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

House warming

Lewis Medlin, a Bedford businessman and chair of the Bedford County Democratic Committee announced he'll challenge independent Delegate Lacey Putney for the 19th House District. Putney, who has been in the House of Delegates since 1962, is 81 and often sides with conservatives in the House GOP.

Medlin ran against Putney in 2007. He is 59, married with four children, and runs E-Z Mount Bracket Co. which he founded with his father in 1978. He will kick off his campaign this week focusing on reducing the real estate tax for seniors, employment, and education. The 19th includes the city of Bedford and much of Bedford and Botetourt counties. More.

In the 24th House District we've known for months that Jeff Price would be taking on Ben Cline. He has been visiting local Democratic committees and joining Democrats at a variety of events. Price will formally announce his candidacy at Noon on May 8 in front of the Amherst County Courthouse. Walking tours of Buena Vista (1:00-2:30 pm) and Lexington (3:00 to 3:45 pm) will be followed by another announcement in front of the Rockbridge County Courthouse at 4:00 pm. More info at Jeff's website.

A couple years ago many of the incumbent delegates in the Shenandoah Valley got an E-Z Pass to reelection. This time the Democrats are stepping up with good candidates in nearly every district. The "just say NO" GOP has some 'splainin' to do. Voters will be all ears.