What?

Here is the “new” approach to challenging Democratic candidates, and of all things it’s being proposed by the Washington Post (Saturday, March 7, 2009; Editorial A-12 ‘For Fairfax County Supervisor’). Running as a Democrat is ok, but beware if you could be another ‘yes’ vote along with a Democratic majority in the body you are seeking to join.

Don’t bother with whether or not the opposition actually is credible, but merely that they are opposition. This type of reasoning defies logic. What the Post editorial in effect says is that merely being in opposition to the party in power is reason to support a candidate – nonsense.

This logic appeals to the long since refuted old saw about balancing power in government by dividing seats among competing parties. This approach has led to nothing short of our catastrophic legislative logjams, rather than balance in government. There is an underlying assumption of this notion that opposing sides can come to agreement. Take for example the lack of bipartisanship demonstrated by Congressional Republicans when repeatedly offered that hand by our President. The same goes for the Virginia General Assembly.

In this case in particular regarding the Braddock District Supervisor Special Election on Tuesday, March 10th, the positions of Moon’s opponent, John Cook, are granted explicit legitimacy by the Post merely by the fact that he is in opposition to the current board. The recent election of Sharon Bulova as Chairman was referendum enough on this very same hyperbole and positions espoused by the just say no county-wide candidate Pat Herrity.

If merely being in opposition warranted a seat at the table for decision making, Democrats should long ago been granted this privilege, and yet even when in the minority we have recognized this as a  fatally weak argument supporting such a silly proposition.

Supporting candidates with illogical reasoning like this does nothing to better the process of government, but rather promotes the same gridlock we’ve become accustomed to all across the country. Time after time good legislation has been defeated by just say no Republicans simply because a Democrat sponsored it.

It is failed logic to assume that opposing viewpoints are valid merely because they are in opposition, and in no way justifies seating candidates in positions of power / authority whose very supporters are advocates of blocking anything merely because the other side proposes it, which is EXACTLY who John Cook’s supporters are: Attorney General Bob McDonnell (running for Governor), Springfield Supervisor Pat Herrity, Delegate Dave Albo, and Senator Ken Cuccinelli (running for Attorney General).

In the case of Braddock District Supervisor, Moon who has worked successfully, and extensively with county-wide issues for 10 years in a non-partisan position is far more qualified than his opponent who has been president of his neighborhood association.

Presenting an opposing viewpoint is something that any board member can and will do. To assume that Moon will not present a fresh voice on the board merely because his is not a Republican is unfounded. As Democrats we are known for and characterized by our diversity of opinion, in stark contrast to Republicans who fall in line, and vote lockstep together.

According to the Washington Post, “[their] concern is that he [Moon] would be another yes vote on a board that is sometimes too devoted to consensus.” Devoted to consensus, hmmm…

Take note: this is an approach you will see more of as Republican candidates try to keep or regain seats in government, painting consensus as a ‘bad’ thing. Elephants don’t forget, let’s make sure that Donkeys don’t either, as George Santayana said: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." The past years of Republican rule at both the federal and state level prove the point that Republicans have not demonstrated good faith with the electorate in governing.

More incarcerations or more education, focus on weapons and war or healthcare, and on and on. Which would you choose? Don’t be further deluded into supporting a specious argument that proffers local Republican candidates who would support issues different than state or federal ones. Supporting a local Republican only bolsters support for state and federal Republican policies.

It is clear that Democrats can and do run things very well when in the majority, as evidenced by our even more Democratic neighbors Alexandria, and Arlington.

If it’s quality decision making and diversity of opinion you want, make sure to vote for a Democrat. If you like legislative gridlock, and want support for more of the same, by all means vote for a Republican on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

-Steve Bunn
Co-Chair Lee District Democratic Committee