In a move that could have hardly been anticipated, Senator Benjamin Lambert III (D-Richmond) has endorsed George Allen over fellow Democrat Jim Webb.
Several members of the Legislative Black Caucus have not been happy with the lack of consideration shown by the Webb campaign. I have talked to a couple of them (still trying to reach others) and they are not happy with this development, but they agree that this opens the door for other members to do likewise. Both that I talked to were adamant that they will not be endorsing Allen. One in particular informed me that other more senior members of the state senate will also not be endorsing Allen.
I think I’ve been pretty clear on what I consider to be good behavior for elected officials, namely party discipline. I disagree with Lambert’s move here. If he was unhappy with Webb, he should have done the right thing and sat on his hands. And if the reason was to get even with Don McEachin, then this endorsement is despicable.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
I’ll display my ignorance, but did Lambert endorse Miller in the primary?
Sorry, found my own answer on an old Miller press release. It’s an interesting read now, http://www.miller2006.org/pressRelease.jsp?key=199&t=, subtitled “Lawmakers Condemn Webb and Allen for Anti-Affirmative Action Stances”
“Six African American legislators, including Senator Henry Marsh, Senator Benjamin Lambert, and Delegate Lionel Spruill, today announced their endorsement of Harris Miller for U.S. Senate. The legislators also expressed deep concerns about statements made by Miller’s primary opponent, James Webb, and his general election opponent, George Allen, regarding programs promoting diversity in state higher education and government.”
More from that press release…
“The legislators also criticized George Allen’s history of opposition to diversity programs and record of insensitivity to racial issues. As Governor of Virginia, Allen oversaw a cutback in diversity programs at VDOT and tried to narrow such programs at state colleges and universities.”
Vivian,
I truly appreciate your willingness to not frament the Dem party…it’s the last thing they need.
I am a strong supporter of Jim Webb and it is because I believe he does have integrity that he will be able to be held accountable.
I would not support Jim Webb if I believed he would promote racist policies or legislation against minorities.
I’m surprised by your statements that he hasn’t said anything substantive on the issues.
Off the top of my head I can say he has come out strongly for Net Neutrality and against the marriage amendment (federal and state).
How is this being fuzzy?
Um – “I’m surprised by your statements that he hasn’t said anything substantive on the issues.” ???
I think you have me mixed up with Virginian. I said no such thing.
Ms. Paige,
I remember well your stance on the lack of black turnout in the Democratic primary, and I was wondering if you think the Webb campaign (or Allen for that matter) have made any progress in courting that vote since then? I was at Sorensen to hear you eloquently describe your take on the issue (which as at odds with Professor Hollsworth’s position if I remember correctly). It’s early yet, but it seems that these conditions haven’t changed much.
Vivian…looks like the Virginian Pilot is not the only inaccurate one today.
You are correct…I am wrong on this one.
Sorry for the error.
Buzz…Buzz…Mosquito
Eileen – what’s your point?
Mosquito – no problem.
JMUDuke – As far as I have been able to determine, the situation in the black community has not changed. The Allen campaign is courting the black vote. At the McCain rally held here in Norfolk, the first people on stage were four black ministers. Those same 4 recently wrote a letter to the editor on Allen’s behalf.
The real issue here relates to voter turnout. As I understand it, most of the black vote in the state falls in the 3rd and 4th Congressional Districts, both of which have incumbents running unopposed. Therefore, there is no incentive for the black vote to turn out. The need to connect with the black community is, I think, critical to the success of the campaign.
As a black southerner who grew up in the ’50s and ’60s, I find Lambert’s endorsement of Allen beyond despicable. There are many who feel that affirmative action should be expanded to include or protect other groups. This does not make them racists. Some of Allen’s actions have been much more problematic. Especially for minorities and lower income citizens. Lambert should be booted from the LBC for this bonehead move.
Lambert is running and will win!!!
The Senator is the first and only african american to sit on finace(the most power committee in the GA PERIOD!
Lambert has produced for his district and mainly african – americans.
2million brown v board education fund
2 million for Marvin Anderson & Jefferey Cox who were wrongfully jailed and no other legislator did that….
Got funding for the single mothers undergraduate program at St. Pauls University.
Passed legislation to add more minority content to SOLs.
and so much more. We must not get caught up in the emotions of an endorsement and focus on economic parity for the 9th district and for minorities across the state.
The bottom line is the informed voters in the district see there is alot more at stake than an endorsement. Senator Lambert has the votes and the polls show the endoresment has lost alot of steam; so lets focus on getting back the majority in the GA and taking back our future.