In a crowded field for the GOP nomination for Lt. Governor in 2013, every candidate is looking for an edge. Jeannemarie Devolites Davis, a former state legislator and the wife of former Rep. Tom Davis is no exception. However Davis' decision to make a significant campaign push on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks is drawing criticism from republicans. Republicans she will need to emerge from a talented field of potential GOP nominees.
The influential conservative blog, "Bearing Drift" attacked Davis for sending out a mass e-mail in the context of 9/11 that encouraged readers to use the anniversary as motivation to "participate in our great democracy."
Blogger, Shaun Kenney, a Fluvanna County supervisor, said the email angered him enough that Davis should be "disqualified" as a candidate.
But the e-mail was only part of the Davis 9/11 strategy. A one time GOP convention delegate shared with me an extensive 5 minute automated survey that asked several questions about Davis' background.
The call started with the question "Do you plan to vote for Mitt Romney for president?" It than it continued like a "choose your own adventure" novel.
While the phone call appeared to be looking for information from the delegate, it amounted to nothing more than informing the person being called of a long list of accomplishments from Davis' time as a legislator and staffer for Gov. Bob McDonnell.
The call, of which I have most of recorded, included exchanges like the following:
"Do you believe that republicans should stress that they are pro-life and stand for traditional marriage?"
If you answer 'Yes' (all the questions were yes/no responses) The automated system replied:
" Jeannemarie had the courage to have a 100% voter record, voted for the marriage ammendment and that she personally stopped the democrats attempt to pass a law to make the abortion pill allowed in all cases as just another birth control pill. Do you think it is important for Virginia to have strong pro-life women leaders?"
The call offered up similar questions about Davis' record on gun rights, taxes and her record as a republican leader.
It concluded by asking the person reciving the call if they would like to be contacted about future Davis campaign events and offered up a phone number and e-mail contact information for her campaign.
Davis is fighting for the nomination with Prince William County Supervisors Chair Corey Stewart, Chesterfield State Senator Steve Martin, Prince William Delegate Scott Lingamfelter and Stafford County Supervisor Susan Stimpson. VA Victory Chairman and Fox News contributor Pete Snyder is widely expected to make a run, but has yet to officially announce his plans.
We have an inquiry in to the Davis campaign about the phone call and email push. We will let you know when we hear a response.
Comments