Bob Marshall's Future

The decision between Gilmore and Marshall was a tough one for me, though I went with Gilmore mostly because I thought he was better prepared to run a race for federal office.  But I truly believe Bob Marshall did a real service to the party in reawakening many conservatives who have felt shut out and left behind by the RPV and its candidates.  He raised an army and almost won.  I was both shocked and impressed by the size and passion that his supporters showed in Richmond yesterday.  For now, I certainly hope and pray that Marshall does the right thing and endorse Jim Gilmore and help lead his army to do what Marshall himself proclaimed in his acceptance speech, "Beat Mark Warner."

RWL blogged today that Marshall will now have a greater voice in the General Assembly, that much is for certain.  But where he fits there remains a mystery.  Legislative leaders historically have often ignored grassroots movements like Marshall built until it smacks them in the face.  I'm not sure Bill Howell thinks any different of Bob Marshall today.  Will his influence grow?  That remains to be seen, and I'm not convinced it will . . . and not because of Marshall but because of our stubborn leadership Speaker.  One ray of hope was Morgan Griffith endorsing and nominating Jeff Frederick, a sign to me that perhaps Del. Griffith understands the Prince William Movement that is taking over the GOP in Virginia.

Now that Marshall has had a taste of higher office, is he even content to stay in the House of Delegates?  I heard some murmurs at the convention that many aren't terribly happy to have our 2009 slate so predetermined.  Bob McDonnell gave a lackluster speech at the convention, and I'm not sure how many times we can select Attorneys General and expect a different outcome.  That was something else I heard.  I would ask the question, "is Bob Marshall crazy enough to do it," but I know the answer already. 

Another idea comes from redistricting.  I have little doubt that Virginia will get a 12th congressional district, and more than likely it will be carved out of Prince William and Stafford counties . . . Marshall could make plans for that.

Or maybe he's made his point, and will be happy to come home ot his family and friends and Prince William, content to raise hell in the House of Delegates.

One thing is for certain, Bob Marshall is no longer a gadfly.  Over the last several months, he proved himself to be an iconoclast. 

Comments

[James Atticus Bowden]

Bob Marshall can do more in Virginia's General Assembly than he can do in Congress. Unless he learns a lot more about National Defense, frankly, I'd love for him to lead in Virginia in the GA or in state-wide office.

Marshall can do much for himself and his ideas by giving the right words of encouragement to his supporters to go support Gilmore asap.

And, fyi, I read that Virginia would NOT be getting a new seat after the Census.

[Not Tony Orlando]

The reson Bob Marshall did as well as he did yesterday is on the Life issue. Gilmore has never been very conservative on that issue. McDonnell is solid on life and cant be hit on it. While he could be hurt by his support of 3202 it will not draw people to a convention like the life issue does. Plus Marshall would draw a primary if he ran for Gov next year.

[200 Grande]

The all-or-nothing Pro-Lifers really need to start thinking about the other issues.

If you are a limited government, low taxes, Republican THAT is against partial birth abortion, supports parental consent, thinks Roe v. Wade should be overruled, BUT supports a first trimester abortion, too many of the ardent Pro-Lifers want no part of you.

This is especially killing us with younger voters.

[Fairfax Insider]

Marshall would not "draw a primary" next year, as the RPV has already voted to nominate by convention in 2009. Yes, they could take another vote and change it, but I seriously doubt that will happen.

[Well...]

Actually, 200 Grande, you could make the same argument as to any single issue oriented group.

Pro-lifers, and I am one, best serve their interests by choosing a candidate who is pro-life or, if not 100% in the camp, is willing to be persuaded more into the camp. I'm younger, and female, and don't see much argument for abortion other than extremely limited and fortunately quite rare cases.

Same thing you said about pro-lifers could be said in other races with pro-Second Amendment or any other group. If you can get a candidate mostly on your side, then you work with that candidate.

If you cannot, then you feel disillusioned. Gilmore is mostly in the camp, Marshall is more in the camp, and it was a squeaker. That means that Gilmore will have some work to do internally before he looks to his opponent. That's okay. He's been in politics a long time. If he hasn't learned that by now, then he will lose. I think he's learned it.

Guess what - neither Gilmore nor Marshall are going to have Emily's List sending mailers on their behalf, just as they are not going to have the Brady people sending mailers on their behalf. They are both mostly in the camp for the two loudest groups in Virginia. It's hard to get a 100% match to oneself unless one looks in the mirror. Everyone knows that. We get what gains we can get and we stick with those who match us or who will listen to us.

[Mary]

I don't see how Bob Marshall can morally endorse Gilmore because he doesn't believe in protecting unborn babies in their first eight weeks of life. Many "big tent" don't seem to understand that many of his believe that an abortion is murder and when is murder acceptable?

[Bruce]

Well - he did.

Marshall endorsed Gillmore according to the radio.

Even though many of us believe abortion is murder [the unjustified taking of human life], the devil we know is still better than the devil we don't know. Often in politics, that is our practical choice. One candidate is slightly better than the other.

Gilmore clearly believes that most abortions are immoral and he seems like he is going to be more open to persuasion by pro-lifers than his opponent is. I'll go with that.

I don't think this issue is killing us with younger voters. Go to the March for Life and see how young that crowd skews. All the single issue things can cost votes because for every pro there is an anti side.