Democrats going to Richmond
Brian January 11th, 2006
Coming off two strong special election victories (3rd and 23rd Districts), Democrats are gaining some momentum. Even though the Third District was not a pickup like the 23rd District, it was a district that went for Kilgore and some considered in play.
Ben thinks this momentum comes down to the Kaine campaign’s strong Get Out the Vote organization and the Republicans lack thereof. I know my experience with the call lists here in Dickenson County was phenomenal. The calls they had us making were very well targeted and effective.
But Lowell looks at the new Democratic Delegates’ committee assignments and wonders why one Delegate was assigned to two of the best committees. That Delegate is none other than Dave Marsden, who was placed on the Courts of Justice and Transportation committees. He must still have a few friends on the other side of aisle.
Marsden, as you will remember, was endorsed by retiring Republican Del. Jim Dillard and was Dillard’s campaign manager twice and worked as his legislative aide for several years.
Third District Del. Dan Bowling, Southwest Virginia’s only new guy in town, was assigned to the Militia, Police, and Public Safety and Transportation committees.
Shannon Valentine was appointed to Transportation, too. That topic was of more interest to our Sorensen class last year than any other — I think Shannon is going to be a real force for good on that committee.
From the way it sounds, the Transportation committee will be one of the most active. I think having folks like Valentine and Bowling (i.e, not from Northern Virignia) will be very important.
Its easy to forget that the transportation problem, although very severe there, is not limited to Northern Virginia.
Well, I haven’t had the opportunity to do so yet, but congratulations are in order to Ms. Valentine.
SWVA appears to be fairly well represented on the Militia, Police and Public Safety committee with Mr. Bowling, Mr. Carrico and Mr. Kilgore all serving on the committee.
If I were a Delegate, that would be a prime committee assignment.