Help Virginians: A little info on Douglas Wilder (mayor Richmond)

[jackbourassa]

I have heard from a couple of different sources that Wilder was a strong advocate of Tim Kaine and was one of the reasons he won. I also heard that he is very popular in Richmond, which is a "swing" area in VA.

Is Mayor Wilder a "conservative" Dem, "Centrist" Dem (DLC), or "liberal" Dem? What are some of his positions on things?

Do you guys think that this guy might help us win in 2006 against Allen, with the support of Kaine and Warner?

We might have found our candidate.

[FSogol]

1. Nah, Wilder tries to be a king maker, not a king

He tries to get political concessions in exchange for his support. He did give his support to Kaine, but it was too little, too late. Warner's coattails and Kilgore ignoring local issues by focusing on goofy attack ads were the reason for Kaine's victory. Kaine stayed on a positive message. BTW 99% of all Virginia Democrats are moderate or slightly conservative. They do head right on social issues and most support the 2nd amendment.

[jackbourassa]

2. Is 99% a scientific number

Or a Zell Miller type number pulled out of your a$$?

[FSogol]

3. Nope not a scientific number. In this case, its a method for stating

"almost all". Take a good look at the elected officials in VA. I don't see anyone who is very liberal or progressive. There are many good Democrats, but they are moderates when compared to the rest of the country.

[underpants]

4. That's a pretty good number

From what I have seen

In response to the original post-As stated above Wilder does want to be a king maker. This election was pretty much out of his hands though. Kaine did well during Wilder's run to be seen with him as much as possible.

Wilder is pretty much down the middle. Richmond is far from a swing area- we (oops I don't live in Richmond anymore) THEY vote about 80% for Dems.

[DaveinMD]

5. First

Richmond is not a swing area. Its one the highest performing areas in the state. Second, Wilder has never been a loyal Democrat. He puts his own personal relationships ahead of party unity and has for some time.

[swimboy]

6. Wilder is dangerous as an enemy and perhaps moreso as a friend.

He loves being x the unknown.

[Catchawave]

7. He's my first choice against Allen !

Thanks to (and for more info):

http://www.wilderforrichmond.com/doug.php

Hey, he just might win !

[FSogol]

8. I say: Don Beyer

He can run a Kaine-like campaign focusing on the positives and statewide issues. Allen will run a negative campaign focusing on abortion, gun rights, the death penalty, etc. Allen is Bushies's dumb twin and should be able to be knocked out of the race quite easily. IIRC Beyer was the main money guy behind Kaine.

[Catchawave]

9. I'd like to learn more about him....

I'll support any good Va Dem :hi:

[FSogol]

10. He's a former Lt. Gov of VA and

it looks like I'm not the only one who had that idea:

http://beyerforsenate.org/

[Catchawave]

11. He looks great....

I'll support him :) So what's our state Dems plan now ? We will need the entire village to go against Allen!

[VaYallaDawg]

12. Swimboy characterizes him perfectly.

Doug Wilder re-defines the word "mercurial." He delights in being unpredictable. Loyalty is certainly not one of his essential ingredients. He was labeled as a Democrat when he was Lt. Gov. and Gov. of VA, but who knows what he considers himself to be today. Probably a Wilder.

[demnan]

13. I'd prefer Beyer over Wilder at this point

He's younger and would be a better opposition candidate. It's his time. I hope he makes it next year. I'd like to see that pig's ass Allen out.

I remember when Wilder was elected Governor. It sure was fun to watch all the racists' faces the next day when I went to work! But I think Wilder is much older now, I don't think he would want to run. I agree with others here - he has his petty differences, and his far too human frailties. He did much to defeat Robb for that Senate seat years ago, it was hard to forgive him for that. He had Robb's phone tapped and unearthed a bimbo problem for which Robb never politically recovered. With friends like this, who needs enemies.