I opened up the paper this morning and saw this story on the cover of the Hampton Roads section. Democratic candidate Ralph Northam has incumbent state senator Nick 
Rerras on the ropes. He’s outraised him, he’s siphoning away his support and he is campaigning hard. Of course, Rerras’ “feminazi” comment hasn’t helped his cause and no doubt will haunt him throughout this campaign. Mary Commander is going to make sure of that 😉
Last night, I attended a fundraiser for Northam. The special guest for the evening was state senator Creigh Deeds. Always of interest to me is who else shows up at these events.
First, it was hosted by Northam’s neighbor and big-time supporter Sheriff Bob McCabe. McCabe, as the article points out, supported Rerras last time around. The article mentions that Councilman Randy Wright has stayed neutral in this race. McCabe and Wright are pretty close. Has the Sheriff convinced Wright to stay out of this race? Regardless, Wright’s staying neutral has to hurt Rerras and is nearly the equivalent of endorsing Northam.
Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim also was there. The article was careful to point out that Fraim “does not support Rerras.” Hmm – wonder if this had anything to do with that sentiment?
Norfolk Vice Mayor Anthony Burfoot, who the article says endorsed Rerras last time, was there as well. I’d wager he is no longer neutral in this race.
Delegate Paula Miller, Norfolk Clerk of Court George Schaeffer, and Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney Jack Doyle were also present. Joining us late were Virginia Beach Commissioner of the Revenue Phil Kellam and 21st district candidate Bobby Mathieson. In his opening remarks, McCabe saved the introduction of Delegate Johnny Joannou for last. He recognized Joannou’s support of the sheriff’s offices around the state and the recent legislation benefiting the sheriff’s deputies.
Northam, surrounded by these electeds and other friends and supporters, spoke briefly about the campaign and how well it is going. Deeds spoke of how important this race is to gaining control of the Senate this year. All in all, it was a good event for Northam.
Technorati Tags: Ralph Northam, Virginia Senate Races
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
There’s also the issue of Rerras’ disregard for the disabled. He reportedly stated that the mentally ill are possessed by demons, and that the parents of mentally ill children are being punished by God. Recent events underscore the fact that we can ill afford an elected representative so ignorant of the needs and unrealized potential of the mentally ill.
Rerras should also explain his support for the draconian civil penalties for traffic offenses in the recently enacted transportation act.
Nice to see Bobby Mathieson campaigning hard in the wrong city, and Phil Kellam holding his hand still.
So, Brian K thinks if a candidate shows up at a dinner to support a fellow candidate, that means they are “campaigning hard in the wrong city?” And if another elected official is there at the same time, that means they are “holding his hand?”
I guess that means George Allen was here to hold John Welch’s hand two weeks ago. And all the Republicans who showed up to kiss the ring of Fred Thompson in Richmond a few weeks ago were campaigning in the wrong city.
Geez . . . sounds like Brian has a lot to learn about politics. Playing a game like connect-the-dots must confuse the hell out of him and tie him up in fits. Guess this explains why Marty Williams isn’t going back to the General Assembly next session
Does Creigh Deeds represent himself as ‘Senate Caucus Chair”? If so, how does Senator Mary Marget Whipple feel about that…
She actually IS the Senate Democratic Caucus Chair – the designer of the Senate efforts to retake the chamber. Dick Saslaw is the minority leader. Creigh is the Senator for Bath County and former statewide candidate for AG (lost to McDonnell). He’s not in the elected Senate leadership.
Someone should check with Mary Margaret whether she’s decided to give up her spot……….
Don’t blame that on Creigh. I heard someone refer to him as such and put it in without checking. I’ve taken it out.
Hey, Bull, compared to what Mathieson usually does, that IS campaigning hard 🙂
Maybe, Anthony Burfoot should ask Rerras to take his name off of his website. Rerras also can correct all of the misspelled names of his supporters there. You would think that the dummy could at least spell the names of his friends.
BK — You’ve got special insight to what Mathieson has been doing as far as campaigning? Right . . . . . Compared to what L-A Welch does, my 6 year-old campaigns hard.
I’ve seen Democratic campaigns in Virginia Beach. Your 6-year old compares favorably.
Marcia – I don’t see Burfoot’s name there. Maybe I’m looking the wrong place?
But you’re right about the misspellings. Heck, the first two names listed under Norfolk are misspelled. At the minimum, you’d think he’d know how to spell the names of elected officials!
Sorry- His name WAS there, but I guess Burfoot took care of it. I suppose Nick will need to add his new friend Paul “Ham” Riddick though. What’s with that?
How about Virginia Beach? Ron Villanuaeva?
However, them Republicans have John Welch’s website up, and there’s only one obvious error. Someone less grammar-challenged than Welch must have helped.
I saw Marty Williams’ campaign. My 6-year old does even better. You might want to think twice, or even three times, about criticizing other campaigns until there is some improvement with your R’s . . . .
You might even want to read Pat Murphy’s editorial on VA News Source, dated June13th . . .
Pat Murphy? Bullwinkle? When are people gonna at least be brave enough to use their own names?
marcia – I know nothing more on the Riddick endorsement other than what was in the paper. I see that Daun Hester has also endorsed Rerras.