Waldo,

I agree that John’s a good choice. I was a Hager for Governor delegate back in 2001. I seriously believe he could have defeated Mark Warner. But that’s another story.

Unless I’m mistaken, I don’t think his position of Homeland Security Director was considered a “cabinet level” position.

Posted by Ward Smythe on 23 July 2007 @ 10pm

This smart move comes as a surprise to me. I can’t think of a better person to help the Republicans get back on their feet.

Posted by F.T. Rea on 23 July 2007 @ 10pm

Perhaps that wasn’t the most thoughtful of metaphors.

Posted by Judge Smails on 24 July 2007 @ 8am

Unless I’m mistaken, I don’t think his position of Homeland Security Director was considered a “cabinet level” position.

The AP, the Daily Press, and WDBJ all describe it as a cabinet level position. Otherwise I wouldn’t have had a clue. :)

Posted by Waldo Jaquith on 24 July 2007 @ 9am

Judge Smails,

Actually, I admire John Hager.

So, I thought it was cool that a heroic sort of guy in a wheelchair would be the one to get the job of putting a political party in disrepair back in order — back on its feet.

Yep, I was using the irony you hoped was a faux pas. While I’m confident it didn’t bother Hager, I do hope my sense of license didn’t offend you.

Furthermore, I want to congratulate the pachyderms on their wise choice. Things have not been going well, of late, and a change of direction was in order. Hager’s practical and skilled leadership should eventually pay dividends … unless the sometimes uncontrollable crazy wing of the Virginia GOP runs him off for being way too in touch with reality.

Like it did in 2001.

Posted by F.T. Rea on 24 July 2007 @ 11pm

It’s all good. I don’t know much about Hager. I think he lost his GOP gubernatorial nomination fight to Mark Earley in 2001. More’s the pity.

I do, however, get a little nervous when Democrats, even if they’re knowledgeable and friendly, start singing the praises of a specific Republican who I’m unsure of. Perhaps unfairly, I tend to think the individual in question may be a bit too squishy.

Posted by Judge Smails on 25 July 2007 @ 11am

If it makes you feel any better, I don’t know of any major, contentious political issue on which I agree with Hager. :)

Posted by Waldo Jaquith on 25 July 2007 @ 5pm