Two pieces of news about Del. Robert G. Marshall left me feeling mildly disgusted and elated.
Free Speech Issue
The first bit of news I found in the Gainesville Times (here). In a letter to the editor, Marshall thanked his constituents for the opportunity to serve again, and he laid out his agenda. For the most part, I was pleased with Marshall’s priorities. However, his first goal left me floored. See what you make of this.
Many people commented about the very negative election mailings in many of the districts. Some mailings were sent by the state political parties without the candidate’s knowledge or authorization.
At the suggestion of one of my constituents, I intend to introduce legislation which will require political party mailings to receive the authorization of the candidate the mailing is intended to benefit.
I believe this will bring more accountability to the political process and hopefully result in issues being explained with more light than heat.
There is a first amendment issue here. When a political party wants to speak out, since when does it require the permission of its nominees? Does Marshall also think that tails wag dogs?
I agree Marshall has a point. Something should be done. While political parties do nominate candidates, we elect individual people, not political parties, to political office. Each candidate is entitled to run their own political campaign. Each candidate has the right to control their campaign’s message. The voters also have the right to expect a certain amount of honesty in political party mailings. However, what Marshall proposes to do is excessive. Nominees do not have the right to muzzle political parties.
What I suggest is a bill that requires all political mailings clearly specify two things:
- The entity that paid for the mailing.
- Which candidate(s) approved or authorized the mailing. If no candidate authorized or approved the mailer, that should be clearly stated.
With such caveats, voters will not confuse political party mailers with candidate mailers.
Possible US Senate Candidacy
It appears Marshall is considering a run for the Senate (here) (H/T to The right-wing liberal (here) and 750 Volts (here)).
Thanks to his own efforts and the anger of the liberal media, Marshall has state-wide reputation. However, since Marshall has not run for state-wide office before, his campaign would be something of a long shot. Nonetheless, I agree with the The right-wing liberal) that this is a great development. Marshall has an unparalleled conservative record. Moreover, because Marshall campaigns for office with a reasonable amount of humility, he generally does not scare voters or come across as uncaring.
Humility is something we should all aspire to, but humility is a must for any leader.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
Notice
Marshall also mentioned in his letter to the editor that he will hold a town meeting (which the Gainesville Times published as “town mating”) on Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. in the Manassas City Council Chambers.
* Edited for clarity.
