The RTD’s Olympia Meola reports that former Democratic Rep. Tom Perriello’s one-time chief of staff and campaign manager will be overseeing the President’s re-elect effort in Virginia.
On the surface, this makes good sense: put someone in place who understands and has worked closely with the progressive base and hope it translates into the base showing up (in droves) on election day.
There are a few other things to consider, too. Recall that Rep. Perriello was one of the few individual congressmen to get a campaign visit from the President back in 2010. Recall also that after Perriello was defeated, the drums began beating for him to become a statewide Democratic standard bearer. The Tom for Senate boomlet faded in Tim Kaine’s shadow, but Perriello has signed at least one email fundraising piece for Tim Kaine (that I’m aware of) and he has campaigned for the former DNC chairman in the state. This exposure will be of some help to the former congressman — should he decide his talents are better suited to a 2013 run. If that happens, look for Kaine’s lists to become Perriello’s.
And having his former staffer run the President’s statewide effort? It’s excellent training for 2013, even if the President fails to win Virginia again in 2012.
If I’m “pro-life,” pro-gun, anti-cap and trade, I’m not like the President, Ward Armstrong, such moves don’t buoy my statewide ambitions.
Then again, Republican Del. Charles Poindexter will likely dash Ward’s long hopes before Perriello does.
