At last, the die has been cast for the 10th Congressional district race now that both Democrat and Republican primaries have taken place.
In one corner: senior incumbent Republican Congressman Frank Wolf.
In the opposite corner: upstart Democrat challenger Jeff Barnett.
While it’s not, on the face of it, the race of our times – like others in Virginia are pumped to be in November – it is a race that came about rather unexpectedly, because in the end it came so easily.
It appeared just months ago Wolf would have a tea-infused, intra-party challenger to his right. It looked just as likely that the Democrats would have a trove of challengers jostling to take on the 15-term incumbent.
Over the course of a month this spring, Wolf’s Republican challenger ‘suspended’ his campaign, and the Democrats quietly settled on a single nominee – making the primaries of June 8 superfluous.
So now what? Will 2010 be different?
After Wolf made short shrift of Democratic challenger Judy Feder in the 2006 and 2008 elections (heavily Democratic years, it should be noted,) many are ready to call this year’s race a yawner for Wolf because of what political observers have deemed to be an anti-Democratic mid-term election year.
To which we say, “Now hold on just a sec.”
As some primaries have shown this year, no incumbent can be called ‘safe.’ As much as there may be an “anti-Democratic” tilt – taking into account mid-term election history, mind you—there is just as strong an “anti-incumbent” veneer across the political boxing ring. Just ask amiable incumbent GOP Sen. Bob Bennett, who was unceremoniously turfed out by fellow Utah Republicans last month, or several Democratic incumbents who were given the boot by fellow Democrats in their own primaries.
These are skittish and volatile times. No one is immune. More broadly, what we mean is, no one should take this race – or any other – for granted.
But we think Wolf gets that. His message in the past few months has been reconciled to acknowledge an edgy constituent base searching for solutions instead of partisanship.
It is also our belief that Wolf’s opponent, Barnett, should be given a fair chance to prove his mettle. He has managed to raise a fair amount of money, and Barnett did efficiently dispatch his primary challengers.
He also is well-versed on a subject many people care about deeply. As a former Air Force lieutenant colonel, he can speak with authority on military issues – to wit, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
There are some things we’d like to see in this race.
The first is more of Wolf and, especially, Barnett.
We know Wolf – elected in 1980. We need to know, and to see more, of Barnett. As a challenger, it’s incumbent upon him to make the case as to why this should be Frank Wolf’s final term in office.
We’d also like to see a solid discussion of the issues – those that matter most to us in Loudoun, in an economy that is as volatile and unsteady as the electorate. Issues such as job creation, small-business growth, economic development, transportation, taming our embarrassingly escalating debt and deficit. More about Middleburg, less so about the Middle East.
If this race turns into a middling, junior-varsity spitball fracas of slogans cheaply demonizing “Barack, bailouts, and BP,” it would be a true disservice to political discourse and the expectations of an apprehensive electorate.
Then, there are the debates.
We vigorously support a busy schedule of joint appearances for both candidates where the audience can ask unscreened questions of each, and candidates can ask each other pointed questions without the useless structural chaperoning of Byzantine debate rules that give voters nothing of value.
Another request: decorum. This is something we believe Wolf understands. Agree with him or not, he’s a gentleman and not a rabid polemicist (note to Tea Partiers.)
So far we’ve seen the same from Barnett. We hope that continues. A year such as this will surely tempt each to go negative. Resist, we say, at all costs. People are turned off enough as it is about politics today.
As we kick off this general election race, we leave this final thought with our readers: Register to vote. Pay attention. Get involved. Demand answers. Attend forums. Force accountability.
I just viewed the video camcoria posted. I have to say that this is simply turning into Bush politics all over again. You win if you stay away from the President. Saying you wish you could be there to vote for a Bill everybody is hating is not good.
At all.
http://www.abknowledge.com/mike-geary-review.php
ModeratePol, I feel for those situations. But it’s still no reason for the government to steal money from my pocket to give it to others who have done nothing to deserve it. I work hard at my job, and have a right to spend my money how I choose. If that means that some go without medical care, that’s a decision I can live with.
I only wish that there were a candidate more conservative than Frank Wolf in this election… but as there is not, I will happily vote for him as I’ve done since I moved into the county several years ago.
I have voted for Wolf, and I have even supported his campaign in the past. I cannot do so ever again. I let his office know that I was ashamed to have ever supported him and would actively support whomever should oppose him this fall. And so I shall. We need fewer politicians and more statesmen. Wolf is definitely the former. I don’t know which Barnett will prove to be, but he deserves chance.
I’d like to hear from someone who is upset about the healthcare reform bill that was passed by Congress and signed by President Obama—and who has either (a) Lost their health insurance when they lost their job and have found it impossible to get a decent job (and insurance) in today’s economy, or (b) Were forced into bankruptcy through no fault of their own when they lost their health insurance and were overwhelmed with medical bills to care for a family member with a serious illness, or (c) Lost their health insurance because of a pre-existing condition then became seriously ill.
If you fall into one of these categories, tell us all why you have opposed healthcare reform and how you’ve dealt with family illnesses, paying your mortgage, and financial stability without health insurance coverage.
I started with the name calling,I believe it was Cathymac who said “irrepsonsible, childish Democrat leaders”.
Why would you assume I was a consistent republican? I am an Independent, and have not ever said or projected that I was a Republican or Democrat. The words of the constitution can’t be changed to fit peoples wishes. General welfare, at least to most people, means basic welfare or meeting basic needs. That doesn’t mean that everyone should have equal care, just the basic care needed to pursue life, liberty etc., not cosmetic surgery. The constitution may not guarantee equal results, but it guarantees equality in basics rights. After that your on your own.
How has Wolf changed? The reason I had always voted for him was that he voted for what was best for the people of district 10, and now he votes by party lines instead. Here are a few examples. In 2007 voted yes to protect children on HR976 by expanding insurance coverage for them, which they would have needed if HR4247 hadn’t passed. He voted against this bill, Preventing Harmful Restraint and Seclusions in Schools Act. On 4/22/09 he voted for HR 957, to provide funds towards education for green technologies & on 6/29/09 voted for HR 2454, energy and climate change policy to achieve energy independence within 10 years and 100 percent energy independence within 20 years. Then on 05/06/10 voted against HR5019 which would save energy, and lower energy bills. The only times that he hasn’t recently voted party line were 3/20, HR1612, Public Lands Service Corps Act of 2009, and 3/25, HR1586, “ To Impose An Additional Tax on Bonuses Received From Certain Tarp Recipients.” which I fully agree with him on.
The only people that use “promote the general welfare….” to insert that the constitution is supposed to make things “equal” - are those that believe in the welfare state. “Let’s start” has outed themselves in blogspeak and their interpretation of the constitution.
Back on topic though, how did Frank Wolf change? I don’t see any wild swings in his voting record. I’d love to hear what Wolf voted for that pretend supporters are just NOW considering voting for an alli of Obama. Color me suspicious, but to go from consistent Republican (as Let’s Fresh would have us believe)to Obama supporter is not exactly the mood of the country, nor does it follow any logic.
Cathymac, my sincere apologies…… But, it appears Let’s Start Fresh has already started with the name calling, i.e. right wing nuts. Unsure if Let’s Start Fresh understands the Constitution. It’s a document that lays the foundation for our country and limits the power of a government to intrude on our Liberty (i.e., freedom). I didn’t state I didn’t deserve “rights,” of course I (we) do. I stated we don’t deserve “things” like a big fat house, big fat car. The Constitution states “We the People” have an equal opportunity to work and earn these things if we want them to pursue them. If you don’t want them, fine. Don’t complain if you don’t have them. Even if you work for them and don’t get them, we can’t complain either because the Constitution doesn’t guarantee equal results. By the way, it’s “promote” the general Welfare, and not “provide” the general Welfare as, I believe, Let’s Start Fresh thinks it means.
Who cares what you believe about who I voted for. Times change and people change, like Wolf, and so does my vote. You may not feel that you deserve rights, but that constitution that you are always touting says that “we the people” do. what about this statement “promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America” taken from the constitution?
It doesn’t specify that only a select group should be taken care of.
But I sure that all you right wing nuts never look at anything that you don’t want to see, or doesn’t conform to your ideals. Like believing factcheck.org is left of center. If you ever looked at it you would see there is as much about democrats as republicans. For some the truth is too much to bare.
Atlas, I don’t think you have a bone to pick with me - it is “Let’s start Fresh” that is advocating for all the nanny state policies and claiming they are a former Wolfe voter. I don’t believe “Let’s” has voted for Wolfe either, as they are way too practiced in their liberal-speak. I suspect they are a member of the liberal “seminar callers” that peppers talk shows and blogs with false comments, as in “I used to be a Republican BUT…..(fill in the blank)”.
It’s not about who “deserves” anything, it is about the Constitution and our rights. If Barnett has decided to run, AT THIS TIME in the history of our country, as a Democrat - we must question his ideology and ability to reason.
I do not believe you’re credible Cathymac with your statement that you’ve always voted for Wolfe. But, I digress. I don’t believe we as Americans “deserve” anything. Heck, then I deserve a big fat house, I deserve a big fat car, I deserve…. (fill in the blank). Healthcare is not a right. All we ask is “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” BTW, the ANNENBERG Public Policy Center is behind factcheck.org and I would guess… they are, uh, way left of center.
They’re all crooks with huge egos. Vote em all out!
Cathymac, hate to say it but I have been voting for Wolf for many years, fact, and I don’t care what you believe, it won’t change it. Don’t you believe that in a country like ours that everyone deserves health care? or don’t you believe the CBO saying it will reduce the deficit? maybe you think that people who have lost their jobs and their health care are just lazy and the recession had nothing to do with it. And maybe you didn’t actually learn about Barnett and how he plans to reduce the deficit. But you probably never checked his policies out. At least I can say that I have taken a hard look at the policies of both candidates. If you want to just be part of a group that does what their told regardless of it being the truth or not,then be a follower, but you should try to find out the truth.
let’s start fresh, Good Luck with Barnett and the Obama agenda. As much as you’d like to frame Wolf as out of touch, I think you are going to be in for a big surprise when your candidate is asked to explain his support for healthcare and continued wasteful spending. This is not 2008.
wolfe is an adult? Raping the constitution? a little fanatical? Some people are as out of touch with reality as wolfe is. I guess you believe everything you get sent in your emails too. Time for some people to start checking with factcheck.org.
Silent Majority - Sorry, that blast was for “Let’s start fresh” - I’m with you 100%!
Cathymac:
I did vote for Wolf in 2008 and I will again in 2010. What’s up with you calling me out as a fake. The left is raping the Constitution and running this country into the ground in the two short years that they’ve been in charge. It’s been like watching a toddler get behind a steering wheel. Absolutely irresponsible with devastating consequences.
Silent Minority - I doubt you ever voted for Frank Wolf, but we really do enjoy the tactics of the left that call in, write in and voice opinions as if they were a part of the conservative majority.
BTW, I like that Wolfe knows how to be an adult and say “no”, unlike the irrepsonsible, childish Democrat leaders. We need Frank as our Rep more than ever.
I have always voted for Wolf. He always stood for what was best for us. But now he has joined the party of NO. He has voted against his own people by voting against the child protection act, and the funding extension for those who are unemployed. Will I vote for him? NO! Barnett seems more in touch with the people. He has my vote.
I will vote for Wolf.
Jeff Barnett is a breath of fresh air! He has practical goals which are both short-term (create local jobs) and long-term (invest in education so our citizens will be ready for the jobs of tomorrow). I look forward to calling him “congressman” soon.
I visited Jeff Barnett’s website, www.jeffbarnettforcongress, and have to say I was very impressed. I think he will give Wolf a run for his money. This is a candidate I can relate to.
Is Frank Wolf getting lectured on decorum? Frank Wolf has a solid history of clean and above board campaigns. The last thing the people of Loudoun County (or the country) needs is the another Representative to support the unbelievably irresponsible agenda of President Obama. Game on.
Just what we need from Barnett, another tax and spend member of Congress. Here he laments that he wasn’t in Congress to vote for the horrendous Obamacare bill.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vozj71uBAew
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