...if he got you into politics! :)  So, any plans to follow the Bill Clinton model (Governor, President) or the George Allen one (Governor, Senator)?  Ha.

Lowell:

First of all, thanks for letting me participate on Raising Kaine.  Sorry, it took a while for me to figure this out ... I have it now. 

Right now, I'm focused on helping the Webb campaign (primarily) and building my law practice, which got the short shrift for a couple years!  I always thought that Abraham Lincoln was a great role model, because he was a successful attorney and part-time legislator for nearly 25 years BEFORE he became President.

Another role model is my uncle Ed Prichard. He was the Mayor in Fairfax City during the Sixties.  He was also a very successful attorney, who argued matters before the U.S. Supreme Court.  I was lucky to know him for 30 years.

Chap, Earlier this year or maybe even in late 2005 I recieved word of a bill before the general assembly called the Community College Transfer Credit Grant, which would allow students attending a Community College (such as myself)to transfer to a 4 year university and still only pay community College tuition rates. I was just wondering what your opinion on that bill is and what you think of the critizism that has been raised about the bill, such as the possibility Universities may accept less transfer students from community colleges as a result of this bill.

Thank You
Gonzalo Aida

P.S Thank you for your response from last week, I'm glad to hear you are considering returning to politics next year.

Gonzalo:

thanks for your question (and for contacting me last week at www.oxroadsouth.com) 

That is an idea that has a lot of merit.  Right now, the CC's are increasing their share of the higher education market.  One reason is the price of 4-yr college.  Another is the growing demographic of our student population. So this would integrate CC grads into the more expensive 4-yr schools.

I think the universities would oppose the idea, unless they get "hold harmless" funding from the State. In other words, they'd need to get that (lost) revenue reimbursed from the lower tuition.

My one proviso is that the program should be linked to families below a certain income threshold -- that could limit overall costs to the state.  With the right criteria in place, this could be a powerfully good idea.

Hey Chap - thanks for coming on RK.  Your thoughts, comments, and live blogging are always appreciated.

My questions are inspired by the new traffic pattern in Old Town Fairfax.  For over 30 years it's been split into two one way sections and now, as part of a revitalization, they're opening both sections to two way traffic.

I received a flier the other day that informed me of the change and went out of the way to emphasize that the new design would be "pedestrian friendly". 

Huh?  I'm not a traffic design expert by any means, but it seems to me that MORE lanes of traffic, moving in BOTH directions, isn't going to make things easier for pedestrians.

So my question is two fold:

1. Do you think there's truth in this claim that the new traffic patterns will improve the pedestrian experience?  Or is it just a major stretch by the PR folks to make the project sound good.

2. How do you feel about the whole project?  Will it be good for the people and businesses in Old Fairfax or just another opportunity for developers to cash in on the upscale "urban" revitalization movement?

Eric:

THanks for the Fairfax City question (notice to non-Fairfax people, I will try to make some larger points about urban renewal while mixing in comments about this project that I can see out my office window right now).

OK, let me make some points which answer your Q's in reverse order:

1.  When I first ran for City Council (almost a decade ago), my big issue was revitalizing the City's downtown.  I feel that this has finally begun to happen in the last 2-3 years.  Credit to Mayor Rob Lederer and the Council for staying with the project when others wanted to give up or said that "downtowns" were irrelevant in 21st century America.  I don't feel that way.

2.  The developer of our downtown feels strongly that 2-way traffic is necessary to generate the interest in downtown businesses. I'm not a retail expert, but I trust his opinion (or at least give it the benefit of the doubt).

3.  I'm  not crazy about adding new lanes ... but recognize that it's necessary for point #2 to work.  I understand that the new lanes will be narrower to slow down traffic.  To me, that's critical.  You can't have pedestrians if traffic is moving at 35 mph plus.

All in all, I'm excited about this change.  I hope that other downtown communities (Manassas, Fredericksburg, Danville, etc) can learn from the mistakes or improvements that are made here.

 

Only in front of your house!

Would you favor this outcome in November if it meant that the Democratic Party regained control of Congress:  All incumbents from both parties lose their seats so that the current balance of control becomes directly inverted?

In other words, we'd toss out our worthless babies with the bathwater in exchange for a brand new slate of Dems (in the majority) as well as an all new slate of Reps (in the minority).

What this really gets at is whether you view the party and its ideals over individual (and often bought by corporate interests) career politicians?

Thanks in advance for your reply! 

Thanks, Matt.

You need a certain amount of turnover in any elected body to keep it vigorous and original in its thinking.  It really doesn't matter if its Democratic or Republican majority.  Being an elected official is not an entitlement and losing an election is not a disgrace.  Losing all incumbents would mean losing some pretty good folks (both "R" and "D"), but it would not be the end of the Republic.  So the short answer is "all challengers win" would be fine, because I really feel that this nation is not succeeding at all in its current policies. 

Thanks!!

can beat Allen?  How much money do you think Webb needs to be competitive, and what are the best ways to raise it?  How much success did you have with online fundraising when you were running for the Lt. Governor nomination?

In my humble opinion, the best method for campaigning is to get out of the campaign office and start spending the maximum amount of time with voters. Road trip, Rail trip, Boat trip, Whatever. As far as money, I've never run for US Senate, but I think that $5-10 million would be a minimum necessary to compete on the air (assuming you'll get outspent by a lot).  With the current Democratic donor base, that should be very doable.  Online?  It's not perfect for a lot of reasons.  Events and personal phone calls are still the best way to raise $$ -- unless you're a superstar with 100% name i.d.  Most of us aren't.  In my LG campaign, most my money came from friends and family.  Luckily, I have a large family. 

You win campaigns by voter contact and through the field.

in your opinion?  In general, what are the most important issues in this campaign?

Let me start by saying the obvious:  George Allen has the best track record in campaigns of any politician in Virginia today.  He's won for Delegate, Congress, Governor and U.S. Senator.  So anyone going against him is going against the best the Republicans have to offer.

His biggest vulnerability has been his near-total embrace of a Bush administration that is increasingly a failure.  There is no independence of thought, no refusal to join every right-wing cause, no political speech that goes beyond the usual cliches (he's no John Warner).  That may have played in 2000 or 2002 but Virginia is changing.

I think that's why Jim Webb is a great contrast. Like him or not, he tells you where he stands without apology.  He's not looking to score points by saying things he doesn't mean. 

Jim Webb has got to tie George Allen to the failures of this administration.  (Iraq, Rising gas prices, Stagnating stock market, falling real estate market)  He's got to do it every day in every corner of this great state.

 

Rising gas prices is a supply and demand problem and ultimately its all of us who are at fault for consuming.  Additionally, the supply has increased because of Bush policy.

Stock Market and the economy are doing very well

Cooling real estate market is after 5+ years of 20% hypergrowth a little natural correction is a good thing.  Home ownership has increased greatly under Bush.

Iraq has not been executed properly but new data says the public is not happy with either party.  Webb does get points for warning ahead of time but the real question is what do we do now

Thank you for visiting RK and supporting Webb.

Obviously Webb has connections to Southwest Virginia, but its hard to get that message out unless we hand out copies of "Born Fighting" to everyone. 

What do you think Webb will need to do in Southwest Virginia to beat Allen?  Any particular issue he can use to connect with folks down this way? 

Thanks, Brian.  Good to hear from you again.  Hope your law practice is doing well.

Oddly enough, Jim did not do well in SW in the primary despite obvious advantages (military career, strong 2nd Amendment stance, knowledge of local history).  I think it was simply the fact he didn't spend enough time. 

At the end of the day, he's got to be there:  Fiddler's Festival in Galax, Highlands Festival in Abingdon, any event with Rick Boucher.  He's just got to be there as much as possible.

I'm no expert on Southwest (my friend Phil Puckett clobbered me there last year), but I know that higher education and increased access to transportation are critical issues.  What has George Allen ever done for the Coalfields Expressway?  Let's push these issues. 

I met you at Shad Planking, and I hope you remain actively involved in politics; you are a great guy, and a candidate I would be proud to work with and for.

My question:  as someone who has been through the campaign process, what do you think are the BIG issues that Webb should be highlighting to prove Allen is no good for VA, and worse for the presidency?

Also, what were your feelings on the debate?

Finally, what do you think are some wedge issues that would work FOR Webb in VA, a state that is rapidly turning a nice shade of blue violet?  And vice versa, what are the wedge issues/stump talking points Webb should stay away from in order to not alienate voters?

Thanks!
Jaime

God, I love you, wild thing.  You make my heart sing.  You make everything groovy.

Chap-I hope you don't find my questions "marginal" as Ben apparently does.

Ben rating it a 2 means it is really a 4.  You have to double all of Ben's ratings.

Thanks, not gretchen.

2*0 = 4

It was that 2 minus 1 equals 3.  I believe it's known as "supply side" mathematics, the basis of the Laffer/Laugher Curve in economics.

Your question sounds like a crazed groupie

Hi Jaime.  Good to hear from you again.  Wasn't Shad Planking a blast?!

OK, I think my answer above (tying Allen to the Bush legacy) is the best issue to raise and raise and raise and .... you get the point.

I felt good about the Bar debate.  Since I did not see it live (more on that later), I can't offer an observation as to the quality of the answers, the candidates' demeanor, etc.  However, I was happy to see the it splashed across newspapers all over VA.  We need publicity!!

My main concern is that future debates should be as open and accessible as possible (i.e. televised) so that not just the insiders get to watch.

[Legal disclsoure:  I am representing the Webb campaign on scheduling debates so my points are not merely academic]

Wedge issue?

Glad to see that Q from a Democrat.  How about Allen's vote against stem cell research?  Who does that benefit?

And unfortunately, voting against stem cell research does acually harm people, whereas burning the flag does not.

Thanks, Chap!

The ill effects of second-hand flag smoke. (:

How do we get more people out to vote in Virgina?

We spend way too much time informing people that an election is coming up.  Why can't the State send out a few post cards with the date of the election, the candidates, their polling location, address and map and send registration forms to people who have drivers licences but are not registered to vote?

Based on the above comment, what in particular can we do to maximize Northern Virginia turnout?  Obviously this is a statewide race, but the sentiment in NOVA seems very pro-Webb (based on the primary) and very pro-Dem (based on Tim Kaine's election and general unhappiness with the GOP).  A huge showing in NOVA in support of Webb will go a long way to make up for deficits in other parts of the state (or will just add to the margin of victory if we are lucky!).  As someone who has run for office here, what advice do you have for the Webb folks and for us volunteers?

Thanks, Arlington Mike.

OK, here are my favorite meothds for ramping up NoVA turnout, especially in the "inner suburbs":

1.  Metro Stops.  Hit them both going and coming.  Be there the same day every week.

2.  VRE Stations.  Same logic.

3.  Any High School event.  You have the usuals (football games, BTS nights).  Also, look for unusual:  high school plays, field hockey games, chorus recitals, any event with parents.  Hand out something useful (schedule, magnet, pencils, etc)

4.  Grocery stores.  Especially on Saturday a.m.

5.  Church Picnics/Events  (check with pastor before)

Those are the basics.  Nothing fancy.

Thanks, Todd, for your comment.

Well, the best way is person-to-person contact.  For example, tonight I'll be knocking on doors with some literature to let folks know about the race.  See if you can dedicate one night a week to do that. 

I would have no problem with localities sending out election info a week before the Election, i.e. "There is an election next Tuesday for ____.  You vote at ___.  The polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m." 

I am also a strong supporter of (1) "no reason necessary" absentee voting and (2) ordering absentee ballots on-line.  Considering that politicians routinely accept thousands of dollars in contributions on-line, I find it amazing that they worry about "voter fraud" from on-line absentee requests.  I mean are you going to risk a felony to cast a single ballot? 

We do waste a lot of time trying to get people out...with marginal results. Sending out cards sounds like a great idea. If nothing else use in conjunction with something else. The GOP is great at targeting, so we  could improve there too. But who am I to say. We do need to streamline the process somehow!!

When I ran for Delegate, I compiled my own set of identified voters from door-to-door campaigning.  We called it the "Roll out list".

The weekend before we mailed out a bunch of fluorescent cards reminding folks (1) that there was an election and (2) they had committed to vote for me. 

Guilt is a beautiful emotion if used properly!  (ask your mother)

...Jim Webb can win over republicans?  How can he do it without making democrats cringe?  (As in his support of Reagan.)

I hope you will consider another run in the future.  We need good men like you.

Left Wing:

thanks for the email.

OK, here's a heretical thought (especially on this blog).  Most voters -- believe it or not -- don't consider themselves "Democrat" or "Republican."  Or, if they do, they take pride in being willing to vote for the other side if the right candidate comes along.

We are an independent people.

I think Jim needs to be clear that he's a "Democrat" and that he is carrying that party's standard.  Having stated that, the Dem party welcomes diversity of viewpoints.  That is our principal attraction (or should be).

He must show that he is a Democrat that fits the people of Virginia:  proud, patriotic and hard-working.  Respectful (and not derogatory of) religious values.  Aware of our unique history.  Within this context, he will be fine to all Virginians -- or at least enough to win.

(Editor's note:  I have a client meeting at 4 pm so I have to take a break ... I'll be back in about an hour or so)

:)

You beat a popular longtime incumbent, Rust.

He's very similar to Dave Albo, in that he has a reputation for being moderate and for being a hometown boy.

What could Werkheiser do better next time against Albo?

Thanks, Dude.

Greg ran a great race.  I think that gets obscured in all the "Monday Morning Quarterbacking" after an election.  Albo is a hometown guy who had run well in that area for years.  In 2001, I'm pretty sure he cleared 60% during the Warner win. 

I had a major advantage advantage in 2001 that Greg did not in that I already represented 30% of the District and had name i.d. as an incumbent City Councilman.  That gave me a good base to start from.

Improvements?

Any campaign can improve.  Here's a few specific suggestions.  Focus message down to 1-2 major issues. Demonstrate permanent connections to district.  Show increasing drift of incumbent.  Exercise daily.  :)

:)

Scott Surovell is to Chap Petersen as George Allen is to _________.

Joe Gibbs

Chap,

Any chance you have changed your position and found a way to oppose this particular VA Marriage Amendment on the ballot this Fall? We at Equality Fairfax and the Commonwealth Coalition could really use your help to stop this assault on the VA Bill of Rights regardless of your position on gay marriage and civil unions. 

I thought that Chap was against the hateful Amendment?
Under my assuption I would ask if it's okay for the Dem. party to support candidates unfriendly to gays and lesbians?  I recently gave a contribution to the Dem. Caucus but would hate to see one red-cent of it go to any Dem. who supports hate.  It's like when we divested funds during the period of Apartheid in South Africa.  Freedom for all must prevail and if you're not 100% for personal freedom you're a facist -- resonable minds cannot disagree!  P.S. I'm a heterosexual to boot.

Hello Terry:

Thanks for the Q.  Sorry for the delay in getting to it (I had a 4 pm client meeting that ran over).

To be honest, I am not committed.  As you correctly note, I voted for the resolution in 2005.  I am not sure if that's the same version that passed in 2006 or if the text was changed. 

I'm happy to hear from Equality VA or anyone else on it.  My understanding is that the "law of unintended consequences" is the basis for the opposition.

Feel free to contact me directly and let's talk.  (You can get my info from Lowell or my site).
 

If you were introducing Jim Webb to a voter who hasn't heard of him, what would you say is the strongest reason to vote for him?

Thanks Dukie Dem:

I would say that Jim Webb is a staight-up honest guy who is the opposite of a career politician.  How's that?

What do you think should be done about transportation?  Please be specific.  Thanks in advance

Thanks, Novamiddleman.

All right, I only have a few more minutes to bang away here, so let me try and hit the basic priorities:

1.  There needs to be a new revenue source that is dedicated to rail and transit solutions in NoVA (this is both a local and statewide issue).  That money should be used to match and draw down the $1.5B that is available from the Fed Govt for Metro improvements.  To me, that is the #1 issue.  That revenue source should be tied to transportation usage and not based on general fund monies or even the sales tax. 

2.  There needs to be serious reform in the current system.  I have never bought into the need for all the various agencies which fight turf wars in Richmond (or Fairfax) while improvements are delayed.  Overlapping authorities should be consolidated or abolished.  The method for allocating state funds should be simplified and made transparent.  The VDOT "six year" plan should be available on-line for any commuter to review.  It should be integrated with the Comprehensive Plan of each locality.  Where necessary, market incentives or tax breaks should be available to localities to encourage (or discourage) density so that we have growth that fits our infrastructure, not the other way around.  The "split rate" taxation bill back in 2002 was a good example of that, I think.

3.  There has to be an overall statewide vision which integrates the goals of the different metro areas.  Again, in my opinion, there has to be rail component which connects Virginia downtowns and gives an alternative for moving freight, especially on Rte. 81.  (Okay, I know, sound the "Gail Parker" alarm!)  This won't happen next year.  But with planning we can make it happen in the next 5-10 years.  Let's face it ... with rising gas prices, maybe alternative options are not so crazy. 

Not easy to capsulize this in a few minutes, but those are the primary issues I see. 

Thanks for the complete response

Seriously, though, what do you think about George Allen's strange obsession with the Confederacy, when he himself grew up in Southern California and has no Confederate ancestry?

But he must like losers and is not well endowed.

I thought that was an outtake from "Boogie Nights"

Good Q Lowell:

Well, I'm happy that people are interested in Virginia's history (the triumphs, the suffering, etc., etc.)  I guess I'll just leave it at that.

George Allen on the floor of the Senate, his mind a complete blank as to who the heck this "Ben Bernanke" guy is.

You and Jennifer McClellan are big inspirations to me bc you are both young professionals who work hard, care about your state and its citizens, and actively participate in politics.  It seems like all over the country, more and more people who "don't fit the traditional politico mold" are trying to run in and win elections.

Do you have advice for young people who want to get involved in politics on the local level?  Specifically, can campaigns be run successfully without being born extremely wealthy and with a load of politicians in the family?

Thanks, Phriendly Jaime.  I met Jennifer last year.  We both spoke at the Richmond Crusade for Voters before the primary.  Her opponent was there with a lot of supporters, but Jennifer had 100% moxie going in there.  I really enjoyed her speech.  That's a tough crowd!

Thanks for your recognition of the crazy world of working and being a politician (or an ex-politician in my case).  I'm actually out the door in a few minutes.  I'll be back at my desk at 7 a.m.  Somewhere in between I hope to see my three kids.

It's a tough life, but I chose it and I love it. 

For young  people, I would recommend settling down in a community and establishing yourself a little.  Get involved early as a volunteer; don't just work for yourself.  When you see the opportunity to run, you'll know it.  (if you don't ever see it, consider yourself blessed)

Chap