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The Will of the People
Author: BobR    Date: 06/11/2014 11:13:27

Yesterday, the state of Virginia engaged in an exercise near and dear to the hearts of any American who values their say in government: voting. It was primary day here, and Ms. Raine and I certainly went to the polls to vote for the Democratic candidate we wanted to replace retiring House Rep Jim Moran. Sadly, our choice did not win. Don Beyer will be the Dem candidate, which means he is the de-facto House Rep for Virginia's 8th district come next January. Our district is deep blue.

That was barely a blip on the radar. The BIG news was that House Majority leader (and perpetual asshole) Eric Cantor lost in the primary to a Tea Party challenger (Dave Brat). While Brat takes a stand on numerous issues (his stance is as far-right as you can get without falling off the edge of the flat earth), his main campaign focus was on immigration, and Eric Cantor's audacity to consider reform. I find it hard to believe that the voters in that district are that fired up over immigration, when there are so many other pressing issues to deal with, but then - I find it hard to believe people actually vote for Republicans at all.

Brat got a boost from FOX "News" commentator Laura Ingraham who has never met a Mexican she likes (she probably secretly despises the illegal immigrant who cleans her house). Laura caters to racist haters with comments like fun jabs at attempts to feed immigrant children in detention by playing the "Yo quiero Taco Bell" commercial from the 90s. What a monster.

Those who eat this kind of nastiness up are the kinds of people who vote in Republican primaries and elect douche tea baggers like Dave Brat. This is what Karl Rove was trying to stop, where primaries oust powerful (and/or more electable) Republicans for far-right nutters that have trouble beating more reasonable Democratic challengers in the general election. Whether or not Brat wins the general in November, this is a net-loss for the Republican power structure. Boehner has lost a powerful ally (two-faced though he was... better the devil you know than the devil you don't know). The Republican party will need to find a new majority leader. There's also a chance that there will be a big turnout in November, and the seat could flip.

Over the years, Republicans disillusioned with the direction and antics of the Republican party have been switching to "Independent" or even "Democrat":
Near the end of Bush's disastrous two-term Presidency, it was an easy decision for me to vote for Obama over McCain. But, it was the creation of the Tea Party facet of the Republican Party in 2010 that turned me into a loyal Democrat, rather than an Independent. I don't feel I abandoned the Republican Party but, I do feel the Republican Party abandoned me. Their emerging views on government, religion, women's rights, workers' rights, income inequality, violence against women, equal pay for women, minorities' voting rights, made me move away from these radical ideologues as quickly as possible.

In 2014, the Republican Party is now split between the old GOP idealists and the new GOP obstructionists; between those who know their message is losing voters and want to change it and, those who would rather suppress and buy the vote, than change the message. The GOP no longer stands for Grand Old Party, but for Greedy Old Plutocrats.

This is why Every Election Matters™ - even the primaries (maybe even especially the primaries). How many Republicans in VA's 7th district are kicking themselves for not turning out yesterday?... or who might decide to pull the "D" lever in December? More people voted in Kentucky's Dem primary than the Rep primary. What does that say? The stage is being set for what could be a big change in November - but it requires funding, advocacy, and turnout. You still have 5 months - make sure you have no regrets on Nov 5th.
 

50 comments (Latest Comment: 06/12/2014 00:06:21 by Will in Chicago)
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Comment by trojanrabbit on 06/11/2014 12:54:45
Any idea as to what effect (if any) calls by former Rep Ben (Cooter) Jones for Democrats to vote in the open primary had in Cantor's loss?

I'm sure the poor little RINO will have a nice cushy lobbying position all lined up when he leaves.

Comment by Raine on 06/11/2014 13:12:28
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Any idea as to what effect (if any) calls by former Rep Ben (Cooter) Jones for Democrats to vote in the open primary had in Cantor's loss?

I'm sure the poor little RINO will have a nice cushy lobbying position all lined up when he leaves.
I suspect that played a large part in the defeat. I don't care, he's gone.

You know, I am hearing reports that he wasn't even campaigning yesterday. He was in DC at a fundraiser!


Comment by wickedpam on 06/11/2014 13:12:38
Morning

I'm still floored by this.

Am I the only one speculating that Dems went in a voted in that primary?

Comment by Raine on 06/11/2014 13:13:37
FSTV is showing yesterdays show.

good morning!

Comment by Raine on 06/11/2014 13:16:11
Quote by wickedpam:
Morning

I'm still floored by this.

Am I the only one speculating that Dems went in a voted in that primary?
It was a big turnout, so I think it played a big part in this.

Cantor assumed he would win and had little to no ground game.


Comment by Mondobubba on 06/11/2014 13:18:40
Raine, the Craig's List ad was hilarious!

Comment by Raine on 06/11/2014 13:20:50
“I’m out here for one reason, and one reason only: To vote against Eric Cantor,” said Jim Rhodes, 70, who was voting at Byrd Middle School in the Tuckahoe District of Henrico County.
Times Dispatch reporting.

Comment by wickedpam on 06/11/2014 13:29:39
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Morning

I'm still floored by this.

Am I the only one speculating that Dems went in a voted in that primary?
It was a big turnout, so I think it played a big part in this.

Cantor assumed he would win and had little to no ground game.


He took them for granted and got bit in the ass. Really service him right.


Comment by trojanrabbit on 06/11/2014 13:34:57
Quote by Raine:
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Any idea as to what effect (if any) calls by former Rep Ben (Cooter) Jones for Democrats to vote in the open primary had in Cantor's loss?

I'm sure the poor little RINO will have a nice cushy lobbying position all lined up when he leaves.
I suspect that played a large part in the defeat. I don't care, he's gone.

You know, I am hearing reports that he wasn't even campaigning yesterday. He was in DC at a fundraiser!

Why would he show up to campaign if his pollsters thought he had a 30 point lead.

Comment by TriSec on 06/11/2014 13:35:02
I supppse crossing the line is plausible; I've done it myself in a primary. Does VA bave an open primary?

Comment by BobR on 06/11/2014 13:38:20
Quote by Raine:
“I’m out here for one reason, and one reason only: To vote against Eric Cantor,” said Jim Rhodes, 70, who was voting at Byrd Middle School in the Tuckahoe District of Henrico County.
Times Dispatch reporting.

Larry Heath, 62, described himself as a lifelong Republican who’s unhappy with the party at the moment. He was voting at Byrd Middle School as well.

“While I’m not very energized by what Eric Cantor has not done, David Brat would be a really frightening choice as far as his position on immigration,” Heath said.

He also said he hopes the Republican Party “finds reason to exist besides being against Obamacare.”

That's exactly what I was talking about

Comment by Scoopster on 06/11/2014 13:43:40
Mornin' all..

So how long will it be until the GOP pushes for a special counsel for this?

http://images.bluegartr.com/bucket/gallery/b7e64370bade3c8280b5bd9cbbc41ad5.PNG


Comment by Raine on 06/11/2014 13:53:48
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..

So how long will it be until the GOP pushes for a special counsel for this?

http://images.bluegartr.com/bucket/gallery/b7e64370bade3c8280b5bd9cbbc41ad5.PNG
NBC Washington went with this even more suggestive version.


https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t1.0-9/10433844_10152500520183606_3378627711003243501_n.png


Comment by wickedpam on 06/11/2014 14:18:39
Quote by TriSec:
I supppse crossing the line is plausible; I've done it myself in a primary. Does VA bave an open primary?


yep


Comment by TriSec on 06/11/2014 14:25:20
One doc down, one to go. Gastro says all is well; on to my PCP for my camp physical.

Comment by Raine on 06/11/2014 14:26:34
Eric Cantor's Bitch face...


http://31.media.tumblr.com/d5eeba5b98594c1825a2a7ecff58ca05/tumblr_n6zkah2ylZ1r0ey1mo1_500.jpg
I am not moving back into the condo.



Comment by Raine on 06/11/2014 14:27:01
Quote by TriSec:
One doc down, one to go. Gastro says all is well; on to my PCP for my camp physical.
EXCELLENT!


Comment by Raine on 06/11/2014 14:31:10
Caller brought up a great point. because the Dems didn't have to choose in the 7th district, they were freed up to vote against Cantor.

Comment by Scoopster on 06/11/2014 14:34:04
Comment by Will in Chicago on 06/11/2014 14:51:58
Good morning, bloggers!! I hope that everyone is well!

TriSec, I hope that you have more good news to share. As for myself, I spent yesterday job hunting in Northern Virginia and Massachusetts. (The Loudoun County Schools had a lot of openings.)

Next week, it is back to RV delivery as a friend will be done with a report. So, I might be scarce next week.

Comment by wickedpam on 06/11/2014 14:52:27
Quote by Raine:
Caller brought up a great point. because the Dems didn't have to choose in the 7th district, they were freed up to vote against Cantor.



Ya, I think your's was the only district that had a Dem primary.

Comment by Will in Chicago on 06/11/2014 14:55:05
As for Cantor, it seems that he thought he was safe. Pride went before his fall and he made a deep impact.

http://lasp.colorado.edu/~bagenal/3750/ClassNotes/Class23/DeepImpact.jpg


Comment by Will in Chicago on 06/11/2014 15:05:21
Talking Points Memo has an analysis on how Cantor's defeat changes things. According to the analysis, the GOP may become more anti-immigrant and unwilling to cut an immigration deal -- which may hurt them in 2016.

6 Ways Eric Cantor's Stunning Defeat Changes Washington

Comment by Raine on 06/11/2014 15:19:21
Comment by Scoopster on 06/11/2014 15:55:19
Quote by Raine:
Dude's got nuttin'

Between his blase attitude, his crazy supply-side background, and the anti-immigrant shit I seriously think Trammel can beat him. Even in this district. It's just a matter of putting the effort into the race and turning out the votes. I hope the DCCC recognizes this right away.

Comment by wickedpam on 06/11/2014 16:18:38
Didn't Mark Levine run in the Dem primary in the 7th?

Comment by Raine on 06/11/2014 16:20:19
Quote by wickedpam:
Didn't Mark Levine run in the Dem primary in the 7th?
Yes. not mark Levin.


Comment by Raine on 06/11/2014 16:23:22
Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by Raine:
Dude's got nuttin'

Between his blase attitude, his crazy supply-side background, and the anti-immigrant shit I seriously think Trammel can beat him. Even in this district. It's just a matter of putting the effort into the race and turning out the votes. I hope the DCCC recognizes this right away.
Agreed. Totally agreed.

As I said last night, shit got real, real fast for the Virginia 7th.

It's just a matter of time before this loon starts saying crazy things.

Comment by wickedpam on 06/11/2014 16:26:51
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Didn't Mark Levine run in the Dem primary in the 7th?
Yes. not mark Levin.



The radio guy, right?

Comment by Scoopster on 06/11/2014 16:35:27
Comment by Raine on 06/11/2014 16:57:38
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Didn't Mark Levine run in the Dem primary in the 7th?
Yes. not mark Levin.



The radio guy, right?
MArk Levine is a local prof radio talker. (never heard his show)

MArk Levin is the RW turd.

Comment by Raine on 06/11/2014 16:59:49
Comment by wickedpam on 06/11/2014 17:05:32
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Didn't Mark Levine run in the Dem primary in the 7th?
Yes. not mark Levin.



The radio guy, right?
MArk Levine is a local prof radio talker. (never heard his show)

MArk Levin is the RW turd.



awww, ok, now I follow


Comment by Will in Chicago on 06/11/2014 18:01:38
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Didn't Mark Levine run in the Dem primary in the 7th?
Yes. not mark Levin.




The radio guy, right?
MArk Levine is a local prof radio talker. (never heard his show)

MArk Levin is the RW turd.



awww, ok, now I follow


I have listened to Mark Levine when he was on the Head On Radio Network and called in. He was pretty good.

The Washington Post reports that Eric Cantor is stepping down as House Majority Leader as of July 31st.



Comment by Mondobubba on 06/11/2014 18:13:24
remember me kindly at my funeral.


Mondo go home now. Mondo feel like poop.

Comment by Raine on 06/11/2014 18:19:24
Quote by Will in Chicago:
I have listened to Mark Levine when he was on the Head On Radio Network and called in. He was pretty good.

The Washington Post reports that Eric Cantor is stepping down as House Majority Leader as of July 31st.

Let the bloodletting begin. Pete Sessions is already vying for the spot.

I suspect they will go after Boner as well.


Comment by Raine on 06/11/2014 18:20:08
Quote by Mondobubba:
remember me kindly at my funeral.


Mondo go home now. Mondo feel like poop.
Wassamattah?


Comment by Will in Chicago on 06/11/2014 18:21:06
Quote by Mondobubba:
remember me kindly at my funeral.


Mondo go home now. Mondo feel like poop.



I hope that you feel better soon.

Comment by Raine on 06/11/2014 18:54:42
Rate the professors running for Va 7th.

BTW, I;m just gonna start calling it Va7.

Comment by Raine on 06/11/2014 19:01:02
Interesting. Va7's Brat is claiming that he went to Princeton… well … he's fudging it.

Comment by Will in Chicago on 06/11/2014 19:15:32
Quote by Raine:
Interesting. Va7's Brat is claiming that he went to Princeton… well … he's fudging it.


Yeah, it is something that he has not been completely honest on. A seminary is not the same as Princeton University.


Comment by Raine on 06/11/2014 20:18:53
Hmm… Kevin McCarthy is looking to be the new majority leader…

Comment by TriSec on 06/11/2014 20:23:58
Waiting for my car now. Multiple, significant repairs delayed many a year when we didn't have the dough. I almost bought a new one.

Comment by Raine on 06/11/2014 20:36:17
Quote by TriSec:
Waiting for my car now. Multiple, significant repairs delayed many a year when we didn't have the dough. I almost bought a new one.
It is a really good feeling, isn't it?

I have a warm happy smile on my face.


Comment by Raine on 06/11/2014 20:51:06
Oh bitchface, you still do not get it. In the end he does;t get that he was kicked out because he lost touch with the people he was supposed to represent.

Comment by Raine on 06/11/2014 21:12:50
I said this early on. Translation: We could not trust congress to keep this secret.

Comment by Will in Chicago on 06/11/2014 21:33:41
Quote by Raine:
I said this early on. Translation: We could not trust congress to keep this secret.



We had a REPUBLICAN member of Congress leak the fact that there was a CIA facility in the consulate in Benghazi, Libya. Why would any rational person trust Congressional Republicans not to play political games and end up getting an American soldier killed? Yes, my friends, that is how bad things have become in our politics here in the land of the free and the home of the brave.


Comment by Raine on 06/11/2014 22:24:46
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Quote by Raine:
I said this early on. Translation: We could not trust congress to keep this secret.



We had a REPUBLICAN member of Congress leak the fact that there was a CIA facility in the consulate in Benghazi, Libya. Why would any rational person trust Congressional Republicans not to play political games and end up getting an American soldier killed? Yes, my friends, that is how bad things have become in our politics here in the land of the free and the home of the brave.
I want to make a correction: GOP politics.

The administration could not trust the GOP. bottom line.

Comment by Will in Chicago on 06/12/2014 00:06:21
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Quote by Raine:
I said this early on. Translation: We could not trust congress to keep this secret.



We had a REPUBLICAN member of Congress leak the fact that there was a CIA facility in the consulate in Benghazi, Libya. Why would any rational person trust Congressional Republicans not to play political games and end up getting an American soldier killed? Yes, my friends, that is how bad things have become in our politics here in the land of the free and the home of the brave.
I want to make a correction: GOP politics.

The administration could not trust the GOP. bottom line.


Yes, and somewhere, I fear that several of our Founding Fathers are weeping at what our democracy has become.



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