VA: Libertarian Candidate for State Senate to Face of Against Careerist Republican Pol

From The Examiner:

Meeting in Waynesboro on July 23, the State Central Committee of the Libertarian Party of Virginia voted to authorize its chairman, Wilbur N. Wood of Berryville, to certify J. Todd Martinsen of Spotsylvania County as a Libertarian candidate in the election for the Virginia State Senate in the Fourth District.

Martinsen, a first-time candidate, will face off against incumbent Senator Ryan McDougle (R-4), who first won the seat in a special election called to fill the unexpired term of Bill Bolling of Hanover County, who had become Lieutenant Governor.  He was re-elected to a full term in 2007 . . .

VA: Modern Whigs Endorse Independent Candidate for House in VA-2

From the press release wire:

Kenny Golden (www.kennygolden.com) and the Modern Whig Party (www.modernwhig.org) announced today at a joint press conference they will be cooperating to help Kenny Golden bring solutions oriented public service, and end partisan bickering in Washington D.C., to the people of Virginia’s 2^nd Congressional District.

Kenny Golden is the third Modern Whig candidate this year and the second candidate in Virginia to carry the banner of the newly reorganized Whig party.  Revived by Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, the grassroots movement has quickly attracted tens of thousands of members.

Kenny Golden had this to say about joining forces with the Modern Whig Party, “I was quite impressed with the philosophy of the Whig Party. It matched well with my own philosophy and beliefs. I believe the Democrats and Republicans are out of touch with the electorate and concern themselves far too much with getting re-elected, instead of doing what is right for the country.”  He further stated, “It is time to end the partisan bickering in Congress.  The only way I know to do that is to put ideology and party loyalty in second position behind the people’s business,” Golden said.

VA: Four Third Party and Independent Candidates for Congress Profiled in Roanoke Times

From the Roanoke Times:

Polls suggest that people are unhappy not just with Democrats, who hold majorities in both houses of Congress, but also with Republicans. The four men running for Congress under independent and third-party banners in Western Virginia's three House districts share that frustration.

Jeff Clark in the 5th District and Jeremiah Heaton in the 9th are running as independents with the ability to perhaps at least influence the races between the major party candidates, while Libertarian Stuart Bain and Modern Whig Jeff Vanke both hope the absence of a Democrat in the 6th District will give them an opening against Republican incumbent Bob Goodlatte. All four are decided underdogs. But each is convinced that he can tap into voter discontent.

VA-5: Democrat Slams Republican for Avoiding Debate that Included Independent Candidate

From C-Ville:

The Fifth District Congressional race between Democratic incumbent Tom Perriello and Republican challenger Senator Robert Hurt is heating up this week, both on TV and in print. Perriello’s latest campaign advertisement attacks Hurt for missing the first Fifth District candidate debate, held in Charlottesville on August 11. On that day, Perriello squared off against Independent candidate and Tea Party member Jeffrey Clark. Hurt had previously said he would not participate in any debates that include Clark.

VA-2: Three-Way Debate to Take Place, GOP Candidate will Participate Despite Previous Opposition to Inclusion of Independent

From WVEC:

candidates for Virginia's second congressional district will debate for the first time this election season Thursday night.  Republican candidate Scott Rigell has had a change of heart about participating in the debate with one of the other candidates. Initially, Rigell said he wouldn't show up if Independent candidate Kenny Golden were allowed to participate.

VA: Independent Green Challenges Two Former Governors in Senate Race

From The News Virginian:

Third-party candidacies are almost always difficult, but they are especially so when you are running for the U.S. Senate in Virginia against two former governors, Mark Warner and Jim Gilmore.

Yet Gail Parker, of Alexandria, the independent Green Party candidate, thinks she offers the most practical choice in November.

“I’m a budget analyst and we can’t keep sending millionaires and lawyers to Congress to represent the interests and values for the rest of us,” said Parker, 62, a Central Michigan University graduate who worked in intelligence with the Air Force and spent two decades as a Defense Department budget analyst.

Parker wants to see construction of high-speed rail for a more vibrant economy and a balanced budget. She said the Congressional consideration of a $700 billion bailout of troubled financial banks and institutions is “welfare for Wall Street.”

“This will require us to increase the debt ceiling for the sixth time since 2001,” said Parker, who wants to balance the federal budget and pay off the debt.

The article goes on to point out that the Democrat and Republican in the race are colluding to exclude Parker from any and all candidate debates and forums.  Apparently, they are afraid of political competition.   

VA: Independent Green Candidate Stands on Principle rather than with Party

From the Star Exponent:

The Independent Green Party candidate for the Seventh District seat in U.S. Congress visited Culpeper last week to meet with the chairman of the American Conservative Party, a newly formed grassroots group based in Leesburg.

After lunching with the ACP’s Butch Porter at Frost Café, Floyd Bayne, 52, of Midlothian talked frankly with the Star-Exponent about his deep-rooted views and why he won’t blindly align himself with any party, including the one that will show up beside his name on the ballot in November.

Originally set to run as an independent, Bayne accepted the Independent Green Party of Virginia’s endorsement a few weeks ago because he needed access to their political infrastructure as he prepares to face incumbent Rep. Eric Cantor, the five-term incumbent who is the No. 2 Republican in the U.S. House.

VA: Independent Speaks to Tea Party Group in CD-5

From GoDan River: 

The independent candidate running against U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello, D-Ivy, and GOP nominee Robert Hurt faced some skeptical questions Thursday from members of the Jefferson Area Tea Party.Several members of the Charlottesville-area conservative group told Jeff Clark - a Danville resident and Tea Party member himself - that they are worried his candidacy will split the conservative vote on Nov. 2 and deliver a victory to Perriello.. . .

“We have to put our foot down, draw a line in the sand and say ‘No more!‘“ said Eugene Scott of Earlysville. “If [Clark’s candidacy] causes Tom Perriello to be re-elected, so be it. It also causes a revolution in the Republican Party.“Supporting Hurt, Clark argued, would be a compromise. Sacrificing conservative principles to back a GOP nominee simply to beat a Democratic incumbent, he said, is “no victory at all.“

“Patrick Henry did not say ‘Give me liberty or give me someone I can live with,‘“ Clark said.. . .

Carole Thorpe, chairwoman of the Jefferson Area Tea Party, said she has invited all three candidates to appear at the nonpartisan group’s monthly meeting. Hurt has been invited to appear in July and Perriello has been invited to come in August.“My take is, we have three candidates,“ Thorpe said. “Let’s give them all an equal shot.“

VA: Conservative Independent Vows Challenge to Democrat-Republican Establishment

From WFIR:

Independent Candidate Jeff Clark says he is in the 5th District Congressional race to stay, and will face both Democrat Congressman Tom Perriello and Republican Robert Hurt this fall. Clark is a Danville businessman who believes Hurt is not a sufficiently conservative challenger to Perriello.

Hurt racked up a solid win in Tuesday's Republican primary. A leading political analyst says with or without a third candidate, this race could easily swing either way in November. More from News/Talk 960's Evan Jones.

Follow the link for the audio.

VA: Conservative Independent to Challenge Democratic and GOP Establishment Candidates in CD-5

From WSET:

Danville, VA - Now that State Senator Robert Hurt has won the Republican primary, an Independent candidate has announced he will stay in the race for the 5th district house seat.  Jeffrey Clark, a Danville business owner, says he would have dropped out had one of the other six candidates won. He doesn't find Hurt to be conservative enough, so he's running against him.

VA: Independent Candidate to Challenge Republican Rep. Cantor, Interview in the Examiner

From Richard Sincere at the Examiner:

Floyd Bayne of Midlothian is an independent candidate for Congress, challenging House Minority Whip Eric Cantor in the Seventh Congressional District, which stretches from Richmond in the south to Page and Rappahannock counties in the north. Rick Waugh, a social worker from Louisa County, will be the Democratic Party’s candidate in that district.

Bayne spoke to the Charlottesville Libertarian Examiner after a meeting of Virginia political activists in Richmond on May 11.  Asked what his top issues will be during the general election campaign, Bayne exclaimed, “Wow. There are so many.” Then he ticked off three: “Constitution. Personal liberty. Fiscal responsibility.”

VA: Virgil Goode on Joining the Constitution Party

From the Richmond Times Dispatch:

Virgil H. Goode Jr., a Republican from Rocky Mount who represented the 5th District in Congress for six terms, has joined the conservative Constitution Party -- but he says that doesn't mean he's quitting the GOP."I don't think they're mutually exclusive," Goode said.

VA: Libertarian Matthew Mosley Nominated in CD-8

From PR Web:

Matthew Mosley of Oak Hill, VA, has received the nomination of the Libertarian Party of Virginia to be its candidate in the election for the U.S. House of Representatives in Virginia’s Eighth Congressional District on Tuesday, November 2, 2010.


Libertarians believe in the constitutional principle that all people should be able to live their own lives as they choose, without interference, as long as they do not harm other people or their property. To that end, Libertarians call for reduced government spending, lower taxes and real respect for civil liberties.

Mosley said, “As an entrepreneur and small business owner, I believe that anyone who is willing to work hard can shape their own future. Unfortunately, millions of hard-working Americans are struggling or unemployed today due to government policies that favor special interests and wealthy corporate executives over the average working family. I am running for Congress because I believe that the innovation and drive of the American people represents the engine of our economy, and in order to grow we must reduce the size of government and lower the tax burden on individuals and small businesses.”

VA: Libertarian Party Denouces Police Raid on Student Newspaper

From WHSV:

After a raid on a student newspaper, the Libertarian Party of Virginia is calling for Rockingham County Commonwealth's Attorney Marsha Garst's resignation. On April 16, 2010, Garst arrived at the offices of 'The Breeze,' the James Madison University student newspaper, with police officers in a raid demanding photographs taken during an altercation between police and students at Springfest April 10. They told the editor, Katie Thisdell, if she didn't comply, they would seize computers and other equipment.

"This is absolutely chilling," says Bill Wood, Chairman of the Libertarian Party of Virginia. "It is the kind of thing you would hear happening in the former Soviet Union or Cuba, not in the United States of America."

VA: Roanoke Independent For City Council

From the Roanoke Star Sentinel:

Democrats and Republicans aren’t the only ones jockeying for the three Roanoke City Council seats up for grabs. Independent candidate Carl Cooper also announced his bid last week, saying among other things that “the time for wishy-washy is over.”  Cooper implored council members to make decisions and follow through, something he said he would do if elected in May.

Modern Whig Party Organizing in CA, VA, GA and NC

From the Modern Whig Party blog:

The Executive Committee is pleased to confirm the appointment of Robert Shelley as State Chairman for California. Andy Trinidad has decided to spearhead the movement of the Modern Whigs in the Los Angeles County area. . . . Virginia: The Modern Whig Party of Virginia reports that it is now registered as a Political Action Committee. This status, among other items, allows the Virginia Whigs to accept donations as it continues to grow and develop.

The recent Virginia report can be viewed in full here that describes a number of benchmarks that the Virginia Whigs have met.

Western Region: The Western Region of the national Modern Whig Party continues to grow and develop. This includes attracting new members and leaders, as well as arranging meetings. For example, the Riverside County (California) Modern Whig Party recently held its regularly scheduled meeting.

Georgia & North Carolina: The revived Whig Party also is seeing noticeable growth in the Southeast. For example, the Georgia Whig Party is spearheading the cutting edge "Methodology over Ideology" element. This effort is being put to practice through several meetings throughout the state with members, prospective members, media, political activists, business leaders and others.

In North Carolina, recently approved chairperson John Chappelle has announced plans to develop a push into the state. The first Web site of the North Carolina Whigs can be viewed at www.ncmodernwhig.org.

Virginia Whigs Establish Political Action Committee

From the Modern Whig Party blog:

The Modern Whig Party of Virginia reports that it is now registered as a Political Action Committee. This status, among other items, allows the Virginia Whigs to accept donations as it continues to grow and develop. The February newsletter describes a number of benchmarks that the Virginia Whigs have met.

VA: Arlington Green Party Recruiting Candidates for Office

The Sun Gazette reports:

The Arlington County Green Party will hold a candidate convention as part of its next monthly meeting, to be held on Wednesday, March 3 at 8 p.m. at Silver Diner on Wilson Boulevard.

Candidates interested in seeking either the nomination or endorsement of the party for County Board, School Board or 8th District U.S. House of Representatives should contact Kirit Mookerjee at (540) 424-8373 or e-mail info@arlingtongreens.org.

VA: Arlington Green Party Endorses Proposal for Representative Government

The Sun Gazette reports that the Arlington Green Party has come out in support of a proposed change to the current for of Arlington County's government:

The Arlington Green Party has become the first major county organization to endorse the proposed referendum to change the form of the county government.

At its January meeting, the party voted to endorse efforts of the Arlington Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Association and Arlington Coalition of Police in their effort to garner enough signatures to get the proposal on the ballot.

Switching from the current form of government, where day-to-day authority is delegated to an unelected county manager, to a form where more power is vested in elected officials, would serve the community well, Green Party official John Reeder said.

Last year, Reeder was a Green Party candidate for the County Board.  From his campaign website:

Arlington’s top-down government is increasingly indifferent to the needs of Arlington residents, and is run by a political machine that ignores the environment, preservation of existing neighborhoods, and the well being of low and moderate income residents. The five machine Democrats on the city council (county board) vote unanimously nearly every time on every important item. The diverse needs of Arlington’s population go unfilled as Democratic Party policies dominate.

In the past decade, the Arlington county board spent tens of millions of dollars on vanity projects that benefit developers, but have only marginal, if any, benefits for Arlington residents. The same county board refused in 2006 to come up with a few million dollars so that mentally and physically impaired residents can become independent outside their families and remain in Arlington in group homes. It turned a blind eye to preserving historic, 1930s era, garden apartment complexes where 70-and 80-year old grandmothers and working class folks lived for 60 years.

The same county board that has bragged about its environmental record, but has virtually no recycling in Arlington parks, commercial buildings, and for the two-thirds of residents who live in multi-family units, and just looks the other way as the tree canopy disappears to the bulldozer and chainsaw, and McMansions pave over Arlington’s picturesque old neighborhoods.