Local Democrats vote to have a primary
By By E. Raymond Boc/Special to the Rappahannock News
The Seventh Congressional District Democratic Committee, at a meeting in Culpeper County on Sunday evening, January 13, 2008, voted to nominate the Democratic candidate for Congress from the Seventh Congressional District by district-wide primary on June 10, 2008. This primary is not to be confused with the Presidential primary to be held on February 12 next month.
"At the present time, several candidates have indicated an interest in seeking the nomination—although they have not all officially declared their candidacy," said Marjorie Clark, Chair of the District Committee. Clark believes that the high interest in the race this year is a reflection of the nationwide excitement over the possibility of political change and the desire to elect new people at every level.
Jim Nachman is a Richmond attorney who was the 7th CD candidate for Congress in 2006 and has indicated interest in running again. He visited the county twice in an unsuccessful campaign to unseat Eric Cantor.
In addition, these people have expressed interest: Anita Hartke, the Chair of the Culpeper Democratic Committee and a longtime Virginia Democrat. Anita Hartke has an Amissville address but lives across the line in Culpeper County. Anita comes from a family that has long been and currently involved in the Democratic Party activities. Her father is the late three term Senator Vance Hartke from Indiana who also ran in a US Presidential Primary. Anita has been a delegate to several state and local conventions and works locally in real estate. Kenn Stepman, community and civil rights activist, artist, author, and entrepreneur; and Brian Taylor, from Henrico, at one time a candidate for the House of Delegates, 74th H.D. in the 2007 primary. Brian Taylor lives in Richmond and has been involved in Democratic activities since the 90s. In New York City, he worked with Representative Charles Rangel. He currently is in the security business in the Richmond area.
To be included on the primary ballot in Virginia, all candidates must meet the requirements of the State Board of Elections, including filing the appropriate statements, collecting 1000 petition signatures, and paying a filing fee ($3370, or 2% of the annual Congressional salary of $168,500).
The incumbent Congressman for the 7th District is Rep. Eric Cantor, Republican from Henrico County.
Gorfeins honored
In other business, the team of Hank and Meredith Gorfein were recognized by the committee by being voted to receive the Grass Roots Award for the 7th District. Hank and Meredith have both been stalwarts in the Rappahannock County Democratic Committee in organizing, supporting, participating, and inspiring members of the Rappahannock community to be part of the democratic process as well as members of the Democratic Party. They will be presented with the award at a luncheon on February 9 in Richmond at the Virginia State Democratic Central Committee meeting. They will also receive a ticket to the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner that evening hosted by Governor Tim Kaine accompanied by Mark Warner, Jim Webb and attended by some presidential candidates.
More than 35 Democrats attended the 7th CD Committee meeting at the Best Western Motel in Culpeper. The District includes several counties ranging from Henrico and the City of Richmond in the lower end to Rappahannock and Page on the northern end. Hank Gorfein represents Rappahannock County Democrats on the committee. Ray Boc attended as county chair, and Bob Weinberg and Sharon Kilpatrick attended as observers.
By majority vote, the committee selected to have a primary because it is the most democratic way to select a candidate. It is a test for the candidates to get organized and financed to carry out a campaign. It is also an opportunity to develop name recognition by attending local events and getting press coverage. The candidate must get out to meet the electorate to articulate their stand on issues but also learn the concerns of those that they will represent. The primary is also a very transparent process as compared to the more limited openness of a convention.