Ben Cline’s five accomplishments last week

I emailed Rep Ben Cline (VA 06) to ask what five good things he’d done for the United States last week so that he could comply with the DOGE command. Knowing Cline wouldn’t respond, a helpful friend supplied the answers: “1) Called my most generous donors to find out what favors they’d like me to do for them. 2) Visited remote western towns in my district to explain to people how they will be better off when their local clinics close. 3) Drafted a bill to change the name of Shenandoah National Park to Harry Byrd NP. 4) Attended Jud Comm meeting to strategize ways to impeach woke radical leftist judges who are disloyal to our Dear Leader. 5) Invited teenaged DOGE techies to program office computers to auto-delete *** ****‘s emails.”

Bobblehead Bob and the Clown Caucus

House Speaker Mike Johnson just got punked by the incoming president and his chaos crony, Elon. Give Johnson some credit… he tried to keep the government’s Christmas lights on by working across the isle with a continuing resolution funding the government through early spring. He’d been juggling his clown caucus, which includes the Valley’s own Bobblehead Ben Cline.

Enter President Musk… oh I mean Trump… oh I’m not sure who I mean anymore. They tanked the bipartisan plan that Johnson had juggled over the past weeks and insisted on a new CR that included, among other atrocities, a demand for extending the debit limit. Perhaps this should give all of us pause that, in spite of musk’s and Ramaswamy’s DOGE, the incoming administration will run up the federal debt. Oh yes, the twin sons of different mothers, will try to cut programs that mean much to Shenandoah Valley residents… farm aid, Social Security, Medicare, etc… and call it savings, but their giveaways to the  top tier and their cronies will more than offset any savings. I predict the deficit/debt will soar!

What will The “budget hawk” Bobblehead Ben do? Nothing because when it comes time to stand on principle against Trump, Ben is a chicken hawk. 

Trump and the little devils sitting (shitting) on his shoulders have no plans for fiscal austerity or responsible governance. They offer only chaos, shutdowns, retribution. And Bobblehead Ben concurs. 

Tuesday afternoon

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.

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!

Kwiatkowski/Schmookler debate brought out the best

Last night's "debate" between GOP candidate Karen Kwiatkowski and the Democratic nominee, Andy Schmookler gave the crowded fellowship hall at Community Mennonite Church a glimpse of how political discourse in a democracy could be, and should be, conducted. Sometimes agreeing but more often taking diametrically opposed positions, the two candidates sparred over the economy, foreign policy, the environment, the Fed and monetary policy, taxation, education, and the role of government. While the differences were often sharp, the elbows were not... both candidates were passionate about their ideas and views but, on a human-to-human basis, treated each other (and the crowd) with respect and dignity.

Karen Kwiatkowski

Kwiatkowski fervently believes in a smaller government and holds many positions I'll call, for lack of a more descriptive term, "libertarian." She was equally critical of Democrats and Republicans believing that the parties, especially at the state and national levels, are essentially the same. She'd abolish or curtail the Federal Reserve, believes private property rights (i.e. few regulations) are the best protection for the environment, cares little for public education and a federal role in schools, and would avoid alliances while promoting trade with other nations. If elected, Kwiatkowski's priorities included repealing both the 16th (income tax) and 17th (direct election of senators) amendments and various steps to assure representatives give due diligence to bills and taking away the perks that have made congressional service into a career.

This was my first time seeing and hearing Kwiatkowski in person and, while I disagree with many of her positions, I was impressed with her ability to clearly explain deeply held beliefs while answering questions directly and without evasion as well as the obvious fire in her belly to carry these views to D.C. She connected directly with my experience when relating how she'd written Rep. Bob Goodlatte only to receive a reply that didn't address the issues raised. So, she wrote again only to get a brush-off from the "representative." It was that experience that got her thinking about running for office. During her campaign she's discovered many folks around the district had similar experiences of Goodlatte refusing to listen. To chuckles and applause from the audience, she noted, "Bob is one of my best campaign workers."

Andy Schmookler

Schmookler has obviously engaged in deep thinking about powerful forces lusting for power and wealth and their relentless campaign of "divide and conquer" that is corrupting our democracy. One often repeated priority is a constitutional amendment to overturn the Citizens United decision and return a semblance of equality to our political processes. On foreign policy, human rights, and protecting the environment he understands the historic role of the United States and how solving interconnected problems will require American leadership. Schmooker believes in public education and its power to open the doors of equal opportunity and break down increasingly rigid social/economic class structures. Running through many of his issues was a theme of finding common ground and setting aside hardened ideological differences to solve real problems affecting people and the nation.

I've heard Schmooker several times and was immediately impressed on his maturation as speaker and candidate. More than most, he has thought about and understands the big picture and the tenuous interplay between greed, power, democracy, taxes, compassion, and people's lives. In earlier events I thought Schmooker was too intent on getting all his ideas out and in doing so he was hurried and seen by many listeners as too lecturing. Last night he was relaxed and confident with a warm and genuine sense of humor. He answered questions directly with precision and clarity.

Karen Kwiatkowski and Andy Schmookler were both winners last night. But, the biggest winner was a notion that democracy should engage citizens in an honest and open discussion of compelling issues. That sharp political discussion can be engaging, cordial, and without vitriolic personal attacks.

The biggest loser last night was Bobblehead Bob Goodlatte. In spite of repeated and personally delivered invitations he rudely did not even respond. I assume he felt like giving a smack down to the organizers (Occupy Harrisonburg and the Harrisonburg/Rockingham Liberty Alliance), but that smack down was felt throughout the community. The message he sent and the voters received was - I am entitled to this office and I don't care about your views, your concerns, or your lives. 

Voters... Republican, Democratic, and independent... should send a message to Bobblehead Bob that politics as usual isn't good enough. For the first time ever this Democrat will vote in a Republican primary (open to all voters) for a candidate with honesty and integrity who is willing to stand before the people and debate the great issues facing us. We can retire Bob Goodlatte on June 12. Let's do it!

Bobblehead Bob continues to duck and dodge

Bob likes his office but
he really doesn't care
much for the voters.

Bobblehead Bob Goodlatte continues his strategy of ducking and dodging his June 12 primary opponent, Karen Kwiatkowski, as well as the Democratic nominee, Andy Schmookler. In doing so Bobblehead Bob is also ducking and dodging interaction with voters in the 6th Congressional District of Virginia. His most recent bit of dodgeball involves an open forum in Harrisonburg at 6:30 PM on Monday, June 4 at Community Mennonite Church. Schmookler and and Kwiatkowshi have agreed to attend, to interact with voters, and to discuss issues of interest to the district, but not so Bobblehead Bob.

Perhaps this isn't much of a surprise. At his occasional "town hall" meetings the "representative" generally does far more talking than listening, he sticks to tired GOP talking points, and he gets evasive or even hostile when a constituent asks tough questions. Kwiatkowski and Schmookler may not agree on many points of public policy, but clearly they... and many people in the Shenandoah Valley... agree that Bobblehead Bob has lost touch with the people he is supposed to represent. Since he won't retire voluntarily (as he promised), now is the time for the voters to make that decision for this entrenched incumbent.

Kwiatkowski, a Tea Party and libertarian favorite, believes she could have carried the day at the 6th District Republican convention where delegates gave her an encouraging welcome. But, with the nominee being selected in a primary, it is probably advantage Bobblehead Bob who has money and manpower throughout the sprawling district to turn out his loyal vote while he continually refuses to engage.

For the Democratic nominee appearing at events like the forum is the way democracy is supposed to function and a means to have two-way communication voters. Schmookler noted, "... are these elections for people's career ambitions or are they to serve the voters of the district? I think it's to serve the voters."

As the old saying goes, "politics makes strange bedfellows." Those bedfellows, be they Republican, Democratic, or independent; Tea Party or Occupy Wall Street; conservative or liberal; or just someone who believes government should be accountable to the people can take a first step by voting in the open June 12 Republican primary.

Andy Schmookler Town Hall Meeting

Andy Schmookler recently submitted petitions with more than enough signatures to qualify as the Democratic candidate for Virginia's 6th District - since no other candidate filed, the primary will be cancelled and Andy will be the Democratic nominee in the November General Election. Meet Andy at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 31 at a Town Hall in the Staunton Public Library. Visit his website to learn more about the issues, other opportunities to meet Andy, and how you can help his campaign to replace Bobblehead Bob.

I remember

Because many American memories are short... a reminder.

 

No real choice in VA06? Rather than not voting, send a message by writing-in R.U. Kidding.

Constitutional Change - two outta three ain't bad

In much of the 6th District there is little compelling reason to bring voters to the polls on November 2. In spite of some grousing by tea party types that Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R) is just another "power-hungry career politician," the incumbent will again break his five term "pledge" and coast to victory by defeating Libertarian Stuart Bain and independent Jefffey Vanke. Neither Bain nor Vanke has made even a anemic blip on voters' radar.

Yes, there are spirited contests in some localities. For example, Harrisonburg has six candidates (two Republican, two Democratic, and two independent) vying for two city council seats. There is also an election for a couple of school board seats. A drive through the "Friendly City" shows far more local candidate than congressional signs and we might expect turnout there to be higher than in surrounding areas.

Virginia voters will vote on three constitutional amendments. One will raise the cash cap on the so-called "rainy day fund" by 50% to rebuild it faster. This fund is essentially a saving account in which the General Assembly deposits funds during "good times" and make withdrawals during shortfalls caused by economic slowdowns. The General Assembly passed the proposal unanimously... most Republicans like the idea of shrinking government by taking some money out of current budgets while Democrats laud the safety net.

Voters will also consider two other amendments, one dealing with with property tax exemptions for senior citizens. Currently a locality must get permission from the General Assembly to give tax breaks to low income or disabled seniors. This amendment would allow local governing bodies to make their own decision.

The other amendment intends to help veterans (or their surviving spouse) who were totally disabled during their service by exempting them from local property taxes on their home. This break would apply to some 7,000 veterans across the Commonwealth.

You can read the actual text of the amendments at the State Board of Elections. Typically, voters go along with the General Assembly and approve amendments (simple majority vote does it) to the state constitution. Should they do so this time? My position - two outta three ain't bad:

• Increasing the rainy day fund makes sense to me. Perhaps it is the teaching of my depression-era parents, but in my personal life I've operated on this principle. Seems like a good idea for the Commonwealth to sock away funds for the tough times, too. Vote YES on ballot question #3.
• I also like the idea of giving local governments the ability to grant tax exemptions to certain senior citizens without having to ask permission of the General Assembly. This is a decision best left to local officials based on local circumstances. Vote YES on ballot question #1.
• While I generally support the notion of a tax break for disabled veterans, I do not support the General Assembly doing so with local tax dollars. The previous amendment grants more autonomy to local governments, this one encroaches on it. For that reason alone, voters should vote NO ballot question #2.

The best humor - based in fact

A Virginia Congressman was seated next to a little girl on the airplane leaving from Roanoke when he turned to her and said, "Let's talk. I've heard that flights go quicker if you strike up a conversation with your fellow passenger."

The little girl, who had just opened her book, closed it slowly and said to the total stranger, "What would you like to talk about?"

"Oh, I don't know," said the congressman. "How about the farce of global warming or joke called 'Obamacare'," and he smiles smugly.

"OK," she said. "Those could be interesting topics. But let me ask you a question first. A horse, a cow, and a deer all eat the same stuff - grass. Yet a deer excretes little pellets, while a cow turns out a flat patty, and a horse produces clumps of dried grass. Why do you suppose that is?"

The esteemed legislator, visibly surprised by how sharp the girl is, thinks about it and says, "Hmmm, I have no idea."

To which the little girl replies, "Do you really feel qualified to discuss global warming or universal health care when you don't know sh*t?"

On recess, Bob?

National and local news is filled with the drama of the town hall meetings on healthcare reform that have been conducted by President Obama and many representatives across the country. Of course, the media is mostly obsessed with the confrontation and emotion that has erupted at some of the meetings and with repeating the outrageous (and deceitful) things some are saying about "death panels" and socialism. Fortunately a few in the media are exposing the orchestrated campaign by the GOP, drug companies, extremist front groups like FreedomWorks that is designed to shout down rational debate rather than seek bipartisan consensus.

With all these town hall meetings going on, I thought Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R) would have conducted several in the 6th District of Virginia. After all, across the mountain in the 5th District, Rep. Tom Perriello (D) has already held eight "Tom in Your Town" meetings and has about a dozen more in the works. Most of those have seen high turnout and each has attracted groups more intent on disruption than discussion. But, at the "Tom in Your Town" in Charlottesville, residents supporting reform equaled the shouters and a good exchange of ideas took place. I suspect the same is true at many other forums around the country, except you'd never know it from our sensationalized main stream media.

So far, Rep. Goodlatte seems to have taken the word "recess" seriously (skipping rope?) and I'm unaware of any town hall meetings conducted in the 6th District. Now comes word that he'll hold some "tele-town halls" and will announce a series of face-to-face town hall meetings soon. But, don't count Goodlatte among those congressmen really seeking honest input and discussion. He's already called the America's Affordable Health Choices Act "misguided" and has repeated the Republican talking points about eliminating waste and fraud in the current system and medical liability reform. My bet is that the congressman's office is already working with extremists like tea party and Americans for Prosperity to make sure he is surrounded by friendly faces and loud shouting to try and drown out supporters of healthcare reform.

So, keep your eyes open for one of Rep. Goodlatte's town hall meetings near your where healthcare will be "discussed." In the meantime, you can call his D.C. office at 202.225.5431 and tell him you want genuine and meaningful healthcare reform. For email and regional office contact info, click here. It only takes a quick read at his website to see Goodlatte's mind is already slammed shut and he'll hop in lockstep with Republican marching orders. But, that doesn't mean rational and thoughtful voices shouldn't be raised in the 6th District.

A different kind of Democrat?

Sam Rasoul, the Democratic candidate for House of Representatives in the 6th District, seems to be staking out slightly different turf in his quest to unseat an entrenched incumbent. Rasoul told the Daily News-Record editorial board that his personal and religious views tell him abortion is wrong. However, Rasoul noted that "there is a difference in what I believe is my job as a legislator and what my personal convictions are . . . I don't feel the government should have the right to come and tell, during the first trimester, what [a woman] can or cannot do with her body."

Rasoul's libertarian views about keeping government out of a woman's and a family's decision comes as a refreshing difference from the GOP/Goodlatte mantra that would find government involved in our most personal lives. Many in the Valley are suspicious of "big brother" intrusions and Rasoul's position will find support from many.

Another issue where Rasoul's position resonates with frugal Valley voters is the national debt. With the national debt now at over $9.6 trillion and growing by $1.9 billion a day, Rasoul stands in sharp contrast to Goodlatte. The incumbent talks-the-talk but fails to walk-the-walk on the deficit and debt. He's known for "bringing home the bacon" and supporting Bush's budget busting continuation of the Iraq War. Rasoul vows to fight the special interests that are feeding at the trough of the federal budget and considers our debt to be a "national security" issue.

Rasoul also expressed strong support for public education and said he would oppose vouchers and tax credits. Not only would such schemes undermine public schools, they are simply another special interest grab that will make the deficit worse.

If you look at Rasoul's positions on these and other issues you'll find him an interesting mix of political ideologies. Sometimes more conservative, sometimes more liberal, sometimes libertarian - much like the voters in the 6th District. If elected, Rasoul would seek pragmatic solutions that reflect voters' views. A refreshing change after years of our "representative" marching in lockstep with Bush and the far right elements of the Virginia Republican Party.

Welcome to our hen house

Barack Obama campaigned in Virginia yesterday, including stops in Martinsville and Lynchburg. With his town hall meeting at E. C. Glass High School, Obama was in the 6th Congressional District of Virginia.

Sometimes Valley folks think of the district as running along the I-81 corridor from Shenandoah County to Roanoke, but as you can see on the map, it extends onto the foothills to include Lynchburg. Beyond Jerry Falwell (R.I.P) and Liberty University (do they have a course on evolution?), many in the Valley are not too familiar with the "City of Seven Hills" which has about 70,000 residents, an interesting history, and vibrant economy.

The 6th District has several different media markets and you may have missed detailed coverage of Obama's town hall meeting. Check out the links:

• The News and Advance
• ABC 13
• WBDL 7
• The Roanoke Times

Obama's town hall meeting at a high school named for Carter Glass brings to mind some ironies of American and Virginia history. Glass was a newspaper publisher and politician who served in House of Representatives (he was a leader in creating the Federal Reserve), as Woodrow Wilson's Secretary of the Treasury, and as a U. S. Senator. Glass was an ardent segregationist and was an influential leader in the Virginia Constitutional Convention (1901-02) that instituted a poll tax and literacy test to disenfranchise African-Americans. Glass was later a leader in the Byrd Machine that dominated state politics until the 1960s. Glass could never have envisioned the day when "his" Democratic Party would nominate an African-American to run for the highest office in the land.

It ain't your father' or grand father's Democratic Party any more! Cluck!

Friday the 13th Cackles

Happy Friday the 13th. Guess it struck overnight as several homes in the area were victims of mailbox vandalism. Watch out for black cats in the barnyard. Don't walk under ladders. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Where does all the Friday the 13th hysteria originate? Snopes.com has some answers.

Money matters

Pork barrel spending. Bringing home the bacon. Congressionally-directed spending. Earmarks. Whatever you call it, U.S. lawmakers are masters at getting spending for pet projects in their states and districts. Then they hold press conferences and claim credit - usually in the run-up to their election. Ah, the "wonderful" advantages of incumbency.

The Roanoke Times has a database of the Virginia congressional delegations' 2007-08 earmarks. They total over $1 Billion (lotta cracked corn). Many are bipartisan. Some have truly national goals like homeland security and food safety. But others, such as Bob Goodlatte's $294,000 for the Wayne Theater renovations, $245,000 for awnings in the historic district of Roanoke, and another $245,000 for the Lynchburg Academy of Music renovations have no relevance to the national government goals and priorities. Especially when the deficit is growing. Would the world end if these projects were not funded? How about local government and/or charitable funding for these projects?

Gerrymandering 101

This year Democrats are running candidates in each of Virginia's congressional districts. When was the last time that happened? Anybody know? Give up? It was 1990. Before that it was 1974 when a very unpopular failed Republican president energized Virginia Democrats. What's the old saying - deja vu all over again? 

Following the 2000 census, the Republican controlled General Assembly and governor skillfully gerrymandered the districts (they also hyper-gerrymandered the 100 House of Delegates and 40 Virginia Senate districts) to make life tough on Democrats. The evidence is in the numbers - in 1998 Democrats held a 6-5 advantage in the House of Representatives delegation. By 2002 the Republicans held a 8-3 advantage (includes Virgil Goode's shift from Democrat to Republican).

Gerrymandering is done for partisan power purposes. It is detrimental to "government by the people" because it diminishes competition to the point where it is difficult to recruit candidates to challenge entrenched incumbents (who also have many other advantages like earmarks). It effectively disenfranchises the voices of many voters. It is morally wrong and undemocratic.

Senator Creigh Deeds has pushed legislation to minimize gerrymandering in the redistricting that is required every 10 years. This past session, he was able to win passage in the Senate, but Republicans in the House blocked it. 

Kurt's clucking

Kurt Michael, one "chair" of the Augusta GOP, says he'll step down after the May 3 Sixth District Convention - step down from a phantom chair, I guess. Larry Roller, the other "chair" of the Augusta GOP announced a meeting by way of a letter to the editor - doubt that follows protocol. Fred Anderson, the chair (he really is) of the Sixth District says he'll resolve the chairmanship of the Augusta Republicans by the time of the convention. He knows a fight in the hen house won't be resolved by the hens themselves. What he won't resolve are the bitter (popular political word these days) feelings running rampant among the party faithful. One needs only read a few local blogs like Lynn Mitchell's swacgirl to know how deeply divided the party is between what I'll call "responsible Republicans" and the "reactionary Republicans." Would be nice to be a mouse in the Sixth District Convention which promises to be a fowl affair. My bet is the hens, led by Capt. Kurt, will still be clucking . . . and spreading litter.

In contrast, Sixth District Democrats seem a pretty calm bunch. Sure, there was a dust-up about local leadership in the Roanoke area, but for the most part their local committees seem united for the fall campaign. Reports are that attendance and donations are up. A potentially divisive nomination fight for House of Representatives was averted with Drew Richardson's gracious withdrawal. Valley Democrats appear to be enthusiastic in support of Sam Rasoul for Congress and Mark Warner for Senate.

Remember Will Rogers' quote about "I belong to no organized political party - I am a Democrat?" I'm sure they'll get in their own intra-party scuffle at some point, but Rogers' sentiments don't seem to be holding true in '08.

The Pendulum and the Pit

A blogger named Truth-teller has a good analysis of the recent GOP wars in Augusta County. While Republicans aren't quite committing public hari kari in other committees in the 6th District, the tensions that erupted there and in Staunton can be found among the party faithful throughout the district and across Virginia and the county.

The "Sluggard Republicans" (as Truth-teller named them) are the remnants of the Mountain-Valley Republicans. In the 50s and 60s this group had electoral success in western Virginia and were, in many ways, more progressive than some of the southern Democrats of the Byrd Machine who dominated state politics. These are the Republicans who elected the first Republican governor in nearly 100 years, Linwood Holton (Tim Kaine's father-in-law) and John Dalton. They also began building the party planting the seeds that eventually captured the General Assembly. The Mountain-Valley Republicans, though basically conservative, did believe in the positive power of government and compromise for the common good. In the recent brawl in Augusta, Emmett Hanger is the most obvious heir to this tradition.

Along came the "Regressive Republicans" (h/t Truth-teller) with an anti-government and no compromise agenda. Some inspired by Reagan, others ideological comrades of the old southern Democrats who felt abandoned by changes in that party, and some driven by an evangelical desire to create an American theocracy. Propelled by hatred of Roe v. Wade, taxes, and a more tolerant and open society they slowly but surely took over the heart and soul (if they have either) of the GOP.

For a while, the old and new coexisted in the Virginia Republican Party and together achieved electoral success by eventually capturing the General Assembly, both U.S. Senate seats, and a majority of the Congressional delegation. Sensing a wind shift, some local sheriffs and court clerks abandoned the party who had supported and elected them and became what might be called "opportunist Republicans" who didn't care as much about principles as their own seats.

But, the Regressive Republicans never really liked or trusted the Mountain-Valley types and they were on a mission of taking over the party and reestablishing the "government in exile" (pre Great Depression government policies/interpretation of the Constitution), overturning Roe, and establishing a theocracy. As their numbers increased in the party structure, they threatened and scared many of the remaining Mountain-Valley office holders into submission. And, significant pressure came from above. For example, Grover Norquist threatening to take down any Republican who did not sign his anti-tax pledge (Emmett Hanger and a few others refused) or a former GOP Senator "advising" a moderate mayor to not run for House of Delegates lest federal grants for his city suddenly dry up.

Fast forward to the 2007 General Assembly elections. Regressive Republicans under the "leadership" of Michael, Mitchell, Taetzsch, Davis and others in surrounding parts of the district promoted a political nobody (but drunk on their influence) named Scott Sayre to challenge Hanger in the primary for state Senate in 2007. A nasty and deceptive campaign ensues (amazing how these "moralists" can lie and cheat in pursuit of their goals) in which Hanger squeaks out a victory. Hanger has amazing staying power among Augusta/Staunton voters, but he was far weaker in other parts of the district. Sayre's supporters blame Democrats for voting in the Republican primary and providing Hanger with the margin, but evidence of that is inconclusive at best. The grist mill reveals some Dems did vote for Hanger out of friendship or because of fear of Sayre, but others supported Sayre hoping a fringe candidate would be easier for the Democrat, David Cox, to defeat in the fall.

Today the GOP is in disarray. The Regressive Republicans have achieved some success with guys like Cline, Lohr, Saxman, and others throughout the valley and Commonwealth - candidates with a quick smile, a folksy manner, and a stealthy right wing agenda. Looking at the next crop of potential statewide candidates - Bob McDonnell and Ken Cuccinelli, for example - finds most in the Regressive Republican mold. Old Mountain-Valley Republicans like Hanger are fighting back, but have become outcasts within their own local committees and are vilified on blogs, letters to the editor, and in the whisper campaign.

In the meantime the Democrats have emerged from their intra-party divisions of the past stronger than ever. Behind such practical moderates as Mark Warner and Tim Kaine the party is resurgent. Local committees up and down the 81 corridor, and across the state are growing in energy, manpower, and money. Individuals who once shied away from Democrats and politics in general are coming forth to get involved and run for office. In 2006 Democrats elected Jim Webb to the U.S. Senate and 2007 they recaptured the Virginia Senate and made gains in the House of Delegates. The 2008 elections offer a great opportunity for Democrats to capture the second Senate seat and several seats in the House of Representatives. And for the first time since 1964, if Barack Obama heads the ticket, Virginia stands poised to vote for the Democratic nominee.

The pendulum of politics has a self-correcting mechanism. The Regressives overplayed a hand that was way out of touch with most people - and they don't even know they've done it. The Sluggards frittered their hand away - but they'll keep fighting. Filling the void are the Democrats with a positive agenda, common sense governing, and the politics of working together for the common good. The same mill that made "Coarse Cracked Corn" also made "Victory Laying Mash." Victory is exactly what is blowing in the wind for Democrats in 2008.

What is coarse cracked corn?

Coarse cracked corn is chicken feed - 8% protein, 2.50% fat, and 2.75% fiber. Good stuff made at mills right here in the Shenandoah Valley around 1900. Coarse Cracked Corn, the blog, will be a little like that - pecking around at history, news, and current events in the region. A little grain in, lots of manure out, eggs for breakfast, and a chicken in every pot.

I have no idea where this blog will go or how fast it will get there. Time will tell.

Peck, peck, peck . . .