It’s certainly not unheard of for politicians to perform daring feats of acrobatics, aka “flip flops,” on positions they used to hold near and dear. But usually, they don’t so in a period of 8 days on a high-profile issue that likely Democratic primary voters – in a primary they’re running in – are paying close (and passionate, in many cases) attention to. If nothing else, it’s bad politics. So who would do such a thing when it comes to the Dwight Jones nomination to be the next DPVA Chair? Check it out:
THEN:
Mark Sickles statement (March 4)
“Over the weekend, Delegate Sickles contacted the highest level of the governor’s administration to express his opposition. We have received confirmation that his concerns have been acknowledged. If the governor nominates Mayor Jones for DPVA Chair, Delegate Sickles will issue a public statement in opposition.”
NOW:
Mark Sickles comments (March 12)
Count Del. Mark Sickles (D-Fairfax) among Jones’ supporters, as well. Sickles, who amid a crowded field is running for Jim Moran’s soon-to-be vacant congressional seat, announced last month that he’s “a proud, gay man,” in an op-ed piece for the Washington Post.
Asked Tuesday night after a community meeting at Bush Hill Elementary School about Jones’ nomination, Sickles didn’t hesitate to provide a thumbs-up.
“Dwight is a friend of mine,” he said. “I think he’s got a great heart. He’s going to win Saturday, and I look forward to working with him.”
No problems with Jones’ “evolving” attitude toward same-sex marriage?“No, no, not at all,” Sickles said. “Look, I think marriage equality is going to be constitutionally required in a very short time, and he has pledged to uphold everybody’s constitutional rights. He’s been very open to the LGBT community in Richmond, done a lot of good things there, and I’m hoping for the best.”
OK, now maybe I missed it, but did anyone see the “public statement in opposition” Sickles promised 8 days ago he’d issue “if the governor nominates Mayor Jones for DPVA Chair?” Nope, didn’t think so. #FAIL
P.S. Of the other 8th CD candidate who issued unequivocal statements 8 days ago against Jones, so far I’ve seen two of them comment today – Patrick Hope (still strongly against) and Mark Levine (ditto). I’d be interested in hearing from the others…
UPDATE: Sickles has dropped out of the 8th CD race. Bye bye! 🙂
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