Virginia Republicans caused a little buzz when they chose to invoke a portion of the state's code that allows parties to ask primary voters to sign loyalty pledges. Before choosing in the March 6 GOP presidential primary, voters will have to promise they'll vote for the party's eventual nominee.
Arlington Democrats are requesting a similar oath for their late January voting. The caucus will hold a primary on two nights at the end of this month to pick a candidate to run for the Arlington County Board, which has a vacant seat now that Barbara Favola got elected to state senate.
Northern Virginia blog Ode Street Tribune has a copy of the oath on their site, which reads:
I certify that I am a resident of and registered to vote in Arlington County, Virginia; I am a Democrat; I believe in the principles of the Democratic Party; and I do not intend to support, endorse or assist any candidate who is opposed to a Democratic nominee or endorsee in the ensuing election.
- Tim Kaine, Democrat hopeful for Virginia's U.S. Senate seat, has appointed women to a number of key appointments to his election team. The Richmond Time's dubbed the seven women plugged into key campaign posts the "Ladies of Kaine."
Among the appointments, field director Ally Coll, who helped run President Barack Obama's ground game in the 2008 Iowa presidential primary.
- In Maryland, labor unions are throwing their weight behind a same-sex marriage bill this year. The Washington Post reports that leaders from the SEIU and AFL-CIO in Maryland are helping to push the gay marriage agenda in the upcoming General Assembly with news conferences and a video campaign.
Labor organizer Ezekiel Jackson says in an internet video, “At 1199 SEIU, we support working families, not just certain families. That’s why bringing marriage equality to Maryland is important. It’s about making all families, including committed gay and lesbian couples, and their kids, stronger.”
- Elsewhere in Maryland, a perceived anti-incumbent sentiment has given rise to a clutch of political challenges this year, the Baltimore Sun writes.
From the paper: "Two Republican state senators, David Brinkley of Frederick County and Nancy Jacobs of Harford County, announced plans this week to run for the House of Representatives. A third, Democrat C. Anthony Muse of Prince George's County, is expected to toss his name in for the Senate on Thursday."
In public appearances, the candidates have collectively hammered at Washington dysfunction.
C. Anthony Muse is married to News4 anchor Pat Lawson Muse.
