As you all know, before we get to the 2008 general election that (quite rightly) occupies so much of our attention and planning skills, there are a few shorter-term goals to keep track of. There have already been a few special elections to fill open seats at various levels of government, and there will be more. And there are several states with elections scheduled for 2007. Virginia, for one, elects delegates to their state legislature this year.
I've just been contacted by a progressive State Assemblyman who will be facing a challenge in the June 12 primary. He needs help, and money.
David Englin is a freshman member of the Virginia General Assembly, representing an Alexandria district in the battleground northern tier of this important state.
Following David's first legislative session, the Virginia League of Conservation Voters named him a "Legislative Hero" for his work on environmental issues, and NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia recognized David for leadership
in defense of reproductive freedom.
David authored 7 bills in his first session that passed both houses of the state legislature, including bills to protect seniors from wage discrimination, a bill to protect hospital visitation rights of domestic partners, and a bill to assist the disabled.
David seems to be one of the most progressive Democrats involved in Virginia politics at any level. He will be heavily targeted by the GOP, but before he gets to the November general election he must first beat back a well-funded primary challenge from the conservative wing of his own Party.
The Virginia primary is June 12.
Please visit David Englin's website at
http://www.davidenglin.org/
and if you like what you read, donate there to help him defend his seat. Or donate to David's campaign at the ActBlue page below, if you prefer.
http://www.actblue.com/...
Update David's primary challenger didn't get his papers filed in time. We'll check back on this district later in the electoral cycle, ok?