Wow, big big news: the Washington Post has endorsed Greg Werkheiser, Bruce Roemmelt and David Poisson in their races against Del. Dave Albo, Del. Bob Marshall, and Del. Dick Black, respectively. The former two races, in particular, have captured my attention and interest like no other race in Virginia: there aren’t two men that I’d rather see in office than Bruce Roemmelt and Greg Werkheiser. But, frankly, I never realistically entertained the notion that the Washington Post might deign to endorse them or David Poisson (who is a fine candidate in all respects — I’m just more fired up by Werkheiser and Roemmelt). These endorsements reflect the quality of the races run by all three, and the strong likelihood that each of them may well win their races.
As I said, I’m particularly fond of Werkheiser and Roemmelt. Werkheiser, I maintain, is the single most qualified candidate for any office in Virginia this year, bar none. And Roemmelt is the single best match for his opponent — I can’t think of any race in Virginia where the alternatives are so stark, or where the challenger represents such a vast improvement over the incumbent. If I were to create a candidate to challenge Bob Marshall — if I could craft a resume and assemble a human in appearance and in personality — I would create Bruce Roemmelt.
Here is what the post has to say for the race in the 13th:
Robert G. Marshall (R), the incumbent, is an ineffective lawmaker who has managed to stir things up by bashing gays, embryonic stem cell research, sex education, women’s access to birth control and Gov. Mark R. Warner’s 2004 tax overhaul, which helped public schools across Virginia. He loves a fight; what a shame he hasn’t mustered the same passion for improving the state’s clogged roads. His opponent, educator and retired fire and rescue worker Bruce E. Roemmelt (D), is a better bet to address transportation problems.
Incumbent Richard H. Black (R), with his narrow focus on social issues and all-inclusive, just-say-no opposition to additional revenue-raising, has alienated most of his GOP colleagues in the House, to say nothing of the Democrats. Attorney and businessman David E. Poisson (D), who has worked on U.S. Senate staffs and has an impressive record of community service, offers a welcome contrast.
And, finally, on the 42nd:
The incumbent, David B. Albo (R), an energetic, engaging lawmaker, is in line to lead the House Courts of Justice Committee, a key legislative job. But lately he has moved away from his earlier moderate record, joining ranks with right-wingers in trying to torpedo the Warner tax package and waging a strident campaign against undocumented immigrants. Gregory A. Werkheiser (D), a bright, charismatic lawyer, has mounted a coherent and well-financed campaign. We have backed Mr. Albo in the past, based on his legislative skill and broad knowledge of legal and judicial issues. But he has abandoned important elements of his own constituency as well as the sensible middle ground. Accordingly, we support Mr. Werkheiser.
I got a good laugh at their endorsement in the 67th:
If there were a prize for worst candidate of the season, Chris S. Craddock (R) would be a strong contender. In the race for this seat, Mr. Craddock — who’s managed to rack up at least nine traffic tickets since 2001, including one for reckless driving a few weeks ago — used a 14-year-old endorsement by a gay newspaper to smear his primary opponent, incumbent Del. Gary A. Reese. Mr. Craddock, a 27-year-old youth minister who hates taxes, and has attributed AIDS in Africa to those who seek sex “with anything with a pulse” — and that may not be his dumbest or most offensive pronouncement. We hope his main opponent, C. Chuck Caputo (D), wins, if only to spare voters more of Mr. Craddock’s callow inanity.
I don’t know the first thing about Reese, but I’m familiar with Craddock; what a maroon.
I have no idea how much value there is in being endorsed by the major newspaper for the region — nobody does — but the Poisson, Roemmelt, and Werkheiser campaigns should feel mighty proud about their endorsements. Good job, guys.
WOW? It’s the Post … come on. And Roemmelt lost the local paper’s endorsement, which also endorsed Kaine.
So you’re saying that conservative newspapers are endorsing Kaine? That’s great news!
Waldo-
Let’s be serious here…there are exactly NO surprises in the Washington Post endorsements.
The WaPo has never endorsed Black or Marshall, so this is no surprise…and the minute Albo went off the reservation and voted against the Warner tax increase there was no way the Post would endorse him.
The only GOP they endorsed was John Mason (a non-doctrinaire GOP in an open seat) and Harry Parrish (who voted for the Tax increase, and is facing minimal democratic opposition).
No surprises at all…
There’s a difference between not endorsing the anti-tax candidates and endorsing their opponents. Rather than remain silent on these races, they chose to endorse the challengers. Yay.
“These endorsements reflect the quality of the races run by all three, and the strong likelihood that each of them may well win their races.
C’mon, Waldo! I know you’re a Lib, but most times, you’re a fairly honest one. These endorsements reflect the preditably Liberal bent of the Washington Post, and nothing more. The only Republicans they endorse are ones who leave the reservation (i.e., act like Democrats).
The quality of these endorsements reaches its nadir when the post calls Roemmelt an “educator.” He’s a buffoon with the phoniest doctorate around, an Ed.D.
This is no more surprising than former PWC Superintendent Ed Kelly’s recent endorsement of Hilda Barg against Jeff Frederick. Wow! An educrat endorsing a tax-increasing hostage of the teachers’ unions. Catch me; I’m gonna faint!
I’ll have to add “callow inanity” to my quiver.
Does anyone else think James Young is a childish piss ant, or is it just me?
Actually, these endorsements reflect mature and rational thinking. While it is true the Post has never endorsed Black or Marshall before – that is simply good reasoning, it is also true that the Post has not always endorsed their challengers either. The fact that they decided to come out and endorse Roemmelt and Poisson indicates that they think the challengers can actually do the job of being delegate.
The Post is a big organization, and I’ll grant it has mostly slightly left of center writers, but it also has many slight right of center writers. Before they endorse, they have to agree.
As for Reese, it is a real shame he got bumped from the primary. I am not a fan of conservatives anywhere – and frankly I think Gary Reese was a better man for the job in the 67th than ANY of the current candidates. Craddock is a loon, and is unfit to even run, but Caputo is way too conservative and religious for me, despite his Democratic Party endorsement (notice that the Post DID NOT endorse him). Can we please have a write in campaign in the 67th where every one writes in Gary Reese?
Christian: James is just upset and angry, as he usually is when he doesn’t get his (arch conservative) way. Isn’t James the one who always says we Democrats are the “whiners?” How ironic. – Lowell
PS I agree with Waldo; great job by Bruce, Greg, David, etc.
Great news, Waldo. And Chuck Caputo is a fabulous person, too.
If people voted on the issues…we’d have a Democratic government.
Well, I guess if you compare the Post to the Moonie Times, the Post is a liberal paper. I just think the conservatives have never forgiven the Post for exposing Watergate and eventuallly forcing Nixon to resign.
Waldo- The Potomac News is NOT a conservative paper.
Mr. Grantham- Since you’re on the payroll,does the Roemmelt campaign endorse those views about Mr. Young? I didn’t think campaigns should be in the business of directly insulting voters.
Hey James –
How come you’re such a big fan of Dave Albo? Don’t you care about child molesters being put away? This guy’s pro-child molester – he loves them!
The Potomac News is NOT a conservative paper.
Good to know — I’ve never seen it.