One piece of trivia that many observers may not be aware of is the lack of a victory in a primary for two of Virginia's oldest political consultants. Ever. Mike Henry and Mo Elleithee were both involved in Hillary Clinton's Presidential campaign, and Mike lost the US Senate primary in 2004 in Illinois to some guy (Barack Obama). Mike also lost Mark Shriver's campaign in Maryland in 2002. Mo's greatest primary glory was in Florida in 2002 when Janet Reno and her "red truck" campaign went down. Also, Harris Miller's campaign in 2006 jumps to mind for Mo. They have however been very successful in general election campaigns in Virginia- helping both Mark Warner and Tim Kaine get elected.
Being primary win virgins, Mike and Mo might be wondering what winning a primary feels like. Having been on the winning side of multiple primaries, I wanted to give them an advance heads up of what it is like.
It feels like warm apple pie... this video might help demonstrate.
So . . . uh . . . maybe we should nominate a candidate who can win in November.
Brian Moran in 2009.
Posted by: jeffersonian1 | May 28, 2009 at 01:12 AM
They need to keep on looking.
Posted by: Mark Brooks | May 28, 2009 at 02:52 AM
Funny that Mo worked for Miller, because T-Mac is Harris Miller on steroids.
Posted by: Balco politico | May 28, 2009 at 06:08 AM
Jeffersonian1 you're 100% correct
Posted by: In the YC | May 28, 2009 at 06:18 AM
What planet are you folks living on? Virginia is not dark blue. It's barely light purple! Terry and Brian are considered to be very liberal everywhere outside of NOVA. No chance for either in the general election. Get Real. Creigh, as a much more moderate Democrat will even have a hard time, but he is our only hope for a governor who is not in Pat Robertson's back pocket.
Posted by: Garland Tillery | May 28, 2009 at 07:34 AM
Don't forget Mo's great work for both Janet Reno for Governor and Bob Graham for President. For some reason he doesn't remind people of his work there.
Posted by: Mo's FL fans | May 28, 2009 at 08:48 AM
Mike's streak will continue but Mo will break his streak when Wagner wins however.
Posted by: anon | May 28, 2009 at 09:11 AM
Garland,
You have pinpointed precisely why, after months of indecisiveness, I too have decided to vote for Creigh.... He really is our best chance in November, and the thought of McDonnell as Governor is terrifying.
Posted by: Sam | May 28, 2009 at 09:29 AM
Another piece of trivia is that Joe Abbey has never lost an election.
And winning a general with Mark Warner is not a great accomplishment. Heck I could have done that :)
But I'm very familiar with Florida politics. Trust me, Janet Reno losing was snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. She had been very popular and well regarded prior to that.
And you were comparing McAuliffe to Webb, which is a stretch by any standard, but his staff actually includes Miller's former people. (Rolls eyes)
Posted by: Anonymous Is A Woman | May 28, 2009 at 09:48 AM
Sam, Sam, Sam;
The thought of having Bob McDonnell as Governor is only terrifying if you value public schools, detest vouchers, support alternative energy investments, are pro-choice, or have not yet accepted Jesus as your personal savior, and Pat Robertson as your political mentor (and largest individual contributor).
Posted by: Bubby Hussein, Hillbilly Sheikh | May 28, 2009 at 10:07 AM
Joe Abbey has lost an election. A primary in Ohio I believe.
Posted by: | May 28, 2009 at 10:39 AM
NLS has been on the winning side(line) of multiple primaries.
Posted by: NLS's inflated resume | May 28, 2009 at 11:31 AM
I wouldn't ever underestimate Ben. He's a good prognosticator and has won some signicant elections, primaries and generals.
We just disagree this time. Of course, I'm right :)
Posted by: Anonymous Is A Woman | May 28, 2009 at 11:46 AM
as a Republican, its hard for me to decide who would be the easiest Dem candidate to beat in the general.
i guess it would be moran. he doesn't have a very approachable demeanor & he's pretty damn liberal for the entire state (but hey, obamba won in Virginia).
McA would bring big money & big names & he's a great campaigner.
Deeds would actually be the best governor of the three & alot of Virginians can see that.
on to the RPV convention.
Posted by: kelley in virginia | May 28, 2009 at 12:32 PM
Ah yeah, the wonderful RPV Convention is this week! How democratic of a party to not let their voters decide on who their nominee is going to be!
Posted by: Anonymous | May 28, 2009 at 01:18 PM
The Grand Old Pervert convention
Posted by: Hide The Alterboys or the GOP will get'em | May 28, 2009 at 10:52 PM
Where's the shout-out to Congressman Van Hollen?
Mark Shriver lost to Congressman Chris Van Hollen in 2002. Van Hollen went on to unseat the popular Republican incumbent Connie Morella. Van Hollen now runs the DCCC and is considered by many to be a rising star in the Democratic Party.
Posted by: Not Chris Van Hollen | May 29, 2009 at 02:29 PM