Every time someone like Ted Cruz wins a primary or gets elected to a position as important as the US Senate, it makes me very happy but it also makes me look harder at Virginia and ask why we can't do better? I look at our Republican congressman and I see conservative mediocrity. All are fine men, don't get me wrong, but why can't the Tea Party marshall better candidates for office? In 2010, nearly all the primaries went wrong (except the 11th) because too many wannabes and never-will-bes all ran under the Tea Party banner.
The leader of the new conservative movement in Virginia is clearly Ken Cuccinelli, but behind him there doesn't seem to be much depth. I am excited about the futures of the likes of Mark Obenshain, Bill Stanley, and Tom Garrett but there doesn't seem to be much of a bench out of the General Assembly. And for statewide office, the best we can do is a Bush-era retread who had a clear shot at the White House and blew it, and the Senate seat he lost, with a bullying comment? We couldn't find anyone young and exciting to run?
As excited as I am to see someone like Cruz come out of a state like Texas, it just reminds me that when it comes to sending true constitutional conservatives to Congress, Virginia continues to lead from behind.
Never thought I'd see the day when I saw this blog celebrate Gerry Connolly.
Posted by: Stephen Spiker | August 04, 2012 at 12:42 PM
Where did I celebrate Gerry Connolly?
Posted by: Chris | August 04, 2012 at 12:51 PM
Perhaps he means Jim Moran. You are a closet Jim Moran supporter, right Chris?
I kid. ;)
Posted by: Not Dick Saslaw | August 06, 2012 at 05:54 AM
I believe that all of the successful "tea party candidates", Ted Cruz included, were established republican politicians first. Those who are already part of the electoral machine are going to have advantages over those who aren't.
Posted by: Busy | August 06, 2012 at 03:54 PM