Delegates and other cracked corn

Todd Gilbert (R-15) announced he'll seek a third term. The 15th district includes Shenandoah, Page, Rappahannock, and part of Rockingham counties. So far, no Democrat has announced a challenge to the far right conservative. Hopefully one will... soon. The clock is ticking on the nomination process.

In the 20th District, Delegate Chris Saxman may be thinking he's home free. According to some GOP blogs, Democrat Tracy Pyles will not run. Pyles had been rumored to be interested in taking on the incumbent who he faced Saxman when the district was first gerrymandered... err, created. Rumors persist that the Democrats will field a strong candidate who has given long thought and study to taking on one of the most ideological and partisan delegates in the General Assembly.

In the 17th District (parts of Roanoke City, Roanoke County, and Botetourt County) there were rumors today that Sam Rasoul would announce his candidacy. Rasoul floated a press release strongly hinting he was running and called a 1:00 PM press conference - it was picked up and reported on TV midday news and several blogs. Instead, Rasoul used his time in the sun to endorse Gwen Mason, a Roanoke City Councilwoman, who had previously announced. Sam misplayed his hand this time - nobody likes to be mislead.

Breaking Eggs

Jeff Price, Democratic candidate for the House of Delegates, District 24, held a roundtable on education issues with teachers in the Rockbridge/Lexington area. I haven't heard much about the discussion, but Jeff is to be applauded for getting an early start learning about one of the most complex and expensive parts of state government. SOLs, LCI, NCLB... it goes on and on. Kudos to Jeff and the folks who took time to meet with him.

A. Gene Hart is seeking the nomination to challenge Matt Lohr for the House of Delegates, District 26. Hart is a Harrisonburg attorney who graduated from UVA Law School and is a veteran. Hart has just started raising campaign contributions and putting together an organization.

Rumors persist that Democrats will field candidates to challenge Chris Saxman and Steve Landes. Guess potential candidates sense the blue tide rising!

The Sixth District Democratic Committee meets tonight and there is rumor of a potential candidate to challenge Bob Goodlatte in 2010 will speak. The echo chamber has the name of Drew Richardson bouncing off the walls. You'll recall that Drew joined the 2008 nomination battle against Sam Rasoul rather late in the game. He got little traction among party activists, in fact, some of the tactics he and his rookie campaign manager used angered many. Rasoul left the door open to another run... for something. So, if Richardson or someone else announces tonight, it will be a shot across his bow, a warning that he's already had his run at the office.

In a related story, Rick Howell, a former member of the Sixth District Committee, used his pen to smack Sam Rasoul after the fact. Howell, who claims to be a Democrat, worked tirelessly to undermine Rasoul since before he was nominated. I suspect the publication of this half baked commentary on the same day that the committee expects to hear from a candidate is more than just happenstance. It would be very interesting if Rick appeared at the meeting - some on the committee are hinting at a resolution booting him from the party. Bigger gonads than Democrats in the U.S. Senate?

Predictions

The national presidential popular vote (which doesn't matter except pride and in creating the "mandate") will be Obama 52%, McCain 47%, with 1% split between various minor party candidates. Those candidates aren't really important except in a handful of very close states where it is possible it could tip things. But, if the popular vote and the electoral vote fail to jive, like happened in 2000, it could really matter!

The Electoral Vote will be Barack Obama 319 and John McCain 219. Two states that I have in the Obama column might flip to McCain, Virginia (13) and Florida (27) bringing his total to 259, still 11 short of 270. On the other hand, Ohio (20) and North Carolina (15) could go for Obama, padding his lead. If the underlying trends are more powerful than the polls are detecting, Obama's electoral vote total may be as high as 353.

Virginia will go for Obama by a margin of 51% to 48%, delivering the state's 13 electoral votes to a Democrat for the first time since 1964. Obama will rack up huge margins in NOVA, Richmond City, Charlottesville, and in some parts of Hampton Roads. He'll also do better in many rural areas than did Kerry and Gore. The remaining 1% will be split between the minor party candidates, with Barr and Baldwin leading that bunch. Most of their votes come from McCain's hide.

The U.S. Senate race in Virginia is a done deal, the only surprise being how big is Mark Warner's win. Warner will carry every congressional district and all but a handful of deep red localities. Final result - Warner 64% (could be higher) and Gilmore 35% (or lower). End of Gilmore's political "misadventure." Possible beginning of a future president in Mark Warner.

What about the makeup of the U.S. Senate? Even if it is a so-so night for Democrats, they'll pick up seven seats in the U.S. Senate. If the wave really washes out incumbents, add two or three to that number. Can you say "FILIBUSTER PROOF." I don't think the Dems quite get that. My prediction is the new Senate will be 58-42... until they kick Lieberman out of the party. Then it is 57-42-1 or 57-43. 

In the House races in Virginia, Democrats will certainly pick up one seat in the 11th District. If voters are in an upset mood, Tom Perriello may knock off Virgil Goode... a very "good" thing. If there are very angry voters, maybe the Dems can pick up one other seat. In the 6th District, Bob Goodlatte will probably keep his seat. Sam Rasoul ran a good issues-oriented race, but Goodlatte's name recognition, PAC money, and flood of TV/radio ads over the final weeks will give him the victory.  My prediction is Goodlatte 55%, Rasoul 42%, and Allen 3%. As I predicted way back in April, other than her hometown, Allen is not a factor and her campaign a complete joke. There has been little polling on this race, so beyond the outcome, it almost impossible to predict percentages. I hope I am way off base and Rasoul pulls off an upset - he's smart, focused, and will represent the voters well... if he gets the chance.

Democrats will gain 28 seats in the House of Representatives. Again, if voters' anger is intense enough, the party of Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson will pick up 35 to 40 seats.

Trick or Treat?

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

For every piece of sweet candy there is something sour. For every beautiful princess there is a scary witch. For every treat there is a nasty trick.

Treat #1

On top of receiving endorsements from The Roanoke Times and The News Leader, Sam Rasoul also raised over $100K through online donations. I'm proud that a few of those dollars, about .001% as it turns out, came from me. I'm also proud to have done some volunteering on his behalf. It is a remarkable achievement for a candidate in western Virginia. Sam's fundraising success is an especially sweet treat because he, unlike his opponent, refused contributions from PACs, lobbyists, and even from the party which nominated him. It is truly a grassroots campaign.

Trick #1

Bob Goodlatte is running an aggressive TV ad campaign. He would not be spending all that money, all across the district, if he didn't feel threatened. There has been little reliable public polling done in this race, but one has to believe Goodlatte's internal polling is telling him something. The ad I've seen most often makes it appear to be "plain folks" are supporting Bob - in reality the people are local GOP activists like Bill Shirley, the Augusta chair. Is that the guy who got it by default after the Michael/Roller bloodletting? Where's Kurt?

Treat #2

Students at Spotswood High School in Rockingham County went narrowly (112-107) for Barack Obama. Student mock elections don't always predict the percentages of how the general population will vote, but they can illustrate some general trends. In this case, it may well reflect that Obama is faring better in this area than the previous two Democratic presidential nominees. Kerry and Gore both got less than 25% in Rockingham.

Trick #2

True to form, the Daily News-Record's story on the Spotswood Mock Election tricked readers by mostly quoted students supporting McCain who questioned the motives (and intelligence) of their classmates.

Treat #3

Nationwide, Barack Obama defeated John McCain 60% to 35.5% in the Youth Leadership Mock Election that is organized by the Center for Politics at UVA. About 3 million students participated in in this nationwide election. In Virginia, it was very similar with Obama winning 59.72% and McCain 35.56%.

Trick #3

About 5% of the students' votes in the Youth Leadership Mock Election went to various minor party candidates and probably to Homer Simpson and Mickey Mouse. So one can wonder how seriously some students took this instructional activity. On November 4 these candidates will probably get 1% or less. But, I've recently spotted Ron Paul and Chuck Baldwin signs in a very Republican area - does this signal conservatives' unease with McCain/Palin?

Treat #4

Chris Saxman says he'd give up his seat in the House of Delegates to serve in a McCain administration.

Trick #4

John McCain would be president. Trick #4.1 Sarah Palin would be vice president.

Now that's some scary stuff for Halloween!

News Leader supports Sam Rasoul

The News Leader of Staunton has joined The Roanoke Times by endorsing Sam Rasoul for Congress. Saying it is time for a change, time for a fresh approach, and time for new ideas for the 6th District, the News Leader says:

When Congressman Bob Goodlatte, R-6th, said he would only serve 12 years, we believed him. That was during his first run for the office in 1992....

In March, the nonpartisan research organization Knowlegis ranked the eight-term Republican 254th among 435 House members in the Congressional power structure. The study ranks members on their positions, indirect influence and legislative activity and earmarked funding for special projects. After all his [Goodlatte's] years in Congress, we'd hope for something better than middle of the pack.

The News Leader goes on to write this about Sam Rasoul:

Rasoul, on the other hand, walks the walk. He is seeking a seat in Congress on a shoestring — he refused money from the National Democratic Committee because he didn't want to be beholden to the lobbyists attached to party money.

...we'd like to see a fresh approach to how our district is represented in Congress. Rasoul is not part of the problem. We believe he could be part of the solutions.

Cross posted at We will Rock Dem

High flying with Rasoul and Periello

The Roanoke Times has endorsed Sam Rasoul in the 6th District with this strong statement of support:

Americans are dissatisfied with a dysfunctional Congress that has placed rabid partisanship and the influence of lobbyists above the interests of the Americans who elected them.

This Nov. 4 affords an opportunity for Americans to force change. Voters in Virginia's 6th Congressional District can help to hasten reforms by electing newcomer Sam Rasoul to replace longtime incumbent Bob Goodlatte.

Rasoul, at age 27, is the youngest person running for Congress. He is still wrapped up in the naïveté of youth. He believes that, with enough principled members, Congress could change. He is idealistic but doesn't seem to fully grasp or appreciate how the system works. Still, voters could do worse than give Rasoul a chance to prove himself.

He has shown through the campaign that he lives up to his principles. He won the Democrats' support as their nominee, but he has shunned all party and political action committee money.

The Roanoke Times also endorsed Tom Perriello in the 5th District. Saying that Virgil Goode gives "conservatism a bad name" and that Goode had run an ugly and negative campaign, the Times went on to praise Periello:

He is an intelligent, articulate, caring individual who has done important work in Afghanistan and Darfur.

Unlike Goode, he does not appear to be driven by partisan ideology, repeatedly saying that governing shouldn't be about "right or left, but about right or wrong.

The voters of Virginia's 5th Congressional District should elect a representative who will make them, and the rest of the commonwealth, proud.

Unseating an entrenched incumbent with a huge war chest is always tough. A newspaper endorsement doesn't guarantee victory. But, it is heartening to see a respected editorial board, which has closely followed both races, come out with a bold and positive statement supporting Rasoul and Periello. Hopefully, in this last week before votes are cast, the Roanoke Times has given undecided voters a reason to take a second look at these two qualified candidates. That second look may just change the outcome in one or both contests

Sam Rasoul fires up the Roanoke Obama rally

Sam Rasoul joins Bill Clinton at Obama rally

Former President Bill Clinton and Sam Rasoul, America's youngest congressional candidate, will be featured speakers at the Change We Need rally for Senator Barack Obama. The rally is from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, October 12th. Gates open at 4:45. Join them at Market Square in Roanoke, VA.

We need leadership

"What we need to be looking for is leaders."

                                          ~Sam Rasoul

Yesterday, the 6th District candidates for House of Representatives debated in front of a live audience at Holiday Inn in Harrisonburg. Although not televised, the debate was broadcast on WSVA radio. Below is the opening question as posted on NBC29. You can find other pop up videos of parts of the debate here.

 

From the beginning of the discussion the incumbent, Bob Goodlatte was on the defensive. With public approval ratings of Congress hovering about 15% and the economy tanking, Goodlatte struggled for answers by falling back on the old talking points from the past. Both the Democrat, Sam Rasoul, and a little known independent, Janice Lee Allen, pummeled Goodlatte for lack of leadership and being part of the problem in Washington.

Goodlatte's face visibly reddened when he was reminded of his promise to step aside after six terms. He sort of stammered about believing in term limits but said when no amendment was put in the Constitution he as just doing the same as others in Congress. Excuse me, congressman, I don't recall your pledge, your moral obligation, being you'd only limit the number of terms if there was a constitutional amendment binding everyone. No, you made this a personal promise that you've now broken several times. Overheard in the audience - "your honor, I'm not guilty of speeding because everyone else does it." Mr. Goodlatte, we hold our elected representatives to a higher standard.

Goodlatte and Rasoul sharply differed on health insurance reform. Rasoul supports a federally supported health system of private health insurance. Goodlatte tried to defend himself by saying he wanted to assure accessibility for those who can't afford it - so tell us again, why did you vote against the children's health insurance program earlier this year?

A few impressions (some overheard):

Sam Rasoul is smart and has the potential for leadership in Congress. He may not have all the answers, but he will seek out pragmatic solutions to problems facing the American people. And he will honor his promise to step down after five terms.

Bob Goodlatte seems tired and locked in by his blind allegiance to the failed Bush policies and the tired GOP mantra. One person commented that he looked worn down and ready to retire from public life. It was clear to many why he's resisted debates, especially televised ones.

Janice Lee Allen. Hum. What to say? Flaky. Vague. Half-baked ideas. Don't know why she is running. Don't think she does either.

Links to news coverage of the debate:

• Daily News-Record
• NBC29
• Augusta Free Press
• The News Leader

The BIG difference

"The biggest thing for me is understanding that Washington isn't even about Democrats and Republicans. That's the biggest misconception about politics today. The reality is that powerful special interests have overrun the system and taken the voice from honest, hardworking, middle-class Americans."   ~ Sam Rasoul

Sam Rasoul and Bob Goodlatte seemed to be in agreement on many issues during last night's debate, yet there is a fundamental difference between the two men. 

Goodlatte, a D.C. insider, has tight connections with lobbyists and the big money political action committees who fund his and other campaigns. The PACs "invest" in candidates (especially incumbents) and expect a return on that investment. They want something for their money - a vote on a bill, an earmark, favored tax treatment.... Over time the relationship becomes too cozy. The campaign contributions are expected. The favored treatment is demanded.

Sam Rasoul has refused to accept any contributions from political action committees and even from the Democratic Party. While this has put him at a huge financial disadvantage to the incumbent, Rasoul stands firmly on the democratic principle that a congressman should represent the people, not self-serving groups. He has staked his campaign on this principle and he is unwavering.

If American wants to change Congress.... 

If America wants to recapture the legislative process from the special interests that rig the game to their advantage.... 

If America  wants a government "of the people, for the people, and by the people...."

Then we can do it on November 4 by electing Sam Rasoul and other candidates who promise to Change Congress.

Sam Rasoul addresses community gathering

Sam Rasoul joined Senator Evan Bayh at a rally at Roanoke's Century Plaza last Sunday. Below Sam charges up the crowd. Read more about the rally for Change We Can Believe In.

Let's Debate

Looks like it is debate season in the 6th District!

Mark Warner and Jim Gilmore debate tonight, Friday, Oct. 3 at 7PM in Roanoke. It will be televised statewide including several stations in the Shenandoah Valley.

Also there now appear to be two debates scheduled for the 6th District Congressional candidates. Check them out. Apparently, the one at William Byrd will not be televised or on radio.

Monday, October 6 at 7PM at William Byrd HS in Roanoke.

Thursday, October 9 at 10AM Holiday Inn in Harrisonburg; broadcast on WSVA 550.

Recently spotted

A friend recently spotted this billboard on Rt. 11 just inside the northern Staunton city limits. It is visible while driving south. The disclaimer says the Augusta and Staunton Dems paid for it.

In spite of some GOP bloggers saying the local Democratic committees aren't engaged in this race, things like this shout otherwise.

According to one political insider who has seen some polling, the rumblings of discontent about a congressman staying in Congress so long, when he said he wouldn't, is gaining some traction among Valley voters. In fact, she said it is resonating even louder in the wake of the past week's economic and political meltdowns. All long time incumbents seem to have some risk - they've been there for many terms, they got us into this mess, and they seem impotent to fix it.

Counting Eggs

Saying the complexity and loopholes of our current tax system have made it unfair and have created a huge and oppressive bureaucracy, Sam Rasoul has proposed replacing it with a graduated flat tax. Rasoul says his proposal would be revenue neutral, much simpler for taxpayers, reduce taxes for most households earning less than $50,000, close loopholes that have upper income taxpayers dodging their fair share. Check out the details of Rasoul's plan.

The concept of a flat tax is a often pushed by conservatives and libertarians. If you Google "flat tax" you'll find about 1.1 million hits, many from groups like the Heritage Foundation and Hoover Institution. A primer on the flat tax is on Wikipedia, but as on all online (and other) sources, read with a jaundiced eye. It is important to note that Rasoul's plan is actually a graduated flat tax which has some aspects of a flat tax while retaining several progressively higher tax rates as incomes increase. This compromise is probably more politically palatable than a pure flat tax.

While I'm not ready to endorse a flat tax, or even a graduated flat tax (simplification yes!), I applaud Rasoul for creative thinking and putting tough issues like this one on the table. That alone puts him head and shoulders above his opponent. This should be a topic in their upcoming debate and in future debates that we all hope the incumbent will agree to.

How Green Is My Valley?

Anne Nielson of the Climate Action Alliance of the Valley writes a thoughtful column, Judge Candidates' Environmental Stances, in today's Daily News-Record. If environmental issues matter to you (shouldn't they matter to all of us?) Ms. Nielson's observations deserve our attention. A few tidbits:

• John McCain formerly supported attempts to cap greenhouse emissions and believes climate change is caused by human activity, but he hasn't mentioned it since winning the nomination (right shift?). However, his running mate said, "...a changing environment will affect Alaska more than any other, I'm not one who would attribute it to being man-made."
• Jim Gilmore's stance on climate change is unknown, he doesn't talk about it.
• Barack Obama and Mark Warner support cap-and-trade proposals to limit carbon emissions. In 1986 Joe Biden offered the first bill to limit global warming pollutants.
• Sam Rasoul "calls on Americans to rally to a national effort to meet ... environmental, security, and employment problems."
• Bob Goodlatte supported an amendment to K-12 curriculum include "diversity of scientific viewpoints" on human impact on climate change and encourages more coal-fired power plants.
• Janice Lee Allen's views are unknown except for a vague statement on her website about "creation of a universal organization to monitor pollutants."

There are differences, very real differences, between the candidates. Read Nielson's commentary for more info. Research the candidates' positions. This fowl doesn't want our chicks' futures to be foul. Vote Green.

Green Jobs! Where are the Green Candidates?

Our economy is on the brink. Climate change threatens our globe. On Saturday, September 27, all across America, people will rally for Green Jobs Now! to send the message to politicians of both parties that going green can create good jobs while helping to clean up the environment for future generations.

Going green is good for everybody - and Sam Rasoul knows it. He's been talking about alternative energy sources, green jobs, and growing a sustainable economy throughout the campaign. All the while, his opponent has been virtually silent on the topic.

In Virginia's 6th District, the rally will take place at noon at Monument Terrace in Lynchburg (map). One of the featured speakers will be Sam Rasoul who plans to focus on how going green can help create good jobs throughout the region. If you can join Sam and Green Jobs Now! in Lynchburg, do it. If not, you can learn more about the issues and other ways to be involved at Green Jobs Now!

And, on Election Day, be sure to VOTE GREEN by casting your ballot for Sam Rasoul, Mark Warner, and Barack Obama.

Let the cackling begin

Finally, Bob Goodlatte has agreed to a debate (of sorts) with Sam Rasoul. Hopefully, you'll be able to catch it on WSVA 550 AM at 10:00 AM on October 9. WSVA has a big coverage area, so you should pick it up throughout the northern part of the valley.

At this point, it looks like it will be a radio event (kudos to WSVA) but I am hopeful that a TV debate in front of a live audience is in the future. Nothing quite like voters being able to see the candidates and judge their demeanor as well as their words.

Janice Lee Allen will apparently be included in the WSVA debate, but I'm not really sure why. Her campaign has generated little interest and fewer ideas. Her signs are mostly on VDOT rights-of-way rather than placed by permission on private property.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

The Good

Jim Webb has been named one of the 75 most influential people in America by Esquire magazine. In a wide ranging interview that covers his past careers, his writing, and his current work as a United States Senator we find out more about what makes him tick. The following excerpt is about the issues he sees as currently among the most urgent (the interview was done before last week's collapse of financial markets) facing our nation:

We need to reorient our national security policy, which is a lot more than Iraq. What in classical terms you'd call grand strategy: how we connect with the rest of the world . . . .

Economic fairness. We have calcified along class lines in this country like we haven't seen since Teddy Roosevelt's days. And it's very difficult to get the right kind of discussion going on that -- up here, or anywhere, really. We're doing everything we can to inject that into the debate. And to get some corrections into the body of law that eliminate, basically, special favoritism.

Accountability issues. Infrastructure. We have a decaying infrastructure at a time when so much of our money is going out into other countries where they're building really first class, twenty-first-century infrastructure. We're in danger of becoming a third world economy.

On every single, every single issue that I have to take a vote on up here, we start off with: What's fair? Not which pressure group is calling the most or any of those things. We talk about what is fair to the spectrum involved, what's fair for the country.

Read the entire interview with Senator Jim Webb.

The Bad

My heart almost went out to the lonely boys at the GOP booth at the African-American Festival in Staunton's Gypsy Hill Park. Reflecting the Republican's deep pockets, most likely from lobbyists' donations, they had lots of signs, bumper stickers, buttons and other campaign paraphernalia. Much of the day it was just the two of them and they busied themselves arranging and rearranging things on the table. A few festival goers stopped by, fewer still took anything. They were joined by several other young men and later by the congressman himself who huddled with them for a while before venturing out to shake a few hands. Notably absent were leaders of the local committees. Maybe they'll roost there some today? 

By contrast the Democratic booth had regular traffic and by mid afternoon had run short of Obama signs, bumper stickers, and buttons. Just about everyone who stopped by wanted something and many left a donation. One Democrat commented, "we've got a problem getting enough stuff . . . but what a good problem it is."

Yeah, I almost felt sorry for the lonely boys. Almost.

The Ugly

Bob Goodlatte has received a 2007 grade of F from TheMiddleClass.org which uses analysis of the Drum Major Institute for Public Policy to highlight bills that impact the middle class and the aspiring middle class. The site gives detailed background about the legislation and helps voters find the resources to help them influence their representatives.

Goodlatte joined fellow Virginia representatives Thelma Drake, Virgil Goode, Eric Cantor, Tom Davis,  and Randy Forbes with failing grades. He's running at 43% for 2008, on track for another F under even the most lenient grading system! The last time Mr. Goodlatte passed was 2003. You can check out Goodlatte's votes here. It is embarrassing, no make that disgusting, that voters in the 6th district are represented by a man so family unfriendly.

We have a chance to retire Bob by electing Sam Rasoul to the House of Representatives. I can guarantee Sam won't get a failing grade on issues critical to American families. Everything Sam does, from refusing PAC money to taking on tough issues like affordable and accessible health care, speaks to his commitment to average American families.

Peckin' for votes in Waynesboro

Former Mississippi Governor, Ray Mabus, is making a small town tour telling voters "yes, we will" elect Barack Obama. After earlier Thursday stops in Danville and Martinsville, Mabus talked to some 50 Democrats who packed themselves in a classroom at Waynesboro's Rosenwald Community Center.

Using humor and specifics on issues ranging from heath care to veterans, to the economy, Governor Mabus made a compelling case for Barack Obama's election. His personal style seemed to connect with folks, few of whom have been involved in the campaign before Thursday. I predict many left with a new sense of urgency about getting personally involved and spreading the word to friends and neighbors.

Mabus, who knows Bill Clinton well and served as his ambassador to Saudi Arabia, confided to a small group afterwards that President Clinton was a "bit miffed" when he became one of Obama's early supporters and began drumming up support among southern Democrats. But, Mabus noted that Clinton is fully on board with Barack Obama.

If you get a chance to hear Governor Mabus, do it. He is funny, informative, and inspiring. For complete coverage on his visit to Waynesboro, check out the Augusta Free Press.

Also, congressional candidate Sam Rasoul was present and met many new voters before Mabus arrived. He seemed to get a good reception. One newspaper reporter related to a small group that while Rasoul was very accessible, Bob Goodlatte seemed to be dodging the press and canceling interviews. 

Photo: Augusta Free Press

H/T: Cobalt6

It's debatable

Mark Warner and Jim Gilmore have agreed to a one-hour televised debate on October 3 at 7:00 PM. Roanoke TV station WSLS (Ch. 10) will make the feed available statewide. This will be the third debate between the two, but the first to be televised across the commonwealth. The moderator and format of the debate are still being worked out.

So, now that the Senate candidates have agreed to a debate, how about you, Mr. Goodlatte? Don't you believe the voters of the 6th District deserve the same chance to hear from you and Sam Rasoul? The opportunity to compare your stands? The chance to see you side-by-side and compare your demeanor, your knowledge, and if you will give straight forward answers to difficult questions?

You've been stonewalling, Bob. Trying to run out the election clock. Mr. Rasoul has proposed a series of six debates for the 6th District. It is time for you to step up and meet your opponent and the people of this great district.

Contact Bob. Tell him to agree to no fewer than three debates, with one in each region of the district.