Tuesday afternoon,
I'm just beginning to see, now I'm on my way
It doesn't matter to me, chasing the clouds away.
The Moody Blues
The "main event" in Tuesday's GOP primary is the party nomination for U.S. Senate. Most believe this will be a snoozer with former Governor George Allen easily walking all over the field of three little-known and underfunded opponents. Allen has avoided mistakes like the Macaca moment of six years ago that exposed his hateful side... not that most Republican voters would care much about that anyhow. And, he's played dodgeball by refusing to answer any controversial questions. Allen will win easily probably garnering a solid majority of the votes cast.
There are several primaries, both Republican and Democratic, for House of Representatives. Here in the 6th District, entrenched incumbent Bob Goodlatte is challenged by conservative/libertarian Karen Kwiatkowski. Speaking of dodgeball, Bobblehead Bob is the master of the strategy. He refuses to even acknowledge his opponent, only shows up at well-controlled venues with party regulars, and has basically said nothing beyond the safe GOP talking points. He's had the money to run radio ads and put up big 4x8 signs in key locations. With fewer resources Kwiatkowski has relied more on meeting and listening to real people and talking about actual issues. While that strategy speaks to the core of our democracy, unfortunately it isn't one likely to carry the day.
There are several primaries, both Republican and Democratic, for House of Representatives. Here in the 6th District, entrenched incumbent Bob Goodlatte is challenged by conservative/libertarian Karen Kwiatkowski. Speaking of dodgeball, Bobblehead Bob is the master of the strategy. He refuses to even acknowledge his opponent, only shows up at well-controlled venues with party regulars, and has basically said nothing beyond the safe GOP talking points. He's had the money to run radio ads and put up big 4x8 signs in key locations. With fewer resources Kwiatkowski has relied more on meeting and listening to real people and talking about actual issues. While that strategy speaks to the core of our democracy, unfortunately it isn't one likely to carry the day.
In reading letters to the editor and and other commentary around the sprawling 6th, it is clear that many conservatives and liberals have found at least one area of agreement -- it is time... indeed past time based on his own promise... for Bob to come home from his D.C. career. I know, with the advantages of incumbency and power of money that is unlikely to happen. But, if we really want to retire Bob, Tuesday is the day to do so. If he wins the nomination, Bobblehead Bob will continue playing dodgeball all the way to reelection in November and folks in the 6th district will, for two more years, be poorly represented.
This Tuesday afternoon... or anytime between 6:00 AM and 7:00 PM... visit your polling place and vote to retire Bob Goodlatte. Let's chase the clouds away!
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