In the battle for RK's endorsement there are three choices:
  1. Rex Simmons
  2. Morris Meyer
  3. No Endorsement

* Neither candidate currently holds this seat.  The incumbent is a Republican and for obvious reasons is not part of this process.

If you choose one of the two candidates you are saying that you'd like the Raising Kaine Community to take sides and endorse that candidate. 

If you are not sure, are neutral, or would prefer that RK not endorse either candidate, please select "No Endorsement".  A "No Endorsement" is not an abstention - it is a vote for the RK Community NOT to take sides in this primary.  If you want to abstain, don't vote.

When the poll closes the option with the most votes becomes the "community vote".

Here are a few links that you may find helpful for this vote:

RK: Simmons-Meyer Debate (Blog Talk Radio - partial debate due to technical difficulties)
RK: Simmons-Meyer Blog Pseudo Debate
RK: Rex Simmons Live Blog
RK: Morris Meyer Live Blog

Simmons' Campaign Website
Simmons' Virginia Public Access Project page

Meyer's Campaign Website
Meyer's Virginia Public Access Project page

There are other diary posts on RK that discuss Simmons and/or Meyer.  We highly recommend that you use the "Search" box (also on the left side bar) to find out more information about these two candidates before voting.

The rules are simple:
1. To vote you must have a Raising Kaine account
2. One vote per person... NO FREEPING (To skew or cheat an online poll by repeatedly voting (clearing cookies, using proxies))

Our blog software, soapblox, will not allow more than one vote per account so the one vote per person rule will be automatically enforced.  Right?  Not Exactly.  The internet savvy will realize that there is a loophole - an individual can create more than one account and therefore freep the poll.  In fact, there are a few RK users who already have more than one account.  Creating extra accounts to freep the poll is not allowed and will not be tolerated.  I'm not going to go into details about how we will police this activity, but we have the means and will be policing it.  If you are caught freeping, ALL of your votes will be thrown out - even your one allowed vote - and you may be excluded from future votes as well.

For me the choice has always been clearing for why I support Morris.  Morris stands up and fights for Democratic values.

This was brought into even sharper contrast at the Democratic Women of Clifton's debate last Sunday.  Morris made it clear that while many times in politics you have to compromise on bills, that we should never compromise on core Democratic values. 

In Virginia we all know that the Republicans that have control of the House of Delegates are of the FAR RIGHT kind, and Rex repeated a JFK quote to the extent of not finding a Republican  answer or a democratic answer, but a right answer.

This philosophy is indicative of someone who spent the last 30 years being hatched.  I don't like deceive politics, but when speaker Howell(R) talks about "asserting their priorities on the general fund", when talking about the Transportation bill they passed that would have taken 200 million dollars every year away from Schools, Teachers, Police and Fire Departments, and the other core services that the General Fund pays for there is not room for compromise. 

Also Tim Hugo has not had a challenger since he won this seat in a special election, I think that it is going to take a Democrat that can drawl a clear distinction between himself and Hugo, and also fire up the Democratic base.

That guy in my opinion is clearly Morris Meyer.

If so, do you have a link?  Thanks.

The DWC does not allow their meetings to be video taped by others, however for the debate they did take video themselves that they said they would make available.  We will be sure to share it with the RK community has soon as we get it.

I take issue with NovaDem's suggestion that Rex Simmons does not stand for core Democratic values.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  At a recent Brigades meeting, Simmons was far more trenchant in his criticism of incumbant Tim Hugo's ultra-conservative votes than was Morris Meyer.  Furthermore, Simmons' assertion that it is more important to find right answers than partisan Democratic or Republican answers is a perfectly reasonable, and admirable, position to take--a position, by the way, adhered to by our last two Democratic governors in Virginia, Kaine and Warner.  Let's not forget their successful examples. 

With a strong incumbent like Tim Hugo, we need a candidate with depth; Rex is that guy.  The opportunity to contest this seat is too important to leave to a guy who only has lived in the state for one year!  Imagine what Hugo will do with that!  Hugo could quiz Morris on what's happened in the state/district in the last decade and Morris will be at a loss.  Personally, Morris is a fine man, just not the best candidate this go 'round. Rex has lived in the district for almost 30 years--he's experienced our schools, communities and traffic for as long or longer than many district residents.  That means something. Morris is still learning.  I'm okay with a "finding the right answer" comment.  The public is so there and so much less interested in the extreme position of both major parties.  Rex supports programs to improve the environment, pay for schools without taking money from other needs, and continuing work on improving transportation.  Plus, his federal auditing and inspector general duties can only help in understanding the minutia of where state revenue comes from, where it's going, and making sure it's not wasted.  Good qualities, good man.  Endorse Rex.

The JFK quote Rex likes so much is very revealing about who he is as a candidate and the answer is clearly- nothing exciting. I am sure Rex is a good guy, and his experience in government is certainly something to be approved of. But honestly, "the right answer"? I have grave reservations about whether or not Rex would be able to clearly define himself and differentiate himself from Tim Hugo, and if he can't do those things he can't win.

It is clear from hearing Morris speak that he will be able to clearly define himself and his story is compelling enough to garner the publics interest. To me it is clear that Morris is more capable of defeating Tim Hugo and he is more in line with what we should want from our delegate. Thats why I voted for Morris and that is why I am truly hoping he will recieve the endorsement.

I have had to chance to meet both candidates and hear them address why they are the best to defeat Hugo and what they would do as Delegate.  Morris is a good guy who I hope will stay active in the community, but Rex is the candidate best equipped to win in the fall.

1. He has lived in the district for 30+ years.  While Fairfax and the 40th are growing and are home to many new residents such as myself, this district was drawn for the GOP and is the hardest one in the county for Democrats to win.  The experience knowing the community, raising children in the community, and being able to talk to people as a neighbor will mean a lot this fall, especially when whoever wins the primary will be assaulted by false, angry, distorting negative attacks starting on June 13th.

2. Rex's experience and message is to support a government that works and is responsible to its citizens.  Rex clearly defines why he is a Democrat, but he also shows the willingness and temperament to work to solve problems in the best way possible.  Virginia needs more politicians like Rex if we really are going to address the challenges this area and the whole state face - improving transportation options, managing growth, ensuring our school are preparing children for the challenges they face in the 21st century global economy, and moving away from carbon-based energy.  Republicans are about their failed ideology, Democrats are about a responsible and effective government and Rex is closer than either Meyer or Hugo to the mainstream of the 40th district and Virginia as a whole.

3. While Rex is a first time candidate, it is clear from the DWC debate that he is skilled as a presenter, can communicate his vision clearly, and so far, he has shown he can raise money and can make winning this race his top job and priority and does not have to juggle the campaign with raising young children and earning a living.  This is NOT a knock on Morris, who I am sure is a great husband, father, and provider, but Rex can give to most to this race and has grown substantially as a candidate these past few months.

Democratic primaries are hard as choosing between two committed Democrats is not as simple as the black/white choices we face in the fall.  While I support Rex, I hope all of us who care about the future of Virginia and this country volunteers or finds some way to contribute in the 40th this fall.  Hugo does not deserve any position of authority and if we beat him now, we don't have to beat him if/when he runs for Congress in the 11th and run the risk of him gaining higher office.

I've gone back and read the comment's by Rex's supporters, and not a single one even attempts to hint that their candidate is running a better campaign.

Morris is running a fantastic campaign, one that could conceivably carry him across the finish line in November.  I'm not sure on the exact number of door knocks for either campaign, but I'd bet my last dollar that Morris has personally done at least twice what Rex has done (Morris has been hitting the doors since January, if not earlier).  Morris has also had a team of volunteers out knocking on doors on Saturday for well over one month, probably over two months.  And best of all, all this focus on field work isn't hurting his fundraising as he and Rex were relatively tied in that aspect in the 1st quarter.

It's very telling that Rex that has the entire FFX County Cmmtee (as the "insider candidate") at his disposal has not been able to match Morris on the ground.  I figured if you are literally neighbors and close friends with a party chairman, that would help you find early volunteers, but it does not seem to be the case.

Rex has been door knocking every day for months as have his supporters. By the end of the campaign, Rex will talk to, or at least attept to talk to, every voter in the district with a history of voting in the primary.

It is unfair to speculate on what Rex is doing to win the race unless you KNOW exactly what he is doing and characterizing Rex negatively as an "insider candidate" is false.  Save the negativity for the fall.

no I don't have a line into Rex's campaign I don't know what his numbers look like.  Just what I hear, and haven't heard much.  Maybe we just belong to a different circle in the Democratic Community, very possible.

As far as being the establishment candidate, some consider that a good thing, it's not really an insult to acknowledge that your opponent has won the support of the traditional guard.

To squash the subject in favor of positivity, I apologize for recognizing that Rex had won over a particular constituency and for suggesting he has certain tools and communities at his disposal.

I know that Morris has been endorsed by both Leslie Byrne and Al Weed in this campaign, no small feat in a primary.

Seems to me that two strong Career Democrats with a lot to lose are willing to stand up and be counted as Morris supporters in primary must speak to something.  Professional politicians don't put their neck out for someone because he's a "nice guy".  These Democrats calculated one of two things, either a) they honestly think that Morris will win the primary and an early endorsement looks good or b) they honestly believe that Morris would better represent the District.  I'm not sure which one it is, but either way, it's a powerful statement.

Ok Leslie is great but Al Weed?? Come on, he's not even popular in his own district! He'll do anything to get his name in peoples mouths.

That said, I'm still fence-sitting on my vote here.

live in the District. 

@SullyDem: Hugo will think up all sorts of mean stuff to throw at whoever runs against him...he's just that kind of person, and that's just one of the many reasns he needs to go. Trust me, if Rex wins the primary, he'll get a lot of negative attacks.

Morris is THE fine candidate, heck he's run for congress before. You say that Morris is still learning, but comon - how many years does it take to figure out traffic in northern virginia sucks? Morris has 3 kids in clifton elementary school, and he and his wife Terri commute around Fairfax County every morning. They know what it's like to live here, and they'll well aware of the problems that we all deal with.

I feel like Rex is the one still learning: his candidacy is the first thing that he's ever done with the democratic party. I know he's been hatched and all, but that doesn't mean he'll magically gain 30 years of democratic experience in one race.

I do not know Rex well (promise to look more carefully at his campaign) but do know Morris as a passionate, grassroots, tech savy, environmentalist ... which appeals to the cowboy in me.  Good to have two strong dems, but I'm a strong lean Morris. 

As I said in an earlier post, I have spent a lot of time with both candidates.  Rex is clearly the better candidate.  His ability to bring a critical eye to state spending, his ideas on funding transit, his ability to work with the rest of the Northern Virginia Delegation all show that he will be a terrific Delegate.  He is able to connect with voters and discuss the issues that are important to this area.

Those of you who want to know who will be able to mount the better campaign against Hugo, I suggest you look at the Wolf/Soccus Congressional Race in the 10th District just 3 years ago.  Congressman Wolf ran basically one ad, saying that Soccus was a newcomer to the district, and it sunk the Soccus campaign.  Does anyone doubt that Hugo would use the same tactic against Morris?

His background as an auditor and assistant inspector general make him uniquely qualified to move into the role of Delegate and to contribute quickly on financial matters is clearly superior. And Rex has the understanding of issues borne of one who has lived in the county many years.

His temperament is one of somebody who is both a committed Democrat, but also of someone desirous to work with people of all political stripes for the good of the commonwealth

Morris Meyer is a good guy who will get my full support and help should he win the primary, but in my view Rex is not only our best shot at beating Hugo, but at electing someone ready on day one to contribute substantively to the work of the House of Delegates.

I'm putting my voter hat on now - not the wife hat.  Before Morris moved hear one year ago, he had been visiting me in Virginia for 1 1/2 years.  I've lived in Fairfax County, VA for 30 years, and am a native to the DC area for almost 41 years ( I guess that gives away my age).  In any case, if I were running, my long-standing in Fairfax County does not make me the best candidate.  As a voter, I look for someone with passion, political experience, activism, likeability, honesty, drive, and a willingness to fight for the ideals that I hold strong.  In my case, these issues are 1.  taking immediate steps to protect our environment - nothing else will matter if we don't address this first, 2. education  3. healthcare 4. transportation as it affects our quality of life and 5. equal rights.  I meet voters every day who are new to the area - the employee at Trader Joes last week, the parents of a little girl I coach in soccer, a coworker at our office in Tysons, and many others.  I can tell you, their vote is just as important as mine, and they're learning about the area very quickly - because they live here.  This is where they call home, drive to work, run errands, send their children to school, and pay taxes.  Morris is representative of the voters in this area and will continue to be so for years to come.

Based on the issues of most concern, my frustration with the current republican strong-hold in Richmond, and who I see as the best candidate to go up against Hugo, Morris has my vote.

my reasoning is a bit complicated.  I really like Morris on the environment, and find him a very thoughtful guy.  I marginally favor him on the issues, but I am also concerned about someone so new to the state running to be in the legislature. I understand why he moved here, and I acknowledge his desire to serve.  But I have serious concerns about whether someone so new to the state and the district is likely to be acceptable to the voters.

But - should the voters of the district opt to choose him over a long-time resident, then that is their choice.  As I am not a resident of the district, in this particular case I choose to make no choice and to defer to the choice they will make.

I met Rex about 30 years ago when he and I worked for the Government Accountability Office. It was clear then that he had the tenacity, smarts, and drive to be anything he wanted to be. Instead of taking any number of private sector jobs and becoming just another fat cat, he stayed in government and fought against waste, fraud, and mismangement his whole career, finally retiring as a federal executive at the top of his game. Is he fading off into the distance to play golf, watch TV, and shop for retirement villas? No, he is continuing to try to make Virginia and the rest of the world a better place.

Rex Simmons is the kind of person I want representing me--he's thoughtful, dedicated, and motivated.

I think they're both great candidates, but was very impressed by the energy and commitment Morris and Terri showed last year in helping the 2006 effort.  They gave a lot of time, money and energy, and really assisted the Webb, Feder and Hurst campaigns.  Two very impressive individuals with a passion for the issues.  They have our support, that's for sure.

How cool is that.

Rex...yeah I don't know what Rex does other "I spent 30 years as an accountant for the Federal government" I guess that's cool and exciting.

I still kinda prefer the whole "let's be activist" (oh, and get free cookies) thing.

I'm going to repeat below some of my previously-stated reasons for strongly supporting Rex Simmons, and add a new one as well:

From the comments I have heard from both men, I believe that Rex is taking an approach that will better fit in with the Va. House of Delegates and give him a better chance of succeeding with his legislative goals.  I don't believe that "strident" is a word that most people in the district want to use to describe their legislator, or that most Delegates will use to describe their most effective colleagues.  And of course, in order to succeed, the Delegate must have the support of a majority of both voters and fellow Delegates.  I believe that Rex's even-tempered and even-handed approach, which also maintains his commitment to Democratic values, is more likely to meet the goals set by the Governor and to get responsible and workable solutions moving through the House.

As I said before, Rex's careful avoidance of political activities while he was in his government job indicates a great deal about his integrity and his commitment to truly responsible governing.  That is vitally important to me in an elected -- especially since neither of these men has a record as a legislator.

When you speak to Rex in a smaller group setting, he really conveys the sense that he means what he says, that he thinks carefully about the issues, that he values your input as a member of the community, and that he stands up for the things that he believes in.

That's why I think that Simmons is right for this District.

So what you are saying is that you think Rex Simmons is the better choice because he won't rock the boat. Thats all well and good but if we aren't looking to rock the boat why elect anyone new at all? If you don't want someone who is going to stand up for core Democratic values why not let Tim Hugo keep the seat?

This doesn't make sense, and it doesn't fit in with what we should be trying to accomplish. I am sure Rex has great integrity and I am sure that his years of government experience are useful to him. But if you are looking for someone who will stand up for your values, and that should be what we are looking for than the right choice is Morris Meyer.

I think you are confusing "working with" and "won't rock the boat."  There is a world of difference.  You should not mistake Rex's ability to work with different people for an inability to stand up for his beliefs.  I have seen him stand up for what he believes, and I have seen how that integrity has been handed down to his children.

I don't know about you, but I want someone who will work with the rest of the Northern Virginia delegation to get what is best for our neighborhoods, schools, roads.  I have seen both candidates interact with Chuck Caputo, Dave Marsden and Brian Moran, among others.  And I think that Rex will be better able to work with them to re-instill those "core Democratic values" in Richmond.

"The next representative of the 40th district!", Del. Brian Moran at Morris' Kickoff.

Oh P.S. Chuck Caputo, Dave Marsden and Brian Moran all don't live in the district. (See Glants comment above about Leslie Byrne & Al Weed)

Sometimes there are reasons to pick sides in a primary, like a  VERY competitive seat where there is clearly one great candidate and maybe an average candidate, but this is not one.  It seems we have 2 good candidates in a race that isn't top tier at this point.  Let the 2 battle it out and voters decide, then work hard for them this summer.

While Rex and Morris have similar views on the issues, which I would expect of two Democrats, they are different in other ways. Rex has experience with making government work better, an academic background in political science and public administration, experience in negotiating solutions to issues with other people in a work environment, and lots of time to devote to a hard campaign against the Republican incumbent. That is why my vote is for Rex.

Who won the poll?

Thanks.