True, we've got heated battles going on in the Virginia Democratic Party (especially for governor), but, in comparison, the Republican Party of Virginia makes our situation look like a nice, peaceful walk in the park on a beautiful spring day. Case in point: check out Tim Craig's article in the Washington Post this morning, "GOP 'Grass Roots' at Center of Turf Battle".Even by Virginia Republican standards, the battle over whether Del. Jeffrey M. Frederick (Prince William) should be replaced as state party chairman is divisive and brutal, and the wounds it creates could have far-reaching consequences for the GOP in an election year.There are several fun quotes in this article. For instance:
*"Its an abysmal situation," sad Mike Wade, chairman of the 3rd Congressional District Republican Committee.
*"My phone has been ringing off the hook and my e-mail has been flooded with folks out there in the hinterlands scratching their heads saying, 'What is the deal? . . . Why are we doing a mini coup?,' " said Michael Giere, a GOP committeeman from Falls Church who supports Frederick.
And then there's this classic by John Taylor of conservative think tank Tertium Quids.
*"I don't think it is a party anymore. You've got the [moderate wing] that includes a lot of people in Northern Virginia, and you've got the conservative grass roots, who are satisfied with the Republican brand, " Taylor said. "These two groups will continue to try to eliminate each other until one side drives the other out of the party."
From a Democratic perspective, all I can say is, "from John Taylor's mouth to God's ear!" :)
P.S. About a week ago, Tim Craig told me he would be leaving the Virginia beat to cover DC City Hall. I wonder if the Post will replace Craig or simply reduce its (already meager) coverage of Virginia politics.
