Boy did they really blow it! Talk about out of touch. As described by the failed embarrassing Brian Moran campaign’s press release, an “Overwhelming Majority of Loudoun Dem Elected Officials Endorse Brian Moran”. And Supervisors Buckley, Burk, and Miller, Delegates Poisson and Caputo, School Board members Stevens and Godfrey, and Leesburg town officials Umsttad, Martinez, and Butler were hugely contradicted by their own party’s voters as Moran finishes dead last in Loudoun County.
Here’s the Loudoun County results (see them at Loudoun BOE here):
Creigh Deeds 49.96%
Terry McAuliffe 30.36%
Brian Moran 22.66%
How absolutely embarrassing for the “overwhelming majority of Loudoun Dem elected officials”! With their high profile support, Moran actually did WORSE in Loudoun County than he did statewide! Moran lost almost all precincts in Buckley’s, Miller’s, and Burk’s districts. Pathetic!
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Jun 10th by Loudoun Insider
Remember when everyone said Deeds would never win in NOVA?
RichmondDem
on June 10th, 2009I never said that!
I am just absolutely amazed that Moran did WORSE in Loudoun than statewide. Unbelievable! Some of these Dems really need to go into hiding for a while after this!
Loudoun Insider
on June 10th, 2009Well, did they endorse early when it looked like Moran was ahead, and before he had borderline nervous breakdown when McAullife entered the race?
This is why you don’t endorse early!
RichmondDem
on June 10th, 2009I wonder how many of the Moran voters in Loudoun were crossovers? Were his numbers even worse?
I am bookmarking this post as this is all good information for Greason and future BOS and School Board elections. Moran is a Liberal through and through and those that endorsed him will have to explain how they are “moderate” while they picked the “liberal” candidates for Governor.
Loudoun Lady
on June 10th, 2009Hello, Tempest? Teapot calling…
Gee, a bunch of Loudoun Democrats endorsed the losing candidate, and… What? You want these folks to resign their posts for backing the wrong horse?
“How embarrassing!”, LI gushes like a schoolgirl. Please…
People make mistakes that they have to live with, and so do you.
I Bleed Obama Blue
on June 10th, 2009Chill out IBOB. It’s not just that they endorsed the losing candidate – that happens all the time, it’s that they helped him finish worse here than he did statewide. He was indeed the most liberal candidate, and it shows how far to the left they really are. This is especially bad for Miller while he tries to move up to the House of Delegates. It would be interesting to see the breakdown by HOD district and see how bad Moran did in the 86th. This is another nail in Miller’s electoral coffin.
Loudoun Insider
on June 10th, 2009A lot of local elected Democrats statewide endorsed Moran – that was one of the main goals of his campaign. Get all of the county/city boards of supervisors, sheriffs, clerks of the court, those types of guys. No harm there, I really don’t think voters are going to care that their school board choice endorsed a guy who lost a friendly primary. That happens all the time, especially on the Democratic side.
Not John S. Mosby
on June 10th, 2009I should also add that McGimsey endorsed McAuliffe and he lost as well, but it’s nowhere near the embarrassment of the Moran fiasco.
I can’t find any evidence of a Loudoun elected official endorsing Deeds – that’s pretty bizarre isn’t it?
Loudoun Insider
on June 10th, 2009@LI
“He was indeed the most liberal candidate, and it shows how far to the left they really are.”
Come on, LI, that hardly determines how “to the left they really are”. Deeds is a little more pro-gun rights than some folks are comfortable with. And most recognized McAuliffe for the carpet-bagger he was. So, that does not mean they’re all as “left” as Moran.
Sh*t happens. Deeds won. It doesn’t mean the Loudoun Dems are a bunch of screaming lefties…which is still better than a bunch of screaming righties.
Crawlin King Snake
on June 10th, 2009NJSM, If Moran weren’t such a died in the wool liberal, you might have point. In Loudoun for the past 3 years we have heard all about “common sense” and “middle of the road” D’s representing the people of Loudoun. This is something that can be, and should be, used against them in re-election and current races. It may not be such a factor in school board elections, but in Fall 2009 and the next BOS elections – it can.
It will be interesting when these Loudoun D’s are asked to explain their endorsement of the liberal Moran. I can think of a couple people that will do so publicly.
Loudoun Lady
on June 10th, 2009Let’s hope carpetbagger Stevens Miller gets spanked equally as bad in his race for the 86th. Read his “In Search of Fair Taxation” letter to the Loudoun Easterner Editor back in April to see how he would like Richmond to grant more taxing “tools” to counties on top of ridiculously high property taxes in order to soak those who “have the ability to pay”.
Deep Purple
on June 10th, 2009I’m starting to wonder if Terry was a stalking horse for Deeds. If he was, I can’t think of a better strategy, cause he really made Moran meltdown spectacularly.
RichmondDem
on June 11th, 2009The only Loudoun Dem that I know of who publicly endorsed Deeds was Mike Turner – and he basically did it in an email 3 days before the election making it look very opportunistic.
Eddie
on June 11th, 2009You’re right, Eddie – I heard about that, and I heard it even said something about him being a “Congressional candidate”. Like – who cares??? He is deluded with his own self-importance. Turner will never do anything in politics again after his flame out against Joe May. By the way, did he ever file campaign paperwork? I need to look that up.
Back to the main topic, I’m not saying that this is huge news, but it is worthy of mentioning and discussing. It is simply quite notable that no Loudoun elected Democrat endorsed the overwhelming winner in a three way race. And that most endorsed the biggest loser, who finished worse in this county than he did statewide. That’s pretty funny and sad at the same time!
Loudoun Insider
on June 11th, 2009Other than about four Republican posters in this thread, how many voters in Loudoun – or any other county in reality – give a shit who their elected leaders – Republican or Democrat – endorse in primaries? Probably zero?
LI, do you honestly think someone is going to vote for a Republican just because the Democratic candidate endorsed a Democrat who lost a primary? Are they going to vote for the Democrat just because the Republican supported McCain or Gilmore last year, or Allen in 06?
Not at all.
Not John S. Mosby
on June 11th, 2009This is the silliest post you’ve done in ages.
I also believe most of the Loudoun elected Dems endorsed Jody Wagner. So, are they to get credit for Wagner winning by large margins.
This post is silly.
How about a post on Kincora?
Jordan Roy
on June 11th, 2009Why are you people so touchy about this??? Read my damn comment at #14. I never said this would be a huge determining factor in future elections. As far as Wagner goes, everyone knew she had it locked up – it was a huge blowout.
I am ambivelent on Kincora. I like the stadium but don’t like 1400 residential units. I think it can be worked out, and we can’t stop every single project in this county.
Loudoun Insider
on June 11th, 2009I think the real news here is the embarassing lack of GOTV on the part of Loudoun Democratic leaders. One would think these local liberal hot-shots have the ability to “get their people out” in a local election.
You’re right, its not big news for the paper, but its certainly VERY telling for us political junkies that follow this stuff: the local dems just don’t have the UMPF to drive the local electorate in their own primary.
Sibyl Says
on June 11th, 2009No more than they give a sh** who bloggers endorse either I guess….just saying.
Alter of Freedom
on June 11th, 2009All these dems support Moran, but couldnt encourage their own supporters to come out for Moran, that is embarassing in the political circles.
And remember last fall, the local dems had all these volunteers calling and at the polls for Obama? Where were these people? We’ll most of them are back home in Ohio or wherever they were shipped in from.
Without help from DNC-DPV, Bucholtz-Miller-Buckley-Poisson and the whole crew are lost on strategy and grassroots.
Ashburn Watcher
on June 11th, 2009Moran lost because he is to far left for even most Democrats. The fact that he is a dolt might also have something to do with it.
Terry McA lost because he is a Carpet Bagging Clinton Bag Man ( CBCBM ) This is the 2009 version of Friends of Bill ( FOB )
Terry you have come a long way. Now go away.
G. Stone
on June 11th, 2009Hey what happened to the Mormon? I was getting to like him.
BlackOut
on June 11th, 2009I don’t agree much with Bleeding Obama but it is NEVER a mistake to vote even if your guy loses. You vote your will and its an expression rooted in our free speech doctrine frankly and should never be thought of as a mistake regardless of the result. You not trying to pick the lottery number for gods sake, though many thinks its just a game like that, but your vote should be an expression of your will or support. Its a personal thing and I think many have attempted to for lack of a better word…bastardize the process and move away from that philosophy.
Alter of Freedom
on June 11th, 2009Please note the date of the release you cite for this – November 2008 . This was part of Moran’s strategy to get local elected officials to endorse early. As the Dem House Caucus Chair, it would be note worthy if he didn’t get endorsed by local Dems in the HoD. The race changed for Moran once McAuliffe got in late with big money.
As far as I’m concerned, VA Dem voters selected the candidate who has the best chance to win. In fact, a Rasmussen poll released today – see http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_2009/virginia/election_2009_virginia_governor_election — that shows Deed ahead of McDonnell 47%-41%.
It’s a real stretch to suggest that Dems in an open primary will vote for who ever a local official endorsed and somehow that candidates’ performance is an indication of support for those local officials. If the Dems used a caucus and you have fewer people participating, then a local official would have more influence in delegate selection and ultimately the nomination. A case in point – Delgaudio had a much greater impact on Cuccinelli securing the AG nomination than any of the officials you mention had on Moran’s performance.
Actually, TC readers, I believe in the post mortem after the Gov election in November – and after a Deeds win – will be why the GOP didn’t also have an open primary. The interest and enthusiasm generated in a spirited, three candidate race with nearly 320,000 voters participating is a much better spring board to the general election than cramming 7,000 rabid delegates into the Richmond Coliseum.
D-33
on June 11th, 2009HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!
D-33, you have little thoughts don’t you? “While the Democrats eventually hit a voter turnout of a hair over 6.4%, one thing became painfully obvious, the Democrat ground operation left much to be wanted. Along with the reports of low voter turnout, most of these reports reported included comments of weak Democrat presence at the polls. Many people reported no Democrat poll workers, and few signs. Often their were more McDonnell poll workers and signs at the polls than Democrat workers.” http://vasocialconservative.blogspot.com/2009/06/democrat-primary-results.html
Ryan
on June 11th, 2009Not too sure about that whole “enthusiasm” theory D-33. I agree that a primary and firehouse primaries are the way to go over conventions, but based on turnout I hardly see that this three way race did anything to generate any more excitement. In fact people were talking like they were going to crush historical turnout data with this primary based on the results of last November in getting the vote out but thus far that has not materialized. Not saying it will not in the Fall, but right now it does not appear that either side has even come close to exciting the average everyday non-delegate, non-insider out there other than the interest no being paid to Deeds who pulled the surprise (accroding to the media anyway though we know better) upset.
Alter of Freedom
on June 11th, 2009Dream on #25- more voters turned out for this primary than for Webb/Miller.
I did think the McDonnell signs were interesting …. and smart.
Alter, I checked out your blog and I loved the VINO piece. I suspect the future will often find us on different sides of the fence but apparently we are both damm proud to be Virginians.
AFF
on June 11th, 2009AFF- friends call me crazy because I actually engage those that seem to not hold the same views as me rather than simply hanging with those that agree…thats boring and life is short…Being a Virginian has to be the greatest thing. I am no Citizen of the World, but I am a Virginian and there ain’t nothing better than that. What makes us Virginians so different IMHO is we have an integrity level that allows us to remain true to core beliefs regardless of Party. I believe for the most part there is an intellectaul honesty here that goes beyond politics. Thats why there are so many of us in the “middle” afterall and are proud to be Republicrats!!!
Sides is relative AFF, I see things as a Virginian first and alot of folks simply just do not get that. We ALL want whats best I hope for this great colony of old….we can always debate the road to travel along the way.
Alter of Freedom
on June 11th, 2009Many of the comments here are faulting the local Dem Party for Moran’s poor showing. WRONG!
Getting the endorsements of key elected officials was Moran’s ONLY strategy on he local level. He had aboslutely no ground game. He had no one assigned in Loudoun to be responsible for this effort – no headquarters, no local phone banks, no door-to-door canvassing, no election day operation – nothing.
And I can personally attest to the fact that it was the complete fault of the statewide campaign management, as several of us local folks repeatedly volunteered (starting six months ago) to handle Loudoun, without success. I knew then that the Moran campaign was in deep trouble.
Why did Moran make this mistake? I think he was convinced putting together a ground game was too expensive. I also strongly believe that he was hampered by the fact he had only run for office from an extremly ‘SAFE’ district – and really didn’t have the direct experience of a competive race.
Why did Deeds do so well? The post endorsement was key. He also has run statewide once before. That experience was invaluable to him by having a statewide core of folks that put together his ground game.
It’s going to be a interesting election this fall.
Git 'er right
on June 11th, 2009This primary was a mini-referendum on Obama, and Obama lost. Landslide winner Deeds is the most conservative of the three Dems, the least like Obama. The bigger referendum loss for Obama will occur in November when Bob McDonnell, Tag Greason and the rest of the GOP win Virginia.
Bob Scherer
Bob Scherer
on June 11th, 2009I still can’t believe that not one local elected Dem endorsed Deeds. That still boggles the mind.
Loudoun Insider
on June 12th, 2009Who would be the DEM nominee if they had used a convention. The party active (incumbents) would have supported Moran to a possible victory. Now the people have spokke and we are faced with Deeds. Which is the best way for the Republicans now? HMMMMMMMMMM
JTR
on June 12th, 2009Well, JTR, the Dems only had about 50 times the number of people involved in their candidate selection process. And a hell of a lot more press. But RPV sticks with their insular little conventions. Very stupid – all in the name of “purity”.
Loudoun Insider
on June 12th, 2009Alter,
The extreme high estimates of turnout prior to Tuesday was around 250,000. Most elected Dems felt it would be well below that, more likely in the 175-200k range. The fact that 319,000 turned out is considered extremely high for a primary. Of course the numbers weren’t going to approach turnout for the Presidential primaries, but it did far exceed even the high estimates from the campaigns, DPV and pretty much everyone else I know.
Not John S. Mosby
on June 12th, 2009Remember when Stevens Miller said he was basically a Repulican right before the last election? Now he endorses the super lib Moran as he rents a house to run against Tom Rust. What a shameless opportunist he is!
Loudouner
on June 12th, 2009Remember when Stevens Miller said he was basically a Repulican right before the last election.
I threw up in my mouth a little.
Daisy Duke
on June 12th, 2009Daisy, Miller claiming he is “basically a Republican” could send us all to the vomitorium.
Loudoun Lady
on June 12th, 2009#37, Unlike the Republican BOS, Miller voted to cut the schools budget. When did the GOP led BOS ever manage that?
Jordan Roy
on June 12th, 2009Oh for Pete’s sake.
You guys are really reaching. Nobody cares about this level of endorsements. Why does anyone bother anymore?
The Wash Post endorsement carries weight. Other than that, most voters just aren’t listening. Republican elections as well. Nothing to see here LI.
Not worthy
on June 12th, 2009#37, The school budget was $700M in FY08 and will be $738M in FY10. Steven Miller voted to raise spending by $38M and the tax rate by 28.5 cents. Pretty pathetic considering housing values have fallen over 20% since he has been in office.
Unfortunately, the Republican BOS you refer to had 2 RINOs in Steve Snow and Bruce Tulloch who voted for every spending increase Hatrick wanted. Good riddance to both of them!
Deep Purple
on June 12th, 2009I meant #38 in the previous post
Deep Purple
on June 12th, 2009If the local Dems endorsed a candidate in a primary they where more than likely working for that candidate in the primary election. This is a question of moving your base off its *ss on the couch to the poles. It appears our local Dems are dudds in this regard.
jacob
on June 12th, 2009Once again, people, this isn’t a huge deal but Moran DID WORSE IN LOUDOUN than he did statewide. That’s hilarious given his “overwhelming majority” of elected dems’ endorsements. He was a distant third place for crying out loud! Not one elected Dem in Loudoun County endorsed the clear victor.
I would say this shows the elected Dems in Loudoun are pretty out of touch with their own party’s base.
BTW, did Herring ever make an endorsement? I think he stayed officially neutral, but I would have expected him to come out for his fellow State Senator Deeds.
Loudoun Insider
on June 12th, 2009Herring did remain neutral the entire time.
Not John S. Mosby
on June 14th, 2009LI, Sybil and Ashburn Watcher have hit it right on the nail about how all these local Dems backing the most left-wing, out-of-touch Democrat for Gov (except Herring, who is a wimp), and then doing absolutely nothing for Moran in the primary. Zippo. I’m beginning to think that the ONLY reason the Dems had a good volunteer effort for Obama was because all these people just hated George Bush. With Bush gone, there’s nobody for them to hate- -and its hard to hate Bob McDonnell. We need to turn the attention to Kaine being Obama’s political stooge because the luster on Obama’s economic policies is starting to fade and Kaine has little to show for his years as governor.
RABBLE ROUSER
on June 14th, 2009Leslie Byrnes endorsed Deeds early on – see http://www.lesliebyrne.org/wordpress/?p=380 I was one of those folks for Leslie Byrne in a few of her campaigns and she is as progressive as they come. By the same rationale LI has posited in this post, does this mean Creigh Deeds is the most liberal Dems that could have nominated? Of course not.
In most cases, endorsements at the early stage of a campaign are based on personal relationships and previous support provided by the person seeking the endorsement (cashing in the chits). I think the whole argument LI presents in this post is spurious, at best. It’s ridiculous to suggest that somehow these early endorsees are weakened politically over this.
The only endorsement in this race that should be a head scratcher and be good fodder for Republicans is Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, the chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, endorsing former McAuliffe. That will be an interesting first meeting when Deeds attends in 2010.
D-33
on June 15th, 2009