I've wrestled with where I was regarding the 8th district for several weeks. You can't help but think of the phrase "sacrificial lamb" when your talking about running against Jim Moran. Gerrymandering has solidified the 8th thus far, despite Moran's boorish behavior and controversial anti-Israel antagonism. In the last several cycles, we've nominated nominal candidates who don't seperate themselves from the standard. The 8th District race for the GOP nod is more interesting than most because, as been talked about before, its an interesting test between the compassionate conservative Mark Ellmore and the Ron Paul-backed Amit Singh.
The choice must be Amit Singh.
As someone who spends a lot of time working in the grassroots of Republican politics, I think that many Republicans are missing the boat by not trying to bring the energized Ron Paul Right into our coalition. I know there are differences . . . many Paul supporters are isolationists, but they are also fiercely pro-right and conservative. These are a group of energized young people who we could be on the brink of losing from the Republican party.
On a candidate level, Singh brings a fresh face, fresh ideas, and youth to this race. With Amit Singh, I get the feeling we have a candidate who could be going somewhere and doing something more in the future. its the beginning, rather than the end. These are the kind of candidates that must be supported. Mr. Ellmore seems like a good guy, but there's nothing about his candidacy that says "He can beat Jim Moran." I'm not saying Singh can either, but he offers the Republican Party a candidate who can--and already has--started building an organization in the district and starting a career that can do something.
Without reservation, I encourage all the residents of the 8th distirct to vote for Amit Singh in the Republican Primary.
Your blog just lost ALL crediblity
Posted by: Erik | June 07, 2008 at 04:05 PM
I never knew it had any. And if you are going to say such a thing, what is it exactly about Singh that you find so objectionable.
Posted by: Chris | June 07, 2008 at 04:22 PM
Remind people it is Tuesday June 10th
Posted by: Frank | June 07, 2008 at 05:41 PM
I completely agree with this post. I was undecided for a while but Amit Singh is definitely the fresh face we need. Everyone remember to vote for Amit on Tuesday!
Posted by: Jason | June 07, 2008 at 06:07 PM
If you want to retreat from the world, vote for Amit Singh.
Posted by: Freddie | June 08, 2008 at 09:22 AM
You are completely right. Ive seen both of these campaigns over the past few months. Ellmore has virtually no grass roots support and his issues are simplistic and paint him as a stereotypical republican that this distrtict's electorate always rejects. Singh has new ideas and a fresh image and actually has a chance to build the party and the movement. Theres a reason why so many people show up to his events and rallies. This race is likely going to be won by Moran, but Singh has the ability to build the republican party going forward and open new people to the ticket even this cycle. Ellmore appeals only to people who are already planning on voting down the republican ticket. The party is doing itself a big favor if it nominates Singh. I hope it does.
Posted by: EJ | June 08, 2008 at 03:16 PM
Mark Ellmore's campaign continues to break many laws in regards to campaigning. Example..Campaign signs with no Fairfax county permit numbers..that were up in December of 2007.
Posted by: Edward | June 09, 2008 at 12:26 AM
I know it's over, but look at the DCs and neocons coming to trash Chris for supporting Amit. These are the clowns who have hijacked our party.
Posted by: The Northern Virginia Conservative | June 12, 2008 at 11:12 PM