Vol. 38, No. 5 www.arlingtondemocrats.org May 2013 May 9, 11 Caucus will endorse DEBATE Dem choice for School Board Our School Board The caucus to endorse a Democratic can- Thursday, May 9, 7-9 p.m. didate for the School Board is almost upon us. Drew Model School candidates It will be held over two days in two locations 3500 23rd Street South debate to maximize the opportunity for all to turn out Google maps: May 1 at our monthly and vote. http://goo.gl/maps/ZaM71 The two candidates are incumbent James meeting. Come out Lander and challenger Barbara Kanninen. Saturday, May 11, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and hear them. Messages from both candidates can be found Washington-Lee High School on page 6 of this issue. 1301 North Stafford St. What’s more, they will debate at our Google maps: monthly meeting, Wednesday, May 1, at 7:15 http://goo.gl/maps/Lllfy p.m. The location and parking details are in CAUCUS the meeting box on page three. There will be curbside balloting available Voting will be held: for those unable to come inside. Don’t forget to vote in the School Dem delegate challengers are Board Caucus. outnumbering GOP 10-to-1 You have two Virginia Democrats are out of the chocks and up candidates in at least 30 districts by that dead- chances to vote. off to a speedy start in the effort to start winning line. back the House of Delegates. Part of the goal in putting up so many chal- Details at right. Democrats have so far recruited 21 challeng- lengers is to force the Republican Party to spend in ers to face off against Republican incumbents this many districts, thereby allowing Democrats to ex- fall, while the GOP has fielded a mere two chal- ploit more opportunities to win. And with few in- lengers to Dem incumbents. cumbent Democrats facing challenges from the This is a very aggressive start. But the chal- GOP, there will be more campaign funds available CONVENTION lenge still remains daunting. The GOP now has a to strike at vulnerable Republican incumbents. two-thirds majority in the 100-seat House of Del- “If we can take the one advantage that they egates—68 seats to 32 for the Democratic Party. have, which is financial, and force them to play And then Democrats need to pick up 19 seats to take around the state, it would be huge,” Jody Murphy, come control of the House. No one expects to achieve Virginia House Democratic caucus director told the that. The effort is to shave back the GOP majority Washington Examiner. out in a big way and set the stage for a major effort in Former Democratic National Committee 2015 to achieve a majority. Chairman Howard Dean is pledging $750,000 to for the This tabulation on party challenges is drawn fund Democrats challenging five Republicans as gavel-to-gavel 8th from a list of contests maintained by the Virginia part of his national Purple to Blue Project. Public Access Project, a nonpartisan election tracker. So far, Dean has earmarked $300,000 for two CD Convention. These are not final figures. The two parties Northern Virginia races: Jennifer Boysko, who is Details on Page 9. have until June 11 to nominate candidates. The challenging Del. Tom Rust in Fairfax County, and Democratic Party of Virginia (DPVA) hopes to put continued on page twelve ACDC Voice, May 2013, Page 2

Report from Chairman Mike Lieberman An hour today can mean victory in the fall

Our work in the Arlington Democrats is at least a few individuals who say: “But Mike, inevitably find a treasure trove of new volun- never done. We are faced in Arlington with no one in my precinct is paying attention to teers who are interested in politics, but have elections every year. We have an educated politics right now. Shouldn’t we wait for the never known how to get involved. With these electorate that requires regular engagement fall?” volunteers, we are able to knock on that many with our candidates in order to earn their vote. The answer is an unequivocal “no,” and more doors and make that many more phone And we are challenged by a transience that here’s why. First, if we identify the party per- calls during campaign season when the rest turns over nearly one-fifth of our voters ev- suasion of voters now, we will know well in of the electorate is paying attention. ery four years. advance who is a Democrat that we need to And finally, and perhaps most impor- To answer these challenges, it is not call and turn out in the last 72 hours before an tantly, springtime canvassing is yet another enough for us simply to engage every fall as election. This voter targeting and GOTV opportunity for our precinct captains and vol- our voters head to the polls. We must run a preparation is Campaigning 101. unteers to engage with their communities. It year-round operation to be effective. For the But for us in Arlington, there is more to is this year-round engagement, and indeed the last several years, that is what we have done, it. Beyond the simple GOTV calls to remind relationships that are built through such en- and the results speak for themselves. Indeed, Democrats to vote, knowing our voters now gagement, that is the foundation of our suc- at a time when Democratic results across the helps us better target our messages to voters cess. Put simply, someone is far more likely state have flagged, Arlington’s turnout and in the campaign season. If we know you are to go vote or volunteer if they know the per- Democratic performance numbers have a Democrat, we know to send you message son calling them, and springtime canvassing stayed strong. But why? pieces that may appeal to your progressive is a great way to meet your neighbors before When I became chair three years ago, values. If we know you are a staunch Repub- the height of the political season. one of the planks in my campaign was to start lican who would never vote for a Democrat, While I do not pretend that our spring- a springtime voter ID drive – a canvassing we can take you off of our mailing list to save time voter ID effort is the only reason we win and phone banking project aimed at identify- scarce resources for persuadable voters. In in Arlington, or a substitute for hard work in ing and engaging new voters and infrequent other words, every voter identified now makes the fall, it is inescapable that hard work now voters in our precincts in April, May, and June, every dollar donated go that much further in will pay double or triple dividends down the before the election season gets into full swing. the fall. road. Inevitably at this time of year, I am met with Moreover, by identifying voters now, we So strap on those walking shoes, pick a weeknight or weekend that works in your schedule, and join us. With good weather upon us, there are doors across Arlington just waiting to be knocked. And an hour of your Jerry Botland time now may very well be the difference Computer Consulting between victory and defeat in November. Troubleshoot and resolve computer and computer related problems. Candidates talk Perform upgrades, set-up wireless routers and print servers. Transfer old files, address book and emails at breakfast from an old computer to a new one. Phone: (703) 933-0558 — [email protected] The Second Saturday Breakfast this month will hear presentations by lieutenant governor candidate Ralph Northam and attor- ney general candidate Justin Fairfax. The breakfast has been hearing serially Published monthly by the from all the Demo- Arlington County Democratic Committee cratic candidates for statewide office 2050 Wilson Blvd., Suite 200, Arlington VA 22201 (enter at rear) this year. P.O. Box 7132, Arlington VA 22207 The breakfast Tel: (703) 528-8588 Fax: (703) 528-2321 can be enjoyed http://www.arlingtondemocrats.org cereally (or eggily Chair: Mike Lieberman —(703) 408-3940 (h), [email protected] or flapjackilly) at Editor-in-Chief: Warren L. Nelson —(703) 243-7867 (h), [email protected] the usual stomping Deputy Editor: Eric Wiener — (703) 524-6899 (h), [email protected] ground—Busboys and Poets in Shirlington. Views expressed do not necessarily represent those of the ACDC The second Saturday this month is May unless expressly approved by an appropriate committee resolution 11, and the breakfast opens at 8:30 a.m. Copyright ©2013, ACDC, All Rights Reserved ACDC Voice, May 2013, Page 3 Registration Next Monthly Meeting form tosser All Dems Invited Wednesday, May 1, 2013, 7:15 p.m. awaits trial NRECA Building, 4301 Wilson Blvd Corner of North Taylor and Wilson, just east of Glebe & Wilson A Republican paid to register voters in Free parking under building, enter from Taylor Street the Shenandoah Valley and caught throwing registration forms away will face five misde- Our meeting will hear a debate between our meanor charges, but no longer faces any two School Board candidates, James Lander and felony charges. Media outlets report that a Rockingham Barbara Kanninen. We will also receive a briefing County General District judge dismissed the from the McAuliffe campaign on its plans. eight felony charges against Colin Small April 2. The 23-year-old resident of Phoenixville, Pa., still faces five misdemeanor charges. An hour before the monthly meeting, that Small was working for a contractor hired is, at 6 p.m., The Roosevelt Society will host a by the Republican Party of Virginia to conduct reception and presentation by our state senators voter registration drives when he was seen toss- ing eight completed registration forms into a and delegates giving the inside scoop on the trash bin behind a Harrisonburg store Oct. 15. recently concluded 2013 General Assembly That was the last day Virginians could register session. The event is free for TRS members. before the presidential election. The felony charges alleged that Social Others can sign up at the door. Security numbers were disclosed when the forms were thrown away. Judge Marvin Hillsman ruled that the forms’ disposal didn’t equate with disclosing the numbers. speculation he was trying to cover up his error. The forms were retrieved by the shop The misdemeanor charges Small still Small’s attorney, John Halloran, told the owner who saw Small disposing of them in faces are for destruction of voter registration HuffPost that four of the trashed forms were the shop’s trash bin. He took them to the forms and obstruction of justice. out of date, three were from people already county registrar who registered the four eli- It still isn’t completely clear why the registered and one was from a convicted felon. gible people just hours before the deadline. forms were trashed. The initial suspicion was Halloran also said, “ In my conversations with that Small suspected or knew the registrants the Commonwealth, they confirmed that all were Democrats. However, more recent news of the eight persons were Republican Mitt reports have said the dates on the forms were Romney supporters,” although he did not say old and showed Small had failed to file them who told him that or how that person would within 15 days as required by law, leading to know.

Bumper Sticker of the Month

COLIN SMALL . . . police mugshot ACDC Voice, May 2013, Page 4 Tim Kaine exchanges Donkey Ears Listening to the doings stress for of Arlington’s Dems as overheard by frustration Dan Steen and Mädi Green

Tim Kaine is learning the ins and outs of being a senator—and is finding some of Breathless in Boston: At least two Arlington Dems were running in the Boston his new life frustrating, albeit less stressful. Marathon this year and emerged winded but unscathed. Jay Jacob Wind was in “The frustration for governors or execu- the clothes changing bus when he heard the first bomb and felt the shock wave. “It was like 9-11,” he said, “when the ground shook all the way from the Pentagon to tives who go into the Senate is suddenly my house three miles away.” Pam Howze was fulfilling a long held dream of you’re 94th in seniority and you’re in a base- running in the Boston Marathon. Husband Alan Howze said the family was half ment office with no windows and nobody’s mile away when they heard the explosions. Pam finished in a personal best time of exactly waiting for you to make the final de- 3:27:05. cision about anything,” he told students in Back to his roots: Jim Moran is moving back to where he began his political career Larry Sabato’s Introduction to American Poli- three decades ago—the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria. Jim first ran for the tics class at the University of Virginia. Alexandria City Council from Del Ray in 1979. He was mayor of the city from The governorship was about making ex- 1985 to 1990 and then became congressman. As congressman he has lived at ecutive decisions, but senators succeed by be- several different locations in Arlington, currently in Shirlington. Recently, son coming subject matter experts and tailoring Patrick moved out, leaving Jim on his own. “I don’t need a two-bedroom apart- their efforts to affect change, Kaine said. ment anymore,” Jim told a Del Ray Business Association luncheon. But he does “Frankly, when you think about [being need space for his books, many of which he has had to place in storage. “I suppose a senator] that way, it’s less stressful than be- there are worse compulsions” he told the luncheon. ing an executive,” he said. Joining the workforce: Meredith Steen, eldest offspring of former ACDC Chair Kaine opened up to Dan and wife Anne Steen has just graduated from UVa with a BA in history and nearly 400 students crammed international affairs. Meredith now faces an even more daunting challenge— into the stadium-style lecture hall getting for a job! about his path to political life Back to the private sector: Former ACDC Chair Larry Roberts has gone back to before fielding questions on for- private law practice, becoming a partner at Venable LLP in Tysons Corner. Larry is eign and domestic policy. part of the firm’s state and local government group. In 2005, Larry became He hit the 90-day mark in counselor to Gov. Tim Kaine in Richmond, then shifted to the Democratic National office the day before he spoke to Committee when Kaine became DNC chair, and later became chairman of the the class. Kaine for Senate Committee. Sabato’s students grilled Debts or bombs: After the Boston Marathon bombing, Sen. Mark Warner cautioned Kaine on everything from civil- Americans not to be consumed by the threat of terrorism, which he said should not ity in politics to gun control and be the nation’s biggest worry. “The issue of the national debt is a greater threat to gay marriage. our nation and our future than any terrorist action. We will not be destroyed from Kaine said the dysfunction and partisan the outside,” Warner said in a speech to the Bryce Harlow Foundation. rancor over protracted debt talks in Washing- New business: Brian Moran, former candidate for governor and until recently ton arise from the 55-45 party split, ideologi- chairman of the Democratic Party of Virginia, has formed a new lobbying firm in cal disagreements and a failure to communi- Richmond with two fellow political operatives. It is named New South Strategic cate. He credited his stints on the Richmond Partners. He organized the firm with Chris Saxman, a former Republican delegate City Council and his time as governor with from Staunton, and Rob Jones, a Democrat, former member of the Richmond City teaching him the kind of consensus-building Council and aide to then-Gov. Gerald Baliles. skills that he finds lacking in Congress. Triple triple A: Remind all your Republican friends who like to complain that the county Kaine said his personal and political ex- is poorly run by a bunch of spendthrifts that for the 13th year in a row all three bond periences have re-framed his views on gay rating services—Fitch, Standard & Poor and Moody’s—have given the county their marriage. highest ratings. Only a handful of the nation’s more than 3,000 counties enjoy this “My church has some teachings that Triple Triple A endorsement for excellent financial management. aren’t in accord with my beliefs,” said the self- Blast from the present: Gov. Bob McDonnell is reportedly putting out feelers about described devout Catholic. “I just don’t feel seeking the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. But there is already a TV spot like God ever made a second-class person.” airing in Iowa attacking McDonnell as a tax happy pol who pledged not to raise Kaine likened limits on Second Amend- taxes and has now done so to fund his transportation plan. The Virginian-Pilot ment gun rights to limits on First Amendment reports that the disembodied voice attacking McDonnell in the spot is that of Jamie freedoms, which do not protect child pornog- Radtke, the Virginia tea party activist who tried to win the Virginia GOP Senate raphy. nomination last year. ACDC Voice, May 2013, Page 5

The Cooch Corner—Keeping watch on our AG Sex dogs Cuccinelli campaign

Ken Cuccinelli has seen the light on the and air-brushed Ken Cuccinelli is more likely cel of who Ken Cuccinelli is and cannot be road to Richmond and is desperately trying these days to be calling for job growth and airbrushed away. to re-tool his campaign to focus on issues like education reform. Still, the old Cuccinelli, the jobs and growth that voters really want their attorney general who crusaded for conserva- governors to tackle as their chief responsibil- tive values, keeps cropping up, offering a ‘History’ said to ity. steady stream of fodder for opponents deter- Unfortunately, sex keeps coming up and mined to underscore that he is a right-wing oppose Democrats Ken sometimes can’t resist jumping in. ideologue. Most recently, the attorney general peti- “They have their strategy. We have ours,” Historical trends are a big thing in poli- tioned the courts to overturn a ruling that said Cuccinelli’s campaign consultant, tics—and even bigger in history-conscious struck down the state’s anti-sodomy law as Chris LaCivita. “Ken Cuccinelli is talking Virginia. So, some folks see history working unconstitutional. about the issues Virginians care about the against Democrats as they strive to win back In modern times, anti-sodomy laws have most: improving the economy, expanding the the governor’s mansion this fall. commonly been used to target homosexual- economy in the face of sequestration, and The pop history is this. For the last nine ity. But in this particular case, the law was education.” election cycles, Virginia has elected a gover- being used to prosecute a 47-year-old man, In the latest example of the battle to nor of the party opposite to the party that won William Scott McDonald, for soliciting a 17- define Cuccinelli, the state Board of Health the presidency the preceding year. This be- year-old girl to commit sodomy. acted on new abortion clinic regulations de- gan with Republican John Dalton, who won He was convicted in 2005, but the deci- signed to put them out of the governorship in 1977, one year after sion was overturned by a Virginia Court due business. Cuccinelli did not attend the meet- Jimmy Carter was elected to the White House. to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2003 decision ing in Richmond, and his campaign tried to And it continued right through 2009, in Lawrence v. Texas, which struck down the duck the issue by referring questions about when Republican Bob McDonnell was elected Texas anti-sodomy law and laws like it the matter to his official government office. governor one year after Barack Obama won throughout the land. As attorney general, however, the White House. Cuccinelli spokeswoman Caroline Cuccinelli told the health board it should not That is 36 years. However, in the Old Gibson said in a statement. “This case is not exempt existing clinics from the new rules Dominion, with more than 400 years of his- about sexual orientation, but using current law signed into law in 2011 by Gov. McDonnell. tory, 36 years doesn’t make for much of any- to protect a 17-year-old girl from a 47-year- So the clinic issue is very much part and par- thing. old sexual predator. The attorney general is committed to protecting Virginia’s children from predators who attempt to exploit them and rob them of their childhood.” Virginia could have passed a replace- ment anti-sodomy law, one targeting sexual acts between minors and adults. Such a bill was introduced in the General Assembly in 2004 and backed by a bipartisan group. But it was opposed by then-State Sen. Cuccinelli and killed on the Senate floor. As he later explained, he wants to see legal restrictions on sexual acts between consenting adults. “My view is that homosexual acts, not ho- mosexuality, but homosexual acts are wrong. They’re intrinsically wrong,” he said. But the case now in the courts doesn’t involve consenting adults. It involves an adult preying on a teenager. Yet that adult has gone free because Cuccinelli derailed the effort to fix the law to comply with modern standards. He did so because he wanted a much stricter law and refused to compromise or accept half HUMANIZING — The Cuccinelli campaign has produced the first TV a loaf. That attitude should properly be part spot for any statewide campaign this year. It features the candidate with of the campaign. That attitude is great for his wife, Teiro. The ad focuses on Cuccinelli’s efforts to promote women’s crusading legislators, but can only hobble a governor. issues and stop human trafficking, a clear effort to soften the rough image Of course, the new, revised, revamped he has with woman in the state. The spot started on the air April 29. ACDC Voice, May 2013, Page 6 School Board Caucus The caucus to endorse a Democratic candidate for the School Board will be held May 9 and 11. Here are messages from our two candidates.

engage families and the community during the ents to be active partici- James critical middle-school years; focusing on im- pants in their children’s provements to the Arlington Career Center education, and engaging curriculum; and ensuring that APS hire and our community to sup- Lander retain the best and brightest educators who port our schools and stu- teach our students. dents. It’s been an honor for me to serve as a I helped ensure that Wakefield High I am proud to have st member of the Arlington School Board for School was renovated as a 21 Century edu- the endorsement of the the past four years. Since joining the board cation center, and was pleased that we did it Arlington Education As- in 2010, I have made it my mission to find at below initial budget projections. sociation political action additional ways for our schools to inspire, I am proud to have helped Arlington committee, as well as support, and empower our young people. My maintain its outstanding reputation as one of School Board Chair goal is to ensure every student has the ability the top school systems in our nation. Emma Violand-Sanchez, to fulfill their potential, work toward their I am seeking a second term on the School Vice Chair Sally Baird, dreams, and become successful, caring adults. Board because there is still more work to be and other elected offi- Along with my colleagues on the board, done. My experience and perspective add tre- cials, community activists, school parents, and I have worked to enhance the student experi- mendous value to the work and collaborations many leaders in the Democratic Party. ence without breaking the budget, which is a of the School Board, enhancing the decision- I ask for your vote at the Democratic En- real challenge for school systems when en- making process and providing insights to our dorsement Caucuses. I also welcome your rollment is dramatically increasing. diverse student body. help in my campaign. Please contact my cam- My initiatives include expanding student My agenda for a second term includes paign at my website — access to the fields of science, technology, en- continued expansion of critical programs that www.jameslander.org or email my campaign gineering, and math at an early age; develop- raise individual academic learning and manager, Andres Tobar, at ing minority student mentoring programs that achievement in our schools, empowering par- [email protected]. Thank you!

the Youth Ultimate League of Arlington, and and at meet-and-greet Barbara founder of Arlington/Alexandria Women for sessions. I want to share Obama, an activist, grassroots network of 600 what two have said about women. All of my experiences, especially their belief in me. Kanninen parenthood, have fed into my belief that each Beth Doyle, former child is a unique and creative human being chair of the Math Advi- who deserves every opportunity to excel. sory Committee: “Bar- Our kids are growing up in a fast-chang- As I have emphasized throughout this bara is a born problem ing and increasingly competitive world, with campaign, we need to strengthen our STEM solver. She can dig a plethora of new opportunities, and many chal- programs – science, technology, engineering through the numbers, lenges. Our schools need to help them develop and math — across all schools. At the same weed out the chaff, and their skills and talents in ways that prepare them time, students need opportunities for creative zero in on what’s crucial.” to live productive and rewarding lives. That expression. They also need personal support. Joan McDermott, a must be the forward-looking focus of our I’ve long believed that every student in Ar- member of the Arlington school board and the criterion by which we lington should know that there is at least one County Democratic make every decision. I will apply those stan- adult in their school who knows them, who Committee: “Barbara is a dards as a member of the school board and that can help them with problems, and who be- fresh voice with energy and enthusiasm for is why I am asking for your vote in the Demo- lieves in them. That is especially true in our improving our schools, and she will not be cratic caucus on May 9 and May 11. middle schools, which can be big and imper- afraid to ask the tough questions.” What do I bring to the job? I’m a sonal, just when many students need more That is the crux of my campaign and the children’s book author, a Ph.D. economist, adult support. reason I ask for your vote. and a committed Democrat. I co-chaired the I’m honored to have the support of the Please go to my website for more infor- School Board’s Early Childhood Advisory Honorable Paul Ferguson, Theo Stamos, and mation and to volunteer in the final days be- Committee and served on the Math Advisory Frank O’Leary, as well as friends, neighbors, fore the caucus: http:// Committee. I’m a founding board member of and Arlingtonians I’ve met going door-to-door www.barbarakforschoolboard.com. ACDC Voice, May 2013, Page 7

Arlington County Board

The long journey from Board to Board

by Libby Garvey a lot of people out there. She looked worriedly it will, but it is a whole new kind of position County Board Member at me: “Many of them could be pretty an- in that way. gry.” It took me a moment to realize that she I have much enjoyed my time on both I’ve now served just over a year on the was concerned I would be upset. I was boards. Serving with the outstanding elected County Board. People often ask me how it’s touched by her concern, smiled, and reassured officials and staff with whom I’ve worked is different from School Board. her that I had been in many meetings with truly an honor and privilege. I’ve never been In many ways, it is quite similar. I work lots of really angry people over my years on bored and always feel that I can help make a with my four colleagues and staff in similar the School Board. Not many issues upset positive difference for Arlington. That is sat- ways. Both boards and their staff work very people the way boundary changes upset par- isfying indeed. Also, I get to have fun. On hard. We have wonderful citizen groups to ents. the School Board it was a thrill to plan new advise us. Just as on the School Board, there One procedural difference I’ve noticed school facilities and then see them in reality. are complex issues on the County Board that is how public comment at the beginning of Having students come to speak to us or per- will probably take me years to grasp as well our meetings is handled. On the School form was also great. On the County Board, I as I want to. Board, we would almost never comment when tour not only new buildings, but new ships! Work on the School Board touched on speakers came to us to talk during our non- My time touring the USS Arlington earlier this issues of land use planning, transportation and agenda comment time. While I think there month, talking to sailors and marines and hav- economic development, but now I need a are good arguments to be made for this ap- ing them proudly show off the ship, landing more in-depth understanding of them. It is proach, I have found the County Board’s prac- vehicles, helicopters and more was something helpful for me to already have a good under- tice of responding, even if only generally, to I will never forget. standing of community engagement, educa- each speaker feels more satisfactory as a way I will take this opportunity to publicly tion and emergency preparedness. It will take of interacting with our public. thank my current and former board col- years for me to feel totally comfortable with A big difference I felt right away when I leagues, our APS staff and our County staff, all the County Board issues, but my School began working as a County Board member is and all the wonderful members and volunteers Board experience helps me know how to ap- that being a County Board member is clearly of ACDC for supporting me in the best work proach complex issues. I had expected that, considered more “important” by the business I could imagine doing. I pledge to always but it was a relief to find I really was some- community and the general public. Whether work hard to deserve this honor, and do ev- what along the learning curve from the start. this is warranted or not, the recognition is nice erything I can to continue to keep Arlington At my first County Board meeting, one to have. I have, however, made a personal among the best communities in the world in of our staff came to “warn” me that there were note not to let it go to my head. I don’t think which to live.

Arlington School Board ACDC Voice, May 2013, Page 8

Democratic Values in Action

LOTS OF LOOT – Look at all the loot that Arlington Dems lifted out of the Potomac environs last month during the annual mass cleanup of the Potomac watershed. You could probably furnish an entire house with what Democratic Values in Action collected—which included mattresses and a fridge. Among the DVA volunteers were (left to right): Danielle Simms, Kim Klingler and James Zipadelli. DVA took on a stretch of the Potomac along the Georgetown waterfront. McAuliffe locked in as Dem nominee

Terry McAuliffe officially became the ergy behind Terry McAuliffe’s campaign.” Democratic nominee for governor as of April McAuliffe said about 500 volunteers cir- 2. culated the petitions. On that day, the Democratic Party of DPVA also certified two candidates for Virginia (DPVA) certified that McAuliffe had lieutenant governor and two for attorney gen- submitted enough—far more than enough— eral, the other statewide posts up for election petition signatures—to stand. And since no this year. Democrats will choose from those one else submitted any signatures, McAuliffe candidates in a primary Tuesday, June 11. is automatically the Democratic nominee. The lieutenant governor candidates are McAuliffe needed to submit 10,000 sig- former Virginia Technology Secretary Aneesh natures. He beat that by a mile, submitting Chopra of Arlington and State Senator Ralph Terry more than 35,000. Northam of Norfolk. McAuliffe Charniele Herring, chairman of DPVA, The attorney general candidates are State said, “We believe that this is the most signa- Senator Mark Herring of Loudoun and former tures any candidate has collected for gover- federal prosecutor Justin Fairfax of Fairfax nor in Virginia history. The momentum from County. volunteers and outpouring of support across The GOP will hold a state convention the commonwealth is a true sign of the en- rather than a primary to choose its candidates. ACDC Voice, May 2013, Page 9 You’re all invited to the 8th CD Convention

The 8th Congressional District Demo- cratic Committee will hold its convention in two weeks to elect party officials and approve policy resolutions. Any and all Democrats registered to vote in the 8th District are invited to attend. You just show up and register and go to the Ar- lington caucus. The convention will be held Saturday, May 18, at R.E. Lee High School, 6540 Franconia Road in Springfield. Registration starts at 9 a.m. The convention will be called to order at 10 a.m. and no one will be regis- tered after the call-to-order. The 8th Congressional District—repre- sented by Congressman Jim Moran, who will address the convention—encompasses all of Arlington, Alexandria and Falls Church and adjoining eastern parts of Fairfax County. SITE — Here’s where the convention will be located at Springfield’s There are two main items on the agenda for this year’s convention: Robert E. Lee High School. • Electing 20 representatives to the 8th Dis- trict Committee and State Central Commit- tions on where to submit the forms are on the Baker; Max Burns; David Leichtman; tee. Three men and three women must come website. Fred Mittelman; Larry Roberts; and from Arlington. They serve double duty as As for policy resolutions, anyone wish- Terron Sims. members of both the 8th District Committee, ing to submit one, on any topic, must email a Female members (3 to be elected): which meets monthly, and the State Central draft by 5 p.m. Friday, May 3, to Margo Horner and Maureen Markham. Committee, which meets quarterly. [email protected]. All drafts After the balloting, Congressman Moran • Considering policy resolutions, which, will be reviewed and voted on by the Resolu- and the candidates, two each, for lieutenant if approved, will be sent up the chain to the tions Committee, whose report and stack of governor and attorney general will address the state party. recommended resolutions will be presented convention. Those interested in running for one of at the convention for approval. the four-year posts at the convention must file While the deadline for candidate filing by 5 p.m., Friday, May 10. A filing form is is still 10 days away, the following people available on the 8th District Committee have filed thus far from Arlington: website at www.VA8thCDDems.org. Instruc- Male members (3 to be elected): Steve

The 8th CD ACDC Voice, May 2013, Page 10 Arlington YDs appear to be getting lock on two annual awards from state YDs

Arlington Young Democrats scored two His reputation as one of the best in the field organizer for this special constitu- home runs this past month with the state YDs business was confirmed when he won, uncon- ency. honoring the group as the Virginia YD Club tested, within a half hour of his arrival at the For Male Young Democrat of the Year, of the Year for its work in 2012, and former convention site. The role has a two-year term, AYD President Lauren Hall said the nomi- AYD President Gordon Simonett as Male which will be completed just before Simonett nation of Simonett was preaching to the Young Democrat of the Year. ages out of the Young Dems when he turns choir, starting out: “Of course,... Gordon The recognitions were awarded Team 36. Simonett is most deserving for Male Young AYD at an evening gala of the 2013 Virginia For Club of the Year, AYD was nomi- Democrat of the Year.” Indeed, YDs from Young Democrats’ Annual Convention in nated for leveraging opportunities pro- elsewhere in the state nominated him as well. Norfolk April 20. vided by the presidential year to lay down One of their nominations said simply: “Why In advance of the weekend’s festivities, foundations for success in years to come. not?” Gordon was also roped in to run for Young Among the work cited was the initiative Hall cited then AYD VP-Simonett’s ini- Democrats of America (YDA) Mid-Atlantic of the AYD Muslim caucus to get Tim tiative to ensure routine tasks got done as well region director, despite supposedly being Kaine elected to the Senate. Members tar- as his mentorship of Arlington’s high school semi-retired from politics for the year to start geted more than 120,000 prospective vot- chapters, while serving as an ACDC Joint married life. ers in the Muslim community, raised over Campaign co-chair. $60,000, and brought on board a dedicated It’s not unusual for the Arlington club to win the Club of the Year award. In fact, some complain it has a lock on at least the even- numbered years. It won state YD Club of the Year in 2010 , 2006, 2004—and possibly even in years before that, but YD memories by defi- nition don’t go back all that far. Simonett points out that AYD men have also had a lock on the Male Young Democrat of the Year award of late, having won all of the past four years except one. Coming up, AYDs head to San Antonio August 8-11 to attend (and sweat out) the bi- ennial national YD convention. Arlington’s Atima Omara-Alwala is one of the two can- didates for national president. Under-36 Dems can sign up to attend the convention and everyone is encouraged to do- nate to the club’s San Antonio fund. Contact Hall at [email protected] to sign up, donate, or for more information about AYD. Have you got a bedroom for a McAuliffe staffer? The Terry McAuliffe campaign has a new field staffer starting shortly in Arlington who is looking for supporter housing. If you WINNERS — Here seen holding their award certificates are Gor- have a bedroom you could spare for the cause, either for a short period or for the duration of don Simonette, named leading male YD of the year by the state the campaign, please let us know and we will YD organization, and Lauren Hall, president of the Arlington YD put you in touch with her. Notify Chairman Club, which was named the best club in the state for 2012. [email protected]. ACDC Voice, May 2013, Page 11 Election official says GOP photo ID law opens whole new avenue for voter fraud

The vice chairwoman of the State Board tation.” of Elections says Virginia’s new photo ID re- Bowers said there is “an obvious gap” in quirement for voting actually opens the door McDonnell’s order, because voters who are al- for a whole new way to commit voter fraud ready registered will not be required to show any that never existed before. form of identification to get a free photo ID. Kimberly T. Bowers was appointed to a “A person can walk into a registrar’s of- four-year term as one of the state’s three elec- fice, claiming to be someone else, and they tions officials in 2011 by Gov. Bob will get an official photo ID with their own McDonnell. She is a Democrat; one of the picture but someone else’s name on it,” Bow- three appointments must always be from the ers said. “If the reason for this law is concern opposition party. over voter fraud, this kind of defeats the pur- She said in an interview with the Rich- pose. mond Times-Dispatch that the process for ob- “If we are saying it is acceptable to come taining a free government-issued photo ID to the local registrar’s office and obtain a “leaves a lot to be desired” and that the deci- photo ID on the spot without showing identi- sion to implement the new law after Virginia fication, why is that any different than com- spent nearly $2 million on non-photo IDs for ing on Election Day and doing the same voters just last year is “mind-boggling.” thing?” When McDonnell signed the new law, The measure that the General Assembly he also issued an executive order directing the passed in February requires voters to present State Board of Elections to develop guidelines a valid photo ID at the polls to cast a ballot, for how to obtain the photo ID in a way that adding Virginia to a small but growing list of BOWERS would require “very, very limited documen- GOP-led states that have strict photo ID laws.

The others are Indiana, Tennessee, Georgia and Kansas. “There are many simple questions that require answers, because it is obvious that this [law] has not really been thought through very well,” Bowers said. Bowers said she is also concerned about the cost of providing a free photo ID to all voters who need one and the funding of an education campaign to inform voters of the changes to the law. “We went through this last year already, a campaign process to get the word out, and we mailed out 4.7 million new voter cards,” Bowers said. “It seems like at the end of the day, the money was spent for nothing.” Bowers underscored her belief that the photo ID bill will do little to prevent voting fraud and will marginalize voters, especially CHUCKLES – Del. Bob Brink drew a big laugh from Aileen the elderly, poor and students. Whitfill as he honored her for 11 years of service as his Arlington “This law creates an additional burden,” she said. “The voter card [sent out last year] aide on her retirement. Bob gave her a membership in the Vir- itself is an official form of ID issued by the ginia Museum of Fine Arts and a hotel reservation for when she state, and now it seems that this isn’t enough visits the museum in Richmond. She also got an inscribed crystal and people don’t understand why it’s no paperweight with the image of Mr. Jefferson’s State Capitol build- longer acceptable.” Bowers said she asked for proof of in- ing. Guests at the retirement event included the ACDC Kitchen stances of voting fraud in Virginia based on Crew, of which Aileen has long been a member. Only this time, ID that would justify the new legislation but they could enjoy the party; Sharon Davis took on the food chores. is still waiting for a response. ACDC Voice, May 2013, Page 12 You wanna talk about potential voter fraud? Talk about those doubly registered

As many as 308,000 Virginia voters may last name and date of birth. The elections board is talking to other also be registered to cast their ballot in other The SBE’s Davis said the computer run states involved to further compare their states, according to a survey by the State kicked out 308,000 duplicate registrations in records to Virginia’s. “We are working to Board of Elections (SBE) that shared voter Virginia, “meaning that 308,000 folks who are make sure that our matching criteria is accu- registration data with 21 other states. on Virginia’s rolls are possibly on a roll in rate and to analyze the data a little further to “That obviously raises a lot of concern another state.” That’s almost 6 percent of the determine exactly what it is we’re looking at,” for us,” said Matthew J. Davis, information 5.4 million people registered to vote in Vir- Davis said. services manager with the elections board, ginia last fall. (And that doesn’t account for Davis added that the board is not mak- during a recent board meeting in Richmond. folks in the 28 states that weren’t included in ing any judgments or determinations at this In an era of heightened awareness about the computer check.) point. “We are just kind of combing through voter fraud—or at least vocal comments about That, however, doesn’t say how many the data,” he said. it by Republicans—one would expect the people living in Virginia are on another state’s Once a dual match has been confirmed huge volume of double registrations to elicit voting rolls, versus how many people living as accurate, Section 8 of the National Voting swift concern in the GOP. But it hasn’t. elsewhere are carried on Virginia’s registra- Rights Act allows the removal of voters from The double registrations could be viewed tion books. It also doesn’t say how many the rolls only if they either confirm in writing as a gigantic plot by conspiracy theorists—or people—if any—are voting in two states. that they changed their address or fail to re- they could be seen as the innocent and logi- Out of all these matches, about 97,000 are spond to a notice and fail to vote in the next cal outcome of American mobility, where what the elections board considers active voters two federal general elections. “This is a many citizens move to a new state, register to in the commonwealth. The remaining 211,000 lengthy and time consuming process, but we vote, and don’t even think to un-register in are listed as inactive, which means, for example, are excited that we finally have some data to their previous home state. that they filed a change of address notice with work with,” Davis said. “This is really just Virginia entered the data-sharing project the US Postal Service. They are still registered, the first start for Virginia down this path.” in January, becoming the 22nd on the list of however. So, it appears probable that the vast Charles E. Judd, chairman of the State participating states. The initial survey that majority of the folks registered in two states are Board of Elections, called the effort a step in same month compared more than 84 million double registered because they have moved. But the right direction. “The whole thing is about voter registration records based on first name, not necessarily all of them. integrity of the voter data base,” he said. Dems off to flying start when it comes to challenging sitting Republican delegates

continued from page one Dems have candidates in five. the Democratic Party has been racking up The smaller voter turnout typical of non- huge successes in the last four years. retired Air Force officer John Bell, who is presidential elections tends to favor Republi- The State Senate, now divided 20-20, is running against Del. David Ramadan in cans. But that smaller turnout also puts a huge not up for election until 2015. But Demo- Loudoun County. premium on get-out-the-vote efforts, where crats have a shot at winning a 21st seat. Re- Nine of the current Democratic challeng- publican Sen. Harry Blevins of Chesapeake ers are running in districts in the Washington recently announced his retirement and Demo- suburbs. Democrats also hope to compete in crats are hoping to win his district. Republi- all 19 districts currently held by Republicans cans, though, are confident that Blevins’ dis- that Senator Sen. Tim Kaine won last year. trict is sufficiently red to hold onto it in a spe- Virginia Republicans gained nine seats cial election August 6. in the House of Delegates in the 2011 elec- The district sits up against the North tions. But that widespread success two years Carolina border just south of Norfolk and ago means the party now has a great deal of Virginia Beach. additional turf to defend. Two Republicans are running in a pri- Republicans said they will fight to main- mary for the GOP nomination. Democrat Ella tain their majority and expect to be running Wood, a Chesapeake city councilwoman, has competitively in eight of the nine vacant expressed an interest in the seat but no one House seats. Right now, the GOP has candi- has yet declared for the Democratic nomina- dates in eight of those nine open seats while tion.