By Austin Wright
NORFOLK
The third-ranking Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives campaigned in Norfolk on Tuesday morning for a political newcomer who is running against two-term Rep. Thelma Drake.
House Majority Whip James Clyburn of South Carolina sat with Democratic challenger Glenn Nye as the candidate criticized Drake, a Norfolk Republican, for voting against a bill to expand college tuition grants for veterans. In the November election, Nye will be trying to unseat Drake in Virginia's 2nd Congressional District, which includes Virginia Beach and part of Norfolk.
"She co-sponsored the bill and then voted against it. I don't see that as leadership," Nye said. "I think it's important that we all get past party politics - we should be able to work across the aisle on this one."
Drake has said she wants expanded benefits for veterans but disagrees with other provisions in the bill.
During a meeting with reporters at the Murray Center on East Brambleton Avenue, Nye aligned himself with two other Democratic candidates: Mark Warner, who is running for the U.S. Senate seat in Virginia being vacated by Republican John Warner; and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, the presumptive presidential nominee.
"When I'm talking to voters face to face, what they're saying to me is they're ready for change," Nye said.
He said the United States should implement a flexible exit strategy in Iraq, but he would not commit to a timetable for troop withdrawal. He also said he would work to end federal subsidies for oil companies.
Clyburn said Nye would be an independent voice and would support his constituents over his party. Clyburn said he gave $5,000 to Nye's campaign and he plans to contribute another $5,000 next week.
Austin Wright, (757) 446-2667, austin.wright@pilotonline.com
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Laura
If you keep up with Thelma Drake's voting record, then Nye is the choice and personally I don't feel he can do any worst. I do agree about the "change", I'm sick of listening to it. As I previously stated I don't know a lot about Nye, but am hopeful we all will as this compaign moves forward. Knowing Drake as I do I have been speaking out against her for years. I hate to say it, but anyone but Drake works for me. If you ask people why they voted for Drake you hear, "she is so nice". That "niceness" is condescending. There is nothing nice about Drake's voting record.
If you don't think there is a media bias
then just look at the title to this article. Rather than refer to Nye by name the refer to him as Drakes opponent. If that hadn't done that nobody would know who he is. This way he gets recognition. But rather than run against someone why doesn't he run for something? Obama is a bid change artist but nothing is spelled out so therefore nothing can be analyzed or criticised. Until either of these people tell me what they will do and how they will do it, I am not voting for them. Hitler also promised change under the guise of national unity and look where that got the world!
Thelma Drake
I guarantee you Thelma Drake is not bought and paid for by the Bush administration. That is totally absurd to use in describing her.
It is ridiculous for Clyburn, Nye and other Dems to portray her vote on the vets education bill as anything other than what it was. This bill turned into a "Chrismas tree" with something for everybody--including a lot of wasteful spending that had nothing to do with veterans benefits.
Don't be brain-dead about this election. Ms. Drake has served her district well and is an independent thinker.
Change word. The thrill ride for 08
The empty word “change” by the democrats is tossed around just to get you perky!. The word really means nothing. If democrats wanted change so bad then why haven’t they did any work for America in Congress when they took control in 2006 besides renaming Post Offices?
What people fail to understand
What people fail to understand is Drake's voting record. You can easily get that record on all elected officials by logging in and signing up for them at congress,org. I promise you will be shocked as well as amazed at what Drake does and does not support. Drake was bought and paid for by the Bush admin., and I can't help but wonder who will be telling her what to say, how to think and what to vote for after Bush is out of ofice. The woman has no mind of her own. I will be supporting Nye, I don't know a lot about him, but hope to as the campaign continues. What I do know is Drake is not good for VA. Her voting record on the environment alone is reason enough to not support her.
Today I received an email from congress, org on the latest voting, and the House passed a bill that sends 35 articles of impeachment of George Bush to be sent to the Judiciary Committee. Maybe there is hope!
Nye
Here we go again with the negative campaigning. We have to listen to this garbage for the next 5 months?? I'm sure the candidate can find many folks that "want" change, these might be the same 92% of the people that stayed home from the May elections. Guy's, find another race to challenge, Thelma is doing a good job working for us in Washington, as she did in Richmond. You can put out all the negatives you want but until you are in the seat and understand the "BIG PICTURE" you'll never have a clue. If Phil Kellam cant beat her nobody can.