BlackOut Blog

Black Brigade in death spiral

2006-04-22T23:15:00.000-04:00

From the Leesburg Today:

The man so many Republicans idolize, former President Ronald Reagan, helped raise the party to prominence by promoting a “big-tent” philosophy that welcomed new people to the party and by evoking the 11th Commandment: “Thou shall not speak ill of a fellow Republican.”

The members of the Loudoun County Republican Committee often invoke Reagan’s name when discussing their group’s principles and politics. When the LCRC’s new chairman, Paul Protic, was unanimously elected in March, his eyes watered as he read from a Reagan speech.

In comes Winston Porter, a Paeonian Springs resident whom Reagan appointed as assistant administrator of the EPA and whom President Bush appointed to the Potomac River Commission. He’s voted Republican all his life and his wife, Linda, shares the same political philosophy. They are former members of the LCRC and he is a former local party chairman.

Sound like perfect candidates for membership on the LCRC? Apparently not.

This Reagan appointee, along with several others, was blocked from membership in the LCRC at the special April 10 meeting.

“What happened here is the party has been captured by a few zealots,” Winston Porter told the Leesburg Today. “I want the big tent.”

The few zealots? Wait for it...

Eugene Delgaudio, Mick Staton, Dick Black.

Republican activist Too Conservative provides his summary here.

In other news, we hear a rumor that Dick Black has returned from the swamp all refreshed and is considering a run for the 33rd Senate seat, since Darrell Green is less than enthusiastic about the idea.

Let's review. Mick Staton campaigned while insisting loudly that he is not Dick Black Jr., that he is his own man, that he would not be a rubber stamp for the Dick Black social agenda, etc. This indicates that the Black Brigade recognized the close association with Dick Black as a liability, although voters didn't fall for the distancing act. How much sense does it make for the original (not the mere reproduction) to run for the same seat? Does he expect a different result? What was that definition of insanity, again?

Black and DelGottaGo, maintaining their reputations

2006-03-21T21:18:00.000-05:00

Goodness gracious, there was apparently quite a show at the LCRC mass meeting on Saturday. It seems that a number of members who had left, or were driven out of the committee by the Black Brigade, tried to rejoin. But the BBers aren't ready to release their death grip on the committee leadership.

Too Conservative has the story (and all the Black Brigade apologists spouting off, too!)

Update: Things that make you say "Hmmm." Mr. Delgaudio, in his most recent screed to those he believes to be supporters, is bursting with joy at the "special people" who joined the committee on Saturday. This remark from one of them makes us wonder how well he knows these special people:

"I just joined the LCRC because guys like Delgaudio and Black are leading the GOP to ruin in Loudoun County. The latest election results show it, but they still have their heads in the sand about it, and the recent events at the mass meeting prove it yet again."

Here's our question. How many of those who just joined the committee did so for this reason? Did all these people come forward because they are so inspired by all the recent Republican victories in Loudoun, and want more of the same, or did they join because they have had enough of watching the committee driven into the ground?

C'mon, newbies. Put us out of business.

Gray Ghost Stories

2006-02-09T23:08:00.000-05:00

As one of our wise blog posters put it, "pace yourselves it's over 600 days until the election" (parapharased)

That's good advise so we've decided it is therefore fitting from time to time to recommend reading material to "bid our time" during this winter season.

This months selection comes highly recommended for it's truthsaying and cutting edge insight.

GRAY GHOST STORY
The Mosby Myth
by Edward Caudill, A&S '75

Like an imaginary superhero, Confederate
Col. John Singleton Mosby seemed to be everywhere and unbeatable during America's Civil War. Known as the "Gray Ghost," this audacious cavalry officer used unconventional tactics to operate behind Union lines, bewildering and frustrating Northern military leaders. Was it any wonder that this dandy, who cultivated a Cavalier image by wearing a plumed hat and scarlet cloak, became the embodiment of reckless, dashing valor?

Mosby definitely was "good press," an entertaining subject for journalists who tended to exaggerate his exploits. Was the real Mosby a patriot or scoundrel? Epic hero or unwelcome symbol of a repressive society? Edward Caudill, a professor and associate dean at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, gives readers a clearer image of the man and his myth in this revealing book co-authored with fellow professor Paul Ashdown.

Available at amazon.com

Let's get it started in here....

2006-02-01T18:09:00.000-05:00

Now that we are turning our attention to the last leg of the three legged bar stool...we couldn't help but have some fun. As most know Delgaudio is a real character. Somehow we can't resist connecting the following statement with a picture from Delgaudio's website

The following quote was one of the most famous during the Black Brigade's effort to get Staton elected"

"Somebody is going to want to legalize marriage between a dog and a man or a sheep and a woman - who knows what they are trying to do?"

Mr. Delgaudio you are no Mr. Herrity

2006-02-01T17:48:00.000-05:00

Whenever possible we will post Mr. Delgaudio's clandestine emails. Thank you to those individuals that continue to send us these important and insightful documents. We'll let this one speak for itself.

(We apologize to the insult this note causes the Herrity family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to a true public servant, Jack Herrity)

"February 1st, 2006

Dear Sterling American,

Mick Staton lost the special election for State
Senator yesterday to Mark Herring who will be sworn
in Thursday in Richmond.

Thank you all who voted in the special election
yesterday for Staton.  In Loudoun, Herring got 10,090
votes to Republican Mick Staton's 6,585 votes.

I am proud of all of you and appreciate your voting.
Sterling District precincts were in the top ten
precincts showing the most support for Mick Staton
with only 2 other precincts in the State Senate
District showing higher returns than our own top
princinct.

Sterling District is a top Republican neighborhood
even in a defeat.

Turnout was 14.4 percent among the 115,000 Loudoun
voters.

Total turnout and vote totals
http://sbe.virginiainteractive.org/

View Results by Precinct
http://sbe.virginiainteractive.org/jan2006d/detail107.htm#07033

Liberal Democrats have a lot to celebrate about.
Congratulations. You liberals won.

We, the Republicans who are upset at losing, need to
look at the low turnout and resolve to work to make
sure there is a higher turnout with a different
response in the future.

It is Democrats who have raised taxes in Richmond
and then spent a tax surplus of 2.1 billion dollars.
And they will do it again now that a 2nd Democrat is
Governor (Tim Kaine) and there are fewer tax cut
Republicans in the state house of Delegates and
state Senate.

High turnout benefits conservatives in Sterling
and we have to work harder at high turnout next time!

For more details
http://www.leesburg2day.com/current.cfm?catid=31&newsid=11617

>>> Fairfax legend, Jack Herrity, dies

Some people think I modeled my political style
after Jack Herrity.  Herrity is the former Chairman
of the board of supervisors in Fairfax.  He started
out as a lone Republican and then led a Republican
takeover of the Fairfax board. I was honored by a
friendship with Mr. Herrity going back to 1986."

Glory Hallelujah

2006-01-31T21:25:00.000-05:00

Two down, one to go! Delgaudio will be pure entertainment.

Some day we will have elections based on good governance, fair debate, and joint solutions.

Republican Committee Meeting Blows-up

2006-01-30T23:00:00.000-05:00

This just in...reported by the reliable, Too Conservative, http://tooconservative.blogspot.com/

Tonight's Republican Committee meeting broke out into an all out verbal brawl. Even the cool handed Minchew couldn't control the likes of the BBers.

Here's a few teasers:

"Eugene Delgaudio than got up...and didn't speak about his ideas, or platform. He simply said "if you want to send Tim Kaine packing, and see Poison resign that's right , I call him Poison...than vote for me""

Editorial note Eugene is attempting to gain control of the Republican committee by running for the Chairmanship of the 10th district.

As the meeting continued Minchew seemed to get things focused back on Staton and away from the lunatic.

"Staton finished with "these people (Democrats) are filled with a desire for power, they will say anything to get elected""

Folks for the good of Loudoun, for the future of the Republican party, PLEASE get out and vote, and put a stake in the heart of this junk.

Vote Herring, he's the best thing for Republicans and Democrats.

Staton's shell game

2006-01-29T19:28:00.000-05:00

A recent flyer appearing in our mailboxes claims: "On the Board of Supervisors, Mick Staton successfully spearheaded the largest tax rate decrease in County History." Careful readers will notice that there was no claim of a tax decrease - that would be too ridiculous a claim even for Staton (in print, anyway) - but only of a tax rate decrease.

Staton treats the voters like children with short attention spans. Having voted in favor of every residential development proposal that has come before the Board during his tenure, and received 25% of his campaign funds from developers, he now thinks he can fool people into thinking that Developers Quake Before Him.

Today's Washington Post explains the reinvention this way: "..Republicans are aware of what Kaine accomplished in November." [winning Loudoun on growth/traffic management -BO] "Staton is talking about growth because he knows it resonates right now, they say." In other words, it's an insincere ploy to win votes from moderates. At the same time, Staton is dissing the bipartisan plan to address transportation at every opportunity and expressing no inclination at all to cooperate across the aisle to get things done.

These noises about "managed growth" go in the same category as the noises about "decreased tax rates," and "cutting government waste," and "unneccesary spending." They all amount to nothing but feel-good theatrics. Sort of like keeping a bowl of little plasic fetuses on your desk.

Look at the "budget surplus" that Supervisor Staton made a show of proclaiming should be "returned to the taxpayers." That dumb proposal never had a chance of being implemented. The county treasurer pointed out (gently and patiently, we thought) that the administrative cost was prohibitive, and the paltry "refund" check would be snatched right back next year due to the inevitable rising property assessments.

But next year doesn't matter when you think you are talking to children with short attention spans. The feasability of an idea doesn't matter when you are telling people what they want to hear in the hope that they will vote for you. All that matters to Mick is that he got to say it.

Grandstanding is a lot more fun than the hard work of governance.

Someone needs to alert PETA

2006-01-27T09:56:00.000-05:00

The Staton campaign has picked up the notion somewhere that the average voter cares about growth management and traffic, and is busily trying to position Mick as the "anti-developer" candidate in all those campaign mailers. That email from Kellie announcing Mick as the reborn Dick Black? You all just forget about that. Didn't happen. Mick's statement to Leesburg Today that he learned everything he knows from his father, and that Mick, his father, and Dick Black all share the same values? Never mind.

Now, appearing in a public forum with his opponent might risk exposure to pesky citizens and reporters with questions. We can understand why Mick is therefore limiting his campaign venues to private or carefully controlled events like the so-called "debate" scheduled for Falcon's Landing. This travesty did not even include plans for journalists to ask questions of the candidate(s), as pointed out here.

Those darn journalists. They manage to find you anyway. At Mick's Saturday night "rally" (at a private home), Loudoun Times-Mirror reporter Anne Keisman asked Staton supporters why they thought this election is important. Out of all the issues facing residents of the 33rd District, this is what one of the Staton faithful is most concerned about:

"Somebody is going to want to legalize marriage between a dog and a man or a sheep and a woman - who knows what they are trying to do?"

It's so unfair to the candidates when the public has access to what goes on at these gatherings. Mick should institute a new rule for his campaign events, and strictly enforce it. Absolutely no reporters, and no writing or recording devices of any kind allowed.

UPDATE: Mark Herring was asked last night at his meet-the-candidate forum how likely he thought it was that such legislation would be introduced. He put the probability at zero.

Staton: Overdue at the Library

2006-01-26T22:59:00.000-05:00

Most will remember the tail spin Mick's father-in-law caused the Loudoun County Libraries. Black had totally hijacked an agenda of library advocacy into a hatred filled campaign to sensor citizen's access to the internet. Black's policy was eventually thrown out by a Court of Law, and a hefty fee to the county in access of $150,000.

What many may not remember is the circus the Library Board of Trustees (BOT) meetings had turned into. Black and his BBers turned a hard-working policy board into a "show" not to be missed. In fact, it got so out of hand the Board of Supervisors (BOS) interveined and began a policy of appointing a sitting member of the Board of Supervisor member to the Library Board.

As it turned out this became a very good move. Meetings became more civil, coordination between the BOT and the BOS increased, a library got built, and there was an increased understanding of how best to invest judiciously in the library system. It is a dynamic that has supported both the BOT and the BOS for over five years, until recently.

Two years ago Mick Staton, ironically, was appointed as the liaison to the BOT. Mick has taken this responsibility so seriously he's attended only two of the Board's monthly meetings since October 20, 2004. He has missed 12 out of the last 14 meetings. In fact, in an attempt to accommodate Mick's schedule the BOT changed their meeting days twice. This to know avail.

In addition, Mick has been no friend to libraries. In fact, on every substantive issue the BOS has examined in regards to Loudoun County Libraries, Mick has done nothing to support it, or even explain it. How could he, he never went to the meeting.

At the least Mick, you should have admited you didn't have an interest so someone else could have taken on the important role. Being totally negligent is insightful.

SOURCE: BOT Minutes; the following meetings Mick was absent: Oct 20, 2004, Nov 17, 2004, Dec 15, 2004, Jan 19, 2005, Feb 16, 2005, Mar 8, 2005, Apr 4, 2005, May 10, 2005, June 14, 2005, July 26 2005, Aug (no meeting), Sep 27, 2005, Nov 22, 2005. Mick was present at the Oct 25, 2005 and Dec 19, 2005 meeting.

Word from the underground

2006-01-26T22:53:00.000-05:00

We finally got a copy of Mick's latest email. We publish it here for the same reasons we published Mark's latest email. This was provided by another undercover Republican. We'll honor his or her request, "Please do not use my name/email address or I won’t get anymore."

SPECIAL ELECTION UPDATE

Early voting:

We want to update the previous information we gave. Early voting is available NOW at the Registrar’s office in Leesburg and will run through Saturday. The Registrar’s office is at:

26-C Fairfax Street, S.E.
Leesburg, VA 20175
Phone #: 703-777-0548
If you are unable to vote on January 31^st, please take the time this week to take advantage of this opportunity to make your voice heard.
Upcoming Events:

GOTV Rally with Lt. Governor Bill Bolling, Congressman Frank Wolf, and Former Governor Jim Gilmore

Saturday, January 28, 2006
12:00pm-2:00pm
South Riding Town Hall
43055 Center Street
South Riding, VA 20152

GOTV Activities:

We are continuing to make phone calls and knock on doors every day from now until Election Day, but we need your help. We are getting a great response with our efforts in contacting voters, but we need more people to help get the word out about the election.

Please contact Callie Chaplow at 703-406-1721 or Kellie DeRouen at 703-629-6634 to let us know what events you would like to participate in. Thank you for all your help!

While we have been running a positive campaign, my opponent has gone entirely negative. He has been putting out mail pieces that have blatant falsehoods about my record and my positions.

1. He has claimed that I do not support bringing Metro to Dulles, when I have stated a clear position in support of the Dulles Metro project for years.

2. He has claimed I voted to reduce developer proffers when it was my leadership that raised developer proffers for roads and schools to their highest level in history. (Even slow-growth advocate, Jim Burton, called my work the most thorough review of our proffer system that has ever been done.)

3. He has claimed I oppose locking up the transportation trust fund, when I have argued for that before my opponent ever thought it would be a good idea.

This is just a sample of the things my opponent has made up about me, and by no means a complete list. In the meantime, my opponent has not said what he would do to help fix our roads or make Northern Virginia a priority in Richmond. The only thing he has done is signal his unwavering support for Tim Kaine’s plan to raise our taxes by nearly $4 Billion and send that money into the same bureaucratic system that has failed Northern Virginia for decades.

We need your help to keep this seat in Republican hands. The biggest hurdle we have is to alert voters that the election is coming up. Although we are mailing and calling voters, we continue to run into countless voters who were unaware of the upcoming election on January 31^st. Please help spread the word to your Republican neighbors. Forward this message to people you know in the 33^rd Senate District. You can send e-cards to your friends in the 33^rd District by visiting my web site at www.MickStaton.com. A map of the district is also on the web site.

We look forward to victory on January 31^st! Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,

Mick Staton
www.MickStaton.com
Authorized and paid for by Friends of Mick Staton

6 Day to Get out the Information

2006-01-25T23:19:00.000-05:00

BlackOut's standard procedure has been to only promote the disimination of information associated with bring the truth out about the Black Brigade. We appologize for breaking from this rule during this truncated election cycle. In our efforts to supply information for dialog, we have been providing more information on the BBs opponent than we would normally like to. That is one reason we have chosen the blog format, as opposed to the website format. This allows for everyone to join in and have an opportunity for clarification or comment.

Unfortunately, the opportunity to get any type of information out is difficult. Newspaper cycles are out of synch, useless robo-calls are flooding the phones (from both sides) and there is the inevitable confusion of a special election. Not to mention the Staton/Black camps refusal to meet mainstream voters in a third party public debate.

Therefore, we are publishing the following for informational purposes. If Staton would send us an announcement we'd be glad to publish it. Somehow we just can't seem to get onto his secret email lists that would allow us to publish what his supporters are seeing. We still have an open mind, and still offer an open invitation for Mick to send us something. True a little sarcastic, but we would be glad to publish something from Mick. Good debate leads to good decisions, even if the debate is somewhat artificial.

The following is from the Democratic candidate for the 33rd Senatorial election. At the very least all parties of interest need to note the voting information. EVERYONE needs to vote.

Only 6 Days to Get Out the Vote!

January 25, 2006

Dear Friends,

With only 6 days to go until the special election the campaign has continued to build momentum. On Saturday, over 300 of you showed up to support Mark alongside Governor Kaine who announced, “Mark is exactly the kind of person that we need in Richmond to bring common sense and good ideas to the Senate of Virginia." The campaign has knocked on over 10,000 doors and we are hearing from more and more voters that Mark is on the right side of the issues.

As Mick Staton continues to try to remake himself and run from his pro-growth record by refusing to debate before a public audience, groups from all sides are seeing through his campaign rhetoric and lining up behind Mark. Just this week Mark earned the support of the Virginia Education Association, the International Association of Fire Fighters and the League of Conservation Voters for his positions on education, public safety and growth and transportation. Even Republicans are crossing party lines to support Mark -- the Republican group Leadership for Virginia, has endorsed Mark.

Just today, the Loudoun Easterner endorsed Mark in the special election stating, "If voters remain concerned about transportation issues in Loudoun, ... then the voters should choose Mark Herring -- not because of his party, but because he has valuable experience that the Virginia Senate needs."

However, with all this momentum we still have work to do. This race is going to come down to turnout and this weekend we will be engaged in a massive district wide Get Out the Vote effort. Below is a list of ways that you can help the campaign this weekend at our Lansdown and Leesburg offices, as well as in Fairfax. Whatever time you can give will go along way in ensuring that Mark Herring is our next State Senator.

Canvassing

Weekdays - 10:00am - 6:00pm - Lansdowne (Leesburg, VA) - 44115, Woodridge Parkway, Suite 240 - Contact Steve (571) 330-4906

Saturday

10:00am - Leesburg, VA, 10 South King Street - Contact Dave Carpio - (703) 669-1361
10:00am - South Riding, VA - Hutchinson Elem., 42819 Hyland Hills St. - Contact Dave Carpio - (703) 669-1361
10:00am - Herndon, VA, - McNair Elementary School, 2499 Thomas Jefferson Drive - Contact Amy Reger - (703) 328-5937
10:00am - Chantilly, VA - Franklin Elementary School, 3300 Lees Corner Road, Chantilly, VA - Contact Amy Reger (703) 328-5937
10:00am - Lansdowne (Leesburg, VA) - 44115, Woodridge Parkway, Suite 240 - Contact Steve (571) 330-4906
2:00pm - Leesburg, VA, 10 South King Street - Contact Dave Carpio - (703) 669-1361
2:00pm - South Riding, VA - Hutchinson Elem., 42819 Hyland Hills St. - Contact Dave Carpio - (703) 669-1361
2:00pm - Herndon, VA, - McNair Elementary School, 2499 Thomas Jefferson Drive - Contact Amy Reger - (703) 328-5937
2:00 pm - Chantilly, VA - Franklin Elementary School, 3300 Lees Corner Road, Chantilly, VA - Contact Amy Reger (703) 328-5937

Sunday

10:00am - Lansdowne (Leesburg, VA) - 44115, Woodridge Parkway, Suite 240 - Contact Steve (571) 330-4906
1:00pm - Leesburg, VA - 10 South King Street - Contact Dave Carpio - (703) 669-1361
1:00pm - Potomac District, Loudon, Guilford Elementary School, 600 W. Poplar Ave. - Contact Dave Carpio - (703) 669-1361
1:00pm - Herndon, VA, - McNair Elementary School, 2499 Thomas Jefferson Drive - Contact Amy Reger - (703) 328-5937
1:00pm - Chantilly, VA - Franklin Elementary School, 3300 Lees Corner Road, Chantilly, VA - Contact Amy Reger (703) 328-5937

Phone Banking

Weekdays

Leesburg - 11:00am - 4:00pm and 6:00-9:00pm - Leesburg, VA, 10 South King Street - Contact Dave Carpio - (703) 669-1361
10:00am - 8:00pm - Lansdowne (Leesburg, VA) - 44115, Woodridge Parkway, Suite 240 - Contact Steve (571) 330-4906
Fairfax County - Fairfax County Democratic Committee Headquarters, 2815 Hartland Road, Suite 110, Falls Church - Call Ginny Peters for times - (703) 573-6811

Saturday

11:00 - 7:00pm - Leesburg, VA, 10 South King Street - Contact Dave Carpio - (703) 669-1361
Fairfax County - Fairfax County Democratic Committee Headquarters, 2815 Hartland Road, Suite 110, Falls Church - Call Ginny Peters for times - (703) 573-6811
10:00am - 8:00pm - Lansdowne (Leesburg, VA) - 44115, Woodridge Parkway, Suite 240 - Contact Steve (571) 330-4906

Sunday

12:00 - 6:00pm - Leesburg, VA, 10 South King Street - Contact Dave Carpio - (703) 669-1361
Fairfax County - Fairfax County Democratic Committee Headquarters, 2815 Hartland Road, Suite 110, Falls Church - Call Ginny Peters for times - (703) 573-6811
10:00 8:00pm - Lansdowne (Leesburg, VA) - 44115, Woodridge Parkway, Suite 240 - Contact Steve (571) 330-4906

With your support, we know we can win this race.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Andrew Resnick

Mark Herring for State Senate

mark@herringforsenate.com

phone: (703) 669-1361

web: http://www.herringforsenate.com

Delgaudio Emboldened by Mick's Candidacy

2006-01-24T10:59:00.000-05:00

We normally don't cross post blogs, but this is critical information that needs to be assimilated before anyone supports Mick Staton. There has to be huge questions for Mick about his endorsement for Eugene Delgaudio running for 10th District Republican Chairman. Is Mick supporting this move or not? We're concerned. If Mick wins will Delgaudio get the full support of a "sitting" Senator. In effect, catapulting Eugene to higher ground.

The following is from "Too Conservative", a blog that is reporting the following as being a genuine post from the Honorable Eugene Delgaudio, an illustrious County Supervisor and adviser to Mick Staton.

The following is posted from the reported "Eugene Delgaudio":

"Gentlemen and ladies: I have filed to run against Jim Rich. I am a candidate for 10th District Republican Chairman. I am a member in good standing of the LCRC (Loudoun County Committee) and have been a loyal team player for Republican party candidates since 1964. Name calling is easy when you do not work very hard. I challenge my detractors to give to the GOP as much as I have and work for as many candidates as I have. For six years I led the Mason District Republican Party back when there was a waiting list to get on the committee and there was 100 per cent attendence of all 75 members. This past general election the polling places looked like a Democrat primary with little or no Republican participation. There's more going on here than an ideological split. My tactics and policies have been mimicked by Presidents and Presidential candidates and political stalwarts of all stripes. Even Comedy Central gives me credit sometimes. How about it?"

http://tooconservative.blogspot.com/

Virtual Debate

2006-01-21T00:12:00.000-05:00

With the withdrawal of Mick Staton from the LWV debate, and its unfortunate effect of closing an opportunity for voters to ask questions of the candidates, we have decided to open up the "blog" floor for questions.

Feel free to post your questions via this blog. You can do it anonymously if you wish. Even if the candidates don't respond directly, maybe a surrogate, or someone with insight can do it for them.

At the least, this will provide an opportunity for voters to post concerns. Regardless of any official responses we will forward them to the candidates so an unscientific baseline of voter issues can be documented.

We understand comments are unverifiable and unmonitored. You should too. It is the reader's responsibility to consider the posts in the manner they are offered. The reader's judgment will determine individual conclusions.

Staton Plays Turtle

2006-01-20T09:13:00.000-05:00

Mick Staton is banking on mobilizing the Black Brigade clandestinely. Staton's strategy is a scary one, he is refusing to meet with the wider audience of voters.

Staton has turned down an invitation by the League of Woman Voters to openly debate Mark Herring.

The Loudoun Times Mirror reports, "The race already sizzles. After Staton said he probably would not attend a League of Women Voters forum to be held Jan. 23, Herring pounced, “Mick Staton is afraid to debate me because he knows I will expose his poor record on managing growth and the untrue statements he has made about my record,” said Herring. He said he would attend the forum, whether Staton shows up or not."

We're in a two week campaign with little time to analyze the candidate's motives and views. To not offer the general public an opportunity to hear you and ask questions is a total defensive move. Defensive but very illuminating. Staton is using the same slimy strategy Dick Black used. Sneak in under cover of a special election. No need to face main stream voters, just rev up the ole' BBers and the election is a success.

It is imperative voters have the opportunity to make decisions about both Staton and Herring based on as much information as possible. Staton's move leaves the voters with little source of information other than self-campaign published advertising. BlackOut applauds the League of Woman Voters for attempting to provide a "third-party" forum for the dissemination of information to voters.

Our guess is Staton is frightened of facing real questions about his record, especially his abysmal performance in supporting Loudoun County Public Schools.

A signficant amount of research, with numerous fact checking, has gone into BlackOut's analysis of Staton's LCPS record. Doing our duty to get the facts out, we have published the report at http://blackout2005.com/dickjr.html

We welcome anyone to challenge it or enhance the completeness of this enlightening report.

Reality: What is it good for?

2006-01-19T11:10:00.000-05:00

We're pretty sure the content for Mick Staton's campaign website was developed after Senator Mims announced his plans to resign his seat (it was, wasn't it?) This would have been after the November 8 election, then.

So how do we explain the fact that Mick still thinks Dick Black is in office? His links page points to the website of "Delegate Dick Black," and includes a photo captioned "The Sugarland Run Team - Supervisor Mick Staton, Delegate Dick Black and School Board Member Joseph Guzman."

Yes, shocked Dick Black groupies were heard muttering in disbelief "how could this happen?" at the election night "victory party," but this level of denial takes things to a whole new level. As we see it, there are two possibilities here. 1) Mick is suffering from a temporary psychotic break brought on by shock, and these delusions can be eliminated with gentle talk therapy; or 2) Mick believes that he can create his own reality through the sheer force of entitlement.

We are leaning toward 2), because it is supported by additional evidence. It does appear at this time that Mick is going to refuse to debate his opponent - and with such a short time frame, why not take every opportunity to put himself before the voters? Here's why: Mick doesn't think he needs "the voters", meaning everyone who isn't already part of his base. In Mick and Dick's world, "the voters" are just an annoying inconvenience that potentially stands in the way of their pre-ordained dominion. We have received reports of Mick, just like Dick before him, refusing to even respond to inquiries from citizen groups that he thinks will oppose his agenda. To Mick, people who don't agree with him don't matter, and if he acts like they don't exist... they won't.

Does Delgaudio Talk to his kids this way??

2006-01-16T09:30:00.000-05:00

Another word from Staton's strongest supporter, the ever entertaining, the Honorable Loudoun Supervisor, Eugene Delgaudio. Please put the following letter in context, it's written as a call to action for the Republican canvas vote.

By the way, BlackOut has repeatedly attempted to get on the Delgaudio distribution list. Luckily, several of our Republican friends continue to forward us his secret communications. We would think Eugene would welcome the opportunity for us to publish his guidance. Nevertheless, we'll continue to do our best in spreading his wisdom.

"Dear Sterling American,

Your one vote can make a difference Today, Monday.
Liberals wearing bags on their heads will show up to
shamefully attempt to vote, "as Republicans".

Drivers of cars with "Kaine for Governor" and "John
Kerry for President" stickers will brazenly sign pledges
to the Republican party. It won't be the first time.
(They will be barred by law come June 30 from doing this)

Liberal bottom dwellers will hover like vultures to see if
conservatives will turn out.

Some misguided souls are doing the liberal's dirty work
in the dark of the night and shamelessly in broad day light
in front of children.

But it is our right to stop them if we can. It is our obligation
to stop them if we can.

I know you will help me save Sterling from being a step
child and bled dry for boondoggles and wasteful schemes.

Sterling Americans have never stood by and allowed
a liberal victory without a fight.

I know you will NEVER surrender your freedom to resist
liberalism and get nothing in return. Thank you.

Over and over again, Sterling Americans have been there
and outvoted the liberals. Year in and year out, Sterling
Americans have been the conservative fortress for Loudoun
County.

Most of you are supporting Mick Staton, a boldly and strident
voice for your beliefs who has made liberals retreat or recoil
from their wild ways with your wallet.

So, please vote for Mick Staton Monday for Senator. Thank you.

Sincerely,

EUGENE DELGAUDIO
STERLING DISTRICT (COURT JESTER, editorial comment)"

Marching orders

2006-01-14T19:12:00.000-05:00

Attention! This is a really, really important update on the primary being held on Monday, January 16th.

Eugene "the other nutcase" Delgaudio wants you to know the following:

"It is only God's will that you turn out and vote out liberals in their palace of waste."

That is all. Thank you.

Staton, the Steward?

2006-01-13T11:16:00.000-05:00

Trish Daquano, a homemaker from Sterling, on Feb. 3, 2005 made a lonely $50 contribution to the Friends of Mick Staton. During the campaign reporting period (1/1/05-6/30/05 - for a Supervisor race that occured in 2003, BTW), while there was only Trish's $50 coming in, a lot was going out. Check out these expenditures...

3/21/05 Best Buy - office equipment - $608.98
3/31/05 Best Buy - office equipment - $1,620.11
4/6/05 Mens Warehouse - tuxedo rental for formal event - $89.24
4/26/05 Staples - office supplies - $316.58
6/2/05 The Olive Garden - food for volunteers - $48.00
6/6/05 Shell Oil - gas for trip - $34.22

Grand Total - $6,163.68 for computers, tuxes, food and a trip. What a trip!

While none of these expenditures are technically illegal, it does make you wonder how Staton might explain all his wining and dining to Ms. Daquano.

Mick Disses Fairfax Republicans

2006-01-13T10:19:00.000-05:00

Here's an interesting dialog reported in the Loudoun Connection on the selection of one location for the canvas. Fairfax Republicans -- beware of Mick.

"Lattanzi (Minchew's Campaign Manager) said a location in Fairfax would be fair because those voters are used to voting in Fairfax County. A single, centralized, location in Loudoun may leave the Fairfax voters out of the process.

"We would have preferred a polling location in Fairfax as well," said Lattanzi.

Staton disagreed. He said if there is one location in Fairfax, there would have to be at least four in Loudoun, to match the representation of the counties in the district. He said the 33rd District is one district, and county lines should not play a role in determining the polling locations. One location in each, he said, would disenfranchise the voters in Loudoun."

I guess that means Micky will work for the Fairfax side of the district one fifth of the time.

If Staton/Black wins we may all need a fifth!

Top 10 Reasons NOT to Vote for Dick Lite

2006-01-11T12:58:00.000-05:00

10. VENGENCE. The Staton campaign has stated point-blank that his campaign is a vengence campaign for Dick Black's loss. "By helping Mick you will be doing a great service to Delegate Black," says Mick's campaign manager.

9. SCHOOL FUNDING CUTS. Staton's record reflects a complete disdain and animosity towards supporting public schools. In 2005, he led the way in cutting an additional $7 million from the school budget by gouging teacher salaries so as to get to his targeted $1.04 rate. In 2004, he voted against transferring $6.7 million from the state back to Loudoun County Public Schools. Finally, as suggested by certain of his PAC endorsements, Mick just like Dick Black will be a vigorous supporter of tuition tax credits, a plan that forces taxpayers to foot the bill for private education while at the same time diverting much needed state funds away from public schools.

8. LACK OF EXPERIENCE. Staton is immature, inexperienced and not Senator material. Mick has served just 2 years on the Loudoun Board of Supervisors, having held no elective office prior to that election. He would not be running for Senate if his father-in-law was not Dick Black. Mick has yet to successfully accomplish anything, which is painfully reflected at his campaign website. Among just 4 items he lists, one includes a revitalization plan that needs legislative authority to accomplish. His other noted accomplishment was saving a puppy from being killed.

7. CLOSED MINDED. The art of compromise is completely lost on Staton. He butts heads with everyone from fellow Republicans (School Board chairman John Andrews and Delegate Joe May to name just two) to infuriating entire town governments.

6. TAX LIAR. Staton has a record of kowtowing on taxes. His failed development plan for western Loudoun would have cost taxpayers $761 million more to provide the necessary schools, roads and other infrastructure required by the new houses. Staton also favored a state transportation plan that would have ultimately raised taxes to fund transportation projects.

5. TOOTHLESS. Staton is all bark and no bite. He rails on and on about reducing government spending. Yet in 2004 when faced with a $967 million county budget, Mick got a mere $197,000 in cuts to include a whopping $10,000 cut from animal care and control and a mighty $6,000 to provide dentistry services to the poor. “A dental visit doesn’t cost that much” said Staton. “The best dental care is a toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste.”

4. ABSENT LEADERSHIP. For the past two years Staton has been the BOS appointed voting member of the Loudoun County Library Board of Trustees. He's never in attendance, and when important votes supporting county libraries have come before the BOS he has rejected any support for libraries. His own senate candidacy literature doesn't note him has being on the library BOT. His excuse may be meeting conficts but the BOT, twice, changed their meeting times to accommodate his schedule. To no avail, he's an absent leader.

3. WARPED PRIORITIES. Just like his father-in-law, Dick Black, Staton supports the same warped social agenda that prioritizes sex, abortion, gays and guns over bread-and-butter issues such as transportation, education, and economic development.

2. EXCLUSIONIST. Staton is just as homo-phobic as Dick. And just like Dick, Staton thinks he is God, personally able to decide who is a 'real' Christian and who is not. In response to Stone Bridge High Schools’ production of the play Offsides, Mick wrote "Tolerance for those who have different cultures, beliefs or practices is a cornerstone of freedom in our society, but just as we are dedicated to protecting those in the minority in this country, we cannot do so by trampling over the rights of the majority. When Christian views are forbidden because they are based in religion, but views in direct opposition to Christianity are allowed to be advocated in our public schools, I feel that a double standard has been created that treats people of faith like second class citizens."

1. And the number one reason: Mick Staton will endorse his father-in-law and behind the curtain campaign manager, Dick Black, to his vacated Supervisors position.

Staton: Off on Offsides As Well

2006-01-04T17:35:00.000-05:00

Throw the flag at Dick Junior. He's just as offsides as Dick on this one.

Remember Dick's tizzy... e-mailing his supporters claiming that, in the Stone Bridge High School play, Offsides, "two male students engaged in a homosexual kiss onstage" and that public schools were "being used to promote a homosexual lifestyle." Well, his son-in-law, Mini Dick, followed up with a missive of his own, warning of the play's disturbing "indoctrination."

Like father-in-law, like son-in-law!

As Black Out 2005 blogger Katie Storm writes...

"Mick won't repudiate the bad behavior of Dick Black. He'll continue it, feverishly. Here's a snippet from a letter to the editor he wrote the the Loudoun Connection dated 2/10/2005. It's a response to "Offsides".

"Tolerance for those who have different cultures, beliefs or practices is a cornerstone of freedom in our society, but just as we are dedicated to protecting those in the minority in this country, we cannot do so by trampling over the rights of the majority. When Christian views are forbidden because they are based in religion, but views in direct opposition to Christianity are allowed to be advocated in our public schools, I feel that a double standard has been created thattreats people of faith like second class citizens."

Mick appears to believe he is God, or that he is personally able to decide who is a 'real' Christian and who is not.
UPDATE: Here's the entire letter as published in the Loudoun Connection.
Play Crosses Line, February 10, 2005
To the Editor:
It has come to my attention that Stone Bridge High School put on a play called "Postcards from Paradise." In the second act of this play, a young boy is portrayed as confused about his sexuality and an openly gay boy encourages him to 'explore' these feelings. At the end of the act the two boys kiss, and the 'confused' boy turns to the audience and addresses them by saying, "You can't tell me there's not a little bit of me in every one of you."
This was an attempt at shock value, and by addressing the audience in this manner, it crosses the line of discussion into advocacy. Parents were not only offended at the shock value of this kiss, but also for the fact that it was implied that everyone in the audience was secretly hiding homosexual feelings. What also disturbs me is that this play was obviously approved by the faculty at Stone Bridge, which makes me question what other kinds of practices are being condoned in our public schools.
Tolerance for those who have different cultures, beliefs or practices is a cornerstone of freedom in our society, but just as we are dedicated to protecting those in the minority in this country, we cannot do so by trampling over the rights of the majority. When Christian views are forbidden because they are based in religion, but views in direct opposition to Christianity are allowed to be advocated in our public schools, I feel that a double standard has been created that treats people of faith like second class citizens.
We have banned the Ten Commandments in schools because they are a symbol of Christian religion. We do not even require children to say the pledge of allegiance for fear of offending someone's beliefs. Why is it, then, that different groups are allowed to offend the beliefs of Christians with impunity?
Are the rights of the parent who does not want their child forced to say the pledge of allegiance more important than the rights of the parent who does not want their child exposed to the views that homosexuality is 'just another lifestyle choice? 'We must not only protect our children physically, but we must also protect them from indoctrination. Our teachers are given a sacred trust to safeguard the inquisitive minds in their care. We cannot allow that trust to be subverted by groups who have their own agendas.
I urge Dr. Hatrick and the School Board to take action to address this situation.
Mick Staton, Supervisor, Sugarland Run District

We Finally Found Something!

2006-01-04T17:06:00.000-05:00

We have been searching and searching to find something, anything, just one constructive thing that Dick Junior has accomplished while in office.

And here it is. It's so wonderful! And definitely one that qualifies him for State Senate!

Puppy lives to see another day!
A puppy was found in Cardinal Glen and the lady who found him wanted to keep him. She contacted the animal shelter to give an opportunity for someone to reclaim the puppy. After waiting the required time, with nobody claiming the dog, the woman called to arrange the adoption of the animal. She was told that the dog was tested and determined to be un-adoptable.Supervisor Staton arranged for the puppy to be re-tested. Upon re-testing, adoption of the puppy was approved, provided the puppy is given obedience training. The proud new owner agreed, and Tux, the puppy, is now living a happy life in a home in Cardinal Glen.

Update: We would be remiss if we failed to say: Tip o' the hat to Ray.

Right-wing Round Up!

2006-01-03T11:12:00.000-05:00

What would we do without Eugene Delgaudio? His "Dear Sterling American" newsletters are always so entertaining if nothing else. For without his most recent installment, one would never know who is endorsing his buddy, Mick Staton.

Mick's list seems to include just about every sex-obsessed right-winger in the state. So, where's all the endorsements from Republicans not totally preoccupied with gays and sex? Like Loudoun Delegates Joe May and Tom Rust, for example?

Early Christmas Eve, December 24, 2005
Dear Sterling American,
Today I sent you a message endorsing Mick Staton for Senator. Just minutes ago, Senator candidate Staton called me and asked me to send you this urgent message. Merry Christmas.
Sincerely, Eugene Delgaudio Sterling District

***************************************************************
STATEMENT OF SENATOR CANDIDATE MICK STATON TO STERLING AMERICANS
[....]

Since I announced my candidacy, I have been honored by the endorsements of many key leaders in the Republican Party, including:
Senator Ken Cuccinelli
Senator Steve Martin
Senator Steve Newman
Senator Mark Obenshain
Senator Jay O'Brien
Delegate Dick Black
Delegate Mark Cole
Delegate Jeff Frederick
Delegate Tom Gear
Delegate Scott Lingamfelter
Delegate Bob Marshall

Many other Republican leaders, including Loudoun Supervisors, (editors note: your Sterling Supervisor Eugene Delgaudio is supporting Staton), School Board Members from Loudoun and Fairfax, and over 140 other supporters have endorsed my candidacy for Senate.

[...]

Merry Christmas,
Mick Staton

Cake crumbs on Staton's lips?

2005-12-31T11:17:00.000-05:00

With Mick hiring Virginia’s Club for Growth Director Kellie DeRouens as his campaign manager, we decided to do a little digging into this organization. Here’s what we found out:

The state chapter of this organization describes itself as “comprised of Virginia citizens and taxpayers dedicated to fighting for lower taxes, reduced regulatory burdens, controlled government spending, and other policies that will expand overall economic growth and prosperity for the working people of Virginia.”

In other words, they’re hard-core anti-tax Republicans, who rail against RINOS (Republicans in Name Only) to include most recently Loudoun’s Delegate Joe May. And back in October, one month before the election, they were very pissed at Jerry Kilgore.

Basically, they were angry because Jerry refused to sign their anti-tax pledge. “Jerry Kilgore has tried to have his cake and eat it too” said Phil Rodokanakis, President of the Virginia Club for Growth. “By trying to play both sides of the issue, Kilgore has been telling fiscal conservatives that he’s against taxes, while winking at the tax-and-spend interests in our Commonwealth, implying that he’s also on their side.”

Kilgore was stuck with a choice, one exposing the wide rift dividing Republicans: the pro-business moderates vs. anti-tax absolutists. In order to gain the endorsement of pro-business moderates (specifically the endorsement of the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, a major feather in Kilgore’s cap), he had to promise not to oppose efforts to raise regional taxes. “Given the State’s $2 billion dollar budget surplus and the fact that all residents are paying unprecedented prices at the gas pumps, Jerry Kilgore needs to assure the voters that he will not raise taxes and that he will rebate part of the budget surplus back to the taxpayers–anything less at this time, is simply unacceptable!”

Jerry Kilgore’s proposed transportation plan called for a regional tax increase for transportation. And as reported in The Washington Post, Mick Staton publicly supported Kilgore’s plan which called for regional transportation authorities to define road projects and to raise taxes to fund those projects.

We are not going to jump into the huge debate as to whether Staton is a tax-raiser vs. an anti-taxer. You can participate in that debate here. For now, we’ll just watch for cake crumbs on Mick’s lips.

What happened to Mrs. Callie Chaplow?

2005-12-29T10:26:00.000-05:00

We see that Mick has hired Club for Growth's Director Kelly "Go, Growth!" DeRouen as his campaign manager. So what happened to Mrs. Callie Chaplow, Dick Black's campaign manager? Dick Black lost, yes, but that had nothing to do with Mrs. Chaplow. Afterall, Jerry Kilgore was the real reason Dick lost.

Plus by hiring Mrs. Chaplow, Mick could have gotten a sorta "two for one" deal, as she is married to Doug Chaplow, a long-time legislative aide to Senator Bill Mims. Afterall, it's Mims' Senate seat that Mick is after anway.

And how better to acquaint oneself to the 33rd Senate district and to the ins-and-outs of the General Assembly. Despite the fact that both Mr. and Mrs. Chaplow are soon to be unemployed, both have many years experience working in Richmond as aides to Loudoun electeds. Mrs. Chaplow was simultaneously on the State payroll as Dick's legislative aide as well as being paid by his campaign. And while Dick played a fairly solitary game during his stint in Richmond, Mims did not. Like his boss, Mr. Chaplow is well versed at amicably relating with legislators on both sides of the aisle, and developing beneficial relations with other Loudoun legislators, especially with our Delegates Joe May and Tom Rust.

We suspect that both Chaplows can now smell a fish out of water and are steering clear.

Far Right is Still Wrong, Still Fails

2005-12-28T12:37:00.000-05:00

Haven't the far-right factions in Loudoun learned anything from their recent defeat? Voters rejected the far-right Dick Black. Why would they now support another far-right candidate?

Well, given the following email from Mick Staton's new campaign manager, the far-right continues to just not understand...

Hello Fellow Conservatives,

I wanted to take this time to introduce myself to you and let you know that our whole staff will be working very hard to make sure that Mick Staton will be our next 33rd District Senator. Mick is the son-in-law of Delegate Dick Black and he is a great guy who is a pro-life, pro-gun, and anti-tax candidate. Even though we lost a great conservative in this past election I want you to know that now is your chance to fight back and defend our conservative values. By helping Mick you will be doing a great service to Delegate Black. Please join me in helping to get Mick Staton elected to the 33rd District Senate Seat. If you would like to volunteer for the campaign please contact me at the information below. Thank you and I hope you have a Happy New Year!

Kellie DeRouen
Campaign Manager
Friends of Mick Staton
(703) 406-0483
k.derouen@verizon.net

Mick Staton, the second Mr. Michelle Black

2005-12-22T11:35:00.000-05:00

Says Mick Staton... "The Loudoun Times-Mirror (editorial Dec. 14) shamed themselves and responsible members of the news media when they gratuitously attacked my wife."

What attack?

The only mention of Michelle, Mick's wife, is this... "Mr. Staton is the second husband of Mr. Black's daughter Michelle."

Mick's response?... "The Loudoun Times-Mirror owes my wife an apology for inserting comments about her that have no possible relevance to my work as a county supervisor or a possible candidate for the Virginia State Senate."

While he may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, the guy has to have some perception to the fact that he is indeed a public official and there is great relevance to the fact that he is Dick Black's son-in-law. As quoted in Leesburg Today...“I’ve learned just about everything I know from [my father],” Staton said. “My father, father-in-law, and I all share the same values.”

So, he and Papa Dick keep it all in the family. He loves, admires and respects his father-in-law, and given how much money Dick will donate to Dick Junior's campaign, is probably not divorcing the Black name anytime soon.

Staton continues..."By bringing up my personal life in some attempt to label me and my positions, Mr. Twigg [LTM's editor] crossed the line when he decided to bring personal details of my marriage to my wife, Michelle, into his political views."

For anyone that missed last week's LTM editorial, how scintilating! What personal details of his marriage? Well, guess what? Here's the nasty little details... Mick is Michelle's second husband! Can you believe it? Aren't you shocked!!! Now there is something to definitely get your shorts in a knot over! My goodness!

Well, it just goes to show you... Staton is indeed "Mini-Black". God forbid anyone should be divorced in this country and have the gall to remarry. There goes that "moral fabric" of today's society. Definitely need to sweep that dirt under the carpet. No wonder Staton is so upset. That horrible label that Twigg so dastardly inflicts! No wonder Mick can't otherwise comment on Twigg reporting his "floundering" on the BOS.

Now we suddenly understand why Michelle always signs her emails as "Mrs. Michelle Staton" (emphasis on the "Mrs."). That's very important to these people for some reason, even though a million other married women all over the U.S.A. never think to sign their emails "Mrs." Anybody. But then again, a million other married men wouldn't be so hung up over being mentioned as anybody's second husband. Bizarre little world the Black's live in.

Cancelled: The Mick and Dick Show

2005-12-14T11:58:00.000-05:00

While it had a successful run in 2003, the show was recently cancelled due to miserable showings at the polls.

You see, Dick Black won all five Sugarland Run District precincts in 2003. That election, Dick's son-in-law Mick Staton also ran and won a seat representing Sugarland Run on the county Board of Supervisors.

Two short years later in 2005, Dick Black lost all five Sugarland Run District precincts. And even though the dutiful son-in-law campaigned hard for his mentor, going door-to-door in his home district, sending out similarly vile letters, speaking much of the same hateful rhetoric, the show was cancelled by the voters.

So now that Dick Junior plans to run for the 33rd Senate seat should Mims resign, we suggest the show's now unemployed producers perhaps review the old footage. Ladies, you can find it here and here.

Black-Lite Out!

2005-12-01T14:42:00.000-05:00

A meeting of the Black-Staton Family Council was held last night and the decision was made that son-in-law Mick Staton should replace Bill Mims. Mims is rumored to be resigning his 33rd Senate seat to become deputy Attorney General if McDonnell wins the AG race, leaving his Senate seat up for grabs in a special election.

Boy, talk about chutzpah! Who do they think they are... the Kennedy's of Massachusetts?

The GOP nomination process for this seat will likely be a firehouse primary... meaning voters from throughout the 33rd will show up at a predetermined location, sign a Republican pledge and be given a ballot.

Music to our ears is the fact that our favorite professional bigot, Eugene Delgaudio, is lending his endorsement to Staton, aka Black-Lite. And wow! Here's a wonderful opportunity to again beat the Black contigent with this time a solid REPUBLICAN candidate.

Because what the Black family clan doesn't seem to understand is that Dick Black, the kingmaker, is dead! That Black is now himself poison. And already we know of 1 or 2 good moderate Republicans ready to step up, win and carry on splendidly where Bill Mims left off.

Look who's blogging on this...
Not Larry Sabato

Why we're still here

2005-11-22T16:26:00.000-05:00

The Loudoun Times-Mirror's Anne Keisman reports in the November 23rd edition on the speculation that's been making the rounds about Senator Bill Mims - that he will resign to become deputy Attorney General if McDonnell wins the AG race, leaving his Senate seat up for grabs in a special election.

In the same issue of the Times-Mirror there is a letter to the editor from a woman who is affiliated with "Help Save Herndon," a group formed to oppose the regulated day labor site. She commended Dick Black for his involvement, and thanked him for his assistance with developing the group's "strategy."

Did this "strategy" include the insertion of national anti-immigrant organizations, and a California radio talk show host's invitation to "burn up the phone lines" of the Herndon Town Council with racist, profanity-laced calls? She doesn't say, but that sounds like typical Dick Black behavior to us. Not only that, but the ugly, anti-immigrant rhetoric being encouraged by such a strategy sounds like the perfect environment for a Dick Black campaign.

If Dick Black doesn't try to run for the 33rd District Senate seat in a special election, should that come to pass, we will eat our shoes.

The bright side: Here's another chance for local Republican leaders to show some character and send this guy packing. Find us a suitable adult, please, someone who can offer ideas and solutions instead of fearmongering.

Extremists Proven Wrong: a letter from Delegate Gary Reese (R-67th)

2005-11-20T11:36:00.000-05:00

Here's an interesting read for our BlackOut 2005 supporters. How wonderful it is to no longer see Dick Black's name mentioned!!! Black who?

Handing Over the Baton to Caputo
November 23, 2005

To the Editor (Centreview):

Congratulations to Chuck Caputo for his overwhelming victory in the last election. Chuck will serve the 67th District well as my successor. Chuck already knows that he must extend his hands across the aisle; after all he is now very junior, and junior from the minority party. Hopefully, however, the Republican majority will come to understand that all those sitting in the House of Delegates have something to add to Virginia. The fierce and counterproductive partisanship that marked the House of Delegates for the past 20 years (in Democratic and Republican times) must come to an end. Old battles and wounds must be permitted to fade away.

As a lifelong Republican and a conservative activist for almost 40 years, I must admit that the results from the last election left me with mixed feelings. I am, however, very proud of the people of the 67th District. Chris Craddock and his extremist allies were certain that you would vote for him just because he called himself a Republican. Chris Craddock clearly thought that despite the fact that he took anti-women, anti-public school, anti-public safety, and anti-investment in Virginia's future positions you would vote for him. You did not.

I have always believed that you want your representatives to be reasonable and rationale, and to work together to make and keep our schools the best; to solve the transportation crisis; to work for public safety and not to arm our students in school, and, yes, for limited, efficient government, not government that intrudes into the most important decisions a family has to make. And, I know that Chuck Caputo shares these beliefs.

The Republican Party, my party, has been taken over by extremists. Chris Craddock, for all of his recklessness, was not alone; he had the fervent support of such self-proclaimed conservative activists as Robert Kukler, David Ray, Ron Etters, Carl Cecil, Stephanie Lacey, Jim Parmalee, Bill Schmidt, Phil Rodokanakis (president of the totally misnamed "Virginia Club for Growth"), Loudoun County Supervisors Eugene Delgaudio and Steve Snow, and others who support causes representing extremist beliefs, as well as those who wish to impose many of these beliefs on all of us. People who hate public schools. People who really do believe that our students should carry loaded weapons into our schools. People who oppose all school bonds, and want to privatize public schools. People who hate government. People who would let a mother die rather than permit her to have an abortion. People who will not invest in Virginia's future but complain if their double-, or even triple-dipping retirement checks are an hour late.

As well, the local extremists were aided and abetted by sinister outside forces. Grover Norquist, who wants to sell off all public schools, lent his name and organization (Americans for Tax Reform) to Chris Craddock. "All Children Matter," the strongest and most vicious national anti-public school organization dumped tens of thousands of dollars into the Craddock primary and general election campaigns. The Gun Owners of America and Northern Virginia Citizen's Defense League, the two most radical of all pro-gun groups, strongly supported Craddock because of his position that children should be able to carry loaded guns into our schools.

The picture is very clear. Whenever you see anyone of the above names or persons backing a candidate run the other way as fast as you can. Thank you to the fine people of the 67th District. You proved the extremists and their supporters wrong. Elsewhere in Virginia the extremists were also proven wrong.
This coming January you will have a new Delegate, and my best wishes go to him and his family. And my sincerest best wishes and gratitude go to you for your confidence and support in allowing me to represent you over the past several years.

Del. Gary A. Reese, (R-67th)
Bennett Road, Oak Hill

Looking ahead...

2005-11-17T10:20:00.000-05:00

Just like Dick Black, we here at BlackOut2005 are restless. And as a little bird suggested, we won't be packing up our toys and going home just yet.

So, let's look ahead to 2007, shall we?

We have Board of Supervisors, School Board, constitutional officers, etc. here in Loudoun come 2007. And every two years, all 100 seats in the House of Delegates are up.

AND, as we do every four years, all 40 state senator seats are up in 2007, including Sen. Bill Mims' very large 33rd Eastern Loudoun Senate seat, assuming of course that he runs for re-election. 2007 is a long way off in some ways, and strange things do have a way of happening around these parts.

2009 is also a long way off. That's when we again have races for statewide offices, like the Attorney General office.

Stay tuned!

That's us! THE Opposition!

2005-11-16T09:53:00.000-05:00

Basically for archival purposes, here's post-election reporting where BlackOut2005 is mentioned:

"Plenty of opposition was mounted against Black. A separate political action committee, BlackOut 2005, organized a Web site with the slogan “Extreme. Ineffective. Dick Black” list 100 reasons Black should not be in office." - Loudoun Times-Mirror

"Several Republicans said the growing opposition to Black was far too strong for the social conservative to conquer." Leesburg Today, Nov. 11, 2005

‘Black Out’ wins
"Republican Del. Dick Black, who has represented Potomac Falls and Ashburn in Virginia’s House of Delegates since 1998, narrowly lost his seat in Tuesday’s election to a concerted “Black Out” campaign formed early this year."

"Black had become the early target of opponents, with a “Black Out” movement forming before St. Patrick’s Day. The former top lawyer for the Army had offended many of his colleagues in the House of Delegates by sending each of them a small plastic replica of a fetus in an effort to drive home Black’s strong advocacy in strict opposition to abortion. Before Black’s election to the House of Delegates, he had also led a successful effort as a member of the Loudoun County Board of Trustees to install anti-pornography software on Internet terminals in the public libraries. That action drew attack from the National Association of Libraries as an infringement upon information, but many residents here applauded Black’s persistence on an issue they saw as critical to keeping children safe. By this year, Black had become arguably the most polarizing political figure in Loudoun. He has attracted strong support from many conservation Christian voters since his first election, proving he could turn out a strong voting block.

The “Black Out” campaign, however, used Black’s actions against him with moderate voters, apparently including many of the new voters in Black’s rapidly growing district. His backers proved not strong enough Tuesday. Voters found Poisson an acceptable alternative, though experienced election watchers saw the campaign as more between those for, and those against, Black, than as a between supporters of Poisson against those of Black." - Loudoun Easterner

"At times, the campaign was heated. In September, Black issued a letter to his constituents, which linked Poisson to the political organization, BlackOut2005. Poisson denied the allegations." - Loudoun Connection

Mission Accomplished!

2005-11-09T17:48:00.000-05:00

Q: What's next?
A: Hmmm. Delgaudio?

Thank you to all of our supporters. Your help and encouragement made this project possible.

Still Extreme.
Still Ineffective.
No longer our problem.
Dick Black.

Congratulations to the new 32nd District Delegate, David Poisson. We understand that you were not exactly thrilled with our existence, but hope that we ultimately played a positive role in this outcome.

Although our work here is done, there is still lively discussion going on at our blog. If you feel the need to vent, decompress, analyze or celebrate, do join in.

Best Wishes,
The Black Out 2005 Team - Wade, Glenn, Eileen, David and John

Here's EVEN MORE Guestbook sign-ins to share...

Congratulations. Getting Black out was such wonderful news. Thank you for everything you all did.

Great work to all of you. Can't tell you how many people applauded my bumper stickers. And I had absolutely nobody throw a plastic fetus at me. Now. Has anyone considered such an effort to oust that other extreme, ineffective Loudoun officeholder? It could be called: Delgaudi-Go! Best wishes and congratulations!

Thanks for all of your hard work and energy! I was amazed at the response at the polls... The Republicans working next to us wouldn't put out Black's literature until one of the afternoon workers arrived and complained. I am so grateful to know that even the Republicans were turned off by this polarizing hate mongrel that we elected entirely too many times -- I am grateful to be rid of him!! Congratulations Loudoun!! We did it! I am proud to be a Loudoun resident.

Back at the University of Florida, where "Dick" and I are loyal alums, there is a nostalgic song that we sing after the end of the third quarter of every home football game. We put our arms around one another and sing as we sway back and forth, "In all kinds of weather, we'll all stick together..." Well, Dick Black has chosen not to stick together with a good portion of his UF alumni, much less his constituency. Good bye, sir. - GatorJamie

Thanks much for your efforts to get rid of this horses ass.

Thank you, Blackout2005, for your invaluable help in kicking Black out of the Houseof Delegates. The voters of Loudoun County, D's. R's, and I's were so energizedthis time around. How sweet it is!! With Black gone, we need to focus our attentionon getting his friends and relative off the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors.

Q: What's next? A: Hmmm. Delgaudio? Absolutely and maybe Dick Lite (Mick Stanton)?

How about taking out Del. Bob Marshall -- I know he's not in Loudoun but he is just as bad as Black.

THANK YOU! thank you! THANK YOU! thank you! THANK YOU! thank you! THANK YOU! thank you! THANK YOU! thank you! THANK YOU! thank you! THANK YOU! thank you! THANK YOU! thank you! THANK YOU! thank you! THANK YOU! thank you! THANK YOU! thank you! THANK YOU! thank you! ...............

C-ya dick..who knows, maybe you could move to a fundementalist right wingcountry now...say Saudi Arabia?

Congratulations! A job well done.

Threatening parishoners at Black's church

2005-11-06T19:30:00.000-05:00

An observer at the Saturday night mass at Our Lady of Hope, Dick Black's parish, sent the following report, also shared with the Washington Post and other media outlets:

The Catholic parish attended by Delegate Richard Black (R-Loudoun) has entered the political contest now raging in Virginia’s 32nd District between incumbent Black and challenger David Poisson.

In sermons delivered on Saturday and Sunday at four masses, the parish priests, William P. Saunders and Bryan Belli, warned parishioners against voting for candidates “endorsed by the National Abortion Rights Action League and the Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbian Democratic Club”. On the basis of the parable of the five wise and five foolish virgins, in Matthew 25: 1-13, the priests also inveighed against "imprudent voting”, warned parishioners that they might die and be judged by God at any time, and cautioned against voting for politicians who support stem cell research, choice, and gay rights.

Black and Poisson were not identified by name in the priests’ sermons, but a flyer included in the church bulletin distributed at all masses specifically identified Black as having been endorsed by the Virginia Society for Human Life, and the Family Foundation. Poisson was listed as having been endorsed by the Virginia Partisans Gay & Lesbians Democratic Club and the Washington Blade.

Black’s parish is Our Lady of Hope, located at 20648 Belwood Court, Potomac Falls, Virginia (703-430-5702).

We notice that capital punishment, a central moral issue in Catholic doctrine, is curiously missing from the list of political no-nos enumerated in this sermon.

Another observant Black Out 2005 supporter points out that this is an unusual read on the Matthew parable. At another parish, the same parable was discussed this morning in terms of fundamentalism, and how some religious leaders have wrongly taken scripture out of context to support their claims that only those who conform to a particular political agenda will be saved. The most important point of this sermon was that Catholics do not believe that Jesus is going to leave anyone behind.

Far be it from us to speak authoritatively on scriptural interpretation. It's just that telling parishoners two days before an election that they could die and be left behind if they vote the "wrong" way, strikes us as . . well, wrong.

Black in a Nutshell: Top 10 Reasons to Get Black Out #1

2005-11-06T13:10:00.000-05:00

#1
Dick Black is a complete failure.

Our classrooms are overcrowded, traffic is a nightmare, and our taxes are spiraling out of control. So what occupied 75% of Dick Black's time in the 2005 legislative session??? - Sex. Gays. Abortion. Birth control. License plates. Right... he's in touch with Loudoun's priorities... NOT! It's always a sex-thing with him.

Then there is the 25% of time he spent in the 2005 session on legislation having ANYTHING to do with public education and transportation. Let's just say it's not what your child's teacher would call "solid work". Of the 15 bills he introduced this year, ONLY 1 was about transportation funding and 0 were for education. Zero!

A student who performs this poorly would normally be required to repeat the grade -- but in Dick Black's case we would rather not see that happen.

Black is effective after all - at alienation

2005-11-05T11:19:00.000-05:00

The Washington Post today announced its endorsement of Black's opponent David Poisson, noting that Black has "alienated most of his GOP colleagues in the House".

District 32: Incumbent Richard H. Black (R), with his narrow focus on social issues and all-inclusive, just-say-no opposition to additional revenue-raising, has alienated most of his GOP colleagues in the House, to say nothing of the Democrats. Attorney and businessman David E. Poisson (D), who has worked on U.S. Senate staffs and has an impressive record of community service, offers a welcome contrast.

Black's gift for alienation isn't limited to his Republican colleagues. Like never before it is hemorraging into his previously reliable Republican constituents, which is where it will matter on Tuesday.

It could be that Dick's only friend left in the world is fellow do-nothing Eugene Delgaudio, whose fawning email promising "free food" to anyone who will "keep me company" in the last desperate weekend of campaigning left us rolling our eyes. Pathetic is the word that comes to mind.

If you can't say something nice . . (part 2)

2005-11-04T09:29:00.000-05:00

Today's Washington Post examines the 32nd district race in light of the 13% increase in registered voters since the 2003 election. These new voters, according to State Senator Bill Mims, are likely dominated by independents.

For his part, Black demonstrates once again that he only does one trick: Appeal to his base with false claims about his role in the Route 28 improvements, with a sprinkle of fearmongering about his favorite social issue, one that is at the bottom of the list of his constituents' priorities.

That list is headed by education - especially urgent because of the explosion of new residents with school age children. Who better to ask for comment than School Board Chairman John Andrews, Loudoun County Republican Committee member?

Ouch. Although Andrews allowed that he "is supporting" all the Republican candidates, he refused to comment when asked if he thought Dick Black has been an effective advocate for our public schools. He then added, "I know how that looks."

John: We feel your pain.

He's Like So Third-Grade!

2005-11-03T09:12:00.000-05:00

TRULY immature, like not old enough to have a sharp-pointed pencil or a sharp-pointed pair of scissors.

In cable TV ads that started yesterday, an actor deliberately and pronouncedly mispronounces Dick Black's opponent, David Poisson's last name as "Poison".

Black did it at least a dozen times during the Oct. 12 debate where he had no problem pronouncing a name like "Levandoski". So it's not like his lips can't wrap themselves around difficult-to-pronounce names. Maybe Dick Black was trying to pull off being cute, like Arnold Schwarzenegger with his long "ee" pronunciation of "Cal-ee-fornia". Dick? Cute? Nah, that's not it either.

Nope, there's only one explanation for it. Mr. Black actually thinks there are voters out there that will actually not vote for David Poisson based on the way he (Black) pronounces his name. "Who would vote for poison?", his little brain surmises.

Well, yes, voters will vote for and elect the man Dick Black calls "poison". They want a grown-up representing them in Richmond.

Black in a Nutshell: Top 10 Reasons to Get Black Out #2

2005-11-03T09:03:00.000-05:00

#2
Dick Black's idea of "fixing" the "problem".

During the eugenics movement, over 8,500 Virginians were involuntarily sterilized as genetically "unfit", as Virginia leaders of this movement expressed open admiration for the Nazis and their attention to racial purity. Incredibly, this practice continued in Virginia as late as 1979.

Dick Black was one of only 10 legislators in the entire 150 member General Assembly to vote against a resolution declaring profound regret over the Commonwealth's role in the eugenics movement in this country. By way of explanation, Black simply stated that he doesn't "support apologizing for other people's actions."

Other remarks made by Black suggest a different motivation. Speaking about the "problem" of declining birth rates due to women using birth control, Black warned of "profound" implications of those losses, "not the least of which is the gradual collapse of our southern borders. We have lost the youthful vigor from the native population, and replacements have to come from somewhere", Black continues. "It makes immigration on a massive scale inevitable because there are some things only young people can do."

Gosh, today's women sure have a lot of nerve!

Read more...

Sources: HJ607 (LIS), Richmond Times Dispatch, Nov. 26, 2000, Eugenicsarchive.org, Negro History Bulletin, Virginian-Pilot, Aug. 18, 2004, Washington Post, Feb. 3, 2001, Washington Post, Sep 14, 2003

Caption Contest #3: Le director Dick Black

2005-11-02T17:11:00.000-05:00

After hearing a rumor that a Loudoun County high school drama club production concerned a young man's realization that he was gay, Dick Black sent (from Richmond and without having seen the play) an action alert asking "thousands" of supporters to tell the school board that "it is inappropriate to promote homosexuality in our public schools." Black characterized a staged kiss between two male actors as "a homoerotic sex act," and suggested that school personnel should be fired over the incident.

In fact, the one-act play "Offsides" was written and produced entirely by students as an extra-curricular club activity, the theme of the play was tolerance and the pain caused by rejection, and the description of its contents by Black was shockingly inaccurate. The play had been reviewed by the principal of the school and found to be a mature and sensitive treatment of a difficult topic.

When outraged students and parents ridiculed his comments, pointing out the many factual errors in his alert, and derided him for attacking a play that he hadn't even seen, Black backpedaled. He had an aide send a reply to critics claiming that he had no direct involvement in the action alert that came from his office. That original alert was dated February 6, 2005. In a February 9 reply to a student who was involved in the production of "Offsides", his aide claims that he "did not write . . or take credit for the alert/letter." She further claims that his concern was based on a quote by school board member Bob Ohneiser in the Leesburg Today - which was published on February 8th.

We didn't buy it either. So, let us hear your ideas for a captions to this here cartoon.

Opinion:
Switching Parties by Tim Buchholz, Ashburn - MUST READ!
"Dick Black has got to go. The consequence of his recent attack on Stone Bridge High School's Sabrina Jess and her brave play about human acceptance has created an unconstitutional environment of thought suppression and censorship in Loudoun County Public schools."
---
Divisive family values by Susan Ernst, Leesburg
Curb Censorship by Ginger Walker, Sterling
The Facts by David Weintraub, Lovettsville

Sources:
Leesburg Today, Feb. 8, 2005, Washington Post, Feb. 9, 2005, Loudoun Times-Mirror, Feb. 9, 2005, Loudoun Connection, Feb. 10, 2005, Leesburg Today, Feb. 10, 2005, Loudoun Connection, Feb. 17, 2005, Loudoun Easterner, Feb. 9, 2005, Loudoun Times-Mirror, Feb. 16, 2005

The truth about Route 28

2005-11-01T15:26:00.000-05:00

Leesburg Today reports on the groundbreaking for the Route 28 interchange at Sterling Boulevard, the final interchange to be built under the public-private partnership deal between VDOT and Clarke-Shirley.

Route 28, Route 28. It's just about the only thing Dick Black claims to have done for the residents of the 32nd district. He's been milking it for seven years now, in campaign mailers and robocalls, and with the help of his very special personal cheerleader Eugene Delgaudio.

Dick and Eugene were both present for the ceremony, eager for the photo ops. Too bad that former Senator Charlie Waddell got to speak, being the one who initiated the effort back in 1985. Waddell described how difficult it was to get help from the legislature in establishing the Route 28 tax district. He then added “Now, nearly every politician in Northern Virginia either claims to be the father or godfather of the district.”

Dick Black was nothing more than a waterboy for the bill that extended that tax district, created by the hard work of others in 1987. He didn't draft the bill; that was done by the consortium that put together the proposal. He didn't introduce the bill; the consortium went to State Senator Bill Mims for that. Mims merely handed the bill to Dick Black to patron in the House. Yet every two years, we are treated to the tall tale of how Dick Black is the godfather who brought us Route 28 improvements, and is leading the way out of our regional transportation problems.

Dick Black's Little Helpers

2005-11-01T09:45:00.000-05:00

Blogosphere rumors are just that. With that in mind, (and heaven knows we wouldn't want to spread unsubstantiated innuendo about an elected official of such high principles and spotless behavior), an anonymous blogger at Not Larry Sabato writes, "Reports out of Loudoun are that Dick Black is hiring day laborers to put up signs. Apparently there are pictures ... NLS, what have you heard?"

The only thing that we here at BlackOut 2005 know so far is Mr. Black is a wee bit short-handed this year. Because of some spat over the HCA hospital controversy with Patrick Henry College Prez Mike Farris, Black is not getting his usual free army of PHC student volunteers. That just has to put a crimp in his style.

And according to Dan at NLS, rumors are also flying that Dick Black is in trouble; he writes that "Black is getting desperate and has sent out attack mailers saying Poisson is "anti-seniors". Hopefully Poisson can win it. "

Desperate times do call for desperate measures. $10/hour is the going rate for this type of labor. But don't bother looking for this expense on Dick Black's campaign finance reports. According to Black, he has absolutely no clue who might have hired these workers, or where in the world they acquired his campaign signs.

The chairmen of the Democratic and Republican committees in Loudoun have jointly written and published letters to the editor reminding us that campaign yard signs are illegal within the VDOT right-of-way and imploring all candidates to adhere to the law. Perhaps Randy Minchew needs to remind Mr. Black. And someone needs to tell whoever thought this was money well spent that yard signs don't vote.

Seventy Six Trombones Lead the Big "Black Out" Parade

2005-10-30T16:25:00.000-05:00

We have 76 letters now posted!!!

Here's a few of the most recent addies...

Black's Empty Promises by Deborah Hawk, Sterling
[Published in Washington Post Loudoun Extra, October 27, 2005]
I voted for Rep. Richard H. "Dick" Black (R-Loudoun) in the past because I believed his promises to work hard on education and transportation issues as my delegate. It also helped that he ran as a Republican, making it likely that he would succeed with legislation to benefit us in Loudoun. Well, now he has a record I can look to, and I see clearly that his promises were empty and that his record is a miserable failure for Loudoun. More

Time for a Change by Glenn Maravetz, Ashburn
[Published in Washington Post Loudoun Extra, October 27, 2005]
We at the BlackOut 2005 organization always knew both sides of the aisle had issues with Del. Richard H. "Dick" Black (R-Loudoun). What has been most encouraging is the momentum all parties have created in providing an environment for change in the 32nd District. It has been humorous to hear Black try to tie our activities to the Democratic Party. Black shouldn't be the least bit surprised that Democrats are against him. What should really surprise him is the number of Republicans who have joined the effort. BlackOut has truly hit upon a bipartisan issue. More

Solid, Middle Ground by Greg Friedmann, Ashburn
[Published in Loudoun Connection, October 26, 2005]
I consider myself a moderate centrist - from a middle-class, Democratic background, but pragmatic enough to vote the person over the party when it makes sense. My wife and I have voted for Frank Wolf on several occasions since moving to Loudoun in 1985. We may disagree with Mr. Wolf on certain issues, but believe him to be an honorable, moral and hardworking man who's done pretty well by his constituents. After witnessing the Cascades debate and reviewing his sparse record of achievement, I cannot say the same for Mr. Dick Black. More

"Seventy six trombones hit the counter point
While a hundred and ten cornets played the air
To the rhythm of 'Harch Harch Harch!'
All the kids began to march
And they're marching still, right today"

Yeah!

Football and Politics?

2005-10-30T10:08:00.000-05:00

We at BlackOut 2005 had absolutely nothing to do with this banner (yes... it's hard to see... it's on the white press box... says "BLACKOUT 2005"). It was displayed at this past Friday's Potomac Falls vs. Park View high school football game. It was a student-led activity playing on the fact that PFHS' colors are black and white and DC United (who was doing a promotion at the game) has black and red as its colors. Indeed, it was a curious choice of words to use... we could argue a copyright violation. But, let's just chalk it up to youthful enthusiasm.

But still, we think it's kinda funny. So, go ahead and have yourself a little giggle.

And a heads up to the candidates (not that Dick Black is doing any door-to-door anyway)... Don't come campaigning during certain times next weekend. On Saturday, Nov. 5, the Hokies will be hosting Miami, in a game that will likely decide the ACC BCS berth. Most Loudouners will be watching. And on Sunday, Nov. 6, the 5-2 Redskins will be hosting the 5-2 Eagles for first place in the NFC East. Loudouners will be watching that game too.

Politics and football just don't mix! Or do they?

Black in a Nutshell: The Top 10 Reasons to Get Black Out #3

2005-10-28T16:55:00.000-04:00

Dick Black is not "Pro-Life"

If he were genuinely opposed to abortion, he would be advocating for the prevention of unwanted pregnancies. Instead, Dick Black is determined to outlaw common methods of birth control that thousands of his constituents take for granted. This is not a joke, nor is it "spin." The sobering truth is that Dick Black is trying to insert language into the Virginia code that redefines when pregnancy begins, language that would categorize the common birth control pill as an "abortifacient."

Opinion:

"Separate Religion and Health Care" by Jeri McGiverin, Public Relations Director, Mainstream Loudoun

"Redefining pregnancy" by Cortney Smith, Ashburn

"Black's Bitter Pill" by Marjorie Pfetzing, Round Hill

"Insult" by Robin Posey-Blue, Sterling

Loudoun Connection Endorses Black's Opponent, David Poisson

2005-10-28T16:22:00.000-04:00

David Poisson in 32nd

In the eight years that Del. Dick Black has represented the 32nd district, that great slice of Loudoun real estate has seen incredible growth with thousands of new homes and tens of thousands of new homes and tens of thousands of new residents. But it's been hampered by the same old politics.

Northern Virginia, the economic engine for the commonwealth, generates the bulk of the state's revenue through income taxes and sales taxes. Yet, only 29.5 cents (the high-end estimate) of every $1 in tax sent to Richmond is returned to help pay for services here.

Congestion already is costing us in quality of life - life spent in longer commutes instead of being at home with family - and it's costing us in property taxes. After all, more houses require more schools and public services that in turn require more property taxes to pay for them.

That's a great formula for Richmond. Collect the benefits of the region's economy, but stick Northern Virginia localities with all of the expense.

Loudoun's state legislators should be grappling with ways to empower counties working with developers with such wonkish ideas as adequate facilities and impact fees. Legislators should be looking to solve counties' over-reliance on property taxes, explore how cities' and towns' broader tax bases relieve homeowners. Legislators who really wanted to go beyond lip service to senior citizens being taxed out of their homes should figure out how to calculate meaningful "property tax circuit breakers".

These all sound dull and boring, but could make a significant difference in residents' lives.

It requires a legislator who's willing to get involved in those details, who still believes that government should try to make things better - as opposed to a government that has given up.

Will challenger David Poisson wrest more local control for Loudoun away from Richmond? Unlike the incumbent, at least he will try.

Loudoun Times-Mirror Endorses Black's Opponent, David Poisson

2005-10-27T14:59:00.000-04:00

"House of Delegates 32nd District: When a Republican political action committee makes a donation to Democrat David Poisson against incumbent Republican Del. Dick Black, we need no further convincing. And we trust you won't either." writes the Loudoun Times-Mirror, Oct. 26, 2005.

That Republican PAC is Leadership for Virginia.

a PAC that recently contributed a second $5,000 contribution to Black's opponent Democrat David Poisson;
a PAC that has made over 65% of its contributions to Republicans including $20,000 recently to Republican Delegate Joe May.
a PAC to which Randy Minchew, current Chairman of the Loudoun County Republican Committee recently donated $1,000

Leadership for Virginia is co-chaired by former Finance Chair of the Republican Party of Virginia James Hazel and the Honorable Anne Rhodes, former Republican member of the House of Delegates. "Dick Black does not have a record of accomplishment," said Leadership for Virginia co-chair Jim Hazel. "He likes to get headlines, but he doesn't get things done for Loudoun County. His ineffectiveness has been a frustration to me and many other moderate Republicans."

Overwhelmingly, moderate Republicans are coming to the realization that our Republican agenda is severly compromised by having a disruptive Dick Black remain in office.

Black in Your Bedroom - Caption Contest #2

2005-10-27T10:21:00.000-04:00

Considering that Dick Black thinks it's his job to define what a family is, to legislate your private intimate behavior, to make family planning decisions for you, and to withhold medically accurate information when you apply for a marriage license, we need a good caption for this cartoon.

He's "Delegate No"!

2005-10-26T12:01:00.000-04:00

Folks first started calling Dick Black "Delegate No" as in "Delegate No $ Back to Loudoun" in response to his failing to return even a fair shake for education and transportation from Richmond.

His "Delegate No" title was expanded to include his constant efforts to thwart Loudoun's smart-growth efforts both at the local level with rezoning efforts supporting Loudoun's revised Comp plan but also contrary to the stellar efforts of Loudoun's Republican delegation (Delegates May and Marshall and Senator Mims) to champion smart-growth legislation to include impact fees, affordability indexes, and adequate public facilities ordinances. "I don't want more for them", Black snarled as he introduced legislation which would effectively prohibit local governments from rezoning. But Senator Mims promised to push for smart-growth legislation anyway. "I will continue to support that legislation. I will do whatever I can to help it along. "

Today we call him "Delegate No" as in "Delegate not getting any", endorsements that is. The list is growing daily... The Loudoun Times-Mirror endorses Black's opponent David Poisson, no endorsement from the Virginia Family Values PAC, missing from the list of Virginia Conservative Action PAC's endorsed, no Virginia Association of Realtors PAC endorsement... Gosh, what will he NOT get again tomorrow?

UPDATE!
Black is denied yet another endorsement. David Poisson picks up the endorsement of Virginian Muslim Political Action Committee (VMPAC). "This year, we believe that it is time for us to vote for a candidate who will support the common good of all constituents in the District, not just a select few," said VMPAC President Mukit Hossain.

Exhibit A

2005-10-25T18:45:00.000-04:00

Folks, the Loudoun Connection has provided us with the perfect illustration of a Dick Black voter; this is the base that Black can count on to turn out for him on November 8. Voters who think like this fellow - bless his heart - will vote no matter what. High turnout elections, low turnout elections, doesn't matter. That's why firing Dick Black is all about turning out the vast majority of 32nd residents who don't immediately think "gay plays!!" when asked what issues concern them the most. Otherwise, people like this get to determine what our representative in Richmond spends his time on.

The Other Side
October 19, 2005

To the Editor:

Seems to me - I could be mistaken - that your "opinion" section continuously denigrates Del. Dick Black. Look at yours from today, Muriel Gardner and Greg Friedman basically say he is not worthy of anything. Week in and week out the "Democrat" Connection gives ink to liberals. Where is the "other side" opinions?No porn in libraries.Yes "Under God" in Pledge of Allegiance.Yes to "moment of silence."No to Pro-Gay agenda.No more taxes when there is a surplus.If you do not think your child is not receiving quality education? Solution: First, stay married and then trade in your BMW, Mercedes or Hummvee, your vacation cottage, country club membership, Harley Davidson, Starbucks $5 coffee and send them to private schools. My four children have not set foot in public - bomb threat, pro-gay play, drug selling, flip-flop, cut-off mini skirts, no Christmas - schools, my wife stays home and takes care of them when they come home, and we are married - only once - with the same last name. And - morals - this is regarded as not important?Liberals are such hypocrites. State do this, government do this, school system do this. Look in a mirror. Why don't you do it? Look at what is important - hopefully it is your family. Dick Black does. Dick Black does not do anything? I know one thing he does: wins elections.

Michael Purcell, Business Owner, Ashburn

No Virginia Family Values Endorsement for Black

2005-10-25T11:41:00.000-04:00

The Virginia Family Values PAC issued a candidate survey via email that consisted of just 2 simple questions. The answers were either a "Yes" or "No", and entailed a total of three mouse clicks to complete.

Virginia Family Values is a non-partisan Virginia political action committee (based in Charlottesville, VA) dedicated to promoting and protecting those values common to Virginia families, values like freedom and privacy, and working to remove from office those representatives who are anti-freedom, anti-privacy, and anti-family.

The two simple questions on the candidate survey were:
1. Do you believe that the use of any of the standard methods of birth control (condom, IUD, patch, or birth control pill) constitutes abortion?
2. Do you believe that government should regulate non-commercial sexual activities between two consenting adults in the privacy of their own home?

Sounds reasonable enough to us, but not so to Dick Black. Black didn't respond to the survey.

For Dick Black doesn't want to be nailed by the thousands of constituents in the 32nd district that use common birth control. Over and over again, with both words and actions, Dick Black has reiterated his belief that the pill, the patch, IUDs are all abortificents and do constitute abortion.

Black just as adamantly supports the upholding of Virginia's unconstitutional sodomy laws that criminalize the sexual activities between any and all gay or straight consenting adults in private. It's his hatred of gays that drives this medieval position, for without these so-called "crimes against nature" laws, Dick Black has no foundation on which to base his anti-gay agenda.

So no endorsement of Virginia Family Values to Dick Black who is indeed anti-freedom, anti-privacy, and anti-family. The Virginia Family Values PAC joins Black Out 2005 in working to remove Dick Black from office. He now has the dubious distinction not shared by any other candidate in Virginia. He now has not just one but TWO (2) PACs working for his removal.

Opinion: "Mainstream needs to vote" by Bob Moses.

Black's Dwindling GOP Support

2005-10-24T12:01:00.000-04:00

"At arms' length" is how we would describe mainstream Republican support for Dick Black's current campaign. From waning financial support to not showing up at key Black events, we suspect that many local GOP leaders are cutting their losses and are ready to shed the deadwood.

John Andrews, Chairman of LCPS School Board, for instance, gave Black $6,000 during his 2003 campaign. This time around Black has only gotten $3,500 from Andrews, who repeatedly voiced great disappointment to Black's reckless and irresponsible reaction to the Stone Bridge High School play Offsides.

Courthouse Corner, which is the business that Randy Minchew, chair of the local GOP committee, donates through, has again given Black the token $250 that it has since 2003. But most surprising is that Randy, via Courthouse Corner, has given $1,000 to Leadership for Virginia, the Republican PAC that recently contributed a second $5,000 contribution to Black's opponent - making a total of $10,000 contributed by the PAC to Democrat David Poisson.

Leadership for Virginia is co-chaired by former Finance Chair of the Republican Party of Virginia James Hazel and the Honorable Anne Rhodes, former Republican member of the House of Delegates. It is also a Republican PAC giving over 65% to Republicans, including a recent contribution of $20,000 to Republican Delegate Joe May (33rd - western Loudoun).

"Dick Black does not have a record of accomplishment," said Leadership for Virginia co-chair Jim Hazel. "He likes to get headlines, but he doesn't get things done for Loudoun County. His ineffectiveness has been a frustration to me and many other moderate Republicans."

Also not exactly a "glowing" endorsement is this reference to Dick Black by Randy Minchew when recently interviewed on Adelphia Channel 3's "Focus Loudoun". It went something like this... "Black is the same person on Sunday morning as he is on Saturday night."

Now, what in the world is that supposed to mean? Our only guess follows that old adage... "If you can't say something nice, then don't say anything at all."

(Source: http://www.vpap.org/)

Black in a Nutshell: The Top 10 Reasons to Get Black Out #4

2005-10-23T12:41:00.000-04:00

#4
Dick Black is completely ineffective.

Spending 75% of his time in Richmond on matters dealing with abortion and homosexuality is not only way out of proportion to the priorities of the 32nd district, but his compulsive pursuit of such legislation has completely eroded away any semblance of political capital or sway to effect any kind of moderate or conservative agenda in the General Assembly.

In fact, Dick Black has so squandered his political capital on eye-rolling sex legislation that he can't even influence his colleagues to support a positive idea.

Recent legislation (HB1596) provides a perfect example of Dick Black's complete ineffectiveness and total lack of influence within the Republican majority of the House of Delegates. There is broad agreement that Virginia's indigent defense system is a national laughingstock. Public defenders carry workloads far in excess of national norms. Caps on court-appointed attorney fees are the lowest in the nation. Errors in representation are frequent. The executive director of the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission described Black's bill as "a major step forward" for the Commonwealth in upholding its constitutional obligation to the accused. Then why did Black's bill die in committee on a 22-1 vote? There is only one answer... Dick Black is a buffoon!

Black's "Delgaudio-style" theatrics are legendary throughout the General Assembly and "add insult to injury" to Black's complete ineffectiveness. For Dick Black doesn't reserve his insults, name calling and general misbehaviour to his opponent and his opponent's supporters but he repeatly insults his Republican colleagues in both the Senate and the House. For example, Dick Black told a radio audience that his Senate colleagues are "aligned with various elements of vice." Black's plastic fetus stunt, as another example, went "way beyond the realm of acceptable behavior for the General Assembly," said Delegate Ken Stolle (R-Virginia Beach).

Thus Dick Black rates "LEAST EFFECTIVE" legislator by Virginia Foundation for Research and Economic Education, a statewide organization providing non-partisan political research and analysis to business and industry.

"Haven't You Ever Loved Someone?"

2005-10-22T11:45:00.000-04:00

Twice now, reporters from Leesburg Today have attempted to get an answer from Dick Black as to why he voted against a bill (HB2688-2005) that would increase penalties for repeated instances of stalking.

Recently, we heard Black's "response" to that question at the debate. When Leesburg Today's Dan Telvock questioned Black on his lonely vote against increasing criminal penalties for repeat stalking, he never got an answer to his question. Black instead recounted a strange tale of how he, as an Army prosecutor, tracked down the home address of a man who had been accused of a crime and subsequently released, repeatedly visiting his neighborhood and talking about this man to his neighbors (again with the liberal use of inflammatory sexual language). What this has to do with stalking, we can’t say - unless Dick Black was explaining that he voted against the bill because it would apply to his own behavior.

Reporter Dusty Smith, also with Leesburg Today, asked the same question of Dick Black and never got a response.

A constituent from the 32nd got yet another "response" to this question. Dick Black's answer to her started out with his own question: "Haven't you ever loved someone?" Then, once again, he rambled on and on about some episode of sexual violations that had nothing to do with the question.

Will we ever get a straight answer to this question? Well, you know what they say about persistance... mail@delegateblack.com is Dick Black's email. Let's keep asking. Maybe someday we'll get a legitimate answer.

Guess who didn't get endorsed by the Virginia Conservative Action PAC?

2005-10-21T18:17:00.000-04:00

VCAP is an independent PAC whose mission is to advance conservative principles and policies in Virginia by providing support to the top conservative candidates in contested races. The following partial press release announces their endorsements in the 2005 House of Delegates races:

October 5, 2005

Richmond--The Virginia Conservative Action PAC (VCAP) today announced its support of ten candidates for the Virginia House of Delegates. The support is split between five incumbents and five newcomers, but VCAP Chairman Jerry Parker was quick to point out the major similarity: "These are candidates of principle."

"VCAP took the first step of restoring a conservative majority during the primary season," Parker said. "We are taking the next step toward victory." Parker said these candidates share a vision of Virginia as a low-tax, limited government, state with a thriving economy and a respect for the dignity of life. "The incumbents stood against the record tax increase and runaway spending," Parker continued. "The new candidates have that same passionate commitment."

The candidates supported by VCAP are as follows: Chris Craddock, Michael Golden, Del. Jeff Frederick (R- Woodbridge ), Del. Brad Marrs (R-Richmond), Del. Tom Gear (R-Hampton), Todd Gilbert, Matt Lohr, Michael Ball, Del. Allen Dudley (R-Rocky Mount), and Del. Bob Marshall (R-Prince William).

"Our Board went through a very thorough process before deciding on these candidates, VCAP Executive Director Robin DeJarnette said. "We feel these candidates best represent the principles for which VCAP has fought and upon which we can restore a governing conservative majority to Virginia."

You are probably asking the same question we are. Look at the names on this list. Why is Dick Black not on this list? How ineffective does a person with the conservative views of Dick Black have to be to get excluded by this organization? Did he kick their dog? Ok, that's three questions. Inquiring minds want to know.

and he accuses his opponent of lying?

2005-10-21T15:41:00.000-04:00

Here's an example of Dick Black being "honest and virtuous," apparently.

The only update on his "new and improved" website was the following statement contained in his 2005 legislative wrapup:

* I voted for HB 2866 which establishes a higher education policy framework that empowers all public four-year institutions of higher learning with much needed managerial flexibility, while holding them strictly accountable in the future for financial, administrative, and academic performance consistent with Virginia's highest standards of educational excellence.

This statement, as of 3:36 pm on October 21, was removed. Why? Because if you click on the link to the Legislative Information Services page for that bill, you learn that Dick Black voted against HB 2866. Three times. (Tip o' the hat to the Poisson campaign for capturing this outright lie before it was removed.) We will be waiting breathlessly for Dick to take full responsibility for the posting of this completely false information on his website and to convince us that it was simply a clerical error made by a harried campaign worker. Or he could just pretend it was never there.

Responsible Republicans Reject Dick Black

2005-10-20T12:02:00.000-04:00

The Leadership for Virginia PAC appreciating bi-partisanship and effectiveness (and logical consistency as well) have just made a second contribution to Black's opponent. The Republican-led political action committee isn't generally in the business of supporting Democrats, but this is a special case.

"Dick Black does not have a record of accomplishment," said Leadership for Virginia co-chair (and former finance chair for the Republican Party of Virginia) Jim Hazel. "He likes to get headlines, but he doesn't get things done for Loudoun County. His ineffectiveness has been a frustration to me and many other moderate Republicans."

“Virginians do not want narrow, controlling, vindictive government,” said Anne G. “Panny” Rhodes, a former GOP House member from Richmond at the PAC's announcement.

Republican business leaders no doubt having developed a distaste for partisan extremism are flocking to reject Dick Black's pursuit of his radical supporters' agenda.

Business Leaders Smack Black

2005-10-19T11:51:00.000-04:00

Business leaders all agree: Black is ineffective, and a lousy steward.

The Virginia Foundation for Research & Economic Education, a statewide organization providing non-partisan political research and analysis to business and industry, has rated Dick Black in the bottom 3 of 99 Delegates on Effectiveness. The annual rating is a measure of how effective each legislator is in accomplishing his or her legislative objectives, without regard to the legislator's position on business issues. To derive the Effectiveness Rating, Virginia FREE member government affairs professionals complete a confidential, anonymous survey in which they rate the effectiveness of each legislator on a 10-point scale from 10-100, where 100 represents "extremely effective." The results of all survey forms are then averaged to determine each legislator's Effectiveness Rating.

Black was also rated dead last on Stewardship, a measure of each legislator's advocacy of the best interests of business and industry in Virginia. Raters are asked to take into account each legislator's commitment to responsible governance that rises above partisanship and serves the long-term economic health and competitiveness of the Commonwealth.

Sources: Virginia Foundation for Research and Economic Education, Bacon's Rebellion

Black in a Nutshell: The Top 10 Reasons to Get Black Out #5

2005-10-18T08:49:00.000-04:00

#5
Dick Black has a personal obsession with gay people.

So fascinated and horrified is he by the existence of homosexuality that Dick Black literally can't see (or doesn't want to see) the unintended victims of his vindictive legislative agenda. Autonomy for Virginia's small businesses, low-income people seeking housing loans, intellectual and religious freedom, children in foster care, and Loudoun's reputation for high quality schools and as a desirable location for employers are all put at risk by Black's single-minded obsession.

Black's Family Rule is "Anti-Family".
Opinion: "Lifestyle Bias" by Wade R. Sharp
Opinion: "Black Wrong on Housing Bill" by David Poisson

Dick Black has been suspended

2005-10-17T19:58:00.000-04:00

It is definitely one thing to have a website that hasn't been updated in over 2 years. But it's entirely another situation to have your site completely AWOL, especially at the height of campaign season.

"Account for domain delegateblack.com has been suspended".

Oops! Didn't pay the bill? Or maybe just plain folding on the whole concept of this gosh darn evil internets thang? Or maybe Dick's just p.o.'d coz Black Out 2005 has www.DelegateBlack.ORG (emphasis on the .ORG) - a site where voters can go to see where Black actually stands on the issues?

Black in a Nutshell: The Top 10 Reasons to Get Black Out #6

2005-10-14T14:04:00.000-04:00

#6
Must be something in the water.

Dick Black is a complete "Environmental Zero," according to the Virginia League of Conservation Voters - That's one big goose egg for Goose Creek, the main source of drinking water for his entire district. Ozone levels exceed national standards and asthma is increasing, but Dick Black says that "the air at Broad Run is as clean and clear as on a mountain top in the Rockies." Cough.

And ever faithful to his developer contributors, Black puts builders' schedules before public health. And while his Republican colleagues (May, Mims and Marshall) each year push for growth controls that build Loudoun at a sustainable rate, Dick does everything he can to strip localities of any authority over their growth, even attempting to remove local authority to set our own property tax rates - an idea that even Supervisor Drew Hiatt (R-Dulles) called "disastrous".

Opinion: "Dismal" by Joe Maio
Opinion: "Learning Lessons" by Eileen Levandoski
Opinion: "Serious Blow to Loudoun's Public Health" by Supervisor Sally Kurtz, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors

Dick Black needs a time-out . . permanently.

2005-10-13T14:09:00.000-04:00

Dick Black was in stellar form during last night's debate with his opponent, David Poisson. With fire in his eyes, he repeated lurid riffs on sex and violence, sexual violence, violent sex, violent pornographic sex, ad nauseum, working his almost comically fear-exploiting language into his responses in ways that left us scratching our heads. It reminded us of Arlo Guthrie’s satirical classic, “Alice’s Restaurant.” Mother rapers. Father stabbers. Father rapers!

Throughout the debate, Black seemed confused (or more accurately, wishing to confuse voters) about who his opponent is. At times he seemed to think he was running against Tim Kaine. At others, his imaginary opponent was Dick Durbin. These flights of fancy were of course liberally sprinkled with inflammatory speech (Calling our armed forces Nazis! Defending Murderers! Father rapers!)

It was over 16 years ago that Black's opponent worked for then Congressman Dick Durbin. As it turns out, Black's opponent also worked for Senator Terry Sanford (D-North Carolina) - as did Randy Minchew, Chairman of the Loudoun County Republican Committee.

If Dick Black really wants to go down the guilt-by-association road, we can do that. Just as an appetizer, Black supported the candidacies of Iran-Contra drug-runner Oliver North and Pat "Assassination is a Christian Virtue" Robertson. Then there is his good friend, former Speaker of the House Vance "Ladies Man" Wilkins, whose not one, but TWO charges of sexual harassment cost him his Delegate seat and his political career. What interesting character traits these associations suggest about our own Dick Black!

When he wasn't fear-mongering, he was flip-flopping. In response to a question about education funding, Black said that state funding for schools is a bad idea (as explanation, we gather, for why he doesn’t bother to fight for any), then later said that he doesn’t support local taxation for schools, either. We can only conclude from this that Dick Black simply doesn’t believe that public education should be an obligation of government.

Black was questioned at one point about the widely reported remark by Republican Delegate Jim Dillard that Black's "F" on education issues was "richly deserved." What did Dick Black have to say about this distinguished Republican colleague who served for 32 years in the House of Delegates, served on the House Education Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee for Elementary and Secondary Education, served on the board of the Fairfax Education Association and the Virginia Education Association, and won "Child Advocate of the Year" from the Virginia State PTA? "R.I.P.", proclaimed Black. "He could not get along with Republicans."

Even if good schools and good roads were partisan issues, Dick Black’s personal attacks would still make him a miserable failure and ineffective advocate for the 32^nd district. If only we had a delegate who acted like an adult, didn't call people names, and at least tried to get along, even with members of his own party.

Pornography and child molestation emerged as the hot button issues that sent Black careening off the edge of relevancy again and again, hoping that the tried-and-true tactic of claiming that our children are being menaced will win him votes. (Predators! Torturers! Mother rapers!) When Leesburg Today's Dan Telvock questioned Black on his lonely vote against increasing criminal penalties for repeat stalking, he never got an answer to his question. Black instead recounted a strange tale of how he, as an Army prosecutor, tracked down the home address of a man who had been accused of a crime and released, repeatedly visited his neighborhood and talked about this man to his neighbors (again with the liberal use of inflammatory sexual language). What this has to do with stalking, we can’t say - unless Dick Black was explaining that he voted against the bill because it would apply to his own behavior.

When asked about his advocacy of censorship in our public schools and public libraries, and his view of the First Amendment, Black launched his predictable rant about pornography, which is of course already prohibited by law. The problem is that Black can’t tell the difference between real pornography and constitutionally protected ideas that happen to offend him. After belligerently announcing "If you want to call it censorship, so be it," Black made the abhorrent claim that our Founders would have demanded "a lynching" if they knew what the First Amendment was being used to protect.

The final crowning achievement of Dick Black in this debate was in his closing remarks. He - yes, he actually did it - referred to his opponent as "Poison." Not once. Not twice. Over and over again, even after being corrected and shouted down by the outraged audience.

In his over the top performance last night, Dick Black's most glaring defect was perfectly exposed. Dick does not play nicely with others. He behaves very badly. He needs to be sent to a quiet corner for a time-out… permanently.

"I think this is going to be a tight race," Black coyly offered to his section of supporters in his closing remarks. Translation: "I’m in trouble here and I need you to pull out all the stops to save my a**." There is already a feeding-frenzy within the GOP to field a candidate in 2007. Poisson would be smart to start fund-raising himself beginning Nov. 9th if he plans to keep this seat.

The company you keep . .

2005-10-13T14:00:00.000-04:00

Looks like Dick Black's biggest cheerleader is a tax evader. We just can't resist mentioning this. Seems that Eugene Delgaudio has a bit of a problem on his hands.

Incidentally, Eugene declares Dick Black the winner of last night's debate in his weekly "Dear Sterling American" rant. It's okay, Eugene. Those are only imaginary voices in your head.

Black in a Nutshell: The Top 10 Reasons to Get Black Out #7

2005-10-13T12:22:00.000-04:00

#7
Dick Black's Extreme Makeover

Quick, hide the plastic fetuses and trot out the one and only transportation bill that doesn't involve slogans on license plates. It's time for Dick Black's post-session makeover.

No, Mr. Black, you had nothing to do with Ashburn Library. In fact, you hindered its construction and instead dragged Loudoun County through a costly lawsuit. That one transportation bill for Route 28 that you tout was a small bone tossed your way by respectable Republicans, Hobie Mitchell and Senator Bill Mims, so that you could take credit for the hard work of other people.

Opinion: "No Magician" by Chuck Harris, former Broad Run Supervisor, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors
Opinion: "Do Own Research" by Dr. Rosemarie A. Pelletier
Opinion: "Old Bones" by Pat Turner

Lots of Good Stuff at BlackOut2005.com

2005-10-10T13:20:00.000-04:00

We have lots more Guestbook entries up at our site, including this one from George K....

"Dick Black is an embarrassment to the Commonwealth of Virginia and the 32nd district. Dick Black has been criminally ineffective in helping solve the many unique problems facing Northern Virginia- choosing to instead divide us for political gain and brief moments in the national spotlight.Under Dick's leadership our quality of life has suffered greatly from increased crime, traffic, and reductions in the public services we dependon. Meanwhile Dick continues to focus on divisive social issues having little relevance to our daily lives in Northern Virginia. Dick has done nothing to bring home Northern Virginia's fair share of taxes sent to Richmond and has supported every effort to strip localities from governing locally and participating in local decisions. Dick has decided Richmond is a far better place to govern from than his local district.Can't we find a real Christian to represent this fine state?"

Plus we now have posted over 50 opinion/letters to the editor all finding publication in Loudoun newspapers. If you have a letter that we perhaps missed or need help in sending one, send us an email at info@BlackOut2005.com.

Black in a Nutshell: The Top 10 Reasons to Get Black Out #8

2005-10-10T13:10:00.000-04:00

#8
Dick Black is no friend of public education.

Loudoun's excellent public education system is our single most important asset for attracting businesses to the county. The only education bills Dick Black has patroned siphon money away from our public schools in the form of tax credits for private education, or insert his personal beliefs into the classroom, or allow firearms in our schools. Other efforts to interfere with education professionals threaten to damage the reputation of our school system and expose the county to legal liability.

Did He Really Say That?

2005-10-10T12:57:00.000-04:00

Hear Dick Black debate his opponent on Oct. 12, and perhaps be treated to yet another one of Dick's doozies like this one...

"The only reason we have so much traffic is because unemployment is so low . . What we need is a good depression and that will clear all cars off the road in no time!" -- Dick Black to National Association of Retired Federal Employees, September 26, 2005.

There, you go. Dick Black's solution to our traffic problems! A good depression. What a champ!

Be there Wed., Oct. 12th, 7:30 - 9:00 PM at the Cascades Senior Center, 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, VA 20165. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters.

Black in a Nutshell: The Top 10 Reasons to Get Black Out #9

2005-10-07T10:09:00.000-04:00

#9
Dick Black is Not a Republican

What Republican would support the unnecessary regulation of free enterprise, eliciting this remark from the Virginia Chamber of Commerce: "If you believe in a free market, then restrictions like this don't make any sense." What card-carrying Republican doesn't believe that the role and jurisdiction of government is clearly prescribed by our Constitution and consequently should be restrained from excessive involvement in the lives of citizens? Dick Black sticks his nose everywhere it doesn't belong . . your bedroom, your doctor's office, your public library, your child's classroom . . We don't know exactly what he is, but "Republican" doesn't come to mind.

Not Only Wrong, but Completely Repulsive

2005-10-06T13:36:00.000-04:00

Alright, the guy is starting to lose it.

Now we can understand this type of letter going to Black's trembling-in-fear base, but this went to what appears to be every registered voter in the 32nd. What's up with that?

Incidentally, while Black Out 2005 signs were at the polls on primary day, we don't know what Dick is talking about with regard to a "Leesburg church." Oh, and our favorite line... "... just remember 'Blackout' backs David Poisson in this race." Gosh, ya' think? As Black Out 2005 president Glenn Maravetz told Leesburg Today, this PAC "was formed in advance of the Republican primary to urge Republican Party leaders behind the scenes to put forth a different GOP contender for Black's seat." What are "Republicans without a home" in Loudoun County to do?

______________________________________________

Delegate Richard H. Black
Virginia House of Delegates

Dear Friends:

This is an important campaign year, so I'm writing you a personal note before the campaign begins.

You may have seen the rash of "Blackout 2005" signs posted by Democrats recently. Many people are offended by their strident tone. These nasty attacks are just the start of the mudslinging my opponent, David Poisson, has in store for Loudoun voters. What lies ahead may surprise you.

On June 14th, when primary elections were held, my daughter took her 8 year-old son to his school to "help Mommy vote".

Instead of a lesson in good citizenship, my grandson got an unexpected lesson in Democrat mudslinging. "Blackout 2005" signs were all around his school. "Mommy," he cried, "They're saying mean things about Grandpa!"

They even posted "Blackout 2005" signs at a Leesburg church where I was helping with the worship service. Families came to give thanks and praise; they didn't come for politics. But Poisson's supporters used the Independence Day worship service to spread their message of hatred.

In a recent letter to the editor, a Countryside resident complained, "In my 23 years in Loudoun County, I have never seen a more mean-spirited campaign [than Poisson's]."

Democrats plan a harsh, mudslinging campaign this year, and I want you [sic] know why they're so hostile. To understand the "Blackout" campaign, you need to understand my Democrat opponent, David Poisson.

If you haven't heard of him, you've probably heard of his former boss, radical Democrat, Senator Dick Durbin. Poisson worked as Durban 's [sic] chief of staff.

Senator Durbin is notorious for comparing American soldiers at Guantanamo with Nazis and with communist mass murderers. Here's how Durbin described our GIs on the Senate Floor:

"You would most certainly believe [the actions of GIs at Guantanamo] must have been done by Nazis, Soviets in their gulags, or some mad regime -- Pol Pot or others -- that had no concern for human beings!"

Make no mistake; when David Poisson's boss compares our troops with Nazis, our uniformed men and women pay for his words with their blood.

I'm the only combat-wounded veteran in the General Assembly. I fought as a pilot and as a lieutenant in the 1st Marines. The memory of my radiomen -- killed beside me -- remains vivid today. So if I seem appalled by Poisson's boss, it's because I am.

David Poisson hopes the childish "Blackout" campaign will distract you from the dreadfully liberal legislative program he ran for Senator Dick Durbin.

Here's Senator Durbin's record as it appears on the Project Vote Smart website, www.vote-smart.org.

His ratings are appalling:
100% pro-abortion rating from Planned Parenthood 100% pro-homosexual rating from Homosexual Human Rights Campaign 100% rating from the radical Nuclear Age Peace Foundation
And there's more:
0% from National Federation of Independent Business 0% from Christian Coalition 0% from the Federation for Immigration Reform 5% from Americans for Tax Reform F rating from the NRA
Of course, Poisson will inevitably claim to be a "mainstream Democrat." Liberals always do. But he's already been endorsed by the radical Virginia Partisans Gay and Lesbian Club. [www.vapartisans.org].

Dick Durbin, Ted Kennedy, and Hillary Clinton don't hire "moderates" to promote their anti-family agendas. They and their staff are pro-abortion, pro-union, pro-homosexual, and pro-tax. They'd never hire a chief of staff who didn't share that worldview. And David Poisson is one of them.

The Washington Blade, a national gay rights newspaper, said that Democrat Poisson will allow civil unions for same-sex couples. [www.washblade.com].

Poisson is a staunch homosexual advocate. He endorsed boys kissing each other in public school plays, advocates gay adoption and same-sex insurance benefits. That's why the Gay and Lesbian Club endorsed him.

Following in Durbin's footsteps, Poisson is after you tax dollars. Poisson backed the Democrats' $1.5 billion tax hike ... passed at a time when Virginia had a billion dollar surplus!

Poisson applauded legislation that raised taxes on senior citizens, restored the car tax, increased sales taxes, raised taxes on gas, water and electric, hiked taxes on home sales and more.

David Poisson has an extreme agenda for our County. Poisson wants even higher tolls on highways. He and his Blackout supporters call me "Delegate No" because I fight to block their radical plans.

Poisson won the endorsement of the dissention-wracked AFL-CIO union. A group pushing DC statehood endorsed him too. You can sum David Poisson up in one word ... L_I_B_E_R_A_L.

Poisson's Blackout allies want to raise taxes, encourage abortions and press radical new homosexual ideas. Democrats want me out because they know Poisson will reverse everything I've done to protect families and children in our community.

Like all Democrats, Poisson's Blackout workers call me "an extremist." Democrats also claimed Congressman Frank Wolf was an "extremist" during the last election!

The next time you see "Blackout 2005" signs at schools, churches and polling places, just remember "Blackout" backs David Poisson in this race.

I need your vote on November 8th. Help me keep Loudoun County a safe, decent place for your family.

Warm regards,

Colonel Richard H. Black (Ret.)
Virginia House of Delegates
32nd District

P.S. The Family Foundation and the National Federation of Independent Business both gave me 100% ratings; the Virginia Society for Human Life and the Taxpayers Alliance endorsed me; and the NRA gave me an A rating too. If you'd like to contribute or help out with my campaign, contact us at www.DelegateBlack.com!

_________________________________________

Black/Bennett Connection

2005-10-05T10:20:00.000-04:00

While Bill Bennett, the former U.S. education secretary who publicly stated that aborting black children would reduce the U.S. crime rate, has an interesting take on the implications of abortion, Dick Black has his own ideas on the subject.

During the eugenics movement, over 8,500 Virginians were involuntarily sterilized as genetically "unfit", as Virginia leaders of this movement expressed open admiration for the Nazis and their attention to racial purity. Incredibly, this practice continued in Virginia as late as 1979.

Dick Black was one of only 10 legislators in the entire 150 member General Assembly to vote against a resolution declaring profound regret over the Commonwealth's role in the eugenics movement in this country. By way of explanation, Black simply stated that he doesn't "support apologizing for other people's actions."

Other remarks made by Black suggest a different motivation. Speaking about the "problem" of declining birth rates due to women using birth control, Black warned of "profound" implications of those losses, "not the least of which is the gradual collapse of our southern borders. We have lost the youthful vigor from the native population, and replacements have to come from somewhere", Black continues. "It makes immigration on a massive scale inevitable because there are some things only young people can do."

Gosh, today's women sure have a lot of nerve!

Col. Black, We'd Like to See your DD214s.

2005-10-03T17:16:00.000-04:00

It was very important last year for voters to see the military records of both presidential candidates, George W. Bush and John Kerry. This year is no different. The military records of our electeds are no less important, and are especially important coming from those who tout their military might and height.

Therefore, we will respectfully ask Retired Col. Richard H. Black to release what is called his DD214, as in his military discharge papers. We are sending him an email requesting their release. If you'd also like to see them, send him an email at mail@delegateblack.com.

Black in a Nutshell: The Top 10 Reasons to Get Black Out #10

2005-10-03T17:10:00.000-04:00

#10
Black: Tough on "crime," easy on stalkers

Dick Black tells his constituents that he's "tough on crime." They should read the fine print. His legislative record indicates that what he means by "crime" is his constituents' consensual intimate behavior, and possibly the fabricated child abuse he claims is perpetrated by gay and lesbian parents. When it comes to actual, documented abuse of children within their families, or marital rape, or repeated offenses by stalkers, he's less than interested. In fact, he actively opposes investigating and prosecuting these crimes.

Stalking is defined as a willful, malicious and repeated behavior toward another person that causes that person to experience reasonable fear of death, criminal sexual assault, or bodily injury. Eighty to ninety percent of stalking victims are women. A National Violence Against Women Survey found strong correlation between stalking and other forms of abusive behavior and violence, and the National Institute for Justice Model Antistalking Law recommends that punishment for stalking crimes be set at the felony level.

Dick Black was one of only four delegates who voted against increasing the penalty for repeated stalking, making a second instance of this abusive behavior a class 6 felony.

Dick, It's 2005!

2005-10-03T16:45:00.000-04:00

Dick Black's campaign website, delegateBlack.com, is so old! How old is it? It's so old that the No. 1 press release dates to July 2003. He has a 2001 survey posted. There's no 2005 legislative report, no current ratings, and he announces legislation signed into law "last week" by Governor Jim Gilmore. Makes you wonder if his membership to the Herpetologist Society of Virginia is still active. Hello, Dick. It's 2005!

Anyway... we suggest that voters interested in more current information on Dick Black' activities visit www.DelegateBlack.ORG instead.

This Cartoon Needs a Caption

2005-10-02T15:19:00.000-04:00

Sometimes, words just simply elude us.

This depiction of Dick Black and Sterling supervisor Eugene Delgaudio is waiting for you to provide it with just the right caption... one that perfectly captures the unique relationship that has blossomed between them.