After the third straight year of disastrous elections for Democrats here in Virginia, you’d expect a great deal of ferment among Democratic committees, including DPVA. In the case of the DPVA, of course, we’re not seeing that, as the culture of non-accountability for failure is deeply entrenched there. Bottom line: at DPVA, it’s much more about who people “like,” maintaining their exclusive club, racial/gender/regional politics, etc., than about competence and merit. In other words, DPVA seems well beyond hope.
At the local committee level, though, we’re seeing a bit more ferment right now. Over at NLS, Ben reports that “In York/Poquoson, the new Chair is Jake Evans, a 21 year old local student.” Congratulations to Jake, talk about a youth movement!
On a far less pleasant note, Ben reports that “Party switcher Chris Wade who ran for Supervisor as a “Democrat” this year (voting in his first Democratic Primary for himself) was elected Co-Chair of the Braddock District Democratic Committee.” Now, to be clear, I have ZERO problem with party switchers from “R” to “D.” Recall that I “drafted” one of them — Jim Webb for Senate in 2006 — and worked for his campaign. So what’s the difference between Chris Wade and Jim Webb (other than that Chris Wade is NO Jim Webb in any way, shape or form)? Simple: Jim Webb explained, repeatedly and persuasively, the thought process that led him to move from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party. In Chris Wade’s case, there STILL, believe it or not, has been no explanation for how he went from self-identified “strong McCain-Palin supporter” in 2008 (3 years ago) to suddenly a “Democrat” today. So, what’s Wade doing as a Democrat, and what in bloody you-know-where is Wade doing being ELECTED to a Democratic Committee?!? What I’m hearing is that, for whatever reason(s), Wade is seen by certain “powers that be” as a potential Democratic candidate in the future. Why, I have no idea, but it’s certainly not based on Wade’s efforts for Democrats over the years, that’s for sure. Terrible choice by the Braddock District Democratic Committee.
In other news, I’m hearing that Evan Macbeth (pictured with Mark Warner above) is highly likely to be elected the next chair of the Loudoun County Democratic Committee on January 7 (he was the only announced candidate as of a few days ago, after Andy Resnick pulled out of the running). I think that’s great news, as LCDC is in desperate need of having strong, energetic, dynamic new leadership, which Evan will provide. Evan’s challenges basically involve picking up the pieces — actually, more like rubble — from the Mike Turner years as LCDC chair. That includes a 9-0 Republican Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, former LCDC members running around endorsing against their own party, and general dysfucntion all around (come to think of it, LCDC isn’t that dissimilar to that other Macbeth – Shakespeare’s, including the intrigue, backstabbing, deceit, etc.). I wish Evan Macbeth the best of luck in pulling together all the REAL Democrats in Loudoun County and in reenergizing the LCDC!
Lots more on the “flip,” including the coup attempt against Bruce Roemmelt and the wackiness in FCDC that needs to be stopped.
Meanwhile, in that other big, exurban NOVA county, Prince William, I’m hearing that there’s a possible coup attempt going on against current PWCDC chair (and progressive champion, two-time candidate against “Sideshow Bob”) Bruce Roemmelt. The revolt’s apparently being led by former Del. Paul Nichols, and that he’s attempting to get Harry Wiggins (Nichols’ former aide in Richmond) elected chair instead. Apparently, Nichols et al. believe that Bruce didn’t do a good job with the 2011 elections. I’m hearing rumblings as well that the Connolly folks weren’t thrilled with the job Bruce did in 2011 either. My understanding is that the election for chair will be held January 10. Barring some REAL reason to replace Bruce Roemmelt as chair, I hope that PW County Dems will stick with him, as he’s a great guy, hard worker, and strong Democrat (“from the Democratic wing…”).
Finally, one last word on Fairfax County. Remember this story, in which a unauthorized/sham/shell organization (no website, no Facebook page, no Twitter account, no donations in 2008, 2010 or 2011, a whopping $100 raised in 2009) calling itself the “Fairfax League of Conservation Voters” — which Virginia League of Conservation Voters (LCV) President Lisa Guthrie described as an “independent PAC…not a chapter or affiliate of Virginia LCV” — actually endorsed the anti-environment, Tea Party/Cuccinelli-favorite John Cook (R) for Braddock District Supervisor over passionate environmentalist Janet Oleszek (D). Well, now, believe it or not, the head of that “organization,” Tania Hossain, is running to be Chair of Precinct Operations for FCDC. Clearly, that is not acceptable, after this individual endorsed John Cook over Janet Oleszek just a few months ago, potentially costing Democrats a County Board seat; that is if you believe Cook’s use of the phony “LCV” endorsement could have won him 371 more votes (out of almost 25,000 cast) to defeat Janet Oleszek by that slim margin. I definitely believe that, and it truly infuriates me to this day. I urge both Democrats running for LCDC chair — Barbara Caputo and Cesar del Aguila — to address this situation ASAP. I swear, I’m tempted to endorse whichever candidate takes the most forceful action against this travesty. (UPDATE: That last statement was mostly rhetorical, but hopefully it makes my point.]
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