Alter "The Dabbler" Chimes In

Okay folks after quite a few emails from folks, which of course I would never post on this blog, pointing me in the direction of the blog Virginia"Right" today regarding a post in which he references me directly I do not really feel compelled to answer the laughable babble posted over there, but to humor those of us who always need a really good chuckle and want to tip toe into the surreal.....here goes.

First, many have emailed me to remove the link to Virginia"Right" in large part due to his personal attacks against not only myself but evidently the folks that rant here from time to time.

I will not. I believe in free speech and think that we as Virginians should probably hold it closer to our hearts than others if you know our history. Now, that does not mean that I endorse Mr. White's views simply because I offer a link, but rather it offers folks here another avenue to explore regarding local politics. I linked the blog in large part due to the fact there are very few focusing on local matters and Mr. White's interest in the 73rd race was compelling.

For all I know the two of us could have been sitting near each other a recent debates or meetings. Its an interesting race on the issues alone, however, some have sought to inflame that race with national themes that are a bit misplaced. I mean if folks want to keep focusing on what divides us instead of getting solutions to the table thats their right.

Mr. White attempts to set forth wild accusations and plays association politics in his analysis of myself and the race in the 73rd for that matter. Somehow, ironically Mr. White believes that a $500 contribution by the SEIU is somehow equates to greater influence than 100,000 contributed by an industry such as the medical industry. He for some reason continues to link comments made regarding the insurance aspect of healthcare to my detailed examination of he contributions by somehow equating that because Dr. O'Bannon has not be getting "insurance money" that he is in the clear on the issue. Please.

Correct me if I am wrong-and of course you can bet Mr. White will- but without insurance companies where exactly would the following be:

Hospital Corp of America
Virginia Assisted Living
Southern Physicians
Medical Society of Virginia
Virginia Independent Insurance Agents
Virginia Nurses Assn
Virginia Dental Assn

The above have contributed along with others to the tune of 101,182 (Healthcare related), 18,531 -political pacs and the like and another 18,200-real estate/developer to the O'Bannon campaign in large part since the annoucement of the challenger. Compared to that $500 contribution I can see why its such a concern-snark.

Virtually most of all of Tom Shields contributions have come either from the Democrat Caucus or Party Pacs and individuals throughout the region. Then there is that SEIU donation, which of course they make to most Democrats, that Mr. White is so offended by and yet probaly has little clue as to exactly how much within the Commonwealth gets touched by members of SEIU locals. Afterall, if you happen to be a part of that organization you must be a lover of Acorn right? Thats about as stupid as saying all tea baggers and town hall protestors are racist folks.

There are plenty of members of SEIU that are not aligned with Andy Stern who sits on Acorns Advisory Council and to make the assertion that because Shields accepts $500 from a labor union he somehow embraces an element (Acorn) that may be linked in some parts of the country to SEIU is absurd.

If you want to challenge Shields effectively and with intellectual integrity instead of gutter mining maybe Mr. White would be better served by informing his readers just why SEIU is such a threat. That would illustrate more effectively than some ludicrous and meaningless link to Acorn. Why?

Simple. SEIU is a big supporter of Card Check and ending Virginia's Right to Work State status.

Does Mr. Shields support card check? Would he support ending the right to work status? These are fair and valuable questions far better serving the public than Acorn inflamatories and diatribes. Mr. White leave that to Glenn Beck- he is more effective.

It is obvious that Mr. Shields has run a viable campaign, otherwise there would not be the need for such attacks brought about by the lickes of Virginia"Right". If he wasn't you would hear about as much about Shields in the blogosphere as you do Grogan and Rheinhart both challenging incumbant Republicans in Chesterfield.

Fact is, when there is no real differences on the issues in reality the only resort is to try and create controversy. Evidently Mr. White learned very little from the UR debate. They seem to agree quite a bit on most issues. In fact, it was more like an introduction than a debate.

I have made it clear that I fully expect Dr. O'Bannon to win re-election, but I absolutely love that fact that he is having to work for it. As he and all leaders should. This cycle is more of a testing of the waters IMHO. The shape and demo of the 73 has been changing for a few years now so it will be interesting to see how it comes down. I said in July, I expect Shields to take the City and the old annexed section in Southside where O'Bannon will be strongest in Henrico.

In no post have I ever endorsed either candidate. I have simply stated the obvious; its a race. I make no assertions about Henrico other than to say that the GOP over there will get the vote out, but here in the Southside I have been involved in enough races over the years to see alot of "mo" for the challenger. Thats par for the course though given the City portion traditionally votes Democrat. The real news is that Shields appears poised to get them to the polls, something many Dems will struggle to do this cycle given its an off year election and there no "OBAMA" on the ticket. I expect turnout to be below average which benefits the incumbant.

I see very little more than partisan diatribe on the part of Virginia"Right" with no real analysis and for the record Mr. White its not how many times you swing the bat but how many times you make contact!!!

This "dabbling" is rather fun-----but the steaks are done....