Back from a weekend in Virginia talking with disgruntled local Democratic leaders (and picking ticks out of our hair, which, come to think of it, isn't all that dissimilar from talking to disgruntled Dems). The local ground campaign between incumbent Sen. George Allen and challenger James Webb does not look encouraging.
Webb is getting bashed quite openly by county party workers for being aloof and inactive. He's NOT going out to meet the people, he's NOT raising money, he's just NOT engaging with anybody (including the putative "enemy").
This criticism is not coming just from Harris Miller supporters in the recent primary campaign (though some of it IS coming from that side). Those who actively supported Webb in the primary are also disappointed in his performance.
Most chalk it up to pride. Webb seems to think he's famous enough, and sterling enough, to get everyone's appreciative support. But we know it doesn't work that way. Candidates have got to ASK for the people's votes, especially in Virginia.
Most disturbing are the reports that Webb just doesn't show up at many local events. Reminds us of our own Guv. We could wish that Webb might do as well as Easley manages when the votes are actually cast. But it's not sounding good. The worst part: George Allen is obviously vulnerable. He hasn't cracked 50 percent approval rating yet this year.
Monday, July 31, 2006
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