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VIRGINIA DEMOCRATS have apparently learned a
lesson in political realitljpjs from their Republican sisters and brothers and will hold a convention next year to select their nominee for the U. S. Senate.
That decision, made Dec. 10 in Richmond by the party’s State Central Committee, is a historic break in recent tradition for the Democrats who usually go the primary route in picking their candidates.
The Democrats viewed these primaries as proof of their claim that they are the People’s Party. Primaries, idealistically at least, showed that the smoked-filled room was a thing of the past. But so was winning elections.
The Central Committee seems to have faced the harsh reality that the party can no longer afford its primaries from either a political or a financial standpoint.
Democrats being Democrats, the party usually found itself so divided after a tough primary battle that there was no chance to regroup by Election Day. So, they lost elections.
And the primaries would often cost the Democrats dearly in money. By the General Election, most Democratic money was dried up.
Choosing to go to convention will also eliminate another burden faced by the Democrats—Republicans who cross over to vote in Democratic primaries. As one Democrat said Saturday, “The Methodists really would not appreciate the Baptists helping them choose a new minister.’’
What the Central Committee’s decision really boils down to is that the party is tired of losing statewide races. It sees the convention as a chance to gain more party control over candidate selection and as a method for bringing back the lost souls who have become disenchanted with the state party.
Until this week, those of us who love slogans had not had good pickings for quite awhile. m
But former Republican Gov. Linwood Holton has saved the day. He announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate Tuesday, but the news of his announcement arrived earlier bearing the slogan, “Win With Lin—Again.’’
Now, as Emily Dickinson might say, that’s one to take your hat off to. Holton’s tremendous leap into the slogan race may inspire the hundred or so other senatorial candidates in the 1978 camapaign. Democrat Rufus Phillips could try, "Don’t refuse us, vote for Rufus.” Or Andrew Miller’s people, wanting to emphasize the strength of their candidate could go with “Miller: He’s a Pillar.” John Warner’s campaign may go for a more enthusiastic approach to generate voter excitement. A slogan for his race could read: “John and Liz—Gee Whiz!” Clive DuVal would probably pick up a lot of support with “On the ball with DuVal.” And Richard Obenshain might try “Send Washington a pain with Obenshain.”
Slogans do not necessarily make the candidate, but they certainly do dress up a campaign.
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