Red Bricks

Staunton has laid out the red carpet... I mean the red bricks... as part of a marketing campaign to attract attention, tourists, and business for 17 art galleries, theaters, and museums, all within an easy walk. Tourism already supports nearly 600 jobs and nets about $2 million in taxes which organizers expect to grow under the new promotion. Pointing to Richmond's Carytown and Charlottesville's downtown mall, Erik Curren, chair of the Staunton Arts & Culture Council, said,

“Many states and cities around the country are realizing that the arts and culture mean good business. We want our name to resonate across the eastern seaboard for what Staunton has to offer that's welcoming and unique.”

The promotion will expand the marketing dollars and reach of members such as the American Shakespeare Center, the Co-Art Gallery, and the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library. The council has created a colorful and informative Red Brick District brochure and will feature a series of events during the Arts-and-Culture Week that begins Saturday, October 17. Among the highlights:

• the Augusta County Historical Society will host a free workshop for adults, "When Bad Things Happen to Good Documents" on how how to care for family photographs and papers;
• the cast and musicians from ShenanArts’ upcoming show Cotton Patch Gospel will perform in various locations on Beverley Street;
• a free tour of Blackfriars Playhouse.

Of note: Erik Curren is one of the key people behind the Staunton Arts & Culture Council and is also running for 20th District House of Delegates. His evident leadership and initiative is yet another reason voters should should send him to Richmond. He is a mover and a shaker!

Curren to Bell "You hit it in the rough"

Dickie Bell has been saying to anyone who will listen that he is a conservative and supports only fiscally responsible policies. Well, anyone who knows Bell has questions about his history of "fiscal responsibility." Today Erik Curren called him out on the issues of fiscal responsibility, prudent city management, and failing to put public safety before the nine iron. Curren's press release:

Staunton, Va. -- October 12, 2009 -- Staunton City Councilman Richard P. "Dickie" Bell voted against building Staunton's new fire station but he voted for spending $600,000 on the city's public golf course, which raises questions for Bell's opponent, Democratic nominee for 20th District Delegate Erik Curren.

Residents of the 20th District take fire and rescue protection for granted. But when a family or business suffers the tragedy of a major fire or other emergency, their distance from the nearest fire station can mean the difference between life and death, or between damage and demolition.

"Firefighters and other first responders risk their lives daily," said Curren. "Surely we owe firefighters the resources they need to get to the scene as quickly as possible. And we owe it to our families and businesses to make sure that our communities have sufficient fire stations to keep us safe."

Curren questions whether 20th District Republican nominee Dickie Bell appreciates the importance of adequately funding fire and rescue services.

"In this campaign, my opponent has said that he would fund core services at the state level. Yet, he refused to support expanding fire protection in Staunton. Does that mean he would not adequately fund public safety, a key core service, at the state level? Voters have a right to know."

Despite Bell's no-vote, Staunton did approve and build Fire and Rescue Station Number Two on Grubert Avenue. Since it opened in the spring of 2006, the new substation has already saved lives and prevented millions of dollars in property damage, according to local officials.

When fire breaks out, every minute in response time is crucial, because a fire can double in size every 30 seconds and completely engulf a building in seven minutes. With the new substation, 96% of the city is within five minutes of a firehouse, according to Staunton Fire Chief Scott Garber.

Curiously, though he voted against the fire station, Bell voted to spend more than $600,000 to pay for a new irrigation system for Staunton's public golf course in Gypsy Hill Park. Bell himself is an avid golfer who plays at the course on a regular basis.

"My opponent's priorities seem mixed up," Curren said. "Does he consider golf to be a core service of government? My opponent seems to think that taxpayers should pay for a golf course but not for better fire protection. Voters are right to ask, if my opponent were sent to Richmond, would he put special interests and frivolous spending ahead of the public interest and core services like transportation, education, and public safety? If so, that's not fiscal conservatism -- that's fiscal irresponsibility."

Hope and Opportunity Tour

More than two dozen Staunton/Augusta Democrats gathered at Carded Graphics in the Green Hills Industrial Park to be part of DPVA Chairman Richard Cranwell's "Hope and Opportunity Tour" for Creigh Deeds. The always entertaining and enlightening Cranwell used facts, wit, and a broad smile to deliver his core message - if Virginians want to move Virginia's economy forward, in all parts of the state, Creigh Deeds is the man to do it.

About 30 supporters gathered at Carded Graphics to hear DPVA Chair Richard Cranwell. Also speaking was Staunton Councilman Bruce Elder, Rockingham Democratic Chair Lowell Fulk. In the crowd was Staunton Councilman Dave Metz and 20th House District candidate Erik Curren.

Comparing the Deeds plan with the McDonnell "plan," Cranwell pointed out in stark terms that under the Deeds plan, small businesses, which are a hallmark of the Shenandoah Valley economy, will get tax breaks for creating one job... and the next one job. McDonnell's "plan" is focused on larger businesses creating 50 jobs. Now that all sounds good, but very few businesses in the Valley have that many employees now, much less being able to create that many new jobs. In short, McDonnell has forgotten all about rural Virginia.

Cranwell explained how Deeds' long term commitment to economic development, to K-12 and higher education, to a good transportation system are all designed to continue the Warner/Kaine policies that made Virginia the "best managed state," the "best state to do business," and the "best state to raise a child." Pointing to the state-of-the-art facility at Carded Graphics, he noted that a grant from the Governor's Opportunity Fund helped to make it possible. And by the way, who was the chief architect of the legislation that created GOF? Creigh Deeds! And who opposed it and subsequently fought against increasing funding? Bob McDonnell.

The choice, Cranwell said, is crystal clear. We can move Virginia forward with Creigh Deeds or return to the failed Gilmore politics of "No!"

The PA system boomed an announcement to employees during Cranwell's talk prompting a moment of silence and reflection on his statement of the obvious - "the choice in this election is crystal clear."

Staunton City Councilman Bruce Elder reinforced Cranwell's themes relating how Creigh has always been a good friend of the Valley while McDonnell, who claims several hometowns around the state, hardly knows the Valley exists except for zipping down I-81 or flying into Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport for a quick rally. And gone again.

Richard Cranwell talks business with Erik Curren (right) after the formal presentation ended. Curren is running for 20th District House of Delegates. Curren has put out a detailed business plan that shares similarities with the Deed's plan. His opponent, Dickie Bell, has no plan except for saying things like "drill here, drill now." In the Valley??

The "Hope and Opportunity Tour" started early in the day in Winchester and included a stop at Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative in Hinton. Cranwell departed for additional stops in Danville and Lynchburg. Tomorrow he'll head south on I-81 to Wytheville, Bluefield, Marion, and Bristol.

Bell Bails

Dickie Bell, who agreed to four live debates, has reneged on his promise. They say a man is only as good as his word.

You may recall that shortly after Bell was nominated, Erik Curren proposed a series of live debates in each of the localities in the 20th District. After some hemming and hawing, Bell agreed to the concept and the campaigns began negotiating on dates, formats, etc. But, apparently the Bell campaign never really intended to fulfill his promise as he employed a strategy of delay and refusing to respond to run out the clock. Tis the season for weaving and bobbing for apples.

Now comes the word that Dickie Bell will only agree to one debate to be held in a sparsely populated Highland County. Bell argues that this week's debate on TV3 will have to suffice for the rest of us. Of course, there is no live audience and no interaction directly with voters. Maybe Dickie is afraid of catching something if he meets the people?

The more we see of Dickie Bell, the less there is to like. He refuses to talk issues. The only thing he works hard on is debate dodging. He loathes voters. Maybe he skipped the part in civic class about representative democracy?

Curren/Bell to debate... sort of

Erik Curren and Dickie Bell will finally debate, although not before a live audience of voters as most of us probably anticipated. Sponsored by The News Leader and WHSV, the debate will air live on TV3 at 7PM on Tuesday, October 6 and will stream online at newsleader.com and whsv.com.

You may recall that Curren proposed, and Bell accepted, the concept of four debates with one in each of the jurisdictions within the 20th District. Since then Bell has adopted a strategy of weaving, bobbing, and delaying so there may not may never be debates that bring the candidates face to face with voters. So, the televised debate may be as good as it gets.

Over in the 25th District, Del. Steve Landes has inexcusably bailed out of the debate with Dr. Greg Marrow because of his "concerns of the (News Leader) editorial board not being fair and balanced...." Landes said he wanted a different moderator before the format and moderator were even discussed, according to Cindy Corell at The News Leader [emphasis added]. After getting thrashed by Marrow in a debate last week, Landes has apparently gone into hibernation mode.

With strong Democratic challengers for the first time in several election cycles, Valley Republicans don't quite seem to know how to proceed. Suddenly hollow records and bankrupt ideas are being challenged. It seems most Valley Repubs have adopted a strategy of keeping their mouths shut and laying low. If voters remain complacent, that strategy could work, but it could just as easily backfire in the last weeks of the campaign as people awake to the GOP evasion. Nobody likes candidates who hide from their own record, views, and voters. You are supposed to run for something, not from yourself.

Back in the 20th District we find Erik Curren proposing a well thought out plan to create jobs. Dickie Bell, as seems to be his mode of operation, was caught flatfooted and could only react to reporters' questions. Think we need more debates?

So let's see. In the 20th District we have a forward thinking candidate like Erik Curren who is putting ideas on the table OR we have Dickie Bell who is kicked back on his heels blindly reacting to Curren's proposals with generic talking points. What the hell do you expect, he didn't even think ahead enough to deal with his employment issues. And in the 25th, Del. Landes is hiding from Dr. Greg Marrow and the voters, apparently refusing more debates and blaming the media, his opponent... anybody but himself for his woes.

Election Day is but a month away. Tick Tock. The choices get clearer by the day.

Ding Dong

Dickie Bell, GOP candidate for the House of Delegates District 20, told WSVA that he's been informed by the Augusta County School Board that he will lose his teaching job if he is elected. Superintendent Gary McQuain did not comment publically. Bell indicated he will appeal the decision if necessary.

CCC does not support Mr. Bell for delegate. Known and "No and No Show" during his time on Staunton City Council, Mr. Bell will be ultra-partisan and not prone to building pragmatic and bipartisan consensus. He is dodging debates with his opponent sending the signal that he doesn't want to discuss issues and that he cares little for what is on voters' minds.

But for the school system to threaten to fire him is absurd and short-sighted. True, educators have a profession that requires they be on the job and if they aren't, it confers a real cost on the school system and may affect the educational program. But teachers, like other citizens, should have the ability to run for public office without this kind of intimidation. After all, school board members are elected and those who are employed must miss work for some school board commitments.

There is an easy solution to this dilemma: elect Erik Curren. He is more thoughtful, committed, willing to listen to voters, and will make a much better representative for the people of Staunton and the counties of Augusta, Rockingham, and Highland.

Time To Ring the Bell

At the end of July, Dickie Bell was anointed to run for House of Delegates District 20 to replace Del. Chris Saxman who suddenly and surprisingly exited stage right. Within a few days, the Democratic candidate Erik Curren wrote to Bell suggesting four debates across the district - one each in Staunton, Augusta County, Highland County, and Rockingham County. After Bell's tantrum about a reporter finding out about the proposal before he did, the GOP candidate eventually agreed in principle to Curren's proposal.

A series of debates seems like a good idea. After all, both men are little known outside of Staunton and even there voters weren't aware of their views on state issues like transportation, the state budget, and job creation. Debates could help candidates dispel whispers such as Bell being known as "NO! and NO SHOW" by some who've watched his time on City Council.

After the Marrow/Landes debate earlier this week (hopefully there will be more in the 25th) I wondered about the status of the proposed debates for the 20th District. It seems that although Bell agreed to the debates, he (or his negotiator Chris Saxman) is having trouble finding open dates, a suitable format, and raising all sorts of other objections. Nearly a month and a half has passed and, to my knowledge, the campaigns aren't much closer to agreeing to a debate schedule or even a solitary debate.

All this raises troubling questions. Why is Dickie Bell resisting debates and what is he hiding from voters? Is Mr. Bell his own man or is somebody pulling his strings? If he won't talk to voters and address issues now, would he do so if elected? How can a candidate in our "government by the people" hide from those very people?

Several things are becoming increasingly apparent: the local Republican powers that be are a bit afraid of how their candidate will perform if put on the same stage as his opponent. Perhaps they worry about his ability to articulate their stands on issues? Or maybe they wonder about his well-known short fuse? Could they fear dirty laundry flapping in the sunlight of a debate?

With just five weeks until Election Day, it appears the GOP/Bell strategy is to run the clock out on debates, put up a bunch of signs in the typical GOP lawns, and bank on party zombies in the red 20th pushing the Bell button even though they are clueless about the man, his background, and his views. Sad to say, with a complacent local media and dozy voters, that game plan just might work. If so, our democracy is diminished and our next delegate will be a man we hardly know. And who hardly knows us!

Curren wins Sierra Club endorsement

Erik Curren, candidate for House of Delegates District 20, won the endorsement of the Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club. In an email to members, chapter director Glen Besa wrote:

The Sierra Club is pleased to endorse Erik Curren for Delegate in District 20-(Staunton, Highland, part of Augusta and Rockingham). Erik has been an active member of the local Shenandoah Group of Sierra Club and he reflects our shared environmental values that protect our quality of life, the natural beauty of the Shenandoah Valley and our planet.

Join Sierra Club members, including VA political chair Tyla Matteson and director Glen Besa, in a neighborhood canvass with Erik this Saturday, September 12 from 2:00pm - 5:00pm. Meet at the Darjeeling Café, 219 West Beverley, Staunton, VA 24401.

Wrong bird for the job?

With the midsummer surprise withdrawal of Chris Saxman, the 20th District House of Delegates race suddenly became more competitive and more interesting. An entrenched incumbent had exited and, for the moment, the field belonged to Democratic challenger Erik Curren. The Republicans had to scramble to select a unifying nominee that could keep the GOP leaning district bright red.

Anyone following the subsequent events remembers the much publicized GOP forum held at Buffalo Gap High School on July 27. Although the forum was public, the selection of a pinch hitter was actually made by the local Republican chairs who interviewed candidates (and probably made up their minds) the day before. Those chairs met secretly after the forum and announced they'd picked Staunton City Councilman Dickie Bell.

Now, scratching about in the grist, I'm hearing of a few Republicans who aren't exactly crowing about the nominee and how he's performed in the month following his behind-closed-doors selection.

When you bring up Mr. Bell, one Republican (who didn't attend the forum) questions where he is and what he's been doing since early August. He knows Bell made an appearance at the county fair and a few yard signs have appeared at the usual GOP homes in Staunton, but other than that, little has been seen or heard from the GOP nominee. This person expected Bell to hit the ground running, trying to build name recognition in parts of Augusta and Rockingham counties where he isn't very well known. He has been disappointed that Bell doesn't seem to be working very hard or taking it seriously.

Another very conservative Republican had hoped David Karaffa would get the nod from party leaders. Pointing out how Karaffa organized folks to come to the forum in red shirts, this GOPer noted that Karaffa knows how to motivate the conservative base of the party. What really gets this right winger miffed, is that Karaffa is putting on his own health care town hall and showing the leadership that is apparently lacking in the nominee: "They picked the wrong person for the job. We needed a true conservative. A leader. We didn't get either."

I don't know how widespread these views about Dickie Bell really are among Republicans. Perhaps it is just a few disgruntled folks sounding off to anyone who will listen. But, from my roost, it is very interesting that at least a few birds are straying from what used to be a pretty tight-knit flock.

Got his Bell rung?

Just a few days after saying he wants a civil and positive campaign based on issues, Republican nominee Dickie Bell has broken his first promise. Responding to a News Virginian reporter's question, Curren suggested four debates. Before a hand delivered proposal could arrive, the reporter raised the question of debates with Bell. Dickie lashed out and went negative, saying "... here in the Valley, if you want to challenge a man to a debate, you do it to his face, not through the media." Hey Aaron... I mean Dickie... I think that is protocol for a duel, not a debate.

Then Bell proceeded to toss out all the buzz words he learned Monday night, things like "liberal" or charging that Erik Curren was new to the area. Huh? Like I've lived here about 40 years and to some I'm still a newcomer. Bell went on to allege the debates would be "staged" and he doubted their value in influencing voters. Interesting that a man who loves quoting one of the founding fathers of the Democratic Party, understands so little of what Thomas Jefferson means for us today - democracy.

Maybe we should give Mr. Bell a pass for now - after all he's only been a candidate for a few days and clearly hasn't gotten his game face on and the issues clarified. But, we should hold him to his promise of a positive issues-oriented campaign and tell him to drop the buzz words and cheap shots. With an open seat and two new faces vying for votes, Curren's proposal of four 90-minute debates - one each in Staunton, Augusta, Bridgewater, and Highland - makes a lot of sense. If Bell can't agree to at least that, he will have failed the vision of the man he loves to quote.

Curren's Statement on Faith

Erik Curren released his Statement on Religion and Politics in Virginia's 20th District House Race on July 22. I started to post it then, but thought the "controversy" would go away. But, for whatever reason, some folks are trying to keep it alive (complete with misinformation) through letters to the editor and blogs. It is one of the most insightful and inspiring statements on faith and politics that I've had the pleasure of reading. Erik, in his own words:

"Almighty God hath created the mind free." So Thomas Jefferson opened his Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom. In that founding document of our Commonwealth, Jefferson went on to decry fallible religious or political leaders who would try to influence freedom of conscience through social or political pressure, begetting "habits of hypocrisy and meanness."

"Our civil rights have no dependence on our religious opinions any more than our opinions in physics or geometry,"Jefferson continued.

When Jefferson's statute was passed by the Virginia General Assembly in 1786, it became state law that "all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of Religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge or affect their civil capacities."

From this noble statute derives the freedom of all Virginians to follow the faith of their choice, or no faith at all, and to enjoy absolute protection under the law. Those who hold or seek public office in Virginia are likewise free from any religious test.

It is my belief that faith is an issue between a person and his or her own heart. We should respect the rights of all citizens to approach this issue of conscience as a private matter, unless they choose to share their convictions with others.

I have always been happy to talk with people who have a genuine interest in faith. In my life, I draw inspiration from many sources. These days, my weekly routine is filled with practices that come mostly from Christianity and Buddhism. I am moved by stories from the New Testament and by the revered music of the church, from rousing hymns to haunting spirituals.

And for the last decade or more, like millions of Americans, I have practiced meditation. Sometimes I walk and sometimes I sit. But always, taking a break from daily activity helps me think about my life and connect with a deeper truth. With increasing scientific evidence for the benefits of meditation to calm the stress of today's busy world, it's no wonder that this simple practice has spread to corporate boardrooms, hospitals, schools, and even churches across the United States.

It is understandable that people are curious about and may even fear things that they do not understand. So it is a service to civil discourse for people of different faiths to share their beliefs and practices in a spirit of mutual respect and tolerance. Recognizing that all major religions teach the same basic ideas --to seek truth, promote love, and care for God's creation -- faith can be a way to bring us all together on a higher plane.

But all too often religion is used by misguided leaders to pull our communities apart and to sow the seeds of discord. This is a misuse of religious faith in my opinion, and I feel compelled to speak out against religious prejudice and bigotry.

So, to those who would court intolerance for political gain, I say: in America, you will lose. In Virginia, you will lose. And in the Shenandoah Valley and Highland County, you will lose.

This accords with my own two decades of experience in this area. People here are independent thinkers who don't want government or anyone else telling them what to believe. And I know from history that our mountains and valleys have long put out a warm welcome to people of many faiths, from Mennonites and Brethren to Roman Catholics, Jews, and even deists in the style of Jefferson. Now we continue to welcome neighbors from even more religions, whether Hindus, Muslims, or those who follow traditional African faiths.

Over the last four months of my campaign, I have met thousands of voters across the 20th District. They have asked me many questions about the issues that matter to them: jobs, schools, transportation, and quality of life. Very occasionally someone has asked me about my faith and we have had a candid discussion about it, including my belief that to draw from multiple traditions strengthens my faith life. These voters have seemed to care about the quality of the candidate, regardless of spiritual affiliation.

My faith teaches that a worthwhile life is a life of service. For this reason, I feel akin to all those of faith who strive daily to serve their families and communities in many different ways. Our area is blessed with countless selfless people who give up their free time to sit on volunteer boards, who donate generously to food banks, and who serve the public as teachers, social workers, and healthcare professionals.

My campaign will be inspired by these citizens who open their hearts in compassion to their neighbors regardless of faith, race, or political affiliation. And if elected to represent the 20th District, I promise to follow the example of my many selfless neighbors. At the same time, I will always stand against bigotry and prejudice. And I pray that I will never fail to speak out for freedom, tolerance, and mutual understanding.

Two birds and other droppings

Joining Dickie Bell in the quest to replace Chris Saxman as the GOP nominee in the 20th House District is David Karaffa. The self-styled "Beverley Manor Conservative" says family and neighbors have encouraged him to run (wow - huge following). He's another of the right wingers who attends tea parties and got his cranky motor revved exciting emotions during the Augusta reassessment. His poorly planned announcement showed him at home putting plates on the table. Is this all the GOP has to offer...?

Yesterday the News Leader editorialized and cartooned suggesting the Democrats replace Erik Curren with a more seasoned candidate for the now open seat. It was an absurd position that could only originate in the fantasyland that constitutes the newspaper's brain trust. By every account, local Democrats are very happy with their nominee who has shown he's a quick study on the issues, articulate, and very hard working. The story will quickly fade. I can't predict why that editorial was even written and the cartoon sketched - my best guess is the incredibly shrinking newspaper (24 pages on a big day; 50% ads) was trying to gin up some controversy and readers.

Cleaning out the barnyard

With Del. Chris Saxman's summer surprise, the rumor mill has been running overtime. Speculation centers on why he dropped out? Why now? What's next for him? Some of the rumors about why he quit what looked like a sure thing deserve to be spread on the fields - mostly BS that is unsubstantiated.

Of more interest are the "what next" discussions. Very few buy the school choice campaign that he floated. Yes, he may do that, but only as a stepping stone to something else. Could he have advance word that Bob Goodlatte may not seek reelection in 2010 and he's prepping and posturing for that? Is he betting (far from a sure bet) on an appointment in a McDonnell administration? Or, are there other plans? Yeah, the rumors are all over the board - about the only thing we can be sure of it this - Chris Saxman won't be staying home to redecorate the house. One hint may be what he does (or doesn't do) with campaign funds he's amassed - follow the money, as they say.

The other part of the rumor mill has to do with who (and how) the local GOP nominates as a replacement candidate. Most of the speculation and rumors have swirled around Staunton councilman Dickie Bell. Will the Augusta County School Board give him the leave to run, and if elected, to serve. The running point is really the issue - if elected he'd quickly become the new best friend of the School Board and they'll figure a way to make it work. At least the teaching part; the coaching is probably something he'd have to give up. Other teachers have, and do, serve in the General Assembly.

For about 24 hours it looked like the local GOP committees would rush to anoint Bell, but then a pause. Was it for appearances of fairness? Probably. So now they are going to have a "public" forum and are accepting "nominations." But, make no mistake about it, in spite of this forum, this will not be a public decision. They'll make a display of listening, and the media will report on it, but the deal will be made behind closed doors, maybe before that forum is even held. Unless there's some SNAFU for Bell, or he opts out, if I had to bet it would be on him. But, the delay and the inevitable behind-the-scenes wheeling and dealing may give a dark horse an opportunity. Plenty of rumors on that point, including some in CCC's previous post. The scariest and most absurd is about Lynn Mitchell, aka swacgirl. While some Democrats may welcome the right wing gadfly as easy to defeat, any sane person would have to be afraid, very afraid, that she'd somehow back into the seat.

Some pundits are saying the district leans (was gerrymandered) so Republican that Saxman's withdrawal and an open seat won't alter the outcome. But, make no mistake that the dynamic has now significantly changed. Erik Curren, who was out of town on a business trip when the news broke, reacted quickly. Responding to the local media and getting a fresh appeal out to supporters, his campaign took on a new urgency. After wishing Saxman well in future endeavors, Erik said:

"I can win in November. The experts say so. But I can't win without your help."

An open seat, an unknown and unproven opponent, Democrats eager to pick up six seats and capture control of the House of Delegates. You can bet this is a whole new ball game - back in the spring when Curren announced nobody expected the campaign ball to take this bounce. Consider - if Erik hadn't stepped forward and the Democrats hadn't nominated a good candidate, we'd now be leaving the choice of delegate to a backdoor deal made by a handful of Republican activists. That's scary.

You can support positive change and Erik's new fundraising initiative by clicking here.

Cluck, cluck, cluck

This one has woken up the barnyard. The Daily News-Record is reporting that Chris Saxman will drop out of the House of Delegates race in District 20. He will apparently have a press conference late today. Saxman was first elected in 2001. According to the article, Saxman wants to pursue his passion - school choice. Perhaps he's going to go work with Mike Farris, a homeschool advocate who once ran for Lt. Governor and set up the Home School Legal Defense Association? Or maybe he's turning his attention to something in 2010 or beyond?

This is great news for Erik Curren, the Democratic nominee. Everyone, including Erik himself, knew going toe to toe with an established incumbent was going to be difficult, if not impossible. Hard to know who the Republican chairs in Staunton, Augusta, Rockingham, and Highland will nominate, but at a minimum, this is a game changer that will energize Curren supporters and Democrats. You can expect new excitement, more dollars, and more attention from the DPVA for the Curren campaign.

I have no inside knowledge who might be on track for the GOP. Some speculation-

Charles Curry sought the nomination in 2001 but was beaten by Saxman. Curry is retired from teaching at JMU, farms in the Mount Solon area and involved with the Farm Bureau, and is a former member of both the Augusta County School Board and Board of Supervisors. But, trying to make a comeback, he ran as an independent for the Board of Supervisors in 2007, losing a close one. Could running against the GOP candidate be held against him?

Another possibility is Bill Kyger, a teacher at TA and Republican member of the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors. There have been some rumors that he didn't care for Saxman and he might want challenge him at some point. One has to wonder if they'll pick a candidate from that end of the district since the bulk of the population is in Staunton and Augusta Co.

Former Staunton mayor John Avoli could be a long shot. He's now director of the Frontier Culture Museum and has stayed out of partisan politics in that role. This opportunity may be appealing. Rumor is that he considered seeking the GOP nod in 2001, but decided against it.

Stay tuned. This story has as many legs as a centipede.

Blue Tide Risin' III

A few years back, Democratic candidates in the 6th District were few and far between. Changing demographics, the failures of the Bush presidency and right wing Republican policies, and the foolishness of Virginia Republicans led by Jeff Frederick, Morgan Griffith, Bill Howell, Chris Saxman, and Bob McDonnell have sprouted a bunch of good Democratic candidates. Wherever you live there is a great campaign to volunteer with or donate a few bucks to.

If you are satisfied with the same old, same old... sit on your hands. Otherwise, get out and work for the candidate in your area.

• 8th (Salem, Roanoke County): Ginny Weisz
• 11th (Roanoke City): Onzlee Ware (Incumbent)
• 15th (Shenandoah, Page, Rockingham, Rappahannock): John Lesinski
• 17th (Roanoke County, Roanoke City): Gwen Mason
• 19th (Botetourt, Bedford): Lewis Medlin
• 20th (Augusta, Staunton, Rockingham, Highland): Erik Curren
• 23rd (Lynchburg): Shannon Valentine (Incumbent)
• 24th (Augusta, Rockbridge, Lexington, Buena Vista, Amherst): Jeff Price
• 25th (Augusta, Rockingham, Waynesboro, Albemarle): Greg Marrow
• 26th (Rockingham, Harrisonburg): Gene Hart

Fighting Green

Three Democrats - Gene Hart, Greg Marrow, and Erik Curren - joined nearly 50 Staunton and Augusta residents to discuss a variety of environmental and jobs issues at the Staunton Public Library on Tuesday night. Responding to questions, the candidates for House of Delegates laid out a forward looking vision for making sure the central Shenandoah Valley harvests green - both in our beautiful scenery and in our wallets - as our nation transitions from a fossil fuel to a renewable energy future. There is more at The News Leader and WHSV.

Another clear message came out of the forum - these guys will fight and will hold the incumbents accountable for their actions, or the lack thereof, in Richmond. In response to an audience question, they totally dismantled the backward looking GOP mantra of "drill here, drill now." While they don't agree on every issue, Democratic candidates in the region have shared values to present to voters. 2009 promises to be a bruising campaign where once-comfortable incumbents will need to dig deeper and get beyond simple sound bites. Game on!

Gene Hart is running in District 26, Greg Marrow is a candidate in District 25, and Erik Curren is running in District 20. They promise future forums on transportation, education, and other issues important to Valley voters.

Green jobs, green candidates

There has been a lot of talk about "green jobs" and moving toward a "greener economy." Those terms are sometimes used pretty loosely and I often think we talk past each other, not really understanding exactly what each other means. Then there are those who deny global warming and who only want to "drill here, drill now."

While I don't expect many of that latter group to attend, the rest of us can learn a little more about green issues at a forum tonight. Perhaps we'll communicate better about issues that will affect our future. I hope to attend. Here are the details:

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

7:30pm - 9:00pm

Staunton Public Library Public Meeting Room

The emerging Green Economy offers the Shenandoah Valley one of the strongest ways to create new jobs and build local prosperity while preserving our area’s unique assets. Valley Democratic delegate candidates expected to discuss their ideas and answer questions include:

Erik Curren, 20th district

Gene Hart, 26th district

John Lesinski, 15th district

Greg Marrow 25th district

Jeff Price, 24th district

Oh yeah, I hear there will be a few refreshments, too.

Democratic candidates stand UP for Virginia

                  

Democratic candidates for the House of Delegates took a stand for Virginia's unemployed and for boosting economies in Valley communities at a Harrisonburg rally yesterday. In front of the Virginia Employment Commission Workforce Center, 20th district candidate Erik Curren, 25th district candidates Greg Marrow and James Noel, 26th district candidate Gene Hart, 24th district candidate Jeff Price, and 15th district candidate John Leniski signed the petition demanding the GOP return to the General Assembly to committed to deal constructively with the unemployment.

House of Delegates Republicans blocked the use of $125 million in federal stimulus funds to expand benefits for unemployed, saying the costs may eventually be passed on to businesses. The Speaker of the House made the absurd statement that using the funds would actually increase unemployment. Democrats counter the funds will help families in need and will boost local economies where unemployment is worst. Plus, the changes in unemployment eligibility could be rolled back when the stimulus funds end.

Erik Curren and Greg Marrow had recent letters (Erik's and Greg's) specifically explaining their positions on using the federal stimulus funds to assist unemployed in The News Leader.

You can join Governor Tim Kaine and these courageous candidates and Stand UP for Virginia - sign the online version of the petition. There is more about the Harrisonburg rally, including pictures, at the Daily News-Record. More coverage on NBC29.

Fair play

With today's edition, The News Leader has now given three delegates, Chris Saxman (R-20), Ben Cline (R-24), and Steve Landes (R-25) generous column space to explain why they voted against accepting federal stimulus money to assist unemployed Virginians and boost our local economies.

This is an issue keenly followed across the state, especially in areas with rapidly rising unemployment. In Augusta County and Staunton it tops 7% and things are even more dire in Waynesboro where the unemployment rate is over 10%. There is a possibility the governor will call a special session to that a fresh look ways to use the federal funding to benefit Virginians.

In the spirit of fair play and a robust debate, The News Leader should offer comparable column space to the individuals who will be challenging those delegates this fall. In the 20th, the Democratic nominee is Erik Curren, in the 24th Jeff Price is the only announced candidate for the Democratic nomination, and in the 25th Greg Marrow and James Noel are running for the nomination which will be decided in the June 9 primary.

Erik Curren kicks off campaign

Erik Curren, the Democratic nominee for the 20th District House of Delegates, formally launched his campaign yesterday with a rally at the Train Station in Staunton and a gathering in the assembly hall at the Bridgewater Town Hall. Donning a green hard hat symbolic of jobs, especially green jobs, Curren repeated what may be a theme of his campaign, "We can do better." The crowd enthusiastically agreed! 

Joining Curren at the Train Station was his treasurer, Staunton City Councilman Ophie Kier, shown in the photo "borrowed" from CobaltVA.

At both events, Curren criticized Chris Saxman for voting NO on accepting federal stimulus funds to help Virginia's unemployed and contrasted his views on topics from renewable energy to education with those of the incumbent's. Yes, we CAN do better!

In response to a question about how he see the job of representing the people, Curren emphasized he is committed to actually listening to voters and considering all points of view. Yes, WE can do better!

Curren chose the Staunton Train Station as a subtle jab at Saxman for the lack of progress on dealing with Virginia's transportation needs. House Republicans have again and again rejected honest solutions to dealing with roads, rails, and other transportation needs. Remember how a couple years ago the GOP tried to fix roads with "abusive driver fees" that angered everyone and were later repealed? Yes, we can do BETTER!

There's more at the News Leader, Daily News-Record, and NBC29. One quibble with a couple of those reports - since the deadline for the primary was last Friday and Curren was the only one to file, he is not the "presumptive nominee" or "expected to be nominated later this spring" - Erik Curren is the Democratic nominee for the 20th District House of Delegates.