Endorsements I did not expect to make

But as of today I am making decisions in those two NoVa contested primaries.  Perhaps no one cares what I think, but I thought I would offer my reasoning, for those who might.  I am endorsing Judy Feder in the 10th and Leslie Byrne in the 11th.

I will try to explain below the fold.
In he 10th, I have met Mike Turner, and he seems like a nice enough man.  What appeals to me about Judy is the knowledge she brings about public policy, health care in particular, given her experience at places like Brookings, being staff director for the Pepper Commission, and serving as Dean at Georgetown.   She has developed the fundraising mechanism that will be necessary to defeat a longterm incumbent like Frank Wolf.  And given how important healthcare is as an issue, having someone as knowledgeable as is Judy will be important for not only her constituents, but to all Virginians, for whom a better national policy on health care is critical.  

I know that Judy is willing to listen to people with expertise and insights on issues about which she knows less.  She actively sought me out for input on education, for example, and I know she has done similar things with people in other fiels.   Given the wealth of expertise among her constituents and other Northern Virginians, this is a very positive approach to take.  

The 11th was in some ways harder.  I know, and like, Doug Denneny, having worked with him and others in the Veterans for Webb effort in 2006.  But there are several reasons that bring me to Leslie's side.  Leslie has a track record of standing up at critical times. Her willingness to support Jim Webb when he got into the race late,not deciding to run until late February of 2006, gave Jim critical support and credibility.  Leslie has a strong track record of supporting progressive issues.  She has consistently stood for labor rights, this in a state with a Right to Work provision - perhaps this is why so many in labor have rallied to her side.   And when elected she would be able to hit the ground running, having served in the House previously.  

There is for me another reason, and I feel I must state it.  I do not want to see Gerry Connolly in that seat.  I look at his track record and I do not see someone I view as progressive, at least not as I understand that term.  There are occasions where I have supported Dems who are less than progressive, when they are running in districts where only a more moderate Democrat can win.   Thus I consider myself a good friend of Nick Lampson, TX-22, who is very much the Blue Dog. But he is as progressive as we can hope to elect in that district.

The 11th is now  Democratic leaning district.  Tom Davis would have trouble holding on to the seat had he run for reelection:  since he would no longer be in the majority, his ability to deliver on behalf of the district was gone, and thus so was some of the rationale for his election.  I expect whoever wins the Democratic nomination will be elected.  And of course I would prefer Connolly over any possible Republican.  

But Leslie is a better choice, by far.  I am aware that some have issues with Leslie.  I had some of my own back in the 90s.  But any concerns I might have had in the past are more than outweighed by the good she has done both in her own role as public official and candidate, and on behalf of others running for office.  It is noteworthy that despite her heated contest with Chap Petersen for the nomination for Lt. Governor in 2005, each has strongly supported the other in their latest races, Leslie supporting Chap's successful run for State Senate, and now Chap supporting Leslie's Congressional run.

So there you have it.  One slightly bonkers high school teacher and blogger who does not even live in either district.  But I am concerned about contests all over Virginia, I have some visibility, I am allowed to post on the front page here, so I thought for all those reasons I should offer this statement.

Peace.

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