Forget Washington—Suddenly Virginia Offers Hope
Unlikely as it might seem, there is a ray of hope for better government, in Richmond, Virginia of all places! Of course it may be the hopeless, self-serving crowd in Washington that makes the old Confederacy look goof by comparison. Not a very high bar. IF Democrats and moderates in general get out and vote on November 5, the elections for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General could yield a sweep by the forces of relative enlightenment over the Neanderthal right. The rabid mob in the House of Representatives seemingly overpowered a weak, self-interested U.S. Senate and a White House in steady ponder mode, shutting down our national government and bringing us and the world to the brink of U.S. default. Besides a collapse of services to our people and demoralizing the good public servants who provide them, the irresponsible ones shattered worldwide confidence in the United States and cost untold billions in losses to the American economy. Let’s hope the American people remember what these people did when they ask to be re-elected in 2014. So, let’s turn back to Virginia. Terry McAuliffe will defeat Ken Cuccinelli. Why? Because KC has failed to run away from his long record of using the Attorney General’s office to promote an extremist agenda (climate denier, anti-gay, anti-women’s reproductive rights) and , yes, for sharing Guv Bob’s record of corrupt behavior (taking Star Scientific loot and taking coal industry pay-to-play contributions). McAuliffe, while coming across like a perpetually optimistic used car salesman, at least has a clear record of working to accomplish positive goals—like building an American electric car with American workers, investing in other environmental industries and being a top rainmaker for progressive politicians. A high energy man of action, but Gravitas, not so much. Still, he has the stuff to be a transformational governor—with a little luck. And, he’ll keep his eye on the ball, unlike ideological avenger Ken Cuccinelli. E.W. Jackson, Cuccinelli’s new sidekick and Republican candidate for Lt. Governor also has failed to shed his long record as a flame-throwing and bigoted—against other religions and even his fellow African-Americans--pastor. He has created a totally new typology on the political spectrum. Interesting as a case study in caricatures maybe, but not for governing. His Democratic opponent, State Senator and pediatric neurologist Ralph Northam is the understated, but thoughtful statesman. He has a solid legislative record and was the first statewide candidate to propose critically needed ethics reform. In my view, Northam the steady is not only a sturdy complement to McAuliffe, but has the potential to be not only a fine Lt. Governor (whose only real job is key—breaking ties in a 50 Dems-50 Repugs State Senate), but also a legit prospect to be an exceptional Governor one day. Then there’s Mark Obenshain, whose father was about to become Governor when he was killed in a plane crash. Mark is not his more moderated dad. Instead he uses Ken Cuccinelli as a role model for Attorney General. As a State Senator, his main claim to fame was a bill requiring all women to immediately report any miscarriage. ‘Nuff said. Mark Herring, the Democratic candidate for AG, has a solid record as a County Supervisor and State Senator with the credentials to be the state’s top lawyer. He even knows what Attorney Generals are supposed to do! Imagine the three top jobs filled by competent, innovative people, who among other things will deliver ethics reform in the swamp. Nice to have some good news politically—a rarity in Virginia, and America, these days.
