I don't know what's going to happen down in the 57th, but I know that Democrats in the 45th have a choice. We can act like Democrats in safe seats and dutifully elect someone who's going to be a safe Democratic vote, someone who's been waiting his or her turn, someone who tries to convince us that the key qualification is willingness to try to get to know the Republicans in Richmond better.  Or, we can learn from our Republican counterparts' successes in dramatically shifting the agenda in this state (not to mention, nationally).  We can elect ayoung, true, and strong progressive leader who understands that, while legislating is ultimately about compromise, and that until the ratio changes we're going to continue to be disappointed in what comes out of the VA House, we must never start from a position of compromise.  We must start out fighting for what we really want, even while we know we won't get it this session, or even next.

Moreover, we can choose to elect a candidate with a proven track record of building the grassroots, of bringing new people into the party, and of turning that energy to support a broad range of Democrats and progressive ideals.

We can choose to nominate and elect my husband, David Englin.

Please take a moment and check out the campaign website: www.davidenglin.org.

See for yourself his bold policy proposals.  And see for yourself the strong grassroots campaign we're running.  If you have questions, please shoot him an email, info@davidenglin.org.  

Then, please, spread the word.  Please start by nominating him for the DFA endorsement:
http://petition.democracyforamerica.com/page/s/endorsementrec (The office he's running for is Delegate.)

When he announced his retirement from the 57th, Delegate Van Yahres called on Democrats to break form and elect some new blood:

"Since 2000 the level of petty partisanship in the House of Delegates has increased to almost intolerable levels.  Democrats spend all our time trying to defeat the increasing number of bills that attempt to take away people's rights; whether these efforts are directed at women, non-Christians, gays, immigrants, or anyone else that the majority party doesn't like.  The General Assembly used to be about protecting rights and helping those who can't help themselves.   Now it's about a narrow conservative political ideology and getting re-elected....  

In order for this to change we need more energetic young members.  So I have decided to step down to let a new generation of Democratic leadership take over.  On the positive side, this year I have seen a new spirit in the House Democratic Caucus.  A new Democratic delegate from the 57th district will be well situated to help guide the party's resurgence..."

Let's take Mitch's advice - support David Englin for Delegate.