The map above is from site with adjustments.
Have I ever told you that I love Virginia Beach? Because I do. I went there for Spring Break for many years. And then discovered, and completely fell in love with the Outer Banks of N.C.
This cycle in Virginia elections has been marked by extraordinary camaraderie and support that candidates have given each other; even as they have run for the same seat!
This internally supportive aspect of the race, on the Democratic side, has been a pleasure to watch — this cycle — because that is how I, personally, envision politics. I’m absolutely sick of the politics of personal destruction!
To say that the majority of this cycle’s candidates have shown us how to run for office with grace and style, is stating things mildly.
Personally, I think some of them have run inspirationally in how inclusive, and supportive they have been of their fellow candidates. And just as importantly, many of them and their friends have educated us about the races they have been running all around Virginia. The spirit of camaraderie has persisted, pretty much all over Virginia, with some exceptions in Virginia Beach. In the general spirit of camaraderie and support, many people have come out and endorsed other Democrats running this cycle. And there are over 80 Democrats running this cycle, in Virginia, just for the state legislature!!
So, please, bear with me as I look at Virginia Beach, where democratic inclusiveness and support has finally materialized, but there is one point of puzzlement which I want to look at today. That point is centered in Virginia Beach.
Some rather important races are happening in Virginia Beach. One is the race for the office of Sheriff of Virginia Beach. The politically well connected incumbent, Republican Ken Stolle, is running against Democrat John Bell.
Furthermore, John Bell has drawn some good endorsements recently.
Many prominent Democrats, and currently running candidates, have come out and endorsed him. Such as Susan Platt —
Here’s more examples of supportive inclusivity —
Ralph Northam, Democratic candidate for Governor of Virginia:
Apparently, tomorrow Tom Perriello, also candidate for Governor of Virginia, will be endorsing John Bell:
Gene Rossi, running for Lt. Governor of Virginia:
Justin Fairfax —
Look at all those endorsements. I love it!
What’s missing is the endorsement of the Mayor of Norfolk, from candidate John Bell’s backyard, in fact.
Seriously, I’m starting to wonder about Mayor Alexander’s silence with regard to any endorsement of John Bell. My questions are related to this tweet:
My questions are also related to this Facebook post:
Wait, what?! Mayor Kenneth Alexander (D-Norfolk, Virginia) endorsed Sheriff Ken Stolle (R-Virginia Beach)?
How the heck did that happen? Is this really true?
I'm going to quote from the Democratic Party of Virginia (DPVA) Plan which establishes and asserts the party’s principles in Virginia. The Democratic Party of Virginia’s (DPVA) State Party Plan, has Article 10, Section 10.8, which says:
Section 10.8 Party Support
No Democratic committee member or officer of any Democratic committee shall publicly support, endorse, or assist any candidate opposed to a Democratic nominee. If a Democratic committee member is accused of undertaking such public activity, the appropriate Democratic committee shall vote on whether the member has undertaken such public activity. The member's removal from the committee shall be automatic if the committee finds that the member has engaged in such public activity. Such action shall not be taken without at least ten (10) days written notice to the accused member and an opportunity for him or her to refute such charges.
Did you read that highlighted section fully?
Does anyone know Mayor Kenneth Alexander?
Can they confirm that Mayor Alexander really did sideline any endorsement of Democratic candidate for Sheriff in Virginia beach — John Bell, and instead endorsed the candidacy of the current incumbent — Republican Ken Stolle?
How does Susan Swecker feel about this?
Heck, how does Governor McAuliffe feel about this?
What does the DPVA say about this?
Really, I’d like to know Mayor Alexander’s thoughts about this!!