It's Quiet, Too Quiet.

It's a little surprising to me how little coverage there has been on the upcoming election. With just a little more than four months to go until election day, The Richmond Times-Dispatch, The Richmond Free Press, and The Richmond Voice have yet to mention my candidacy in its columns. I depend on the press of the First Amendment to get my message out. Press silence on election coverage, particularly early coverage is a disgrace to the occupation of Journalism and an insult to Democracy. Again, Style Weekly is to be commended for it's July 4, 2007 article, Independent's Day and Candidate Profile.

Admittedly, I share some of the blame. I have not sent press releases to any of the City's news outlets. Rather I have worked steadily by myself, collecting signatures, updating websites, filing forms, satisfying legally prescribed requirements to get my name on the ballot. All the while, I have continued to attend Richmond City Council's committee meetings and Formal meetings.

Luckily for me, City Council has cancelled nearly all of its meetings for August so this will be a prime opportunity for me to get out and start campaigning door to door, which I have not done since June 12.

I should enjoy this quiet before the tempest of the campaign. I am looking forward to the public forums and saying what I think. I am happy to participate in a democratic election as a private citizen rather than the paid "political-creature" of Economic Interests.

View Mr. McEachin's lastest Campaign Finance Report.

Or view Mr. McEachin's data from vpap.org.

According to the State Board of Elections website, this year's election is the first contested election in over a decade! In the last three Senate elections, voters have only had one choice, Benjamin J. Lambert.

This year you have a choice -- you can vote for a Democrat or a Socialist. I am not a Republican, I am more liberal than a Democrat. I imagine I would vote with the Democrats most of the time. So you will not be losing a Democratic vote on important legislation, you will be gaining a voice for change in the General Assembly. A voice for universal health care, universal education, jobs for Virginians, expanding democracy and self government, encouraging and supporting labor unions, seeking citizen input on governmental processes and engaging voters like never before.

Check the website in early August for an updated website and literature to download. I hope to meet and talk with you.