When Eric and I started a little blog called "Raising Kaine" (actually, we initially toyed with other names such as "Citizen Kaine") on January 1, 2005, neither one of us saw it as something that would become an ongoing thing beyond a year or two, max. Heck, we didn't even know if anyone would ever read it. Certainly, we never intended to go beyond four years, when - in our wildest dreams in those dark days of December 2004, following John Kerry's loss to George W. Bush and the prospect of four more years of disaster - we hoped that Democrats would take back the White House and that Virginia would turn "blue."
Well, four years later, Democrats HAVE taken back the White House and Virginia HAS turned "blue," giving its electoral votes to a Democratic presidential candidate for the first time since 1964. Democrats also have taken back the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. Oh, and let's not forget the Virginia House of Representatives delegation or the Virginia State Senate or major gains in the Virginia House of Delegates (we're so close; let's finish the job in 2009 and also elect Democrats as governor, Lieutenant Governor - go Jon Bowerbank, and Attorney General).
We are under no illusions that RK played any more than a very, VERY small role in all of this. Personally, I'm too influenced by Hegel not to give broader, "historical" (economic, political, sociological) forces 99% of the "credit" for the changes we've seen. These broader forces include Virginia's changing demographics, the unpopularity of the Bush/Cheney/DeLay right-wing (corrupt, etc.) Republican Party, the desire of Americans for a change, the sorry state of the economy, the war in Iraq, and the development of technologies (the internet, YouTube, social networking, etc.) that increasingly enabled progressives to work together both online and offline (the "netroots" and "grassroots") in more effective ways at achieving their goals. All of these have helped discredit conservatism and have boosted the movement for a better, more prosperous, more equitable, more just, more fair, more PROGRESSIVE America.
Our decision to wrap up RK after four years was not a precipitous one at all. In fact, since Jim Webb's victory over George Allen, we have seriously considered shutting down this blog on several occasions. For whatever reason, maybe masochism (more charitably, we could say "dedication" and "commitment" - ha), we decided to continue through the 2007 General Assembly cycle and also the 2008 federal year. Overall, it was a lot of fun, although extremely time consuming (I haven't taken a real vacation in several years now...) and certainly not financially lucrative (so much for there being a "business model" for state-level bloggers - at least not for many years to come, I think). Also, as in any line of work, there are good people (lots of them) in blogging and politics, and there are...well, other people. :) But for myself, I'd rather focus on all the positive experiences and great people I've met the past 4 years.
At some level, it would be nice if this could continue forever, but I've got other things I want to accomplish and, frankly, this is making that more, not less, difficult to accomplish. The bottom line is this: today, Eric and I believe we are at the most natural of "natural breaking points" and - in keeping with the theme of the past year - that it's time for a change.
Personally, my #1 goal is to get back to what i was doing prior to March 2006; working on international energy, energy-related environmental, and energy security issues for the federal government. Currently, I'm in the middle of a job hunt, and we'll see how that works out, but I definitely want to devote all my attention to that and stop being distracted by the daily demands of blogging. I also, frankly, don't want to get sucked into the 2009 Virginia election season, because if I do get sucked in, something tells me I'll never get sucked back out again. :) And, also frankly, I simply don't want to start another 4-year political cycle (the expression, "been there, done that" springs to mind), especially now that I am eager to get back in the federal government, soon to be under new - and infinitely better - management!
In short, Eric and I - along with the RK "executive board" - have decided to call it a day, close up shop, or whatever cliche you prefer. :) As I mentioned earlier, we have talked about this off and on for a while, finally making a definite decision this past week, after the extent of Democratic and progressive victories on November 4 had a chance to sink in. Therefore, as of December 31, 2008, we will shut down RK, drink a few celebratory beers, and move on with our careers, lives, forms of political involvement, etc. With fond memories, for the most part.
Of course, we all realize that RK has built a strong following over the past 4 years (I just checked the Sitemeter statistics, and we're within 11,000 visits of 3 million visits - wow!). For that reason, it doesn't feel quite right to allow all things to simply slip into the proverbial good night (although that is ultimately the way with life, isn't it?). Fortunately, given the talent of many within this group, it is a near certainty that at least some of the "front pagers" - and possibly some non-"front-pagers" as well - will start up their own Democratic and/or Progressive community blogs here in Virginia. Already, I hear strong rumors that Josh Chernila is going to do just that (I'll let him address that if and when he'd like to do so...).
Since there seems to be some curiosity on this score, let me just clarify that I left the federal government (a GS-15 job as team leader on international energy issues for the US Energy Information Administration) in March 2006 to devote myself 100% to helping elect Jim Webb and other Democrats on a volunteer basis. Essentially, I took the proverbial leap and hoped that a "net" would appear. Fortunately, my wife and I were in the financial position for me to do that, and she was extremely supportive (as she's always been). Without my wife, there's no way that any of this would have happened. But no, I never had any particular desire to become a political consultant (the only ones I've ever consulted for are people I believed in - Jim Webb, Judy Feder, Jon Bowerbank, Tim Johnson), I just was a citizen who wanted to make a difference, who was extremely concerned about the future of my country and my planet, and who decided to "think globally, act locally" by starting this Virginia politics blog and getting involved more broadly in the state I've called home for over 20 years.
Also, just to clarify (as I've done previously, including in my book Netroots Rising), after I left my federal job in March 2006, I did not have a job lined up (or any particular expectation of one). In fact, my first paid political job - with the Webb for Senate campaign - did not start until July 2006, and I didn't know that would happen when I left EIA in March 2006. The reason I joined the Webb campaign (as netroots coordinator) - as did Josh at the same time as volunteer coordinator - was because I believed (and I think I speak for Josh as well) that we could accomplish more from inside the campaign then from outside. In the end, Josh coordinated Webb's 10,000-strong "ragtag army" of volunteers, and I worked on the netroots front with messaging, fundraising, and keeping that "ragtag army" informed and engaged. It was a great experience, and definitely the sweetest moment of my involvement in politics, when the networks declared around midnight that Jim Webb had taken a slim lead over George Allen and would likely be Virginia's next U.S. Senator (to watch that moment, click here and watch my good friend Eric Byler's video).
Needless to say, I never did any of this for the money. To the contrary, not that it really matters (one of my favorite sayings regarding money is that "you can't take it with you") I've made a lot (70% or so?) less money by going this route than by taking the "safe" route and simply staying in the federal government. But that financial "hit" has been more than compensated by the fun I've had, by the fascinating work I've had the opportunity to do, by the people I've met, and by the friends I've made the past few years. Also, at the time I left EIA, I felt like I needed a change after 17 years there (with one 8-month break in 1997 to backpack around the world with my wife). A significant factor in my thinking at the time was my frustration at working under the Bush Administration and Republican Congress, which I felt was interfering with my ability to do the kind of work I had been hired to do, at least at the level I wanted.
Now, with the government about to be taken over by new and FAR better management (yes!!!), my #1 objective is to get back there to work on international energy, energy-related environmental, and energy security issues. I'm even more motivated by the fact that my areas of expertise - energy, environment, Middle East, international economics - now happen to be at the top of the agenda for our nation to deal with.
In the end, despite some negative aspects (let's just say, "losing sucks"), getting involved with blogging and politics has been a great experience. I feel like we - the citizen activists also know as the "grassroots" or the "netroots" - have accomplished a lot together the past few years. Thanks to everyone - particularly my fellow "front pagers" and RK "executive board" members - for all their amazing efforts, particularly on the Webb for Senate campaign but of course this year as well (not just Obama either, but also people like Tom Perriello, a class act if I've ever met one). In particular, I want to recognize two amazing people.
First, Josh Chernila did incredible work in 2005 to help elect Tim Kaine, then followed that up by co-founding (with Lee Diamond and myself) the Draft James Webb movement. Josh also served as Jim Webb's volunteer coordinator, doing an amazing job there as well. Without Josh's efforts, it's quite possible that George Allen would have been re-elected, run for President, and...well, let's not think about that! :)
Second, my good friend and RK co-founder Eric Grim (definitely an unsung hero in all of this) has created and maintained an attractive, functional, and admired site from a technical point of view. Eric has also written excellent diaries on the RK "front page," taken many wonderful photographs and videos, and been a full partner in pretty much everything we've done here since 2005. Thanks to Eric for everything!
I could go on and on, but you get the idea... :)
With that, I wish everyone the best of luck in 2009 and beyond in building a better, more inclusive, more prosperous. more progressive Virginia. I will certainly continue to follow the politics of this great Commonwealth after December 31, 2008. I may even write about Virginia occasionally if the spirit moves me (and if appropriate given whatever my employment situation turns out to be). Speaking of which, if anyone has any job leads, please contact me at lowell@raisingkaine.com. Thanks again, best wishes to all, "with malice towards none."
While everyone in the Party does not always agree on issues, candidates, or strategy, this blog has always been a place for Virginia Democrats to exchange ideas and discuss the future direction of the Democratic Party and also to help organize the grassroots in a new, growing, and critical medium.
You guys have done great work and I am sorry to hear of your decision. We will all greatly miss your voice and presence.
So mostly I thank you for bringing home the importance of local elections to the local populace. Educating voters is, away and by far, THE most important function a blog can ever have. And voter education starts in our own back yard!
Bravo! Job well done -- VERY well done!
I'll miss RaisingKaine, though -- this site got me interested in participating in VA Dem politics. Thank you and good luck in the future!
Discussions underway for a replacement site organized by several of the editors (not me) which would also link back to this as the blogfather.
Stay tuned.
Anyways, great job guys. I appreciate the need for employment, and hopefully there will be good opportunities now that the country seems to be headed in a better direction.
I am really upset. This site has been such a home for a lot of insightful and collaborative Democratic politics....unlike some other VA blogs, has maintained a shred of credibility and professionalism to the blogging paradigm in VA Democratic politics.
This is a loss for VA Democrats...
As for the question at hand, why we're shutting down RK rather than handing it over to new management, the answer is fairly simple. While I'm sure not all will agree with this line of thought, it is the decision we've come to feel is best way to close out this effort.
RK, like every other blog, has a unique persona that has evolved around the people, personalities, events, and circumstances in which the blog developed. Under new management facing new challenges in a different political landscape, that persona would change. Not to say it would be better or worse - it will simply be different. And we would like RK remembered solely for what it has been and what it has accomplished, not for the first version of many. We'd like to leave RK as RK.
This is not to say that the efforts and passion of everyone involved with RK will be lost. As many of the comments suggest here, there is a strong interest to build a new online progressive community for Virginia (in addition to all the great existing blogs we already have) and some of the other RK frontpagers are already planning such an effort. Or perhaps the interest we see in these comments will lead to a new community being led by RK readers.
While it is not clear exactly what will happen, I feel confident that as we move forward the focus will not be on the "loss of RK" as much the change that the shutdown will invariably bring. And as we all know, change is a good thing. Just ask the President-Elect. :-)
Is there a value to maintaining a political blog as an institution? The answer might be yes if it had become a storehouse of valuable information that isn't easily available anywhere else. Or, the answer might be yes if the blog is generating enough ad revenue. I doubt that Markos Moulitsas Zúniga is thinking about shutting down the Daily Kos.
So, if there is a totally new thing coming from some of the editors of RK, I'm eager to see it!
There is no shame in wrapping up and calling it a day. You guys did a great job not only for Virginia (helping to elect Kaine and Webb) but also for the country. I hope you guys get into positions in our government where you can make a difference and that you are wildly successful. We are in an energy crises and I think someone with your tenacity would contribute alot to solving it.
As far as the blog I don't think you had a sustainable model. You had a great theme, great content, and great contributers. But the pay was too low and the demands on your time too high.
I personally believe you could let this puppy run on autopilot and contribute as you see fit - or maybe not at all. Find some volunteer to police things and carry on. Get yourself a job, if it isn't too high up there post occasionally...like most of us do. But it sounds like you made your decision. If you stop doing it for other people and start doing it for yourself, you may have more fun with it. In other words, no artificial demands to write 5 articles a day.
I wish you would at least carry on until February so we can share one last historic day together. All the work you put into championing Obama, it seems like a shame to close shop before the big day.
If any of you are on LinkedIn I hope we can stay in touch, send me an invite: http://www.linkedin.com/profil...
Good luck. No matter what happens I really enjoyed it!
For the record though, I would disagree slightly with one point you made above, namely that RK played 'a very, VERY small role..." in recent elections. For me, finding this blog was what pushed me to volunteer for Webb; pushed me more to work on last year's state elections; and then, well, pretty much pushed me over the edge for 2008. I seriously doubt I am the only one. So do take credit where credit's due. I must admit though, that it is nice to have my weekends back, so I can only imagine how you must feel to get your life back.
Thanks for the great work and here's to the future.
While an end-of-year termination makes a neat door closing, others have suggested, and I concur: please, please run RaisingKaine through inauguration so we can enjoy here on RK where it's so appropriate all the aatendant video clips and comments. It would be RK going out in the classy style to which we've become accustomed. Your fans and participants would appreciate this consideration.
I second this emotion AND also want to thank you for edumacating this 50 plus woman about the blogosphere and all its potential.
I'm going to miss this site and this community so much. But I completely support your decision, both Lowell and Eric. I know how time consuming it is to run a blog, even a tiny one like mine. It's a struggle to get posts up in a timely fashion and to stay relevant in a 24/7 news cycle. Sometimes I wondered if Lowell ever slept. I've long secretly suspected his Blackberry was implanted in his brain and went off every time something happened any where. His response time even to emails and comments was so fast.
I'm also very glad he clarified what a financial strain this site has been for him. I've known for a long time that he gave up a secure, lucrative, federal job to do this labor of love. To some of those on the rightwing side of the blogosphere who dubbed this site "Raising Dough," I have long wanted to excoriate you for your stupidity. None of Lowell's political activities have been as profitable as the job he gave up in order to do this. And his ethics were always impeccable. He was scrupulous in mentioning who he was working for.
Anyway, lest I ramble on too long, let me just say that the RK community will be missed. I suspect this vacuum will be filled. But nobody will ever replace the good work that was done here or the community that Lowell, Eric, Teacherken, Josh, and all the others built. You all were pioneers. And in no small measure, Virginia turned blue because of your efforts.
Now, go and live the rest of your lives. I wish you all the very best of luck and all success. And I still hope to see you on the campaign trail sometime.
Good luck in your next endeavors.
I am hoping something like RK can fill the pending void... Virginia is not solidly progressive yet; more work needs to be done and I am hoping a sustainable community site can stand up to continue the good work started with RK.
Regarding the filter issue, we'll have to devise other ways to generate coverage of the events, issues and (yes)"macaca" moments yet to come.
Perhaps a soon-to-be-former RK bloggers summit?
Thanks for the Blogs organizers.
Let the work go on.
Can they keep it going till the Inauguration?
As for our fellow RK bloggers, I hope our paths continue to cross. I hope that at least the listserve is protected and set aside for whenever needed. And I second the idea of at minimum a permanent static archive.
Perhaps as all of this sinks in, some brainstorming might occur, appropriately, here. And we'll all figure out the answer to that continual question: What's next?
PS Despite our all talking about RK now in the past tense, let's not abandon ship before Dec 31!!!!!
Good night and good luck.
Thanks for being there for all of us. Good luck in your future work.
The decision to move on is the CORRECT ONE. I wish all the very best in their endeavors. Should something come up on the employment scene I'll make sure to pass it along.
Cheers,
TMski
Thanks also for your unbelievable efforts over the years in posting diaries and managing the site. Unless you've tried to do it, people may not appreciate how time consuming that can be. As for managing the site, all to often that is a critical, if thankless and mostly invisible task, that I want to recognize.
While I appreciate the news, good work, connections and insight that RK has always provided, the tone is the most unique thing about RK. Well done.
Now I'm sure having such a progressive, level-headed and reasonable voice in the federal bureaucracy will be a great asset. Cheers and best of luck pushing for the change we voted for from the inside.
"Meet me in the Land of Hope and Dreams"
--Bruce Springsteen
Still, shutting it down won't leave a hole any more than taking your hand out of a bucket of water leaves a hole. The level might not be as high for awhile, but there won't be a hole.
One thing I ask: Burn a complete archive to DVD or something, and donate a set of the disks to the Smithsonian. Some historian a 100 years from now will find it very interesting reading.
Thanks for the blogging.
Good luck in the future. It has been a good run.
You all are not the only ones giving up something. I, myself am giving up a 16 year career in tv. I am going to semi-retire from it. I will only do it in the fall of the year during the political seasons. Or when a candidate comes to town , I will go ahead and tape a segment. Time to move on to better things, and spend more time doing what I want to do. I am not getting any younger.
It has been fun.
Tv Host.
Hopefully you find someone to inherit, or buy out your stake in RaisingKaine.
RK may not be worth millions, but I would be surprised if you couldn't sell your stake in it for a few hundred, or a few thousand, depending on the traffic from the blogads. You've built a brand, you have traffic, you have links to other blogs -- including what I'd imagine is a fairly valuable one at DailyKos. If someone like Josh Chernilla starts from scratch, it'll probably take him a year or two to establish the same level of visibility.
On the other hand, if the site does go dark, that means that the comments and diaries might disappear into the ether (aside from whatever is cached around the net), which could be a net plus, or a net negative in the job hunt.
------------
Lowell, Eric, etc-
I got to know you all in the 2005 and 2006 campaigns, saw your power in the 2007 races and watched as we all turned Virginia blue in 2008.
You have continued to push for progressive results here in Virginia and I thank you for it. From pushing for stem cell research and Alicia's law to fighting against abusive driver fees and offshore drilling, your voices have been valuable assets in the progressive cause.
I hope Josh and others are successful continuing your work because this voice is too vital to our efforts in 2009, 2010 and beyond.
In 2005 you did the most American of things and became pamphleteers - citizen journalists. You entered the Democratic process to carry the banner of your cause. The work will continue and we'll need more people like you if we are to continue our success.
The department of energy will be fortunate to have you back. Thank you for your service and friendship.
Keep in touch!
- Brian Moran
Good luck to you, Lowell. You've been an essential and influential advocate for progressive politics.
When I make my next estimated federal tax payment, I look forward to writing "for Lowell's salary" on the memo line.
You took our campaign seriously before most in the Democratic circles of Virginia, and definitely before the rest of the media. I so appreciate all the support you gave us, and I believe it did play a role in our victory.
I will miss RK lots but wish you much continued success in your future endeavors. Thank you for helping build the movement...
It is a part of web history. Site or no site, it will be archived at least in part. Check out some of those points in time. Just may bring back some memories.
Here are some cool points in time:
November 10th 2005 (Tim Kaine wins): http://web.archive.org/web/200...
June 15th 2006 - (Shortly after Webb defeats Miller )
http://web.archive.org/web/200...
The full archive: http://web.archive.org/web/*/h...
What's your favorite date archived so far?
If I remain in Virginia (hopefully, but not clear at this point), I would be honored to help keep this tradition going with whomever decides to carry the torch under a new name/banner (the Blue Dominion?).
It's been a pleasure interacting with and learning from all the great, informed commenters and writers on RK. Hopefully, we can all migrate somewhere else, even though our new grassroots/netroots home will be less vital without the guiding hands of Lowell and Eric.
RK was the initial infrastructure for the Webb for Senate campaign. Lowell and Josh drew on RK and its associated network to build the Draft James Webb presence online. I helped by spreading the links to all of my friends and contacts while also doing extensive organizing offline.
The significance of this effort cannot be overstated.
I mostly know about Lowell and Josh's role in RK. I offer congratulations and thanks to everyone who played a role in making RK so successful. We do have some mop up work to finish up in 2009 and get ready for reapportionment. Still, we can all proudly say, Mission Accomplished.
I don't want to be over-confident, but I think we have the tools to elect the next Governor. If we don't win the House of Delegates back beforehand, we will obtain a fair reapportionment and get it back in a subsequent cycle.
I have had by disagreements with Lowell, but he is an enormously talented person. Lowell, Eric, Josh et al deserve our deepest thanks for creating a strong base for Virginia progressives as we fought the good fight. We came right back after '04 and we successfully nationalized the '05 Virginia elections. What we did over the last four years certainly went a long way to positioning VA as ripe pickin' for the Obama campaign. I am proud of the enthusiasm here in Virginia for Barack Obama in the primary and the general election.
Note to Mark Warner: Our next challenge is to work for an immediate and ongoing steady reduction in society's use of fossil fuels.
While I appreciate Lowell's modesty, the reality is that RK has been at the absolute epicenter of the political earthquake in Virginia. Don't forget what a few "pamphleteers" (Brian's term is right on) like Thomas Paine and Ben Franklin accomplished 200 years ago just by spreading the word and getting people excited.
We've had monumental results throughout history, for good and bad, when someone picked up a pen or typewriter or mouse, and recorded his or her thoughts and spread them and encouraged others to join in the chorus. Such was the case with Raising Kaine, and it raised hell, it raised money, it raised candidates from obscurity to the halls of Congress.
The immense improbability of Jim Webb's success remains unappreciated and perhaps always will be. But out of a humble web petition was born a great movement that ultimately helped turn the Senate over to Democratic control -- and helped lay the groundwork for Obama's equally improbable victory.
Of course RK did none of this by itself. But inspiration is that intangible, unmeasurable quality that makes everything else possible.
Thanks, Lowell, Eric, and everyone else here for the inspiration. Our Commonwealth and our democracy are more vital today because of the time and passion you have given back to them.
You my friend were just a racist. What in the Obama campaign was not civil, what was not accepting? This crap I have heard from other sore loser / racist.
The Obama supporters bent over backwards to make sure the losers and loser supporters were taken into account and kissed your ass.
Get over yourself and admit it - you could not vote for Barack because he was bi-racial - end of discussion.
This is reason enough alone why RK should live on. This isn't a battle that is fought and a war that is won. It is a battle to goes on forever. A battle of ideas.
Obama didn't win this election as much as the ideas of Bush and the radical right lost. There is still much work to do when it comes to spreading a more progressive agenda.
In fact, most elected Democrats are not so progressive. You will see evidence of this soon enough. There is alot of work to do - to get more people like Senator Webb elected.
Many of the "progressive" whiners on here have brought me from a democrat who supported Kaine, Webb, and Clinton to an independent who supported McCain.
Doesn't really matter how you spin it, the meaning is clear enough.
You we're attracted to McCain's candidacy not because of McCain, but because of "'progressive' whiners" who drove you too it -- purely reactive thinking.
Most true "independents" leaned towards Obama, Webb, and Kaine -- that's why they all won Virginia.
As far as the self-described ones go . . .
You were "not so much attracted" to McCain, but the force in the other direction was apparently SO strong that you just had to vote for McCain.
i.e. "Many of the "progressive" whiners on here have brought me from a democrat who supported Kaine, Webb, and Clinton to an independent who supported McCain."
i.e. You voted for McCain because people "forced you to do it".
There it is, again.
Fortunately, most independents are socially moderate -- they balance other considerations -- like the VP selection, foreign policy, and economic policy in the voting decision.
let's keep focus here...
Leave Raising Kaine - dude to much history - and bring in the next generatons (kenon)? of front pagers and owners to keep it going.
You have been on Dailykos recommended blog roll for 3 years - you cannot throught that away - build on it and find a sucession team.
Best wishes for you in all your future endeavors.
Peace!
Jim
Not only has RK been instrumental for Democratic successes in VA, it has served as a spot to laugh, cry, and present some amazing (and sometimes different) positions and perspectives on issues, places and candidates. My first comment was made in August 2006 for a contest to re-name the "Marriage Protection Amendment"..memories....
I have read Lowell's pieces on energy and have always appreciated his depth of knowledge and information he has shared. Wish him the best in his future endeavors.
My only hope is that the spirit of RK will continue in a future blog.
I moved away from Virginia about 5 years ago, but became increasingly engaged with Virginia politics thanks to your blog and your hard work. I've never been more homesick, and more proud of my home state and district, than during the victories of Jim Webb, Tom Perriello, and Barack Obama. Thank you for giving me an outlet and community with whom to share those victories. The fact that I've been away from home, and haven't met many of you in person, makes it a much bigger void to fill...
I love to tell people that in the days before the "macaca" video broke, someone from here (I honestly don't remember who), sent me a message asking if I knew how to post a video on youtube. I'm a little embarrassed to say, I didn't. But it felt special to be asked, and in the following days, to be a small part of the "underground" community that made Allen's despicable comment the game-changing moment of the 2006 election, and a pivotal moment in proving to the world the democratic power of grassroots internet organizing. It was also the first of many moments when I realized that blogging was like getting the news early. Raising Kaine is simply the best state blog of which I'm aware. I've tried to get involved in similar blogs for Vermont and Florida, where I've lived, and nothing even comes close. Plus, now that every two-bit newspaper and media outlet has a blog, I will probably never again get the same feeling of being a part of something so special and powerful.
And by the way Lowell, I would say you underestmate the role that this blog has played in bringing about change. Perhaps you were in the right place at the right time, but its not as if you didn't bust your butt to make things happen. Without you, the Democrats may have once again "snatched defeat from the jaws of victory." Lowell, you're one of the handful of people, along with Mark Warner and Jim Webb, that has made the Virginia Democratic Party a blueprint for the re-branding and reinvigoration of the national Democratic Party. Frankly, you folks were visionaries. And you've certainly played more than a small role in making the impossible possible.
As someone who came of age only to see the American, democratic and Democratic ideals I'd been raised to believe in crumble around me, this site has helped restore my faith in my fellow citizens, and ultimately in my country and in Virginia, culminating of course in this past election, which we can all agree was the ultimate affirmation of practically everything America stands for.
Obviously, I'm gushing and emotional and could go on and on and on. Although I'm hoping to one day make it back home, I'll probably never meet most of you and you'll have no idea how much this has meant to me. So let me just say to Lowell, and to everyone who made this blog what it was, thank you.
- Jon
jon.dodson81@gmail.com
That race was too close for RK to not claim some credit. In the primary Webb was outspent like 5 to 1 and had had there not been RK and other blogs it would be much more difficult for people who know about Miller's past to communicate that with voters.
Even if you made a 1% difference in the final outcome (and I think RK did much more than that in the primary), that is a huge difference in elections that are decided by not much more than that.
Webb's very entrance into the Senate race speaks to the power of individuals to make a difference. Admittedly, we could not have done it without the internet and its latest innovation, the blog.
Individuals stood up against the conventional wisdom. The activist base in NOVA and around the state immediately recognized the promise of our proposed candidate. We did it. We made winning back the Senate in 2006 a reality.
In any case I agree.
Lowell and Eric et. all, I would love to do a "Live" good-bye TV show with you and the whole RK team really soon. That way we can also have your smiling faces on DVDs to extort participation from youse guys in the future. Let's see if I can get a date and we could try to do one more "going away" Bloggers party in the next few weeks before the holidays and the inauguration start to dominate all our lives. We can do it as a live TV webcast so the whole crew from across the state can attend at least on a virtual basis.....
RK will be sorely missed this coming year !!! best of luck to you all........ :)
Best wishes in whatever you do. Just saying thanks is not enough to express appreciation for the incredible, fantastic, unbelievable work you have done.
solon
Lowell (and others who I'm too much of a newbie to know to list), what you have done with RK is way more significant than you take credit for, as so many commenters here have pointed out. Netroots efforts like RK allow bottom-up movements to have a voice. This voice allows for educating, common understanding, inspiration, mobilization, and ultimately action. This is powerful stuff. What a void in Virginia.
Having said all that, I totally understand your decision, Lowell. You deserve work that channels all the considerable talents you have to offer where you want to have it channeled.
I can only hope that someone steps up to fill the void.
Thanks to all of you for your hard work on the ground and on this page.
RK was always amazing for 2 reasons:
1. Such an open community
2. Such a terrific source of news for Virginia politics and goings-on.
The void must indeed be filled. I'm nothing great with computers so I can't say I'd help but I need somewhere to visit and post the occasional diary on!
Lowell & compatriots - well done, thank you, and good luck!
You're like an ex-boyfriend/girlfriend stalker who can't get over the fact that it was your attitude that led to people disliking you on this site. Now you come back for what? A last shot at making some vapid point about being rejected in the primaries. Boy, you must lead an interesting life.
So the joke is really you and the fact that you can't move on. Enjoy these last two months because you won't have this blog to kick around anymore. I'm honestly worried about what you will do after RK shuts down. Seek help if necessary.
What I meant by "open community" is that anyone can post a diary or comment - just like you! We tell you that we disagree with you, but others can come to back you up if so necessary. I like the system of replies and diaries, etc. on this blog.
I haven't seen anyone troll-rated simply because the person expressed a contrarian viewpoint. Even those who are troll-rated, still have the ability to comment on the site -- it's very unusual for anyone to actually be banned.
So in that sense this is a very open political blog.
When a successor site comes online, maybe he won't get the message it's there. Poor dear.
Anyway, thanks for all of your hard work. I've been following this website since the Webb campaign I guess and have always enjoyed it.
I hope that you end up working for the Obama Administration in this area. Your knowledge would be invaluable to the nation.
Thank you both for the sacrifices and the insights.
Dale
An online community and brand is a terrible thing to waste. Although I fully understand that you, Lowell and Eric, cannot keep running this site, I would encourage for you guys to hand over the site to whoever is planning on building the new Virginia blog rather than having to re-invent the whole thing from scratch.
I have lived through two online community transitions so far; one ended up with the community disappearing; the other one has thrived under new management. If all possible, this could happen here too, hint, hint :)
In any case, thanks so much, Lowell and Eric, and running this great site. This has been my political blog home since 2006, and I will sorely miss it.
I look forward to seeing what comes next.
You guys were absolutely remarkable in so many ways, but I just have to say that I think your complete class and positive focus has shone through brilliantly in case after case.
Whether you may admit or want to admit it or not, what you all have done with Raising Kaine is to help reinvigorate democracy in Virginia.
Think about that for a moment, too. Virginia. The home of some of our nation's greatest minds and men in our history. Like James Madison, George Mason, Thomas Jefferson, and of course, General Washington. And they are just the vaunted ones....you guys have continued Virginia political discourse consistent with some of Her finest traditions, and have made real believers out of thousands of political activists. We have become believers in that together, when we put our minds together and our feet on the pavement and our dollars for the cause, that we can change America.
I can't think of any better testament to you all other than that you've made believers out of so many people, that the people are still the most powerful force in our still young democracy.
And it has been beautiful to behold.
Although I was born in California and raised mostly in Pennsylvania, I can trace my family lineage back to Bedford, Virginia in the early days of this nation. I am proud to call Virginia home, and very proud of what you have helped this great Commonwealth accomplish in the last four years.
One other point I want to make that I hope people will appreciate. I think Raising Kaine has been a solid example of civil and respectful political discourse. Our Republican friends are a part of this great journey as well---and although we may not always agree with them, we need to remember that they are our friends, neighbors, brothers and sisters, parents or grandparents, as well, and that out of many, we are one. They have been part of this journey and we need to reach out to them in order to perfect our union. Reach out as Americans who deeply care about the plight of all of our people. We must respect and treasure them as Americans even when we disagree on how to improve.
From the bottom of my heart. THANK YOU!
I hope possibly you and Josh can put togather a goodbye bash somewhere, and if you are not already here, should you come to Northern Va., I surely will buy you a drink or two :) Somehow I have a feeling with your background and education should you slip an application to the Obama Change web site, his new Administration will have a spot just for you. Good luck and Best Wishes.
Richard R. Mayfield, RNC, MS
aka utopia and idealthoughts
Good luck!
That said, this blog is 1,000,000 better than NLS, so please, everyone, don't flood over there. We need a reasonable group of adults to lead a community, not NLS.
Lowell, I wish you the best. Hopefully, continuing budgetary resolutions are not a barrier to hiring at the agencies!
Time to find another place to discuss energy related issues. =(