Press Release From Gary Friedman
Democratic Nomination Contest
Public focus is starting to turn to the upcoming local elections this November. Those of us who have been paying attention to these races for quite some time, now have one important piece of information we have been missing: The election calendar. The Board of Elections recently published the calendar for the 2011 campaign cycle. A quick look at the calendar makes it clear that it puts challengers to incumbents at an even greater disadvantage than normal. The usual five months the calendar allows for the general election, post-nomination for the parties, has been truncated to just over two months this year. That fact alone places a heavy burden on challengers, especia!ly so for those new to the political arena.
With regard to the race for the at-large seat to the Board of County Supervisors, which serves to chair the county board, and for which I announced my intention to seek the Democratic nomination in July of last year, the last thing any Democratic nominee needs is to engage in a long and expensive nomination battle followed immediately by a short calendar general election.
Although competing Republicans will make him work for the party nomination, and the outcome is always uncertain, incumbent Corey Stewart now stands as the presumed Republican nominee. There are compelling arguments why Mr. Stewart should not be re-elected to the chairman’s office. Beyond the obvious reasons, voters will no doubt learn even more during the upcoming nominating and general election campaigns.
Because of the unusual campaign calendar this year, time is of the essence. As a practical matter, the Democratic nominee will need all of the seven- plus months between now and the general election to make his case to the public, to be competitive, and to prevail. The Democratic nominee also needs and deserves a party united behind his candidacy. Any Democratic nominee needs to begin concentrating now on the November race, not on a nomination battle. For this reason, I have decided to withdraw my name from consideration for the Democratic nomination. I know this announcement will evoke a range of reactions. I am confident this is the best decision for my family and for me, at this time, as well as placing the Democratic nominee in a stronger position to win.
This action leaves Democratic challenger, Dr. Babur Lateef, a clear field so that he may focus on what is important: the General Election. At this point in time I do not know Dr. Lateef well, but I do know enough about him to have satisfied myself that he is a viable and attractive candidate and will offer voters a clear choice in both style and future vision for the county. In the months ahead, as voters get to know him better, I am confident he will make a compelling case for his own candidacy. As for myself, I will continue to serve the public in many ways, as I have done so in the past. I wish all those who seek to serve the public best wishes in their efforts.
This announcement comes along just as the redistricting proposals for PWC have come out.
http://virginiavirtucon.wordpress.com/
Not saying it is relating but things are definitely heating up.
I am sorry Gary isn’t running because he is a knowledgeable candidate. However, he is to be commended for throwing his weight in behind Babur Lateef, the only remaining Democratic contender.
Gary is a class act. It was very noble of him to endorse Dr. Lateef. I’m sure Gary will continue to help make a “more perfect union”.
Gary Friedman is, indeed, a class act and would have made a good Chairman. Period.
This leaves Mr. Lateef, who will still require the Jenkins Family Seal of Approval. Without it, he will be chopped to dog food by the PWCDC, itself. Good luck, Babur. You’re going to need it.
The Board is hardly respresentative of the local community. It’s time for some change.
meant to say a “reflection” of the local community.
I am sorry to see Gary Friedman drop out.
I don’t know much about Mr. Lateef, never heard of him regarding any county issue, that does concern me. Gary knew the inner workings of this county, I hope Mr. Lateef is working hard on educating himself on governance in PWC. Gary thought about the county first and I commend him for his decision.
Ditto!!!
Looks like I’ll be voting in the Republican Primary this year. This is not uncommon for me as an Indpendent.
Dr. Babur Lateef has a great campaign ad up for county chair.
http://www.lateefforchair.com/seenenough
I’ve been checking out Lateef’s site. He has a classy press release about Gary Friedman’s withdrawal also.
http://lateefforchair.com/content/dr-lateef-thanks-gary-friedman-his-service-prince-william-county