It's time to retire Morgan Griffith
By: Publius
Published On: 11/30/2008 6:02:43 PM
Morgan Griffith is a no-talent blow-hard, who manages to upset even some of his ardent supporters on the right. The left abhors him. It would not be hard to raise money to beat him. Morgan has successfully blocked every effort at real transportation reform, saying that it is a regional problem that should be fixed locally. (Morgan obviously does not drive through the awful traffic or skitter over the collapsing bridges that are in his own district.) Like an idiot Morgan has proudly taken all the credit for defeating these bills, and is recognized as the main obstacle by the public. What's more, it is no secret that Morgan has used his campaign money to promote far-right candidates like Ralph Smith, who ran and defeated republican Brandon Bell, which placed that seat in jeopardy. Morgan has not had a serious opponent despite his district's moderate leanings: A democratic Sheriff and Clerk of Courts are routinely elected by wide margins, and the Salem City Council is made up of independents and the moderate former member Chris (now Judge) Clemens. (The example of the Clerk of courts is telling: Morgan offered up Mike Keen, a local detective, and Keen could not even carry the republican base in an election that was widely publicized due to the state senate race, and saw turnout rise by 10%.) Morgan's choice for state senate, Ralph Smith, who predicted in June that his race was over, and that no democrat could win, won his seat by less that 600 votes, and was widely predicted to lose to a moderate, first-time candidate, Mike Briener. In a district that went for Bush 60% and for Allen 65%, Morgan's choices have pushed the envelope. It is time to target him.
Tying up Morgan will help democrats all over the state. By forcing Morgan to defend his record, he will have to withhold money and influence from other candidates. In 2007 Morgan was able to donate money to Del. Dave Nutter and Charles Poindexter.
http://www.vpap.org/candidates...
And there is a good chance that Morgan will lose. As I said earlier, Morgan has stood out in front of his party to oppose something that we all desperately need: Transportation. He has decided to make himself a target that is recognized all over the state. With a plan, it would not be hard to raise perhaps $1million to defeat Morgan. And though he would probably be able to exceed that amount, he could not do it if he gave away as much money as he did in 2007.
If the House democrats target Morgan Griffith they will find that he is more vulnerable then they think, and they will increase their chances of taking back the House in 2009.
Comments
Sounds great.... (RadicalCentrist - 12/1/2008 11:29:38 AM)
Got any ideas on who? Know any local engineers who could talk about the importance of bridge maintenance and have strong and extensive community ties?
I can think of a few names. (Publius - 12/1/2008 1:22:57 PM)
There are a few people who would do a good job. Brian Lang, who is the Roanoke County Democratic chair and also an engineer, I believe. Mark Mandell is a communications specialist and vice chairman of the Roanoke County Democrats. Mark's measure manner would paint a sharp contrast to Morgan's boisterous and inarticulate style. Sheriff Gerald Holt is the most popular politician in the valley - everyone loves the Sheriff. Roanoke County Clerk, Steve McGraw has won reelection handily, and has built a brand around himself as an affable moderate. And, Mike Breiner who was the first democrat to win Salem since I don't know when. Perhaps since Jim Olin, but I am not sure that Olin ever won Salem.
The problem is all of the people i have mentioned either have great jobs already or would not want to slug it out with Morgan in what will probably be the ugliest campaign in the state. Potential candidates should look at running as serving the greatest good. The Commonwealth will be better off without Morgan in Richmond. Even if he wins, a good run will bury him in the minority. If the democrats want to increase their chances of taking back the house, they should start looking south. Morgan is not as powerful as he seems from Richmond or NOVA. With the right candidate and the right plan, we will see Richmond convene without H. Morgan Griffith.
Start the project now (Teddy - 12/1/2008 1:41:15 PM)
and the State Democratic Party should help: get whoever is going to run lined up; arrange for a top notch, fighting campaign manager who can deal with Republican ugliness, and utilize the grassroots organization started for the presidential election. Do that, plus establish a substantial war chest, and maybe you can persuade one of those Democrats presently ensconsed in a comfortable spot they should run---- to get a credible candidate you will have to convince them they can win, and assure them they will not have to it all by themselves. It's even better if the early phases can be done under the radar, so as to surprise Mr. Griffith.
Salem Republicans (va.walter - 12/4/2008 10:04:22 AM)
sure don't seem concerned about Morgan Griffith losing. If the numbers are true, and McCain won over 60% in that part of Virginia, it won't be very easy to recruit a viable candidate.
http://roanokevalleyrepublican...