Live Blog right now with Congressional Candidate Doug Denneny (D VA 11) 8:00-9:00 pm e.s.t. May 4th

Friends,
I'm Doug Denneny, a decorated Iraq War combat veteran running for U.S. Congress in Virginia's 11th CD in Northern Virginia. I'll be live blogging tonight, right now (Sunday 5/4/2008) at 8:00 pm e.s.t.  I'll be ready to answer your questions on any subject.  Here is my website Dougforcongress.com

This week, I unveiled my detailed plan to improve transportation in Northern Virginia at The Denneny Plan for Transportationto preserve and protect public education in America.  You can find it and other great documents on my website and please consider contributing to my campaign at contribute here

Last week, I unveiled my plan to protect and preserve public education in America, and three Saturday's ago, I walked over 16 miles from my District to the White House and the Capitol to symbolically deliver my plan for a smart, phased withdrawal from Iraq. Please take a look at my public education plan, and my You Tube video of the March, and a copy of my Iraq plan on my website at Dougforcongress.com  
I've been endorsed by four serving members of Congress, VOTEVETS.ORG, VETPAC and others.  I've endorsed Senator Barack Obama for the Presidency.  

Tonight, we can focus on my transportation plan, my education plan, the war, the economy, or you can ask questions on any relevant topic.  I live blog every Sunday I can at Daily Kos at 8 pm e.s.t.

I look forward to your questions and I am appreciative of your support.

We have four Congressmen endorsing our campaign, Congressmen Gene Taylor, Patrick Murphy, Joe Sestak and Phil Hare.  I've got great momentum, a great campaign, and I'm talking about issues that matter to all of us.

I have a primary election on June 10th.  This seat is trending Democratic and after I win the primary, our race (Virginia's 11th) is considered one of the top 5 picks to turn Democratic this November.  I will be the next Congressman from Virginia's 11th, an open seat currently held by retiring republican Tom Davis, but I will need your help.

Will you join me in my fight?  Please consider contributing to our campaign for Congress Contribute Here Together, we will bring change to our nation.

I look forward to answering your questions live tonight at 8 pm e.s.t.
Please recommend this Diary, my transportation plan, my education plan, and my plan for a smart, phased withdrawal, and spread the word.

All my best,

Doug
Doug Denneny
Democratic Candidate
U.S. House of Representatives
Virginia's 11th CD
http://www.dougforcongress.com

•  I'm up right now and ready to answer

  your questions. - Doug

  by Doug Denneny for Congress VA 11th on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:02:16 PM PDT

  •  Hi Doug. Not from VA, but

    just wanted to wish you well and thank you for your service, support of Senator Obama and willingness to discuss issues with us.

    Good luck!

    by speck tater on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:25:20 PM PDT

    •  Thanks ST! Appreciate it.

      by Doug Denneny for Congress VA 11th on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:29:09 PM PDT

•  American Science and Technology?

  Hi Doug,

  I was wondering if you would explain your views on how we can recapture the lead in science and technology advancement.  Recently China and India have cut into the traditionally American lead in this area.  Those countries are now generating more productive research scientists while simultaneously our universities suffer from poor graduate enrollment for Americans and a general reduction of government funding for both translational and basic research.  What can be done to address this problem by government, the public, and industry?   How will you contribute?

  by BigBensBeermaster on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:08:59 PM PDT

  •  Thanks for the question and

    I believe that it is up to the government and corporate america to invest heavily in R&D and S&T because all of us benefit from innovation.  Our labs and universities are phenomenal, we just need to ensure we attract the best scientists here and overseas to come here and lead the world in solving energy challenges, medical challenges and in other critical fields.

    I was a trained aerospace engineer, and I understand the importance of science and technology.

    As a member of Congress, I hope to serve on Armed Services, and I will have oversight of the very large RDT&E budget.  I hope to provide leadership in this area and ensure funding is adequate to provide innovation for our DoD and DoE labs.

    Thanks for the question,
    Doug

    by Doug Denneny for Congress VA 11th on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:20:09 PM PDT

•  Doug, Do you think the vice president has

  committed impeachable offenses. If you do would you support pursuing charges after he leaves office?

  Sorry no easy questions here.

  by CTMET on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:12:16 PM PDT

  •  I think he has committed high

    crimes and misdemeanors, but I don't think we'll get him before January.  I believe in the rule of law, and after consulting with the justice dept and federal prosecutors, if there is a case, I'd endorse pursuing charges against him.  Bottom line, I'd seek counsel, look at the evidence, and if there was a case, I'd support pursuing it.
    Thanks for the question, and I don't duck anything. - Doug

    by Doug Denneny for Congress VA 11th on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:25:04 PM PDT

    •  I agree

      Energeies are better spent defeating Republicans who enabled Bush's agenda

      by MontgomeryBurnsIII on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:35:59 PM PDT

    •  Thanks for responding Doug.

      Looking forward to seeing more Iraq veterans in Congress.... especially when more of them are home to run.

      by CTMET on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:38:50 PM PDT

•  I'm not from Virginia......

  ...so, I don't have any questions.

  But I thank you for your service to this nation and for your endorsement of Senator Obama and will do what I can to assist you in getting elected.

  by WeBetterWinThisTime on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:13:13 PM PDT

  •  Thank you very much, together

    we're going to make our nation greater.
    Take care,
    Doug

    by Doug Denneny for Congress VA 11th on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:25:45 PM PDT

•  Mr. Denneny...will you admit that

  "Hunt for Red October" is the best navy film produced in the last 30 years...and don't give me any of that "Top Gun" nonsense <g>

  by Morgan Sandlin on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:16:25 PM PDT

  •  also, I've already donated to your campaign...

    but will do so again as you are taking the time to address the concerns of posters here.

    When are country is in as much need for reasoned leadership as it is now politics ceases to be only a local concern.

    by Morgan Sandlin on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:20:08 PM PDT

    •  Morgan, greatly appreciated my

      friend.  You know that it isn't easy doing this and Congressionals cost a fair amount.  I don't have personal "coin" to fall back on and my wife doesn't own the Budweiser Distributorship in Arizona.  So I really appreciate it. - DD

      by Doug Denneny for Congress VA 11th on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:31:12 PM PDT

  •  Clancy rocks, no question.

    I loved HFRO.  Nothing like sticking a bunch of people in a sub, notching up the tension and seeing people come unglued.  Good stuff!
    I spent 30 days on a sub when I was a midshipman.  I figured out that I wasn't cut out for it.  The silent service is hard core!

    My father in law was a submariner, I have nothing but the greatest respect for them.  Amazing record of safety and professionalism.

    Finally, TOPGUN rocks.  A little cheesy, but escapism is good!

    I saw the national preview (was invited to attend) back in June of 86 in DC.  A great story.  Yes, Tom Cruise is short.

    More on that another time! - DD

    by Doug Denneny for Congress VA 11th on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:29:11 PM PDT

    •  Nice balance on the answer..lol.

      My husband is an Academy Grad. Retired as a captain and now in the corporate world making real money.

      At the time of HFRO he had command of the SubTraFac (I believe that's the correct acronym) at San Diego.
      He worked the HFRO film..though he still enjoys "Top Gun".

      I was lucky enough to be flown out to the Nimitz to watch operations..came away in awe of the young people and what they accomplished. In awe.

      Donation is sent and good luck with the race.

      by Morgan Sandlin on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:35:29 PM PDT

      •  Fantastic, thx again.

        Your husband probably knows my Father in Law.  He was the CO of SUBTRAFAC in Norfolk in 1989-90 when it just opened and was the CO of the Will Rodgers and Ben Franklin.  Spent most of his career in New London CT.  I don't want to get too personal on the web, but shoot me an email if you want at [e-mail] and I'll tell you his name.
        Take care and thanks for the contribution,
        Doug

        by Doug Denneny for Congress VA 11th on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:25:41 PM PDT

        •  Will do....

          They have a boat in common :)

          by Morgan Sandlin on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:27:50 PM PDT

•  Hello Doug

  and it's nice to see you spending time and engaging the folks here.

  One question for you: If elected, would you support and vote for passage of the Employee Free Choice Act?

  by Prison4Bushco on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:16:28 PM PDT

  •  Thx Priz4Arbusto, Yes

    I support the Employee Free Choice Act and I support the right to form a union. After 8 years of George Bush (hope you noted the Arbusto comment) and 14 years of Republican control of Congress, much of the protections enjoyed by organized labor have eroded. The EFCA would enact important safeguards to protect union members from harassment, dismissal or worse.
    Great question - DD

    by Doug Denneny for Congress VA 11th on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:32:57 PM PDT

    •  thanks for that response Doug

      and I immediately noticed your reference :)

      by Prison4Bushco on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:03:52 PM PDT

•  Doug,

  Could you tell us a little more about your plan to protect our public schools?

  I don't live in VA but I could help support your campaign.

  by Dragon5616 on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:16:52 PM PDT

  •  You bet, I'll give you the

    reader's digest version.  If you want the three page version it is at Denneny plan to Protect and Preserve Public Education

    1. NCLB - needs major overhaul.  Need to fully fund Title 1.  Support growth models instead of test and punish. Support ELL kids, don't punish them, civil rights protections.

    2. Fully fund IDEA.  40% promised in federal funding, only 17% delivered.

    3. Fight privitization and vouchers.  I'm a product of public schools, son of a public schoolteacher, my wife and I have two young children in public schools... etc.

    4. Support Teacher Recruitment and Retention.  Support a Teacher Training Corps similar to ROTC on college campuses, to include a summer graduate program for future administrators, tax breaks etc. to get teachers to help in tough neighborhoods, etc.

    Great question, and I learned to type fast in public schools! - Doug

    by Doug Denneny for Congress VA 11th on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:40:10 PM PDT

    •  Like the fully funding IDEA part. That is a

      disgrace right now.

      by CTMET on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:10:38 PM PDT

    •  Thanks Doug.

      Your Teacher Training Corps is a terrific idea.  I also strongly support the other planks in your education platform.  Go get 'em.

      Yes YOU can!

      by Dragon5616 on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:58:58 PM PDT

•  Medical Marijuana?

  Agricultural Hemp?

  Broader drug policy?

  by ben masel on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:19:56 PM PDT

  •  Fully support the use of

    medical marjuana.  I think California has it right when it comes to marijuana laws and the misdemeanor level.

    I never used drugs, but I don't take a "holier than thou approach" when it comes to adults smoking pot or drinking.  I enjoy a drink now and then, but I don't want people working with me hung over or stoned.  Keep it at home and don't bring it to work or school.  

    by Doug Denneny for Congress VA 11th on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:46:10 PM PDT

    •  Thanks, Hemp?

      There's plenty of history of its cultivation as a fiber crop in your district, tho I'd admit not much future potential due to loss of farmland.

      by ben masel on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:06:53 PM PDT

•  I am not a resident of Virginia

  I thank you for your service and wish you luck.
  Do you prefer a time table for the withdrawal from Iraq, and what do you think should be the long term strategy of the US in the Middle East?

  by PalGirl2008 on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:24:18 PM PDT

  •  I do support a timetable, or

    as I call it, a tough love approach.

    My Iraq "Smart Phased Withdrawal Plan" says that we should bring it down to 35,000 in Iraq and 35,000 troops in Kuwait by mid-2009.  And then further withdrawal after that.

    Long term strategy should be an aggressive diplomatic engagement.  We need to engage our enemies more aggressively, because we can't afford to saber rattle with Iran.

    Long term, let's bring some semblance of stability to the region.
    Thanks for the question,
    Doug

    by Doug Denneny for Congress VA 11th on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:48:57 PM PDT

    •  See my question

      about how you came up with 35,000 below

      by Dewey78 on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:18:06 PM PDT

•  Your transportation plan

  Hi Doug.

  I'm from Falls Church, but the part that is in Moran's district :)

  I'm still rooting for you though!  I thought your focus on transportation is spot on.

  I'm curious though... why do you think the Tysons Tunnel is a far better option than the aerial design, other than aesthetic reasons?

  Also, do you know anything about a light rail project from Old Town Alexandria, up Rt 7 to Tysons?

  Here's wishing you the best.

  by fcvaguy on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:26:50 PM PDT

  •  Thanks for the support in FC. I

    think the underground option is far superior. The above ground is a complete barrier to pedestrian and car "traffic".  I was on the Tysons Corner Land Use Task Force.  The above ground tracks aren't like the monorail through Disneyworld with little kids walking underneath.  It is a wall.  

    Tysons will be a mess with an above ground metro.  Think Berlin Wall.  Yes, it will be that bad.

    Life cycle costs, environmental reasons, track maintenance, aesthetics, etc.  The underground is the way to go.  

    Just think what the Rosslyn/Ballston Metro corridor is like, and then think what it would be like with tracks running down Wilson blvd?  Sorry to sound preachy, I'm just passionate about it because it is a generational decision.

    I haven't focused on the light rail project, I'll have to look into it.
    Thx for the question. - Doug

    by Doug Denneny for Congress VA 11th on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:53:36 PM PDT

•  DC Metro

  I see you have supported the Tunnel Option-

  Is the Tunnell through Tysons Corner still a possibility and do you have any idea why all of a sudden the DC metro expansion is back on the table?

  by TheSpartanOne on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:29:34 PM PDT

  •  Yes, it is still a possibility. I've

    talked to folks very familiar with the tunnel project, and they are overjoyed that the federal option has provided a block of time to allow an evaluation of the project.  Tunnel advocates like myself see this as another opportunity to bring the tunnel plan forward.

    I think the federal funds are back on the table because John Warner and Frank Wolf twisted the Republican administration's arms.  

    The $900M in federal funds is still a long way off, but their is a possibility of life.  Lots of caveats and requirements need to be met ... most importantly, we need a federal funding stream for metro.

    All things I will work on as the next member of Congress from NOVA.
    Thanks,
    Doug

    by Doug Denneny for Congress VA 11th on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:57:13 PM PDT

•  Obama Endorsement

  I see that one of your supporters seems to have endorsed Hillary.. yuck!

  Anyway would you- as the nominee- call on other super delegates from Virginia to endorse and vote for Senator Obama?

  by TammanyHall on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:31:40 PM PDT

  •  Good question, I actually have joined

    with 41 other political leaders around the state to convince Virginia super delegates to vote for Obama.  We have one chance for change, Obama for President, and I'll be honored to serve and bring change to the 11th CD of Virginia.

    by Doug Denneny for Congress VA 11th on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:59:00 PM PDT

    •  I'm liking you more and more Doug

      and while I can't vote for you, I'll gladly send a small contribution your way.

      by Prison4Bushco on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:08:02 PM PDT

      •  Thx for your support, greatly appreciated

        no matter the amount.
        Take care,
        Doug

        by Doug Denneny for Congress VA 11th on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:26:48 PM PDT

•  I'm not one your constituents

  but I grew up in your district (Burke, VA) and my immediate family lives there now.  My question should definitely be lower priority than those from your constituents.

  I would very much like to hear your take on net neutrality - will you fight to prevent telecom companies from becoming network gatekeepers?  I looked on your website and I couldn't find a position statement on this.

  I think your strong stand on the Dulles rail line is great.  IMHO, it's about time that got done.  Your balanced approach to immigration sounds right to me.  I think the over-harsh approach recently taken in Prince William county was impractical and counter-productive.

  Thank you so much for participating on this site and for your hard work and service!

  by mrchumchum on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:41:48 PM PDT

  •  I haven't taken a position

    on net neutrality yet, but that is just an oversight.  I think it is very important.  Freedom of speech lives at DK, and I think it should live on the net.  I'll support it in Congress.

    Thanks for the question and appreciate your insight on my positions.  Come on back, the water will be fine once again in January! - DD

    by Doug Denneny for Congress VA 11th on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:01:32 PM PDT

•  I live in Arlington, so Moran is my rep, but I

  am also interested in the Metro expansion situation.  Is it off the table completely?

  by choochmac on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:43:22 PM PDT

  •  Whoops I see you site says that it is back

    on the table.  So disregard that.  Any chance you know my friend Daryl Cardone, he taught at TOPGUN (not sure the years)?

    by choochmac on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:48:45 PM PDT

    •  I don't know him, I taught

      there from '93 to '95 back when it was at Mirimar Naval Air Station in San Diego.  I don't know all the folks there now.  

      It is a great school, and pretty awe inspiring to be surrounded by folks with that much talent.

      Tell him "Boog" says Hi.

      I was honored to have Willy Driscoll, a fellow instructor and ace from the Vietnam War (one of only two Navy aces) join my Vets for Doug section and endorse me.

      Good stuff.
      Thanks,
      Doug

      by Doug Denneny for Congress VA 11th on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:07:35 PM PDT

  •  It's back on, but barely.

    When Ms. Peters (Transpo Sec) and Mr Simpson (FTA) cut the funding option a few months ago.  We thought it was dead.  There wording did allow a little bit of wiggle room, but everyone thought it was over.

    Here is the bottom line, the non-competitive bid that went to Dulles Transit Partners (Mainly Bechtel Corp) is flawed.  The project will be over cost, behind in schedule and won't make its performance objectives.  The project does need to be re-bid, and we need to consider the tunnel option.

    So, it is still alive, it's on life support, and none of the politicians want to touch it.  I'll touch it, and bring my leadership and business experience to bear to try to get this project done.

    Thanks for the question,
    Doug

    by Doug Denneny for Congress VA 11th on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:04:59 PM PDT

    •  Thanks for fighting for it.

      The idea of not expanding the Metro in this area is crazy with all the traffic (and wasted resources that result).  Have plenty of friends in Vienna who I will send your link to.  Good luck!  Once this darn primary is over hopefully I can send a few dollars to you to expand the Democrats in NOVA.

      by choochmac on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:15:00 PM PDT

•  Whats wrong with VA Blogs

  They seem to have all aligned with Leslie?

  I think that a major problem with blogs is that while they started as outsiders- once bloggers- many of who had never been taken seriously by an elected official were star struck and lost their objectivity...

  Not really a question, more of a comment- My advise is to let the competition think they have won the election on the internet and spend your time knocking on doors and making calls to voters

  "Arguing on the internet is like winning the special olympics... even if you win, your still retarded"

  by RichieCunningham on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:46:37 PM PDT

  •  Good points ... I spent about 5 hours

    knocking on doors today, 3 hours at an event
    and I find this hour and a half to be really useful on Sunday nights because I can't call people now.

    I like the guys running Raising Kaine and Not Larry Sabato.  Both had long standing ties to Leslie.  That's the breaks.  Still good Democrats trying to get something done.

    I think if you asked them personally, they'd have a lot of good things to say about me, it's just that (one of them) has worked for her in the past and they made their decision.  

    Bottom line, the people will decide on June 10th and when I talk to the people, they love my message.  I'm going to win this thing on the streets.  I also love to blog and let people know where I stand, and I've been doing this extensively since August.  Straight talk is all you'll get out of me, and I don't want to pass up an opportunity to talk to folks like you who will spread the good word.

    Take care,
    Doug

    by Doug Denneny for Congress VA 11th on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:14:14 PM PDT

•  Hi, Doug.

  Best wishes for your success. I lived in Ashburn, north of Dulles airport, for about 15 years until my wife and I needed to move to Arizona to care for her elderly mother. I see that you support expanding Metro into the 11th. Are you onboard (forgive the pun) with expanding the system out to Dulles? How about to Ashburn, Leesburg and beyond?

  by edg on Sun May 04, 2008 at 05:54:22 PM PDT

  •  Thx, I'm fully supportive of

    taking it to Dulles.  I am a big proponent of rail and in the future, I think it should go beyond Dulles.  Rail is a great investment in the region, spurs transit oriented development (instead of taking down open space) gets people out of their cars, and helps the environment.

    Thanks! - Doug

    by Doug Denneny for Congress VA 11th on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:16:06 PM PDT

•  Sorry, it's a little after 9, but

  I noticed in your answer about Iraq you mentioned bringing the level of troops to 35 thousand in Iraq and Kuwait. Do that number mean anything, or is it just more political mumbo jumbo?

  by Dewey78 on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:08:39 PM PDT

  •  Good question. 35K

    brings you to 5 Brigade Combat Teams or Regimental Combat Teams for USMC, that takes up about 19K of the 35K.  The other 16K is support.  That includes fixed wing support, transportation, supply, etc etc.

    It is designed to give us 5 BCTS with the infrastructure to fully support.

    1 BCT up north (Mosul)
    3 BCTs in Baghdad/Anbar
    1 BCT in Basra

    Training, teaching, some direct combat support, but the IDF is in the full lead.

    Mirror force in Kuwait is prepping and will rotate in/out as needed.

    No mumbo jumbo!
    Thx,
    Doug

    by Doug Denneny for Congress VA 11th on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:19:51 PM PDT

    •  So when do those

      35 thousand troops get to leave Iraq. Sounds like your plan will lower troop levels but keep us in Iraq?

      No 100 Years!

      by Dewey78 on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:24:12 PM PDT

      •  Sorry, I didn't pass along

        that my plan has them out by 2011.

        by Doug Denneny for Congress VA 11th on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:27:47 PM PDT

•  Hi Doug:

  My question's are  one's that I have tried on many occasions to get answered. It pertains to to a subject that "NO" one wants to answer nor do they want to acknowledge that it even exists. Question, will you let the public know what the purpose is of the Chem trails that are being sprayed in are skies on a daily basis by our government? Also will you even acknowledge that our government is screwing around with chemicals from theses chem trails and the dangers that they pose to the citizens of America, Canada and other world citizens? Last but not least, will you get them to stop?  

  by tiredofcrap on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:17:47 PM PDT

  •  t.o.c., I actually am not

    aware of these chem trails, haven't heard of this before.  Give me the rundown.
    Thx

    by Doug Denneny for Congress VA 11th on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:21:33 PM PDT

    •  Chem Trail are

      chemicals that are sprayed from government of commercial aircraft. You can see them on a daily basis, look up in the skies and look at the criss crossing forms that look like clouds but really aren't. Google chem trails and you will see  what I am talking about. I have hundreds of pictures that I have taken of them.

      On days when they are spraying heavily, usually about a week later we see an increase of flu symptoms, as well as Upper Resp. problems. I am a nurse and I as well as many Doctors know about these Chem Trails and also about the correlation with these illnesses and the spraying. We have been getting wise to them, and taking note of them, when we started to see a rise in these illnesses in off seasons, ie. summer late spring.  

      by tiredofcrap on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:35:51 PM PDT

      •  Dude

        seriously?

        by Dewey78 on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:39:06 PM PDT

        •  Google it it is for real and no governmental

          will talk about it.

          by tiredofcrap on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:46:55 PM PDT

•  Thanks for a great session tonight and

  I'll be back up next Sunday.
  Thanks all,
  Doug

  by Doug Denneny for Congress VA 11th on Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:28:40 PM PDT