Miller Campaign's Legal "Hot Water," Deceptive "Additional" Endorsements

By: Lowell
Published On: 5/10/2006 1:25:33 PM

Ya know, I keep resolving not to be "negative" about Harris Miller, or (God forbid) to "attack" him, but the Miller campaign just keeps making it hard to keep my resolution.

Problem #1:  Not Larry Sabato is reporting that Harris Miller could be in serious legal hot water for improperly using mailing lists from his former organization, the ITAA.  According to NLS:

...these ITAA email lists, direct contact with some of the biggest players in the tech industry as "worth tens of thousands of dollars".  That's an in kind contribution that is well beyond what a federal campaign can accept.

Problem #2: I received a press release from the Miller about an hour ago, touting "an additional 6 endorsements from current and former General Assembly Democrats."  People like Adam Ebbin, Bob Brink, and Chuck Caputo.  The only problem is, these are NOT all "additional" endorsements.  Ebbin, for instance, endorsed Miller back in mid-April.  Bob Brink spoke in favor of Miller months ago, at the January 2006 Arlington County Democrats' monthly meeting.  Chuck Caputo's reportedly been supporting Miller for some time now, although perhaps he never formally endorsed him.  Anyway, that's at least two "additional" endorsers who actually endorsed Miller earlier.

So,why is Harris Miller exaggerating these "additional" endorsements?  Could it have anything to do with the fundraiser tomorrow night by Mark Warner for Jim Webb?  Or the rumors flying around about numerous Democratic US Senators, like Harry Reid, about to endorse Webb?  Or, the fact that unions are starting to line up behind Webb and in strong opposition to Miller?  Or, a distraction from his pending legal troubles?  Hmmmm...I wonder.

Comments



Interesting. (summercat - 5/10/2006 1:43:26 PM)
Great fact-finding, Lowell.  Hope the Webb campaign appreciates the service you are doing for them.  I just received a mailing from Don Beyer asking for donations for Harris Miller, "a good friend of mine."  No phone numbver, no email contact info.  Mailing included an article from the Alexandria Times of Mar 9-16, 2006, talking about Miller.
I would love to call Mr. Beyer, and urge him to urge his friend Harris to throw his support behind Jim Webb, if he really wants future support from Democrats.  I wonder if the mailing is in response to tightening of funds per Harry Reid, et al?  But then Harris has unlimited personal funds--so who can say.  Maybe to keep his name and "likeness to Warner" in front of the out-of-touch voters who are not tuned in to the latest with Webb.  Webb needs to get out some mail to these folks soon, imo.  Many, many who will actually vote are seniors who are not tuned into the internet.


Thanks summercat and Lowell (Mark - 5/10/2006 2:52:01 PM)
I have been saying this out here in the wilderness for a while now. I have had limited contact with the Webb Campaign, and I hope I can talk to someone on May 20th at the Fifth District Convention in Buckingham Court House.

We are all looking forward to seeing and hearing from Jim Webb, since he was due to speak at our dinner several weeks ago. An unfortunate death in the family prevented him from speaking that night, but Mudcat and Steve Jarding were there, and put on a good show.

We need to nail this primary. I know my county in not that many votes, but it will take every one we can find to hold off the ill-informed and voters who might not have heard of Jim Webb, or are not sure about what they have heard.

Let's ramp up this part of the campaign now, so we will have momentum, true movement, coming out of the Primary.



I can't wait... (Dan - 5/10/2006 1:44:39 PM)
...until June 13th, when Harris Miller will become a small footnote, and the focus will be solely on James Webb.


Time for Webb Bloggers to become Webb Phone Bankers (JC - 5/10/2006 2:28:32 PM)
We are on top of the issues, more so than your average voter.  We've just about reached everyone we can reach via internet/blogging.  Time to volunteer for the Webb campaign. Time to pick up the phone and start calling our fellow Democrats.


I agree. And also time to start talking up Webb (Lowell - 5/10/2006 2:44:23 PM)
at every parade, county fair, festival, farmer's market, and Metro stop for Jim Webb.  Call everyone you konw.  Talk to everyone you know.  Tell them why you support Jim Webb for a fairer, better America.  Thanks.