David Ashe: Virginia’s Paul Hackett?

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

http://www.raisingkaine.com/1299

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Raising Kaine recently had the privilege of interviewing David Ashe, a Democratic candidate for U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District. As you may recall, Ashe - a U.S. Marine who served in Iraq and who continues as a Marine Corps reservist - ran against right wing Republican incumbent Thelma Drake in 2004, and lost (by a relatively small margin in a strongly Republican district formerly represented by homophobic closet case, Ed Schrock). Now, he’s trying again, although he first must defeat a Democratic opponent named Troy Farlow.

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Read for the Q&A and some feedback from posters.

[AlecBGreen]

1. good stuff!

he sounds like a good person and a great candidate. Here is what really caught my eye:

4) If you had been a member of Congress in 2002, would you have voted to authorize President Bush to use force in Iraq?

Yes. Though there was no connection between Hussein and 9/11, Saddam was a threat before 9/11 and this did not change over time. However, let me say this about those who opposed the decision to use force: Those who dissent are patriots who love their country. The arguments that I have heard against the use of force are principled and reasoned, even though I disagree. Those who attack, denigrate and otherwise discourage principled, reasoned dissent should be ashamed of themselves.

5) Regardless of how you would have voted on Iraq, what would you do now? Immediate withdrawal, exit strategy, or “stay the course?”

There is no soundbite answer to this.

[Catchawave]

2. Learn more about him at my sig line !

:hi:

[10 Cent Adventure]

3. Ashe Is My Man In '06

I met David at a VA Beach Young Dems meeting after Obama's speech for Kaine. He came and ate with us, not as a candidate but more as just another fellow Democrat. In fact we didn't really discuss issues we all just swapped stories. He came across as a very down to earth and casual guy. He didn't have Hackett's brashness, his straight forwardness, he's more of a mild mannered Marine. He reminded me of my father, who also was a Marine, served in the Persian Gulf War and is also a Democrat. The only time his past campaign was mentioned was Drakes ducking of the debates last time out. I know that Ashe isn't the most progressive of candidates but neither is Hackett. I agree with David on the issues and his reasoning behind the support of conflict with Iraq rings true for me. Certainly I don't believe Iraq or Saddam was a threat to America in any real physical sense but my liberal sensibilities tell me that if freedom is squelched anywhere than it is squelched everywhere. David is a winner. I believe his loss was by four or five points in Pat Robertson's district. If he can overcome this challenge (I hope he does) than he will carry the 2nd in '06 and I'll be there as best as my schedule allows. I'm Active Duty Navy and I'm going to be on deployment but I will be here in spirit when not in body.

[AlecBGreen]

4. Hey 10 Cent

Welcome to DU! :hi: :toast: :party:

My Pops was a Navy guy too. Whats your MOS?

[10 Cent Adventure]

5. Cool and thanks

I'm a deck ape on the USS NASHVILLE in Norfolk.