Jay O'Brien won't be running alone for the chance to defeat George Barker, I just got a mass email from Scott Martin, whom I don't know but ran before in 2003 for Springfield School Board. He's also, according to the email, an Associate Dean of Technology at George Mason University. Anyone know much about Mr. Martin, what his chances are and his standing? Below the fold is the letter.
Dear Fellow Virginians, March9, 2010
After almost two years of encouragement from family, friends, community activists,business associates, and colleagues, I have decided to declare my candidacy forthe Virginia’s 39th State Senate District 2011 Election.
We know about the challenges we face in our district and in our Commonwealth, andthe difficult work that lies ahead to reclaim this seat for our citizens first,and the Republican Party secondly. We also know that innovative ideas are needed to solve our problems; that the prime purpose of government is not to“create jobs” but to provide opportunities for its citizens and to encourageeconomic growth in the private sector.
We also know that much of the blame for our current woes lies in our state andfederal governments, both having erected barriers in the form of bureaucracies,regulations, reviews, certifications, inspections, and most importantly, a seemingly insatiable appetite for tax and fee increases that distance citizensfrom opportunities, advancements, and achievement.
Don’t misunderstand my premise. Governments do have an irreplaceable purpose: to takecare of our most vulnerable, to safeguard our security, to protect our naturalresources, to provide due process of the law, and to provide the necessaryservices for a well-educated and civilized society (Constitution of Virginia, ArticleI, Section 15). But I think most of us would also agree with Thomas Paine whenhe wrote, “ That government is best which governs least.” We must return to the premise that ourgovernment is beholden to us, not the other way around.
Therefore,if I am fortunate to receive your vote to become the next State Senator in the39th District in Virginia, I will not add more government. In fact, before Itout how many bills I’ll sponsor or co-sponsor, how much more of your money Iwill spend on your behalf, I will first work with you, my constituents, todetermine how many current superfluous laws, regulations, taxes, and fees I canundo, sunset, or shelve, to save you money. Can you imagine an elected official that returns from Richmond and sends you an email or letter to let you know notwhat he did, but what he undid? I also promise to you I will not vote for anybills which will intrude on your privacy, your family, or violate the Virginia or U.S. Constitution.
That said, there are serious issues in our 39th Senate District, and in ourCommonwealth, and these will require both innovative ideas and practicalproblem solving. I will propose solutions that address these issues in K-12 Education, Higher Education, our State Budget and Excess Taxes, Regulation,Family, Security and Safety, as well as transportation problems in ourDistrict, helping our Veterans, and safeguarding our Environment. As I work with you to address these challenges, I can assure you that my solutions will seek out ways to improvegovernment efficiency and productivity, and ways to refocus its purpose tobetter work with you and for you. Lastly, I will also remind every Commonwealth employee that you aretheir clients, that you fund their salary, and that they work for you.
Please review my Platform and my website for more detailed information, and if youhave any questions about my candidacy, or wish to share ideas and solutionsthat you have for better government or improvements in your neighborhood or community, please never hesitate to contact me.
I thank you in advance foryour vote and support!
Yours Truly for better Government and lower Taxes,
Scott M. Martin
I am pleased to hear of Scott Martin's interest in providing good, LIMITED, low-taxing government to the 39th Senatorial District. But the District already HAS a solid, PROVEN candidate who we know, who represents these very values - and has years of experience as both a successful local businessman,veteran West Point Army Colonel, and is our known, neighbor and former Senator from the 39th: Jay O'Brien. In this unsettling year of - dare I say,unprecedented, - Exentential - struggle for Virginia and for our Consititutional Liberties and financial responsibility, we need a PROVEN quantity: an experienced leader and self-less Patriot who knows and can work with a legislature and administration without requiring a learning curve to attain the velocity necessary to win and to preserve and protect the Liberties of the America we know and love.
The struggle of 2010 promises to be Epic. We cannot afford to 'train up' a new leader when we already have the Best as our candidate. I urge all in the 39th - and I urge Scott himself - to Rally 'Round O'Brien - and all together, United, to Rally for Freedom in November - The Stakes have never been higher.
Jay O'Brien for Senator! C'mon, Scott! Join the TEAM -- Rally !!
Posted by: Frederick A. Peterson III | March 11, 2010 at 11:38 PM
On the other hand, the people of the 39th might prefer not to have an old retread who is trying to make a comeback. They might want to consider a fresh face with a different perspective who can bring some new ideas to the table.
This guy Martin seems to have some pretty impressive and relevant qualifications. To let the voters hear his ideas and make the choice is good for everyone. Where did we get this bogus notion that the way should be cleared for any candidate?
I find the argument that the nomination should be gifted to O'Brien simply because he knows his way to the Senate bathroom because he has been there before to be totally unconvincing.
If O'Brien is the best man let him earn the nomination. If he is the best man he will. But he doesn't deserve to get a free ride.
Let the voters decide!
Posted by: Dan | March 11, 2010 at 11:57 PM
Dan, Jay is by no means a "retread." He's been active in the FCRC and active in the community since he left office. I've seen him at every major event we've held and he's always been quick with a joke or a story.
Jay is one of the most likable of the many, many politicians I've met, and he matches that up with an ability to win elections, an understanding of how to get things done in Richmond, and a willingness to work hard on behalf of Republicans across Fairfax.
I am confident that Jay will earn the nomination as he is a skilled campaigner who lost primarily due to an exceedingly bad environment for Republicans - and even then only lost be the narrowest of margins. I am confident he can take his old seat back.
Posted by: Brian W. Schoeneman | March 12, 2010 at 10:53 AM
Nothing wrong with a little competition in the GOP. The more, the merrier I say.
Posted by: George Templeton | March 12, 2010 at 11:18 AM
GO SCOTT GO!!! We need fresh blood, not some who voted from the bill that would have imposed a $1,000 fee for speeding in the Commonwealth.
Posted by: Anon | March 12, 2010 at 03:52 PM
Jay is a conservative? There is a reason he lost - he lost the support of those, like me, who truly do want a conservative in the seat. He won by 5000 in 2003, and lost by 700 in 2007, add it up... he lost 5700 in 3 and a half years!!!
Let's remember: Jay voted to support, and defended the red-light cameras (SB 829) - to collect revenues - I mean taxes, and he co-sponsored bills that apply unconstitutional retroactive abuser penalties for Virginia drivers (SB 522). Yet another tax scheme.
Jay voted to raise taxes, and Martin said he won't. I even heard today, Peter Ferrara, President for Virginia Club for Growth will be endorsing Martin.... so much for 'Jay the Conservative'?
Posted by: Jackie P. | March 12, 2010 at 08:21 PM
I think this is good for O'Brien, a little competition to get his campaign moving fast and early this time around. Last year they coasted the first six months of the campaign, putting out talking points about how Barker wasn't a real threat because he beat him before. Meanwhile, Barker was out pounding the pavement and working hard. O'Brien's campaign kicked into gear when he changed managers.
The problem is there are too Jays. When he gets comfortable he's kind of wishy-washy, ready to sound just like Tom Davis. But in the intervening years since he lost, O'Brien has been great in his comments, effort, and leadership even cheerleading the tea party movement. If THAT Jay shows up, the Jay that has been out of office and refocusing on principles rather than trying to make everyone happy he will win, win big, and be lined up for an LG run he was poised to make last year.
And nothing will refocus O'Brien to be the candidate he needs to be than a good healthy primary.
Posted by: Chris | March 12, 2010 at 09:36 PM
Scott Martin has a very impressive resume. I hope that he uploads a more appealing website. Of course websites do not win elections, but they are a wonderful way to introduce the candidate to the voters.
I am looking forward to supporting Scott.
Posted by: Scott Fan | March 13, 2010 at 12:57 AM
sorry guys, all of the activists I have talked to are going out with the old and in with the new - Jay was the only one who lost his seat - Albo and Cuccinelli won in the "bad environment". Nobody cares enough to support Jay. Jay never worked for or with his colleagues, or his constituents, until it was election time. Those of us "on the ground" know this. He can't win - abuser fees and red light cams - what a "great conservative"! We can't afford to let him try again, we have to get rid of Barker.
Posted by: Jackie P. | March 13, 2010 at 09:50 AM
My bet is that Jay the Conservative will show up and eat Martin's and Barker's lunch. A little time on the mat is always a sobering experience. A short sabbatical from the fight is often a good and refreshing experience. It allows one to re-gain compass bearings and connect with their bases.
Fact is, Americans are tired of folks like Barker. He's become part of the political elite class, an insider who is part of problem. He stands in the way of those who want to govern themselves. The gap between those political leaders and the voters is greater now than perhaps at anytime in our nation's history since the Revolution against the Crown.
Americans don't won't to be governed by the so-called "progressive" left. They want to govern themselves. Jay is the right candidate to go to Richmond and help us do that. That means giving us a smaller government, lowering our taxes, cutting spending, drilling for oil off our own shores, and supporting our Governor against the rapacious progressives who are ruining our counties, our commonwealth and our nation.
Jay is trim and fit. When he steps back into the ring again, he'll knock em out. I don't think Martin can take a punch. And Barker, well..... just look at him and try not to laugh.
Posted by: Doc | March 13, 2010 at 11:09 AM
No insult to Doc, but haven't you read any of the comments above?You can't say you're a Tea Party member, and a conservative, and raise taxes, and vote for tax scheme. Sorry.
Actions do speak louder than words...
I have a feeling (and heard) the anti-tax conservatives are going eat Jay up, and spit him out.
Scott just needs to keep his word and principles in tact to win.
Posted by: Go Skins | March 13, 2010 at 11:55 AM
All of the arguments above for Jay are really excuses for Jay - (Chris, Brian) Yes, he was at times "wishy-washy", yes, he was "complacent" for the first six months, yes, he raised taxes and fees, but let's just give him another chance in the ring so he can use this seat as a stepping stone for LG. Call me old fashioned, but I want a candidate who actually wants THIS job, and one who has IDEAS for limiting government instead of raising taxes. Sorry Jay, if you want LG, just apply for THAT job. I hear Barker has so much dirt of Jay that he can't wait to run against him - after the anti-taxers have had at him.
Posted by: John | March 13, 2010 at 12:41 PM
I find it particularly hilarious that we have now gone from tea parties being anti-tax to anti red light cameras....really? Do you wonder why you are the laughing stock of those who seriously pay attention to politics (ie not the ones who just jump in when all you do is complain)?? Red light cameras are just that, a red light camera. Dont break the law and you wont be fined. Do you propose taking away all fines for breaking the law? I thought the tea party was all for the rule of law, strict interpretation, etc?? By this comment it seems that you just dont want to pay for anything you dont have to...
Posted by: local gop | March 13, 2010 at 01:36 PM
Wow, you're the silly one - have you not seen the studies about how these cameras actually CAUSE accidents? That in some states they have been ruled unconstitutional? That abuser fees (Jay's bills) actually WERE ruled unconstitutional by Va's Supreme Court? If government were not so huge and inefficient, then maybe my ever increasing taxes actually could go towards vital services instead of interests on bonds, debt, and bureaucrats whose salaries exceed the private sector average. With supporters like you, Jay really is in trouble. ... are you a Barker guy? 'fess up...
Posted by: John | March 13, 2010 at 01:48 PM
Actually, I don't think Jackie P. is a lunatic, O'Brien managed to lose a tremendous amount of support and over 5000 votes in three short years (I checked her facts) - he simply lost the passion of his constituents who didn't vote for Barker, they just didn't work for or vote for Jay. It is not "purist" or fanatical to reign in government and its costs when it gets too large, to stop looking for ways to play "gotcha $$" with citizens, and to find ways to increase efficiency. And yes, the courts did find Jay's abuser fees unconstitutional, that's true too, and that's not exactly "getting things done." Arguments like yours brought independents to the poll for Obama - now that is what I call a fanatical regime and you have only yourselves to thank. I too support a competitive primary, and I'm looking for ideas, not legacy.
Posted by: sick and tired in clifton | March 13, 2010 at 02:48 PM
ok all, relax, take a deep breath... let me begin by saying that I don't hate Jay, don't really know Jay, don't hate government (too much... :-) ) But I did read Martin's web site, and I like a bunch of his ideas. I'm new to this whole thing, recently grad, and my friends all voted for the big O - I showed them Martin's web site, and they were actually starting to think for a change...
Posted by: dragonflyx | March 13, 2010 at 03:34 PM
John,
Post link please. And something aside from a right wing anti-government organization with an agenda to push. if they truly caused accidents they would not be in place.
Posted by: local gop | March 13, 2010 at 04:09 PM
John,
Also, check into WHY the abuser fees were ruled unconstitutional...not because a fee is unconstitutional, but because it only applied to VA residents....it was discrimination or something of the sorts. speed more then 15 over and you will get an abusive driver penalty....steep fines, civil and criminal too.
Posted by: local gop | March 13, 2010 at 04:11 PM
"bureaucrats whose salaries exceed the private sector average"
Wow, taking you seriously just stopped....typical bitter right winger...its the governments fault....
Posted by: local gop | March 13, 2010 at 04:12 PM
VAB:
Your intelligent well thought analysis must mean only 1 thing....you're just a liberal RINO lol....
Posted by: local gop | March 13, 2010 at 06:10 PM
local gop... glad you're not a Rino. However.. the supreme court found the abuser fees unconstitutional not because they applied only to virginia drivers, but because they were excessive, and applied retroactively (ex post facto). See below section 9 of the Virginia Bill of Rights... my growing scholar...
"Section 9. Prohibition of excessive bail and fines, cruel and unusual punishment, suspension of habeas corpus, bills of attainder, and ex post facto laws.
That excessive bail ought not to be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted; that the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended unless when, in cases of invasion or rebellion, the public safety may require; and that the General Assembly shall not pass any bill of attainder, or any ex post facto law."
Posted by: Go Skins | March 13, 2010 at 07:15 PM
GS,
none the less, drive over 15 more than the limit....there are some pretty stiff penalties. I was in Mississippi when this whole thing went down, but I remember the news saying that there was an issue with the out of state drivers not being penalized...
Posted by: local gop | March 13, 2010 at 07:46 PM
Go Skins, as far as I can tell, the Virginia Supreme Court never heard a case dealing with the abusive driver fees. I've only found two cases - both at the Circuit Court level, one in Richmond the other in Henrico - that looked at the cases, and both of those courts found them constitutional, reversing the General District Courts.
The laws were repealed before they were ever ruled on by the Supreme Court, as far as I can tell.
If you've got a case name, let me know, because I want to figure out why I couldn't find it on Westlaw.
Posted by: Brian W. Schoeneman | March 13, 2010 at 09:48 PM
omg - local gop guy actually thinks that it is Okey dokey for government employees to make more than private sector counterparts? what are we, France? Can I send you my tax bills since you actually think you're getting your money's worth?
Posted by: er... "bitter right wing loon" too, i guess | March 13, 2010 at 10:26 PM
er,
where did i say that? please post exactly where i said it was ok for government employees to make more than private sector employees? i said that those who claim that government employees make too much are full of SH&& because they have no clue what a government employee does, unless they are a government employee. if i had to guess, he was probably just throwing a bunch of S#&* at the wall and hoping something stuck. you dont go to work for the government for the money, thats a figment of the right wing propaganda machine. why dont you check the GS and SES pay schedules for the federal government, new employees start out around 40-45k, thats crap if you live in fairfax county. i guarantee you you make more than that in the same job in the private sector.
Posted by: local gop | March 13, 2010 at 10:58 PM