "not yet jaded say what I feel" refreshing attitude.  Drew brings the ability for cross-over vote with his national security experience.



Let's Go After Goodlatte (Cliff Garstang - 3/23/2008 10:49:51 AM)
Whoever the nominee is (I support Sam), it will be great to have someone challenging Goodlatte. Whether it's Sam or Drew, he's got my vote!