"Turning the 34th blue" is a terrible reason to vote for someone into office. I recieved one of Margi's "Team Blue" mail pieces and it was utter garbage, barely a word on any kind of policy or solution and all about how Fairfax should be completely blue. I honestly don't care so much as party as who is going to do something to fix the transportation mess. So far in the debates, both candidates have said they support the tunnel, but would capitulate and go for above ground if push came to shove. That's the Conolly-Kaine view thats led us to where we are now and they don't need reinforcements. Also, for two candidates so passionate about Transportation, where are their proposals?

My info was "on the record" but source refused to be named, so per my policy of unsourced info, I won't name the campaign.

That being said, one campaign in the 34th primary absolutley scares the sh*t out of me with the possibility they might win.

They have taken the past two Fridays off (despite having an ELECTION in the coming weeks), has an incompetent staff and is using canvassing numbers to gauge results (canvassing numbers are targeted universe, and respondents hear the pitch before answering question, making them completely invalid indicators of support).

I for one hope that if this campaigns wins, that this candidate fires their entire staff.

It scares me because they would be our nominee.

Also, I asked for the staff reshuffle because WE WILL LOSE this seat if the same staff stays on board.

I honestly doubt that the situation is this bad on either side--I respect your opinion but you should look into things with your source a little further.

...I'm going to quote Alice Marshall:  "No source, no story."

Yawn.

It's great that Margi is so well off and that that's allowed her to give herself $50,000 and make a lot of friends with electeds and organizations outside of the district, but as anyone who has even volunteered for a campaign knows, that doesn't exactly translate to votes from the little league parents.
To win in November is going to take an awesome field campaign and boots on the ground (actually INSIDE the district) and I haven't seen anything from Margi like that yet.

Margi has been out at the doors and on the phone every day meeting voters and campaigning.  The email I recieved from the campaign this week states that they've contacted over 12,000 voters and I've seen lots of letters to the editor supporting Margi.  Endorsements don't win the election - hard work does.  And it seems that citizens of the 34th, elected officials, and local chapters of organizations like the Sierra Club, the League of Conservation Voters, VA NOW, EMILY's List and the National Association of Social Workers all believe that Margi is running a great campaign, has the best ideas and record, and is putting in the hard work on the ground to be the next delegate from the 34th District. 

you cannot fire me because I'm a volunteer. (Besides only Donald Trump can fire the staff.)

Margi also brings alot of experience to her campaign along with significant endorsements.  She does not only talk about change, but has the experience to back up changes she accomplished in the past.

I hope the negativity above does not contribute to us losing a seat that we should win. Because of Ralph Nader, we now have to live with Bush. Because of Jim Webb, we now have a chance against Bush.

Especially with the redrawing of Congressional Districts, it is important that Virginia turns blue.

MJW

Margaret Vanderhye hasn't had success as a candidate because of her financial resources.  She works 12 hour days 7 days a week, meeting voters, learning from voters, going to rallies and events, and studying issues.  She's worked on behalf of Democratic candidates in Virginia for over 25 years.  She's also worked on behalf of issues Virginians care about most, whether Democrat or Republican.  Her efforts include advocating for environmental preservation, transportation solutions and funding, cancer prevention, funding for military children's after-school programs, spending holidays in shelters, mentoring children, advocating for gun control, creating educational programs for disdavantaged youth, preventing underage drinking and driving... the list goes on.  Almost 100% of Margi's efforts have been under the radar.  She spends much of her time doing altruistic things for people and never seeking recognition.  Her successes in these endeavors do not hinge on her finances and she never makes issue of her finances.  I didn't even know she had so much until reading all these posts.  She is my mom and the most selfless person I know.  She is articulate, compassionate and has intensely strong convictions.  I don't understand why people say nasty things on blogs.  Please contact her campaign directly and give them suggestions if you'd like to see improvements: 703.448.8018.