The Perils of Having a Common Name

This Michael Chapman

Chapman for Sheriff

is not this Michael Chapman

Chapman for Tea Party

The former one (the one who still has his hair), is a respected law enforcement officer, with decades of experience.

The latter one is a Tea Partier par excellence, and apparently the fact that they have the same name has confused some people.

I hope this clears up that confusion.

A First

I had the strangest experience yesterday. I was talking to a registered voter in the Oak Grove district about Cliff Keirce (Independent!) and then briefly talked about Jennifer Wexton and Mike Kondratick (Democrats!) and the voter said,

"What about the Republicans?"

And I said,

"Well, I haven't got any of his literature, but I'm voting for Mike Chapman for Sheriff. He's a Republican."

And he said,

"So you're supporting Republicans as well as Democrats and Independents?"

And I said,

"Yup! I'm not with any organization, I'm voting for all these folks and I hope you will, too."

So, by my own rules, I hearby announce that I am endorsing Republican candidate for Sheriff, Mike Chapman.

This is the first time I've ever supported a Republican. Feels really weird, people.

From my Inbox (links added by me)

Jennifer Wexton Calls on Jim Plowman to Investigate Sheriff Allegations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jennifer Wexton
(703) 779-4896 - office

votewexton@gmail.com

Leesburg, VA (August 4, 2011) – Jennifer Wexton, candidate for Loudoun Commonwealth’s Attorney, called on Commonwealth’s Attorney Jim Plowman today to investigate allegations of “pay to play” campaign donations to Loudoun Sheriff Steve Simpson.

On August 3, 2011, the Washington Post published an article exposing questionable campaign donations to Simpson from organizations with contracts up for renewal the Sheriff’s Department, and from a local nonprofit agency. The article also cited an instance where a major Simpson campaign donor, convicted felon Osama El Atari, served less than 1½ hours of a four-day sentence at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.

“Either all of these events have been taking place under Jim Plowman’s watch, and he knew nothing about them, or he knew what was going on and did nothing. Either way, it’s unacceptable for Loudoun’s top prosecutor not to act.” said Wexton. “That is why I delivered a letter to Mr. Plowman’s office today, officially requesting that he investigate the allegations in the Post article, to determine what, if any, violations of criminal or campaign finance laws have taken place. These are allegations where the taxpayers of Loudoun County deserve answers.”

Mr. Plowman has shown a pattern of launching politically motivated investigations and has not hesitated to pursue his chosen political targets in the past, notably his Susan Van Wagoner conflict of interest opinion, which was ultimately reversed by two courts, and his prosecution of Virginia State Senate candidate Mark Tate for campaign finance violations during the 2007 election cycle.

A little birdy just told me... (UPDATED)

That Ron Speakman, who lost the LCRC endorsement to Mike Chapman a couple of weeks ago, will be seeking the LCDC endorsement at tomorrow night's meeting.

I don't know if this rumor is true. [Rumor confirmed. It's on the agenda for tonight.]

I don't know what the LCDC would do if it is true.

All I know is Loudoun County never ceases to be an amusing place for the political junky.

York, Chapman, Nevarez win nominating contests

I'm delighted Al Nevarez won the caucus! I can't wait for him to beat Delgaudio in November!

I've updated the campaign websites page to reflect the new reality.