The 2017 Virginia primary fights are truly getting hot and heavy, with voting just two weeks away (13 June). The battle for the D Governor nomination, between Ralph Northam and Tom Perriello (truth in advertising, while I will support the D nominee in the fall, I have/am Choosing Tom … — as have Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Bill McKibben, … ) is gaining most of the electrons and media attention.
There are three candidates for Lieutenant Governor,
When it comes to the Lt.Gov. race, like many who will end up voting (whether early or on 13 June), I simply do not know who I will vote for … I can look you in the eye and tell anyone reasons for supporting each of them but have yet to focus on ‘which’ merits this Virginian’s ballot.
Thus, I am ‘winnable’ …
And, with the following 30 seconds, Justin Fairfax has done something to put him ahead of the competition:
The Virginia Line
I can see how the “Virginia Line” might become the most memorable element of the 2017 election.
Standing with his back to the Potomac, his back to the Make America Gag Again (through worsening health care quality and reducing access; through devastating environmental protections and promoting fossil-foolish energy options; through ...) Trump-ista GOP domination in Washington, Justin Fairfax draws a line … metaphorically a first line of defense, in the first major state election post Trump-regime takeover, against the Trump kakistocracy.
I’m Justin Fairfax, and I’m running for Lieutenant Governor.
Because the Virginia state line is where we start taking our country back from Donald Trump.
As a prosecutor, I took on drugs, violence, and human trafficking.
I know how to stand up to criminal abuse of power.
I’ll fight to protect our rights and build an economy that works for all Virginians.
We’re drawing the line right here. I’ll stand up TO the bullies…
And FOR all Virginians.
Watching that ad makes me sit up straight.
Hearing and reading those words stiffens the spine.
As per the above, while I haven’t ‘made up my mind’ in the Lt.Gov.’s race, this ad makes me want to stand with Justin to bolster the Virginia line again the bullies and criminal abuse of power that dominates DC.
For alerting re Fairfax ad, hat tip Blue Virginia. The Fairfax press release:
RELEASE: Fairfax Campaign to Air TV Ad “Virginia Line”
Arlington, VA – Today, the Fairfax campaign announced it will begin airing a TV ad entitled “Virginia Line”. With this ad, Justin Fairfax will be the first Democratic candidate for Lt. Governor to advertise on TV in this election.
Two weeks ahead of the June 13th primary, Justin Fairfax is focused on resisting the erosion of our rights by the Trump administration while creating economic security and opportunity so that people can rise to a brighter future in their own lives. Justin will “fight to protect our rights and build an economy that works for all Virginians.”
NOTE: We need to be clear, the VA Lt.Gov. position is pretty much like the Nixon VP to Eisenhower (funeral representative (sometimes), someone to stay by the car as the President golfs, and a potential vote in the Senate): a relatively powerless position with, to whatever extent it has power, the extent of power dependent on the relationship with the Governor along with the balance of power in the Senate (e.g., the power to decide a tie vote). Thus, can Justin Fairfax get any of those things done … well, probably not … but this is the power of a 30 second ad … does this motivate you to want to ‘ride into battle’ to protect Virginians and American Democracy alongside Justin?