As the Democratic base gears up for the consequential elections in 2012 (at the Presidential as well as State levels), we must remain vigilant and consider the next round of elections. In Virginia, The GOP already has two well-oiled, well-funded, and extremist-oriented candidates ready to carry a general election banner for the Governorship. By contrast, Virginia Democrats have zero candidates declared for the 2013 Gubernatorial race. Rumors are still abound of the intentions of Mr. Terry McAuliffe and Sen. Mark Warner, but as of yet neither has declared a clear stance. Whether or not either of these two gentleman seek the Democratic nomination for Governor of Virginia, the fact remains that the Progressive base is not fired up for a choice for Governor. That must end. Virginia needs a candidate to excite that base, to return Virginia to the Democratic column and to fight back against a far-Right agenda which demands vaginal probes and attack universities for having anti gay-discrimination policies. That man is former Congressman Tom Perriello.
From 2002-03, Perriello was Special Advisor to the international prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, where he worked with child soldiers, amputees, and local pro-democracy groups, and helped to prosecute warlords. He later became the Court's Spokesman and helped to indict Liberian dictator Charles Taylor, peacefully forcing him from power. He has worked as a consultant to the International Center for Transitional Justice in Kosovo (2003), Darfur (2005), and Afghanistan (2007) where he worked on justice-based security strategies. Perriello has also been a fellow at The Century Foundation and consultant to the National Council of Churches of Christ. He helped to launch FaithfulAmerica.org, Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good, and is a co-founder of DarfurGenocide.org and Avaaz.org, an international on-line community of 3.3 million members, operating in 12 languages, dedicated to building a global response to "problems without borders" such as climate change. He has also worked with the Rev. James Forbes on prophetic justice principles.
In 2008, Perriello launched a campaign for Congress on the virtue of "Conviction Politics" and defeated six-term congressman Virgil Goode (
of Koran-gate fame). During his time in Congress, Perriello supported the Affordable Care Act, the American Recovery Act and became a steadfast ally to President Obama. . Perriello went to work for Virginia families during his tenure in Congress. His signature accomplishment was authoring legislation to
promote rural energy savings and efficiency through green and renewable fuels. Despite representing a Conservative-leaning District in Virginia and standing as a proud Progressive Democrat, Perriello nearly won re-election in the Tea Party wave of 2010, taking 47% of the vote in a swath of the state the Republicans carried by over 20 points in the 2009 gubernatorial election
It is precisely for these reasons that Perriello ought seek the Democratic nomination for Governor in 2013. Perriello is a man who has the conviction to serve and lead, has the commitment to Progressive principles and has the electable sense to win. As a Congressman, Perriello would often meet with Tea Party groups and work with his opposition rather than stonewall or antagonize them. As someone who leads by bringing groups together while fighting for the right-minded reform and action, Perriello represents Virginia's best hope to combat extremist Right-wing policies.
Take the moment to watch DraftTomPerriello's video, look at our website, read more about Tom, and most importantly sign our petition and voice your support to help draft Tom Perriello into becoming a candidate for Governor of Virginia.