A good man to defeat Goode - Tom Perriello

By: teacherken
Published On: 3/29/2008 2:27:08 PM

originally written for dailykos

Probably everyone has heard of Virgil Goode, Jr. If you don't remember the name, surely you remember the stink he raised over the swearing in of Keith Ellison, because that gentleman wanted to us a Qu'ran for his ceremonial swearing in.  For several cycles Democrats in Virginia have tried to defeat Goode in Virginia's 5th CD, but without success.

This cycle the odds look much better.  Although several Virginia CDs will have primary contests, our candidate in the 5th is clear, and his name is Tom Perriello, on whose web page one immediately reads

We need to restore the founding American ethic that we are better off when we are in this together. Since the original thirteen colonies joined together as the United States, through Civil War and the Great Depression, we have risen or fallen according to this simple rule: America thrives when we are united in a common purpose for the common good.
 If you keep reading, I hope you will learn a little bit about the 5th CD, a lot more about Tom Perriello, and perhaps decide to include him among those whom you support, especially in the final push of 1st quarter fundraising.
I first met Tom Perriello at Virginia's Jefferson-Jackson Day dinner.  After the main event, State Senator Creigh Deeds, who had narrowly lost the Attorney General's race in 2005 and is positioning himself to run, probably for Governor, in 2009, had a reception to help Tom become more widely known among Virginia Democrats.  I watched his interaction with other people, and in my one conversation - on education - found him somewhat knowledgeable and interested in learning more.  

But first the district.   The 5th stretches from Charlottesville in the North to the North Carolina border, shaped roughly in a triangle with the base at the bottom.   It is a district that voted for Bush 55.9-43.0 in 2004 (but Kerry did not contest the state), but is not out of reach.   Mark Warner carried the district in his race for Governor, 52.4-46.2, as did Tim Kaine in 2005, 49.6-48.4.  While Republicans won the other statewide races in 2005, the margins were not huge:  in the AG race the margin was 3 points, and in the Lt. Gov race 5.5   George Allen did carry the district against Jim Webb in 2006, 53.8-35.1, bu this was his home base, which he had represented in the state legislature and the US Congress:  he was a graduate of both UVa where he played football and UVa Law.  Mark Warner, who retains a sky-high approval rating in the state, will be on the ballot as the Senatorial candidate on November 4, which will help.

In his last two races Goode took 63.7% and in 2006 that margin was cut to 59.1, still substantial.  He has acknowledged that the forthcoming race is likely to be his most difficult.  In part that may be because Perriello has demonstrated a real ability to raise money, having raised $266,665 through Dec. 31, compared to $165,010 for Goode, according to a report in the Danville Bee, a newspaper in the district.

Like Tim Kaine, Tom Perriello is a Catholic who feels called to service by his faith.  Quoting from his web page

From an early age, he was taught that a strong faith is a lived faith. His parents raised him to believe that to whom much is given, much is expected, and those lessons have shaped his lifelong commitment to service.
 The website explains this further:
Since 2004, Tom has helped to launch a political and social movement in this country that is credited with shifting the national debate about America's moral priorities. He helped found FaithfulAmerica.org and Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good, which bring together faith communities to fight for children's health care, supporting a higher minimum wage, environmental stewardship, and responsible solutions in Iraq. Inspired by the prophetic vision of Dr. King, Wilberforce, and Micah, Tom believes that America must reverse the erosion of our commitment to the common good and restore our understanding that our nation rises or falls together.

I understand that there are some progressives who worry about what they see as the injection of faith into our politics.  Let me assure you that Tom in no way seeks to impose his religious views on anyone.  He is a firm believer in separation of church and state, and speaks about his religious faith only in the sense of how it personally motivates him, and has led to the kinds of experiences he brings to the campaign, which are substantial and interesting.

Tom Periello has a lot of visibility in the Virginia blogosphere.  He sat for an extended interview with Lowell at Raising Kaine in which he explained why he is running, how he thinks he can win, his strengths and passions. That story should convince you how serious a candidate he is.   Let me offer several snips from that interview.

My faith helps sustain me through difficult times, shapes my commitment to service, and defines my belief that we will ultimately have to answer for how we have treated the least among us.  

My greatest passion is working with others to show that we can make politics work for people again. My work in some pretty rough spots at home and abroad has reinforced my belief that no problem is unsolvable when we have the political will to get it done.  

As for being a "faith-based progressive," I can tell you that voters respond to authenticity. My faith is a big part of who I am and why I've dedicated my life to justice, and most voters just want to know what I am all about. It also provides a common experience and language that resonates with voters in my district, especially in areas where Democrats have struggled in the past.    

I believe we stand at a unique point in history. Our challenges are large enough that our only pragmatism is the idealism to think big and expand our sense of what's possible. I am running because I believe that politics should be seen as community service by other means. It can, and should, be a place to make people's lives better.  

Let me quote Tom's response on two issues that have concerned the Dailykos community.

On FISA and telecomm immunity

Telecoms should absolutely not be granted any kind of immunity for illegal wiretapping. They not only broke the law, they broke the trust of people, and they should not get a free pass. Our Constitutional principles should be absolute in this regard, and we should not set a precedent that corporations are let off the hook for breaking the law.  
 On this issue, perhaps this video will also help:

On waterboarding

Waterboarding is torture, and torture is an affront to human dignity. America is better than that. It is also true that torture produces bad intelligence - false leads far more likely to distract us from the ticking time bomb than to lead us there. These tactics are lazy intelligence gathering requested by lazy leaders without the courage to do what it takes for America to produce the quality intel networks we had during the Cold War. But even if it were not a strategic disaster, it is wrong and America is better than this. We should not torture or waterboard. Period.  

Tom is clearly shaped by his experiences.  Quoting again from his website,

After receiving his law degree from Yale University, Tom accepted an assignment working to end atrocities in the West African countries of Liberia and Sierra Leone, which had suffered long civil wars fueled by blood diamonds. Tom's work with child soldiers, amputees, and local pro-democracy groups in Sierra Leone played a significant role in the peace and reconciliation process that ended twelve years of violence in that country.

Tom then became Special Advisor and spokesperson for the International Prosecutor during the showdown that forced Liberian dictator Charles Taylor from power without firing a shot. After this success, Tom served as a national security analyst for the Century Foundation. He has worked inside Darfur and twice in Afghanistan.

By now you hopefully have a sense of what a unique candidate Tom Perriello is.  Over the years he has built a network that is working hard to support him, which is one reason he has been successful in his fundraising.  Although more money always helps.  The campaign has let supporters know that the DCCC has an eye on this race, and Tom is trying to reach $500,000 by the end of this quarter, something with which you can help by contributing here

My interest in Tom goes beyond his background, which I find fascinating, his obvious intelligence, his clear commitment to service.  He understands what he has to do to win.  Charlottesville and Albemarle County are areas where he can expect to do well, but he cannot hope to win without significantly increasing the Democratic turnout in Southside, which is why besides his base in Charlottesville, he opened offices in Danville and Franklin County.  Geographically the district is the size of New Jersey, and Tom has spent a lot of time on the road, listening to people across the district, getting to know the people and their concerns as well as presenting himself.  He is doing what is politically necessary to win the the district without in anyone compromising his progressive ideals.

And he has taken a leadership role as well.  He was one of the first to sign on to Darcy Burner's Responsible Plan to End the War in Iraq,  and spoke to that at the recent Take Back America conference in Washington DC.  He appears in a video about that plan:  

I hope by now  have you interested in this very good, very progressive Democratic Congressional candidate.  And I ask that you consider adding Tom Perriello to the list of those you are supporting.  I know there are many demands on our limited resources, but I ask you to join me in supporting Tom, in making a contribution through ActBlue before the end of the quarter on Monday night.

Thanks for whatever you can do.   And please help spread the word about Tom.

Peace.


Comments



there were some interesting comments (teacherken - 3/29/2008 2:29:17 PM)
on the thread at Daily Kos, which although not extensive might be worth reading.

There is a real possibility that this race can be elevated to join the three already considered competitive, in the 11th, 10th and 2nd districts.   And if you have a bit of spare cash, please consider a contribution to Tom before the end of the day on March 31, to increase his numbers for the quarter.

Peace.



Tough district, but... (VaD2 - 3/29/2008 2:51:37 PM)
If anyone can do it Tom can.

He's a fantastic candidate and the way he's going will have the resources he needs to let everyone in the 5th know who the real Virgil Goode is.  



let's not forget about what goode did a few years ago (notwaltertejada - 3/29/2008 3:01:27 PM)
remember he used to call himself a democrat until he went "independent" in 2000 and then republican in 2002. this used to be a solidly democratic seat and a very moderate democrat has a chance here.


Nice summary (vagoleft - 3/29/2008 4:45:07 PM)
article about Perriello. Best I have seen yet. Seems like a great candidate. I wonder if a progressive candidate can actually win in this district because you know Goode will come back with the "L" word? Its great to see that Perriello has a campaign offices in the lower part of the district but do you think it will hurt him because he is from C-ville? Demographics seem to work against a progressive candidate with all the rural territory. Money can only do such much when the democraphics are not good.

Has he recieved the endorsement and strong support from L.F. Payne?  



don't know about Payne (teacherken - 3/29/2008 6:59:14 PM)
but he will have strong support from both Kaine (who after all was from Richmond) and Warner (from NoVa) which will help.

It would certainly be an easier election for him with Obama on top of the ticket instead of Clinton -  there are people who would turn out just to vote against her, unfortunately, and Obama would maximize both black and young voters.

That he has money, that Virgil has been a bit of an embarrassment, that he is taking the time to get to know the district and have people get to know him will help.

I also think the race Connie Brennan ran, even though she lost, helped greatly with identifying people and building some party structure that was not previously there.



Perriello Fund Raising (aznew - 3/29/2008 8:04:01 PM)
First, as a citizen of VA-05, thank you Teacherken for using your considerable reputation both here and on DK on Perriello's behalf.

My understanding is (I do not work for the campaign, BTW) that Tom is seeking to raise $500K by the end of the quarter because if he does, there is a good shot the DCCC will put some money into this race, something that was unthinkable a year ago.

My further understanding (not from the Perriello campaign, but from a Democratic Party source) is that he is close, more than $475K, so any contribution -- even $5 or $10, can be the one that puts across the line for DCCC support. In other words, your $5 contribution could end up being worth much more.

I would also point out that in the past I did not contribute to Democratic candidates in this District. This is not a reflection of Al Weed or Meredith Richards, both fine people who would have made tremendous Congresspersons, but rather reflected my opinion that Goode could not be beat. So, the little I had to donate went to other Democratic candidates, like Joe Sestak in Pennsylvania, aimed at gaining control of the House.

This cycle is different. In addition to Tom's qualifications, the political environment is ripe for the Democrats to capture this seat. A Democratic wave in 2008, an anti-incumbency feeling in the country, a failed GOP presidency, a lousy economy, a GOP candidate without coattails -- this is the year for Democrats to make their move.

Also, while Tom's fundraising numbers are great, don't be fooled. Virgil has more money on hand than Tom does, and when push comes to shove, Virgil will not lose this election because he was not able to raise enough money.

Tom will, in the end, need $1.5 million to beat Virgil Goode.

Thanks again, Teacherken, from a grateful constituent.



The problem (vagoleft - 3/29/2008 8:43:09 PM)
with this particular Congressional district is just gerrymandered democraphics. You say

"A Democratic wave in 2008, an anti-incumbency feeling in the country, a failed GOP presidency, a lousy economy, a GOP candidate without coattails -- this is the year for Democrats to make their move."

The same could be said in 2006 as well. Virginia Congressional Democratic candidates have very scarce resources as do all challengers in general. Major financial donations are needed in both the 2nd and 11th district were there is an open seat and the 10th could even potentially come into play with the right circumstances.

No one doubts Tom's qualifications or the other candidates in years past. These are great people. I just hate to see all this money being thrown into a race the DCCC does not even have on the radar. Lets see what he can do with the $475,000 he has already raised. That's a nice chunk of change. Its also great to have Kaine and Warner on board but these are not local Democrats. How about the last truly Democratic Congressman to represent the area? If Payne is not on board thats not a good senario.

I just wonder if all the cash going to Goodlatte and Goode's challengers is taking money from races were we should (11th), could (2nd), and more of a longshot but possible (10th)  potentially win a race?



Fundraising (aznew - 3/29/2008 9:30:56 PM)
I'm not sure fundraising is necessarily a zero-sum game, but I take your point.

First, I think it is incorrect that the VA-05 is not on the DCCC's radar, however. I believe the DCCC has it as a race to watch, and it may go further.

Furthermore, this race is on the radar of the national netroots and, because of Goode, will be on the radar of the national media as well.

Finally, 2008 shows the potential as a realignment year nationally, and it is fundamentally different than 2006 because of the economy.

2006 was about the War, and dissatisfaction with Bush, and that is a part of 2008 as  well, but there is so much more happening this year. A potential Obama run, Warner, a great gubernatorial candidate from rural Virginia.

Finally, this area of Virginia is a Democratic distirct. In fact, Virgil Goode has been a Democrat most of his life (about 20 years in the State Senate and in his first runs for Congress), switching first to being an independent in the 90s and a Republican quite recently. Virgil's dad was a Democrat.

Yes, it is a district gerrymandered for Virgil, but there is nothing "Republican" about it.

And, finally, sure, the 11th is a great opportunity. The 10th is intriguing. I don't know anything about the 2nd, so I can't comment.

But there is a real opportunity in Central Virginia this year, certainly here in the 5th. It looks like our candidate in the 7th is excellent as well.

A year like this might not come around for a while. We should not let this chance pass us by because of the misperception that these Districts are inherently not winnable by Democrats.

That all said, we obviously have the same overall goals in mind, which is all to the good.



Agree (Ron1 - 3/29/2008 10:22:36 PM)
Moreover, number of volunteers and the number of hours they put in, efficiency of organization, content of messaging and voter contact -- these are the variables that control upsets of incumbents much moreso than $$. No one's saying money is unimportant, and it speaks to Tom's obviously impressive biography that he's been able to raise so much money so quickly.

It's looking like we actually may not have a candidate in the 1st district (although I hope to be wrong about this). However, Democrats in 10 of the 11 CDs have good/great candidates to work for and with to start changing the course of our national politics, not to mention Mark Warner for Senate and an historic candidate for the Presidency whichever person finally secures the nomination.

This is what we need in Virginia to continue forward, and then to build off the relationships and organizations created in 2008 to make an effort to re-take the House and hold the Governorship and take back LG and AG.

At the end of the day, people give their hard earned cash to political candidates because these people inspire them and make them hope for better policies and government. I absolutely agree with aznew that I don't think this is a zero sum game -- when that inspiration hits, and the tide is building, people will find ways to give to the impressive candidates that step up.