Pilot endorsements: 4 for 5 so far

Beginning Saturday and continuing through today, The Virginian-Pilot has endorsed in five races. My predictions have been accurate in all but one of those.

Incumbents Bobby Scott (3rd) and Randy Forbes (4th) were endorsed Saturday.

Both merit a return to Washington, but with the expectation that they will make greater use of their substantial seniority to further the interests of Hampton Roads.

Sunday, The Pilot endorsed Republican challenger Scott Rigell in the 2nd, my one miss. Agree or disagree, the editorial board provided a reasonable basis for their endorsement. The editorial was particularly harsh on Nye:

Throughout his term, Nye has offered little in terms of vision, either for the country or for the people of the 2nd District, and he has shown no willingness to take political risks or assume political leadership on difficult issues. This has made it exceedingly difficult for his constituents, and this board, to know what he stands for and when he’ll stand for it, or whether his votes have been based on principle or political calculation.

This much is certain: In his independent quest to be all things to all people, Nye has made himself into an unsatisfying representative.

Those who think The Virginian-Pilot is a liberal rag need to pull out this editorial and read it regularly.

Today, The Pilot endorsed Elizabeth Psimas for Mayor in Portsmouth.

At this moment, however, Portsmouth would benefit most from an experienced leader who also knows how to navigate City Council’s treacherous tides. Elizabeth Psimas, who arrived on the council six years ago, has a record of achievement that speaks well for her potential as mayor.

Also today the paper endorsed Earl Fraley in Norfolk’s Ward 7 race.

Most critically, at a time when Norfolk faces a series of challenges – including how to encourage and manage growth around light rail – Fraley’s background in planning lends him the experience to make thoughtful decisions both for now and for the city’s future.

Both of these endorsements – for open seats – relied on the experience of the candidates, that “deep understanding of the issues” that I mentioned.

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While I jokingly referred to the board as “bumping their heads” if they endorsed Rigell, the truth is that this group takes their endorsements seriously and unlike some other papers, do not blindly endorse based on ideology. (Like, say, The Daily Press or The Richmond Times-Dispatch, the latter which I have come to believe will endorse a dead Republican over a live Democrat. Chuck Smith in the 3rd? Really?) I think it takes courage to put the best interests of the citizens first, and The Pilot editorial board endorsements so far demonstrate that willingness.

Or maybe they stuck their collective wet fingers in the wind and endorsed who they think will win 😉