Virginia Senate race

[CarolNYC]

I understand that Harris Miller is running for this seat. I don't know anything about him except that I've heard that he opposes voter verified paper trails and supports outsourcing federal government jobs. That doesn't sit well with me. I have no idea if he has any shot of winning.

I also know that there are folks that are trying to draft James Webb to run for this seat and I understand that he will make a decision on running quite soon so if anyone's interested please go to www.draftjameswebb.com, sign the petition and pledge money if you feel strongly enough.

I'm not sure I know enough about Webb either but I also understand that neither of these men has strong name recognition and that, for that reason, it would be good for Virginia to have a primary so that voters can get familiar with whoever wins the primary, so I do hope Webb decides to jump in.

I won't dare to suggest that this is a seat that Mark Warner should be running for because apparently that's a very touchy subject for some and I would hope noone suggests that here. He's said he's not going to and that seems to be that. I do hope we find some way to pick up enough seats to take back Congress...It's SO VERY important....

[FSogol]

1. Its a rumor that comes from this article

http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1645028,00.asp

While Miller thinks paperless e-voting can be secure, he never comes out and claims he is against paper verification. I'd will personally wait and see what he says about the subject rather than prejudge based on an old tech article.

At any rate, he will make a infinitely better candidate than "W2: George Allen.

edit: fixed typos
2nd edit: Looks like I am wrong, he did say it and is a lobbyist for e-voting concerns.

Since he is being asked to run by Mark Warner, I'll still reserve judgment.

I still believe: He will make a infinitely better candidate than "W2: George Allen.

[abluelady]

3. It Is Troubling, Though

Most "computer" folks are worried about the machines. I am concerned when someone who supposedly knows the business like Miller seems to is content that there be no paper trail.

Definitely he would make a better candidate than Allen, but it is too bad we are still settling.

[FSogol]

4. I dunno, the drumbeat for James Webb is pretty strong.

He might enter the race.

[abluelady]

5. I Think Webb would get a lot of support.

There are things about him that I have some problems with but overall he could be a good candidate.

[FSogol]

6. Anyone will do a better job than Allen. n/t

[CarolNYC]

10. true, true

Anyone better than Allen...but they have to win first. I do hope that Webb gets in the race, if for no other reason than to give these guys a chance to get some name recognition and some media attention in a primary contest...although I'm also hearing that the leaders of the VA Dem Party don't want a primary contest and, therefore, don't want Webb to get involved...Don't know how true that is, though.

I do hope he does get in and then may the best man win....

[Captain Hilts]

2. Is this the one Dems are trying to draft James Webb for? nt

[CarolNYC]

11. Yes, Mookie

I do love seeing Mookie Wilson posting on this thread. :) You are the "real" Mookie Wilson, right? ;)

[nickshepDEM]

7. What about Creigh Deeds? Or Chuck Robb? Both would be solid

candidates IMO.

[CarolNYC]

12. As far as I know

neither is running. Do you know if there's a chance either will run?

Do you think either would have a shot against Allen?

[SaveElmer]

13. No...probably not...

Allen is nearly as popular as Warner here...I think if an election were held right now Warner would win in a squeaker, but it is by no means a slam dunk. And in 11 months any number of things could happen which would strengthen Allen. Fact is in a Republican state like Virginia, in a race between two politicians of approximetly equal popularity, the Republican will win 99% of the time.

Warner is smart not to gamble his future on it.

[CarolNYC]

14. Maybe

things could happen that could weaken Allen too, in the next 11 months, no? We can only hope, I guess...It seems that, after this race, he's running for President, right?

Thanks, SaveElmer, and everyone else, for the comments and insights....

[SaveElmer]

15. It's possible...

But Warner's position mor directly impacts the state...if there is some kind of budget mess in Richmond this year for example, it could potentially be laid at Warner's feet. Or if Kaine proves to be a dissapointment (which I think is unlikely).

With Allen, he is not responsible for running the state, and can always blame "liberals" in Washington for his failures.

Though I am supporting Hillary and believe she will win, Warner is definitely a viable candidate, who I would have no trouble supporting at all should he win!

[Clark2008]

8. Why doesn't Warner run for this himself?

He'd have a better shot there than for president.

[nickshepDEM]

9. You semi-answered your own question...

He's running for president, and if that doesnt workout, he will be on everyones shortlist of VP's.

If all else fails, he could run for Governor again in 2009. He'd be the heavy favorite in that race too. The point is, Warner is an executive, not a legislator, he likes being in charge.