Vol. 39, No. 3 www.arlingtondemocrats.org March 2014 It’s YD Date Auction time! The Arlington Young Democrats will hold their 13th Annual Charity Date Auction Wednesday, March 19, at the Clarendon Grill. This is an event that always draws a large crowd and provides lots of Remembering fun and laughs. Democrats of all ages are encouraged to join in. In addition to the auction, the AYDs will conduct a straw poll on Jean the 11 Eighth Congressional District candidates, with many of the Marshall contenders expected to attend. The doors open at 7 p.m. with the live date auction featuring Crawford, local bachelors and bachelorettes kicking off at 7:30 p.m. Tina Montgomery, the 2012 Ms. D.C. , will reprise a truly her role as the evening’s host/emcee. She will be joined by special generous guest, 2013 Miss United States Candiace Dillard. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit the Animal Wel- Democrat fare League of Arlington. Elizabeth Kucinich, wife of former congressman and presiden- See Page 5 tial candidate Dennis Kucinich, will serve as a celebrity auctioneer. She has long been active with animal welfare charities. The event will also include the largest silent auction in AYD TINA continued on page eight . . . to emcee evening Northam tries snowy sleepover Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, facing a major snow- Dispatch about bunking down in his office. “It was storm but wanting to make sure he would be on hand five-star accommodations,” he said. “When I came to preside over the State Senate session the next day, back to the office, the sheets were turned down and bedded down on the couch in his office. there was a chocolate on my pillow.” Northam reported he faced only one problem. As a pediatric neurologist, Northam is used to Here they come The legislature’s office building has a security sys- periodic sleepovers in hospitals. So he long ago around the first turn, tem that turns the lights on whenever it detects considered the likelihood he might have to do the neck and neck! We motion. So, every time Northam rolled over, the same thing in Richmond. He spent some of his own lights came on in his office! money to stock his office with supplies to get have 11 candidates to Northam lives in Norfolk but rents space near through a long winter’s night: peanut butter and jelly, succeed Jim Moran in the University of Richmond during the session. a coffee machine, Gatorade and a television. the June 10 primary. That’s in Richmond’s West End The building also has a neighborhood, far from the Capi- shower, so the Times-Dispatch Look them all over on tol Building. Furthermore, when observed that the “only thing Page 6. the storm began, Northam was colleagues can object to in cham- speaking at the Capitol bers the next day are his Correspondents Association din- tiebreaking votes.” ner in downtown Richmond. A lieutenant governor, it should Northam was a last minute be noted, doesn’t rank quite as substitute as speaker. The sched- high in the pecking order as the uled speaker was Gov. Terry clerk of Senate, who is now Su- McAuliffe, but he was at the san Clarke Schaar. The clerk state’s emergency operations cen- rates as “essential personnel.” So ter in Chesterfield County during she spent the night at The Berke- the storm. ley Hotel. Tongue firmly in cheek, She got the real chocolate and Northam told the Richmond Times- NORTHAM rolled-down sheets. ACDC Voice, March 2014, Page 2

Report from Chairman Kip Malinosky The case for Alan Howze Arlington is a great community, a grow- community. Let’s examine each in greater ensure that they get a world class education. ing community, and a wonderful place to live. detail. This starts by continuing to invest in pre-k This is not just an accident of geography. The 1) Born and raised in Arlington, Alan has and k-12 education. Furthermore, Alan will Arlington we know today is the result of de- worked in the public and private sector. He focus on long term planning so our schools cades of local Democratic decision-making. worked with Congressman Rick Boucher are prepared for growing enrollments. It turns out when we invest in Arlington and from southwest Virginia, then for Governor 4) Alan is committed to keeping Arling- strive to achieve the values of opportunity, Mark Warner, helping him govern in a way ton a diverse and inclusive community. This equality and compassion, we create a more that brought fiscal accountability and needed means that affordable housing is a priority. It liveable, walkable and desirable community. investments in public education and starts with support for the homeless and main- In Arlington, this has meant investing in pub- healthcare. After this work, he helped create taining a shelter. Next is making sure that the lic schools and transit, protecting affordable his own energy auditing business and today scarce supply of affordable units is protected housing and offering our residents excellent works for one of the world’s premier IT firms, and expanded. Finally, Alan wants to do all human services. IBM. Through these varied experiences, Alan that we can to reduce the cost of housing for The question now, with an open seat on will bring a focus on innovation and account- middle class families by expanding supply the County Board, is who is best prepared to ability. where possible and promoting energy effi- continue – and improve upon – Arlington’s 2) Alan is committed to progressive, ciency. tradition of excellence in local government? Democratic values. He believes in full equal- 5) Alan is committed to investing wisely The answer is clearly Alan Howze. There are ity for our LGBT neighbors. Women’s health in our community. He supports making pub- many reasons most Arlington Democrats choices should not be restricted. Immigrants lic investments in schools and transit that voted for Alan in the caucus: 1) Alan’s exper- should be welcomed to our community. Pros- strengthen our economy and make Arlington tise in government innovation and fiscal ac- perity should be shared and our environment a better place to live, work and raise a family. countability, 2) his strong progressive values, protected. He will stand up for our values. Elections are about choices and values. 3) his support for public education, 4) his com- 3) Alan is committed to investing in our Alan Howze’s personal story, his expertise mitment to affordable housing, 5) and his ap- public schools. He is the only candidate with and positions on the issues are a testament to proach to making smart investments in our children in the public schools and he wants to the progressive values that have made Arling- ton such a wonderful place to live. On Tues- day, April 8, we should all make the choice to vote for Alan Howze and to remind family and friends to join us. Jerry Botland Computer Consulting Troubleshoot and resolve computer and computer related problems. Perform upgrades, set-up wireless routers and print servers. Transfer old files, address book and emails from an old computer to a new one. Phone: (703) 933-0558 — [email protected]

Published monthly by the Arlington County Democratic Committee 2050 Wilson Blvd., Suite 200, Arlington VA 22201 (enter at rear) P.O. Box 7132, Arlington VA 22207 Tel: (703) 528-8588 Fax: (703) 528-2321 http://www.arlingtondemocrats.org Chair: Kip Malinosky — [email protected] Editor-in-Chief: Warren L. Nelson —(703) 243-7867 (h), [email protected] Deputy Editor: Eric Wiener — (703) 524-6899 (h), [email protected] Views expressed do not necessarily represent those of the ACDC unless expressly approved by an appropriate committee resolution Copyright ©2014, ACDC, All Rights Reserved ACDC Voice, March 2014, Page 3 Howze wins caucus without instant runoff Arlington native Alan Howze won the 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Democratic nod for the April Special Elec- Howze was born in Arlington, and he tion to fill the County Board seat vacated by and his wife, Pam, and three young children the resignation of Chris Zimmerman. live in the Highland Park-Overlee Knolls Howze, 39, won with 52 percent of the neighborhood. 3,585 votes cast during the two days of the Howze has a strong history of civic work caucus held Thursday, January 30, and Sat- in Arlington, and currently serves as the presi- urday, February 1. Entrepreneur Cord Tho- dent of the Highland Park-Overlee Knolls mas, 31, received 30 percent, and former Civic Association, vice chair of the Fiscal Planning Commissioner Peter Fallon, 49, Affairs Advisory Commission (FAAC), and received 18 percent. is a Board Member of the Alliance for Hous- The issues that seemed to get the most ing Solutions. attention in the race were the big-ticket spend- A graduate of James Madison Univer- ing projects for the Columbia Pike streetcar sity with an MBA from the University of and the Long Bridge Park aquatics center. Virginia’s Darden School of Business, Howze Thomas attacked both while Howze and is a management consultant at IBM where Fallon supported both. he has worked with federal, state and local The caucus was the first to use the new government leaders on a variety of strategy Ranked Order Balloting (ROB) and Imme- and transformation initiatives to reduce costs diate Runoff Voting (IRV) system in which and improve the delivery of government ser- voters rank their preferences first, second and vices. third. But since Howze won a majority out- For more information on the campaign, right, there was no need to conduct a runoff. visit his campaign website at: http:// There was concern that some voters www.alanhowze.com wouldn’t understand the system or would HOWZE ACDC Chair Kip Malinosky said after think that they could help their candidate by the vote, “Arlington Democrats are thrilled “bullet” balloting—i.e., voting for only one . . . on to special election to rally around Alan Howze. He has an out- candidate—which is not true in this kind of standing record of service to our community ballot. But that didn’t turn out to be a big and a vision for greater Arlington. We know problem. Only 13 percent of voters voted The only higher turnouts per candidate were how important it is to have our Democratic for only one candidate. the School Board caucus Ed Fendley won values represented at all levels of our gov- The total turnout of 3,585 was large, but in a two-person race in 2005 (1,484 votes per ernment.” not record-setting. More candidates mean candidate) and the County Board caucus The date of the special election has been more voters as the biggest single draw is the Walter Tejada won in a three-person con- set by the Circuit Court; for Tuesday, April efforts by candidates to get out their support- test in 2003 (1,221 votes per candidate). 8. Howze will face John Vihstadt, a Repub- ers. This caucus produced 1,195 votes per ACDC has now swung into full cam- lican running as an independent but with the candidate, which was the third highest of the paign mode with a phone bank operating out endorsement of both the Republican and 11 caucuses held so far in the 21st Century. of ACDC HQ Monday through Friday from Green parties, independent Stephen Holbrook and Independent Green Janet Murphy. The winner of the race will only serve out the re- maining months of Zimmerman’s four-year term to the end of the year and will be on the ballot again in November for a full four-year term. Bumper Sticker Howze said of Vihstadt, “There is a very clear contrast between my approach of fiscal stewardship and making smart investments of the Month in Arlington so our community continues to thrive and my opponent’s position of No! No! No!” The GOP has only won two elections to the County Board in the last two decades— and both of those were in special elections like this one where the turnout is very low. The last Republicans to win were Ben Winslow in 1993 and Mike Lane in 1999. Neither survived the next general election. ACDC Voice, March 2014, Page 4 Warner gets Donkey Ears seat on Listening to the doings Finance of Arlington’s Dems Sen. Mark Warner has now joined the as overheard by Senate Finance Committee, the body that Dan Steen and Mädi Green tackles taxes, debt, Social Security, Medic- aid and Medicare. The appointment should make him an even bigger player in the money Is that what’s it for? County Board Chair Jay Fisette presented the key to issues where he has already made a mark. Arlington to Bill Cosby as they joined in opening the new Ben’s Chili Bowl in Warmer was named to the panel Febru- Arlington. Cosby looked the key over and said, “Now I can park anywhere I ary 13 as something of a Valentine’s Day gift want.” from Majority Leader Harry Reid. Warner Remembrances: Former ACDC Chair Kevin Appel recalls 50 years ago when he got the seat when Finance Chairman Max and a group of fellow eighth graders at St. Ann’s ventured out in the snow to the Baucus resigned from the Senate to become Washington Coliseum to see a new band called the Beatles on February 11, ambassador to China. 1964—the Beatles’ first concert in the United States. Fifty years to the day, Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon moved up Kevin found a voice mail from the girl he took to hear the Beatles then, saying, to chair the Finance Committee. “I am so glad you had a crush on me and invited me to go.” Warner has said Congress needs to get Passages I: Former Delegate Elise B. Heinz passed away January 19 at the real about raising revenue— Virginia Hospital Center after a long illness. She was 79. Born in Plainfield, even if it means talking about NJ, she moved with her family to Mason Neck in 1949 and entered Alexandria’s the dread subject of taxes and George Washington High School. After graduation she earned her BA at about reining in the costs of Wellesley in 1955 and then went to Harvard Law School. She graduated cum Social Security and Medi- laude in 1961, one of five women in a class of 460. Unlike other editors of the care. Now he is on the com- Harvard Law Review, Elise had difficulty finding a job. Several large law firms mittee that addresses all in and Washington said they weren’t ready to hire a woman. those issues. More than one told her they already had a woman on board and that was enough. Warner has been a leader She eventually found a slot, but soon moved on to the Peace Corps, the Lawyers of the “Gang of Six” senators Committee for Rights Under Law and Circuit Judge David Bazelon before who have pushed a biparti- opening her own office in Arlington, where she practiced until 1990. She was san approach to controlling elected to the House of Delegates in 1977 and served two terms until her district the budget. was eliminated by redistricting in 1981. ACDC insiders also recall that she was Ed Gillespie, who is the first “list lady” to handle computerized lists of volunteers and contributors seeking the Republican before handing it off to today’s list lady, Carrie Johnson. Elise is survived by nomination to challenge her husband of 52 years, James E. Clayton. Warner’s bid for a second Passages II: Elroy Nieweg passed away February 5 at Goodwin House Bailey’s term in the Senate said he felt Warner’s ap- Crossroads, just four days short of his 89th birthday. Elroy had long been active pointment was a reward for loyalty to Major- in ACDC, serving as campaign treasurer for Chris Zimmerman, Paul ity Leader Reid and added that he expected Ferguson, Bill Newman and other county elected officials. Elroy was born in Warner would act to support Obamacare and and enlisted in the Navy’s V-7 program after high school in World War tax increases. “Senator Reid clearly sees an ally in Mark Warner when it comes to higher II. He graduated magna cum laude from Allegheny College in 1957, moved to taxes and a top-down approach to govern- Arlington in 1959, receiving his master’s in public administration from GW in ment,” Gillespie said. 1960. He began his civil service career with the Bureau of Naval Personnel and Politico said Warner’s take on tax reform later transferred to the Federal Aviation Administration, from which he retired in has remained the same since his 2008 elec- 1984. He then had a second career as a systems analyst in the private sector. He tion campaign, when he argued against tax served on Arlington County’s Civil Service Commission for 14 years and was an breaks for small businesses and corporations elections officer in Arlington Forest precinct for several years. as a means of reducing the deficit. Promises to keep (or not): Politifact, the political fact-checking organization, has Warner currently serves on the Banking issued its final report on Gov. Bob McDonnell’s term. Four years ago, Politifact Committee, the Budget Committee and the listed 48 pledges that McDonnell had made during his campaign. It followed up Joint Economic Committee, so the addition on each of those and found that McDonnell fulfilled only half of them. Some of of the Finance slot gives him something of a other promises were partly accomplished, sometimes because the General hammerlock on that family of issues. Assembly didn’t go along with everything, and two promises are still in the He also serves on the Intelligence and works. But Politifact said 11 promises were broken, including one pledging to Commerce committees. establish an ethics commission empowered to investigate legislators. ACDC Voice, March 2014, Page 5 We have 11 Don Alfonso Beyer, candidates— Lopez, former delegate lieutenant count ‘em—to from governor succeed Jim Arlington Moran. Here they are.

Lavern Charniele Mark Chatman, Herring. Levine, former delegate radio talk NOVA from show Urban Alexandria host League president

Adam Patrick Bruce Ebbin, Hope, Shuttleworth, senator delegate former Navy from from fighter pilot Arlington Arlington from Arlington

Derek Mark Bill Euille, Hyra, Sickles, mayor of professor delegate Alexandria at from Virginia Fairfax Tech County from Alexandria ACDC Voice, March 2014, Page 6 Jean Marshall Crawford passes away Jean Marshall Crawford, one of the most familiar faces in Arlington Democratic politics for decades, passed away February 5 after seven months battling complications from gastric bypass surgery. She was 67. Jean was familiar to all Democrats who attended the monthly Democratic meetings as the woman who sat out front and handed out name badges to all comers. She frequently brought her knitting with her to meetings as, some said, she was wait- ing for the tumbrels to take the Republicans away. She died only hours before the February monthly ACDC meeting began and Chairman Kip Malinosky announced her passing. A decade ago, when a youthful Malinosky ar- rived in Arlington and attended his first ACDC meeting, it was Jean who greeted him and in- troduced him to the party organization. In announcing her passing, Malinosky said, “We dearly loved Jean. She was an ab- solutely amazing person—such a gracious heart, dedicated to service. We will dearly miss her.” Jean had long been a precinct captain in Ashlawn, where she always had volunteers lined up to deliver the Messenger each fall and to serve as poll greeters on Election Day. But her biggest responsibility with the party was rarely seen. She served as treasurer JEAN MARSHALL CRAWFORD of the annual campaigns with the unenviable task of getting all the financial reports for the Women (NOW). Former ACDC Chair Dan Steen said he State Board of Elections and the Federal Elec- What followed was 11 months of court remembered Jean not just for her fervent ac- tion Commission in on time and with all the appearances and trials. This ended with all tivism but for her many acts of kindness. A numbers right. charges being dropped and the record of her dozen years ago, he said, his then-11-year- She was also a long-time member of the arrest being expunged. old daughter, Meredith, fell in love with Riley, ACDC Kitchen Crew that prepared Born in Indiana and a graduate of a shibu inu mix, at the Animal Welfare League delectables for party events. At her memo- Transylvania University in Kentucky, Jean shelter. The Steens were put on a waiting list. rial service March 1, the Kitchen Crew was came to Virginia as a military wife and lived “Well, Jean monitored this for us—and I think there to remember her and to remind Demo- in Virginia Beach and elsewhere around the did more than that—and eventually delivered crats of her long service with snacks. state before settling in Arlington. the good news that we could adopt Riley. Outside her many Democratic activities, She quickly became active with NOW Nearly 12 years later, she is still a big part of Jean was a long-time volunteer with the Ani- and was an elected member of its National our family. We will always be grateful to Jean mal Welfare League of Arlington and would Board from 1983 to 1986. for her activism, not only for people, but for staff the desk there many evenings each Marj Signer, long active with Jean in animals—and for being a great advocate for month. She also served as president of the NOW, said, “Jean motivated others to work the Steen family.” league’s Board of Directors. The family has for the cause of equality. She remained to the Jean also had a daytime career. She suggested that in lieu of flowers donations be end someone who inspired and motivated oth- worked for an Alexandria law firm before made to the Animal Welfare League. ers to work hard for the causes they cared being named deputy commissioner of rev- As anyone who chatted with her soon about.” enue, a post she held for 20 years, where she knew, Jean was a staunch feminist who be- County Board Chairman Jay Fisette re- mastered the ins and outs of state taxation law gan her political activities battling for the called Jean’s infectious laugh that always and statistics. At her death, she was the leg- Equal Rights Amendment. In fact, she made filled the room and her humor that lightened islative counsel in the office of the county legal history in 1978 when she was arrested many a political planning meeting. “She ex- manager. on the steps of Mr. Jefferson’s Capitol while uded positive energy, loved Arlington and Jean was preceded in death by her daugh- lobbying as the state coordinator for the Vir- acted on her deeply held Democratic values ter, Amy, and is survived by her long-time ginia chapter of the National Organization of every minute of every day,” Fisette said. partner, Prof. Jerry Hough. ACDC Voice, March 2014, Page 7 DPVA chair choice proves controversial The normally placid route to filling the views, he is not ready to commit to an en- chairmanship of the party when Democrats dorsement of marriage for same-sex couples. hold the governor’s mansion has turned into ... The mayor has specifically said, ‘This is a rocky road this time. one issue that President Obama and I disagree Opposition has sprouted to Dwight C. on’.” Jones, 66, Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s pick for LGBT Democrats of Virginia said in a chairman of the Democratic Party of Virginia statement that the party must not “consider (DPVA), because the Richmond mayor has retreating” on the issue of same-sex marriage. not declared support for same-sex marriage. “Given repeated opportunities over the past Normally a sitting governor’s choice to few years, Mayor Dwight Jones has consis- chair the party is just rubber-stamped by the tently refused to endorse marriage equality. State Central Committee. The vote on Jones LGBT Democrats of Virginia is extremely will come March 15. As of publication, there disappointed with the consideration of Mayor is no declared opponent challenging Jones. Jones for chair of the Democratic Party of The opposition seems strongest in North- Virginia. We oppose his nomination and call ern Virginia where at least five of the Demo- on Virginia Democrats to seek pro-equality crats seeking the nomination to succeed Rep. nominees at all levels of the party and public Jim Moran have expressed concern about office.” Jones being chairman. A petition opposing Jones for party chair The argument is a classic one that pits is being circulated and gathered votes of many Big Tent Democrats, who believe the party prominent Democrats, particularly in Arling- should cover a wide ideological spectrum, ton, where ACDC Chair Kip Malinosky is against those who argue that the chairman of among those who have signed on. the state party must stand firmly on what are But others disagree. “We’ve always defining issues. JONES been a big tent party,” said Del. Scott A. The debate is complicated by the fact that Surovell, D-Fairfax. “I’ve never believed in Mayor Jones is not publicly opposing gay . . . nominated for chair single-issue litmus tests for Democratic can- marriage rights now, but rather has been sto- didates for office or for party leadership,” he ically silent on the topic in recent weeks. Jones is outside the mainstream of the Demo- said. Leaders in the party’s lesbian, gay, bi- cratic Party,” Ebbin said. “We need someone Surovell said he disagrees with Jones’ sexual and transgender (LGBT) community who understands that.” position on this issue but added that Jones has suggest in a statement that picking Jones Two other candidates for the retiring been a champion on civil rights and justice, would signal that the state party is “retreat- Moran’s seat — Del. Patrick A. Hope, D-Ar- and he hopes that in due time Jones will come ing” on the issue, weeks after a federal judge lington, and Alexandria Mayor William D. around on same-sex marriage. ruled that Virginia’s ban on same-sex marriage Euille — said they will oppose Jones as state Both the Democratic leaders of the State is unconstitutional. party chairman if he still opposes same-sex Senate, Dick Saslaw of Fairfax, and of the Ironically, the top item on the DPVA marriage and urged him to reconsider his po- House, David Toscano of Charlottesville, website says “Virginia is for all lovers” and sition. have issued a joint statement in support of lauds the judge’s ruling in the case. A fifth candidate for the nomination, Del. Jones. In 2012, when President Obama declared Alfonso H. Lopez, D-Arlington, said he has The Nelson County Democratic Com- support for same-sex marriage, Jones, a Bap- told people in the mayor’s and governor’s mittee has approved a resolution that says it tist minister, said through a spokeswoman that offices that “the chair of the Democratic Party is important to respect the rights of Demo- he differed with Obama on the issue. of Virginia should not lag behind the major- crats to disagree on the issue. “However, we Since the governor named Jones as his ity of the commonwealth in supporting mar- believe it is essential that anyone who would choice for DPVA chair, Jones’ spokeswoman, riage equality for all Virginians.” assume the position of leader of the Demo- Tammy Hawley, has said: “The mayor has In May 2012, when Obama changed his cratic Party of Virginia must openly support always made it clear that he will stand up for position on the issue, Hawley, Jones’ spokes- same-sex marriage as an important and im- all laws that protect constitutional rights and woman, said: mutable ‘equal right’.” that he does not believe that our laws should “As you may know, he issued the city’s Attorney General Mark Herring, who be discriminatory. What he believes in is equal first executive order barring discrimination in brought the issue to the front burner in the protection under the law for all persons.” city government. He has also honored state when he refused several weeks ago to Two of the congressional hopefuls who Richmond’s Transgender Day of Remem- defend the state’s gay marriage ban, is back- expressed opposition to Jones — Sen. Adam brance with a proclamation speaking out ing Jones for the party post. P. Ebbin, D-Alexandria, and Del. Mark D. against violence and promoting tolerance, In an interview after being nominated by Sickles, D-Fairfax, are the only two openly understanding, compassion and acceptance of the governor, Jones told The Washington Post: gay members of the General Assembly. the diversity of any individual or group of “I think the party has got to remain a big tent. “Regarding marriage equality, Mayor individuals. While he is unwavering in those continued on next page ACDC Voice, March 2014, Page 8 GOP bungles latest attack on Obamacare The GOP is marching around the track now. Under Obamacare, millions of 2.5 million fewer full time equivalent work- doing high-fives and boasting that Obamacare hardworking Americans will lose their jobs ers by 2024, but the report does not say that is fried now that a nonpartisan report from and those who keep them will see their hours those legions will “lose their jobs”—the words the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) says and wages reduced.” that Cantor used. His words imply the em- Obamacare will wipe out 2.5 million jobs. You can expect to hear this from many ployees will be laid off or forced out of work. That is devastating for Obamacare—or of your Republican friends as well as folks To the contrary, said PolitiFact, “The re- it would be if the CBO said anything like what who are trying to assess Obamacare and hear port takes pains to note that virtually all of the GOP is claiming. this charge shouted over and over again. those people will be working less due to their Virginia’s own Rep. Eric Cantor, the But there’s no truth to the job-killer ar- own choices, such as opting to receive higher House majority leader, is one of the loudest gument. PolitiFact Virginia looked at the as- federal subsidies for care rather than working voices calling Obamacare a job killer. Shortly sertion and at the CBO report and dismisses more to boost their wages. The CBO said it’s after the study was released February 4, Can- the Cantor cant. not projecting the law would cause a bump in tor said: “The CBO’s latest report confirms PolitiFact said the CBO report estimates unemployment or underemployment.” what Republicans have been saying for years that Obamacare will lead to a decline of about The GOP is grossly distorting the CBO 2 million full-time equivalent workers in report when it claims 2.5 million jobs will be 2017, 2.3 million in 2021 and 2.5 million by wiped out. The CBO report says work equiva- 2024. Note that important word “equivalent.” lent to 2.5 million jobs will be reduced be- If 100 million workers each work one hour cause workers will decide they do not have to less per week, that is a decline in 2.5 million work as many hours with the protections DPVA chair full-time equivalent workers. No jobs have Obamacare has given them. been lost; people are just working an hour less controversial each week. But still that sounds like people are los- continued from previous page ing work time and income involuntarily. Can- tor suggests the CBO is saying businesses will AYDs holding It always has been a big tent and has been a eliminate working hours. place that has room for different ideology, But that’s not what the CBO report says. different values. And that’s what makes us It refers to employees who decide on their Date Auction not Republicans. We should not have litmus own to leave the workforce or reduce their tests about personal beliefs.” hours because Obamacare gives them peace continued from page one Del. Surovell said acceptance of gay of mind they don’t have now. marriage is only a matter of time. But he said CBO says, “The estimated reduction [in history with dinners, sports tickets and many the party needs to be patient with Democrats, full-time equivalent jobs] stems almost en- other items up for bid. particularly older ones such as Jones, who is tirely from a net decline in the amount of la- The Clarendon Grill is at 1101 N High- 66, who are not yet on board. bor that workers choose to supply.” See pages land St at the intersection with 11th Street and He noted that the young House pages re- 117-118 of the report. [Emphasis added] just a few hundred feet from the Clarendon cently voted to legalize same-sex marriage in Because Obamacare allows people to get Metro stop on the Orange Line. a mock session. subsidies for health care coverage or find in- Those interested in learning more about “Our pages are two-thirds Republican, surance outside of an employer setting, the the event or becoming a sponsor—or one-third Democrat. The pages voted for mar- CBO says some folks won’t feel the need to auctionee—should go to the AYD website: riage equality, our 12- and 13-year-old pages,” work as much to get health care benefits. http://www.arlingtonyoungdems.org/ayddate. he said. “I’m confident that the tide of his- Some lower-income workers who re- The snow didn’t slow down the AYDs tory is on our side on this. But I’m not going ceive health care subsidies under Obamacare in wintry February. The group hosted a meet- to exclude people from our party just because gradually will get lower federal subsidies as and-greet event for all the candidates in the they have a different point of view on this their incomes rise. That, the CBO said, will congressional race. It was an opportunity for specific issue. If the Democratic Party wants end up “discouraging work.” candidates to talk to young professionals and to have a prayer of ever being acceptable to Remember, the CBO is talking about a address their vision for the area. Seven can- the broader state, then we can’t have one-is- loss of full-time equivalent jobs. These job didates came out and spoke to a crowd of 72 sue litmus tests for party leadership. If we’re equivalents are a lot of bits and pieces of work people. The seven were Don Beyer, Sen. going to do that, we may as well write off hours each week that people will chose to Adam Ebbin, Del. Patrick Hope, Mark everything outside of Hampton Roads, Rich- drop. Some people working multiple jobs, for Levine, Del. Alfonso Lopez, Bruce mond and Northern Virginia.” example, will decide to cut back. Shuttleworth and Del. Mark Sickles. However, a Washington Post poll taken Other provisions in the health care law AYD is also hitting the doors and the almost a year ago shows a clear majority of will lower the cost of insurance plans offered phones for Alan Howze’s campaign for Virginians advocating that gay marriage be to older workers outside the workplace, the County Board. Those interested in the can- legalized in the commonwealth. The poll CBO said, and that will cause some senior vass or other opportunities to help with the showed 56 percent supporting legalization, 33 citizens to retire earlier. campaign should email Amanda Herrmann percent opposed and 10 percent undecided. The CBO projected the law will lead to at [email protected]. ACDC Voice, March 2014, Page 9 The Cooch goes entrepreneurial Yes, friends, you will still have Ken charged with crimes. One of the stories is Cuccinelli to kick around some more. With about George Zimmerman, the man three partners, the former attorney general has acquitted in July in the shooting death of an just announced the formation of “Virginia unarmed teenager. Self Defense Law,” a legal firm focused on “All of us ... can name cases we know of defending Second Amendment rights. in various places where really outrageous The firm comes complete with a catchy things went on just to torment lawful, law-abid- slogan—“Defending those who defend them- ing gun owners,” Cuccinelli told The Wash- selves.” It is aimed at defending people who ington Post in an interview. “We’re filling a might get into some trouble with the law for market need,” he said in entrepreneurialese. the normal act of shooting someone. The Post said the firm has been adver- From the announcement, it appears that tising at Washington area gun shows and has Ken and friends have combined a legal prac- attracted about 30 clients since launching last tice with an insurance concept. The firm’s month. Cuccinelli has not attended the shows website offers a retainer relationship for as because the crowd would probably want to little as $8.33 a month. In other words, you talk politics, he said. But the other members can line up your defense before you even go of the firm bring along “cardboard Ken,” a out and shoot someone. cutout, to draw attention. For that price, the firm promises to de- Cuccinelli, a father of seven, is not rely- fend clients facing firearms charges stemming ing entirely on Virginia Self Defense Law to from an act of self defense and those who have support his family. Since leaving office in been “harassed by law enforcement for law- January, he has been building a separate law fully carrying their weapon.” practice, Cuccinelli and Associates, that will The firm’s website links to news stories CUCCINELLI focus on constitutional law, complex civil liti- about cases in which gun owners were . . . he’s got a deal for you gation—and, oh, yes, health-care fraud. Touch screen machines saved another year Virginia communities may continue to them operating. years,” Ramadan argued. “But if we do this, use touch-screen voting machines—the kind Ramadan said his proposal followed up we’ll help them out by giving them some Arlington uses—beyond the 2014 election. on a policy the State Elections Board adopted money and helping them to have a reliable A proposal that would have forced Ar- in 2004 to replace DRE machines. voting process.” lington and other communities to replace the “If we don’t pass this, localities will have Ramadan’s bill was defeated on an 11- touch-screen machines, formally known as dead machines in their hands in less than five 10 vote. Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) machines, with optical scanners by this November was defeated in the House Privileges and Elections Committee. Several panel members voiced concern about the financial burden. Many lawmakers prefer optical scanners because they preserve a paper record of the ballots. A voter marks a paper ballot and then inserts it in the scanner, which tabulates the votes and keeps the ballot in case of a recount. The DREs are all electronic with no paper record. In a recount, the numbers reported on the back of each machine are just re- checked. The anti-DRE measure, sponsored by Del. David Ramadan, R-Loudoun, would have created a fund to help localities cover half of the cost of new tabulators. Under current law, local electoral boards are not permitted to replace old DREs with new equipment, but they are allowed to use their old machines as long as they can keep ACDC Voice, March 2014, Page 10 GOP kills referendum on redistricting The effort to bring bipartisan redistrict- seph Yost of Blacksburg. create such a redistricting commission, but ing to Virginia took a step forward as the State The bill passed the Senate on a solidly those bills have always died a swift death in Senate overwhelmingly approved a bill to bi-partisan vote of 36-4 on February 5 and the GOP-controlled House. hold a statewide referendum on whether an went to the House where a subcommittee shot The bill would have put the following independent commission should draw voting it down 5-2 on a straight party line vote. question on the November ballot: “Shall Vir- district boundaries. The referendum would have been held ginia enact a law to establish a bipartisan Vir- But then it took two steps backward as a at this November’s general election, exactly ginia Redistricting Commission that will pro- subcommittee in the House of Delegates killed 100 years after Virginia held its last referen- pose redistricting plans and bills for House the legislation on a party line vote. dum. Senator Miller, with eyes presumably of Delegates, state Senate and congressional The bill, SB 158, was patroned by Ar- rolling, said, “I think it’s fitting that every 100 districts?” lington Senators Adam Ebbin and Barbara years we ask the people what they think.” Currently, nine states have redistricting Favola plus Democratic Sen. John Miller of The referendum would be purely advi- commissions, though their independence and Newport News and Republican Delegate Jo- sory and wouldn’t bind the legislature to do powers vary widely. Twenty-eight states, in- anything. But a substantial majority support- cluding Virginia, leave the district-drawing ing a redistricting commission would likely authority entirely in the hands of the state leg- serve as a powerful incentive to goose the islature. The other 13 have hybrid systems, General Assembly to create one. generally with some appointed panel draw- Hillary and The Senate has repeatedly passed legis- ing up maps that are then sent to the state leg- lation, sponsored by Sen. Creigh Deeds, to islature to make the final decision. Christie lead in Virginia Foreign-born Virginians A new poll of Virginia voters shows Con- gress is immensely disliked, but Hillary now 11 percent of state Clinton and Chris Christie are both very popu- This news may make the First Families rea as the top five countries of origin for for- lar when it comes to the 2016 presidential of Virginia roll over in their tombs, but the eign-born Virginians. race. commonwealth’s foreign-born population has But the foreign-born population doesn’t The poll comes from Christopher New- ballooned from just 1 percent in 1970 to 11 automatically equate to more voters. The for- port University and shows 57 percent of the percent in 2012. eign-born include naturalized citizens who people surveyed feel the country is headed in That demographic shift is most concen- can vote but also non-voters like permanent the wrong direction; and 80 percent disap- trated in Northern Virginia—where 23 per- residents (Green Card holders), refugees, for- prove of the way Congress is doing its job. cent are foreign born—but it is so substantial eign students and also illegal immigrants. Asked about how President Obama is that it is changing the state’s educational, po- Steve Farnsworth, a political science pro- doing, however, Virginians split pretty evenly, litical and social landscape. fessor at the University of Mary Washington, with 46 percent approving and 48 percent dis- The Weldon Cooper Center for Public told the Richmond Times-Dispatch, “The main approving. That’s within the poll’s margin of Service at the University of Virginia released thing to appreciate is that Virginia is becom- error. its study of census data, listing El Salvador, ing more like America at a very rapid rate. Asked about potential presidential can- India, Mexico, the Philippines and South Ko- We have huge migrations into Virginia from didates in 2016, only two clearly have more all over the world because of economic op- people looking at them favorably then unfa- portunity.” vorably: Hillary Clinton came out 51 percent The political influence of immigrants favorable to 42 percent unfavorable, while could be seen this year with Northern New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was 46 per- Virginia’s large Korean community success- cent favorable to 30 percent unfavorable. But fully lobbying the General Assembly to ap- then Virginians rarely take the George Wash- prove legislation requiring that new Virginia ington Bridge. textbooks note that the Sea of Japan also is The university also asked the 901 people known as the East Sea, the term preferred in it polled to categorize themselves politically. Korea. Not surprisingly, 33 percent said they were The report said many immigrants come conservative or strongly conservative. A to the U.S. between the ages of 25 and 44, whopping 22 percent said they were Tea Party during the prime of their careers, and are more supporters. But, get this, 20 percent said they likely to start their families here. Almost one- were liberals or strong liberals. This is Vir- fifth of native-born children in Virginia have ginia, mind you. 1920 campaign button at least one foreign-born parent. ACDC Voice, March 2014, Page 11 Think about becoming a precinct captain Being a Precinct Captain: 2014-2015 Benefits, Mission & Responsibilities

What are the benefits of being a Precinct Captain?

• Be a voting member of the Arlington County Democratic Committee • Be a member of the Arlington County Area/Neighborhood Team • Be a Democratic grassroots leader in your neighborhood • Meet and work with great Democrats in your precinct • Meet and work with elected officials who represent you • Enjoy doing good work to elect leaders from the school house to the White House who will make Arlington a safer, healthier, and better place to live

What is the mission of a Precinct Captain?

In general, Precinct Captains are the link between the Democratic Party and the voters of their pre- cincts. The Precinct Captain works year-round to get to know her/his neighbors, listen to their concerns and issues and communicate these issues to the Democratic leadership. This creates a sense of community, promotes the idea that “we are all in this together” and ultimately builds a strong team that can maximize Democratic turnout and performance in local, state, and federal elections.

What does a Precinct Captain do?

Precinct Captains:

• Identify Democratic voters; • Recruit volunteers for voter ID, literature drops and poll greeting on Election Day; • Distribute literature (especially the annual Democratic Messenger) in the precinct; • Act as a campaign point of contact; and • Organize election day activities

Each precinct is different, but, in general, voter identification involves conducting precinct canvasses or phone banks; Messenger delivery involves recruiting volunteers to get our annual Democratic newspa- per-style campaign brochure to every accessible door in the precinct; and Election Day activities in- clude recruiting poll greeters to pass out the Democratic sample ballot in front of the polls.

But this is only the beginning. Precinct Captains are the pivotal points of contact and leadership for all our campaign activities and are encouraged to be creative and pro-active in pursuit of higher Demo- cratic turnout. Precinct Captains are leaders of neighborhood teams that are in turn supported by Area Chairs and others on the Precinct Operations leadership team. The goal and expectation is that you will have volunteers to help you; the Precinct Ops team will assist you at every turn including giving you lists of people who have helped before to get you started.