The hottest places in Hell . . .

A great speech by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that rings with clarity today as it did 40 years ago.

Rasoul's statement

Responding to Drew Richardson's announcement earlier in the day, Sam Rasoul sent an email that began:

I am writing to you in a time of great possibility and hope. I am thankful and proud to be the presumptive nominee of our party for the 6th Congressional District and I look forward to the challenges ahead. I am thankful that Drew Richardson entered the race and allowed us to discuss crucial issues in our district. I am honored to carry our banner into the general election of 2008. We as a party have the chance now to move forward united and energized to re-capture this Congressional District for the good of the people. I am now prepared to continue an aggressive and grassroots driven campaign as the presumptive nominee.

He also posted a video message: I expect the next few weeks will see Sam traveling the district and healing any hard feelings that developed in the short but intense campaign since Drew entered. Local committees will still caucus to select delegates to the District and State conventions. 

Peck. Peck.

Drew Richardson withdraws from race

Drew Richardson suspended his campaign for the House of Representatives today. The following statement was released on his website and in an email:

It has been my privilege to be a candidate for the office of U.S. Congress and to seek the Democratic nomination for that office in our district. Nevertheless, it has become obvious to me over the last many weeks that my opponent has won the support of a majority of our party's activists and perhaps had done so prior to my entry into the race. If I were to continue with my campaign I have concluded, even if I were to be successful, the win could badly divide our party. I personally would be left with, at best, merely having won a short-lived victory only to guarantee sure defeat for the party and myself in November. For these reasons, as well as to allow my opponent to begin his general election campaign a month or two earlier than he might otherwise have done, I am suspending my campaign for the Democratic nomination effective immediately. I congratulate the presumptive nominee, Mr. Rasoul, and wish him and his supporters well and good luck over the coming months. Thanks to those who have encouraged me to enter this race, to those who have supported my efforts and particularly to my campaign staff. Finally, a special thank you to all of you for your past, present and continued participation in the political process. Best Regards, Drew

Cross posted at We Will RockDem

New kid in the coop

She should have done this on April 1.

A new name surfaced in the race for CD6. Yesterday, Janice Lee Allen sent a much forwarded email announcing her candidacy for the seat currently held hostage by Bob Goodlatte. Vaguely worded, the email sounded like she was seeking the Democratic nomination.

She referenced visiting the 6th District Committee a year ago and having regular conversations with David Laymen, including one just a week before David's untimely death. According to Ms. Allen, they talked of "infighting in the Party" and that David was "deeply concerned about the future of the Party." In short, David encouraged her to run saying, "Do it." Guess we'll never know what really took place in those conversations.

Ms. Allen's email included a link to her website, Allen for Congress. After the site name the first word is "independent." I won't bore you or me by relating what is or isn't on her site - visit it for yourself. 

Taking her email and website together, it appears she is probably running as an independent and hopes to pick up some Democrats to support her. If so, she'll be pecking around the district getting signatures on a petition to get on the ballot.

I do know this - David Layman was not encouraging her to run as an independent. So, by sending the email to addresses she gleaned off David's emails, could she be trying to jump into the fray for the Democratic nomination? Maybe she sees an opening in the spirited fight between Rasoul and Richardson and hopes the Democrats will turn to her?

Whichever is the case, Ms. Allen's entry into the race will be the high point of her campaign. Too little, too late for most Democrats to even notice her. If she runs as an independent, she'll get equally little notice from voters. But, she could draw a few votes that should go to the Democratic nominee.

If her email had floated a day earlier, we could have chalked it up as an April Fools Joke. That would have at least been a bit poetic. But, since she waited a day, I can only think it is a Bad Joke.

Peck. Peck.

Bob Goodlatte's Broken Eggs

Hey Bob - you've supported all the spending and all the WAR. Senator Hagel has a point of view. Care to respond (of course not - you are gutless)

Scrambled Eggs

At the Democratic "debate" in Harrisonburg last night, Sam Rasoul and Drew Richardson laid out their views on issues. Not much of a "debate" because they really aren't all that far apart on the key issues. So according to the Daily News-Record account, the main discussion was electability. Richardson touted his age (56) and experience (FBI) as the keys to winning. On the other hand, Rasoul pointed to his year-long campaign and hard work for the party that has brought him into contact with every part of the sprawling 6th District.

A strong Democrats may be able unseat Goodlatte - nationally the issues like Iraq, the mortgage meltdown, the economy, health care.... and many others favor Democrats. In Virginia, a ticket lead by Mark Warner will be strong.

But, a reality check. There is a fox in the henhouse. Unseating an entrenched incumbent is tough - they win about 90% of the time. Goodlatte has money in the bank and friends with lots of laying mash to keep that feeder full. And we all know there are a lots of GOP clucks in the district who will keep peckin' they way they always have. What I am saying is this: which candidate Rasoul or Richardson, is in this race for the long haul? Which one will attend the county fairs, the committee meetings, the community dinners, the parades, and all the other things that will be necessary to introduce himself to the voters and win their hearts, minds, and votes? If he should come up short on Election Day, which candidate will be around afterwards working for Democrats and the issues which we care deeply about? Which one may see a loss as an opportunity to run again, build on his base, and win? Peck, peck...

Less Corn?

Belle Rose couldn't ignore news stories about less corn being planted this year. What's up with that? How am I to get my protein, fat, and fiber? Coarse cracked corn.... indeed!

So what is the bottom line? Higher prices for your corn flakes and many other products made with corn. Don't forget those products raised on corn - beef and poultry are the most notable. Expect the lay more green out at the grocery line.

And what about ethanol? Does this mean farmers aren't betting on the future of that alternate fuel? Cluck cluck... I'm coming to that conclusion. Corn isn't that great of a producer of ethanol. Esp. on plots better able to grow soybeans or something else. Takes too much energy to produce corn ethanol (now sugar beets may be another story). And less acres of corn = higher prices for ethanol making is even more expensive relative to (already expensive) gas.

So, I may be a dumb cluck, but I'm still concerned. Sounds like ethanol is a turkey (sorry cousin) and prices at Chick-fil-A will be going up. Also that burger. And the big greasy fried egg breakfast. Toss out some more coarse cracked corn - I'll try to fatten up before the price increase.

Peck, peck.