In the Virginia Democratic primary for governor in June, Virginia Democrats have an important choice to make between current Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam and former representative for the Fifth District of Virginia Tom Perriello. Northam has been involved in state politics for many years, first as a state senator and now as lieutenant governor. Northam knows the issues well, as he has been involved in state politics for many years, and he can build on the progress current Gov. Terry McAuliffe has made. Northam has also gathered a large base of support among elected Democratic officials in the Commonwealth of Virginia, which many thought would lead Northam to have an uncontested primary.
Perriello on the other hand is a relative latecomer to the race and has tried to capitalize on the current mood of activism among many on the left. He has accomplished creating this progressive image for himself by calling for an increase of the minimum wage and for two years of free community college, hoping to galvanize those on the progressive left to his side. Running to the left of Northam is a curious decision for Perriello, since Northam prides himself on being especially pro-women’s rights and pro-gun control, which are issues that Perriello has not been particularly strong on. In his past Congressional race, Perriello was actually endorsed by the National Rifle Association and in Congress supported an amendment to the Affordable Care Act which would have prevented insurance plans from covering abortions. Perriello has also shown support in the past for offshore drilling off the state’s coast, in contrast to Northam who has been a consistent opponent for offshore drilling, even when all other high profile Democrats in the state supported it.
Perriello has since reversed himself on all three of those issues, making his policy preferences closer to Northam, illustrating the fact that there is no serious policy difference between the two. The lack of contrast between them was especially obvious in an appearance Perriello had on the Kojo Nnamdi Show, where he struggled to differentiate himself with his opponent. In the interview, Perriello refused to differentiate himself, calling attempts to draw contrasts “going negative.” Perriello fails to grasp that drawing contrasts in a campaign is the only way for voters to make a choice between two candidates. The lack of contrast Perriello is able to provide, makes discredits reflects how in reality he is not a more liberal alternative to Northam.
In this race, with the substantive policy differences so slim, only perception separates the candidates. This means it is especially important to pick a candidate in the primary who can win in a general election. While there may be no serious policy difference between the two candidates, Perriello is succeeding in portraying himself as a liberal outsider candidate. That image could present a real challenge for Perriello in a general election, because in Virginia democrats are typically more moderate.
Northam perfectly embodies a moderate Virginia Democrat. In fact, Northam was so centrist during his time in the Virginia State Senate he was asked to join the Republican party. Because of Northam’s centrist image within the State Capitol, he is perfectly positioned to help move Virginia forward.
Keeping a Democrat in the Governor’s mansion is extremely important this year, especially given the bills to strip rights away from LGBT Virginians and defund Planned Parenthood have passed the General Assembly this session. There may even be attempts by the legislature with a Republican governor to pass a Virginia version of North Carolina’s Anti-Transgender bathroom bill, or HB2 as it is officially known. A law like that would be horrible for Virginia’s economy, as it has led to millions of dollars and thousands of jobs leaving North Carolina.
While presenting a centrist image, Northam has stayed consistent with his views throughout his political career. Perriello has paid lip service to progressive values, but the record shows that he has not stayed consistent with these views throughout his career. Northam may not seem like the most progressive candidate at first glance, but in reality no real policy positions separate him and Perriello, making this race more about picking someone who could win a general election. Between the two candidates, Ralph Northam is clearly the best candidate.
Jacob Asch is a viewpoint writer for The Cavalier Daily. He may be reached at opinion@cavalierdaily.com.
Read More
EDITORIAL: Pedestrian safety is an institutional imperative
By Editorial Board | 10 hours agoAmid a national crisis of pedestrian safety, Charlottesville and the University are also struggling to properly maintain pedestrian safety.
YOUNIS: The danger of dehumanizing language
By Ayat Younis | 2 days agoThe administration’s failure to condemn blatant discrimination exacerbates an impossible situation, fostering an atmosphere that misinterprets pro-Palestinian sentiments as support of terrorism.
BRUNMAN: U.Va. administration, protect your Jewish students
By Wylie Brunman | 3 days agoWhen antisemitism is increasingly prevalent on Grounds and when Jewish students feel unsafe and unprotected, it is clear that the University must take active action to safeguard Jewish students.
