'I'm a Jim Webb Democrat.'

Following the announcement of Leslie Byrne's endorsement, Richmond blogger F.T. Rea caught up with Mike at the Richmond HQ to discuss the campaign. Below is an excerpt from F.T. Rea's article on Richmond.com.

OK, why lieutenant governor?

"It’s about viewing this seat as more than just a place-holder, or a stepping stone," Signer said about why he chose to get in the race. "And, viewing it as a public advocate ... I’m running because I believe in activism."

What does Signer think most separates him from his opponent in the primary?

"We need a strong, no-apologies Democrat, who wants to win because of the principles of social justice and economic fairness," said Signer. "We need someone with the fire in the belly to take on and defeat Bill Bolling in the fall."

In 2008 Signer served as an adviser on veteran’s issues and national security matters to President Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. And, he was Rep. Tom Perriello’s senior strategist for the stunning defeat Perriello handed former Rep. Virgil Goode.

Without apology, Signer tossed off a line that must play well at Democratic gatherings: "I think when you look at Bill Bolling, if you squint just a little bit, he looks exactly like Virgil Goode."

Neither is Signer apologizing for what Republicans will surely call his "pro-union stance."

"My grandparents were in unions," said Signer. "My parents were in unions. Unions helped build the middle class in this country; I don’t think there’s any question about that."

There was a time in Virginia when suggesting there was any good at all to the union movement would have been considered as a mistake. Signer is gambling that time has passed. Considering that Virginia now has a Catholic governor, who personally opposes the death penalty, he may be right.

As he has traveled during the campaign, Signer said jobs and the economy are what people ask him about the most. Considering how well Sen. Jim Webb’s pro-worker, pro-veteran stances have gone over in the last two years, Signer was clearly delighted to have a chance to say, "I’m a Jim Webb Democrat."

Veterans issues are of particular interest to Signer, but his passion for one particular issue stood out. He is championing the cause to restore the voting rights of convicted felons, upon their release. 

"We’re the only state, along with Kentucky, that has this policy, where even after you’ve paid your debt, you lose your right to vote for your life."

In choosing the restoration of voting rights as an issue to raise in a campaign, Signer is hardly jumping on any deluxe bandwagon. It’s not an issue that is high on the radar for fat cats and king makers. So, the easiest explanation for his determination on this front is that he is sincere about it.

Signer characterized the Virginia law, as is, as something leftover from the "Jim Crow Era."

Like Webb, Signer is an author. Signer’s first book, "Demagogue: The Fight to Save Democracy from its Worst Enemies," came out in February of this year.

For the full article, check out: http://www2.richmond.com/content/2009/may/27/im-jim-webb-democrat/