The Rousselot Revolution

A few weeks ago, Peter Rousselot took a chance and challenged the entire Democratic Party establishment by declaring that we would once again have an election to decide who heads the Democratic Party of Virginia- not a coronation.  By coming prepared with his experience heading one of the largest and most successful Democratic Committees in Virginia, Peter was able to immediately articulate the goals of what grassroots Democrats have long dreamed DPVA was capable of.  Organizers across Virginia, especially in areas that have lacked such resources in the past.  And yes, a Democratic candidate in all 140 legislative elections in 2011.

Soon after Peter announced his plans, an echo was heard from Brian Moran.  Yes, he also wanted the DPVA to focus on recruiting candidates in every legislative district- despite his having allowed 75% of Republican incumbents to go unopposed during his time as Democratic Caucus Chairman in 2003, 2005 and 2007.  While Brian's echo on this may come across as an egregious example of being disingenuous, it actually meant something positive.  Finally, the Democratic model in Richmond for the last 10 years of capitulation to the Republicans had been repudiated by its own implementers.

Almost immediately Dick Saslaw, having missed the revolution going on around him announced Democrats would not be fielding a candidate for the vacant Senate seat held by Robert Hurt.  (In fairness to Saslaw, his news can come at whatever speed carrier pigeons can fly).  Democrats from across Virginia were up in arms- and a credible Democratic candidate emerged- Pittsylvania County Supervisor Hank Davis.  In Salem, Democrats were caught without a candidate ready to announce after the election of Morgan Griffith, but to the cheers of everyone they found a credible candidate in local businesswoman Ginger Mumpower.  

In short, Democrats just went from allowing 75% of GOP seats to go uncontested to fielding candidates in two very tough districts for special elections.  Are they likely to win either?  No.  But Republicans will be forced to run campaigns, be responsive to the public and Democrats may start to be seen again as a credible party in these communities with strong local advocates for progressive ideas. 

It's pretty amazing what one voice from a far corner of Virginia can do when it becomes a chorus.  Thanks Peter- you've already got one of the biggest accomplishments for Virginia Democrats in recent years without a single vote having yet been cast.

Comments

[Willie Deutsch]

Party activists from both parties seem to dislike having higher ups dictate who their leaders will be. When party leaders finally realize that, they will be saved a lot of headache...

[Dem in Roanoke]

Peter Rousselot may be a long-shot for chair, but his election would invigorate the grassroots beyond measure.

[Not Surprised]

That's quite the tiny revolution... considering Peter's opponent has the endorsement of 9 of the 11 Congressional District Committee chairs.

I highly suspect that Ginger Mumpower didn't wait to hear that Peter Rousselot (who I'm sure she's never heard of) was running for chair before choosing to run for this seat. 90% of the general public, and a healthy chunk of the grassroots Democrats don't particularly care or know who the chair of their party in the state is...

[Hidden Valley Dem]

Despite your dismissive prediction, Ginger Mumpower will be a strong candidate. A small business owner with good name ID, she has won before.

There's no quit in this lady and she'll mount a vigorous and credible campaign.

Not Surprised is right. The candidates win elections.

[Chris]

You never know how an election will go unless you run candidates. You just never know.

[Mr Bubbles]

umm Ben, how can democrats lack candidates in all 140 legislative districts in the 2011 election when its 2010 now?

[Not a Bubble]

Ben didn't say that, he said it was a "goal of what DPVA is capable of".

Learn to read before you bitch, bitch.

[Mr Bubbles]

im sure thats what he meant, thats just not what he said.

[English Teacher]

Actually that is exactly what he said. Paragraphs are ways you organize various thoughts and themes. Such as:

"A few weeks ago, Peter Rousselot took a chance and challenged the entire Democratic Party establishment by declaring that we would once again have an election to decide who heads the Democratic Party of Virginia- not a coronation. By coming prepared with his experience heading one of the largest and most successful Democratic Committees in Virginia, Peter was able to immediately articulate the goals of what grassroots Democrats have long dreamed DPVA was capable of. Organizers across Virginia, especially in areas that have lacked such resources in the past. And yes, a Democratic candidate in all 140 legislative elections in 2011."

Taking that from where you need to review:

"Peter was able to immediately articulate the goals of what grassroots Democrats have long dreamed DPVA was capable of."

Then...

"Organizers across Virginia, especially in areas that have lacked such resources in the past."

There's one, but "goals" were plural... so wait for it...

"And yes, a Democratic candidate in all 140 legislative elections in 2011."

Bingo. Ben doesn't always get an "A" for good English, but here he wrote this correctly and it was very clear. Sorry Mr {sic} Bubbles.

[truthteller]

Not Surprised -- Did or did not the establishment scoff at ideas of running strong campaigns in tough special election districts? Methinks Dick Saslaw scoffed at that idea!

And perhaps the 9 of 11 chairs ought to reconsider who actually is doing the leadership of the issues and who is just following along with a little bit of trashing the netroots for calling Moran on contradicting Democratic principles at his day job