Virginia has had a Virgil Goode problem for a long time now. The Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives that currently acts in the name of Virginia’s central and southern tier, Virgil Goode has not only amassed an abysmally regressive legislative record (Progressive Score: 0; Regressive Conservative Score: 100), but has proven to have an ethics problem as well. In just one prime example, it turns out that Virgil Goode arranged for a huge giveaway to the shadowy private contractor outfit MZM in the form of a $627,000 incentives package.

What goodies did Goode get back from MZM? Why, nearly $100,000 in campaign contributions directly from MZM and from MZM employees — who, it was later revealed, were illegally pressured into opening their wallets to make these “independent” contributions, coincidentally all in the same week. Am I claiming that MZM has bribed Virgil Goode? Am I claiming that Virgil Goode accepted bribes from MZM, Inc.? Goodness, no. That can’t be proven. I’m only pointing out that Virgil Goode has received $87,476.00 in campaign contributions from MZM and its employees and spouses at apparently coordinated times, and that MZM received $627,000 in government funds thanks to Virgil Goode’s interventions. It just looks a whole lot like that. Maybe it’s just a big coincidence. Yep, right. A big coincidence.

(And remember, that’s just Goode’s MZM problem. Breaking news is now suggesting that Virgil Goode is tied to the booming ethical scandal of pay-to-play kingpin Jack Abramoff. We’ll keep you updated on this story as developments warrant.)

The bottom line here, illegal bribes or not, is that the combination of an extremist conservative agenda and a cloud of ethical lapses make Virgil Goode bad for Virginia.

But it’s not enough to point out that Virgil Goode is a rotten representative. Someone has to be willing to stand up and take his place in Washington. This week, Al Weed released a letter to announce that he intends to run as a Democrat in an effort to unseat Virgil Goode. Weed writes:

Tim Kaine’s success shows that Democrats can win in Virginia; and they can do so by tying a strong record of accomplishment to the values that motivate us in our daily lives. My work in the past year with Public Policy Virginia has allowed me to continue the momentum from 2004 while working throughout the district on issues that are essential to voters, such as health care and alternative fuels. Throughout this process I have maintained contacts with a diverse base of activists and develped initiatives and language which will be central to this campaign.

Nationwide, Democrats will be running as a Party that knows how to get things done. Katrina and Iraq are clear indications that the Republicans — who distrust government except when it makes life easier for their corporate cronies — don’t have a clue. Tim Kaine’s victory shows us that voters are already rejecting the Republican agenda of division and derision.

Here, Mr. Goode has served ten years in Congress with only one bill to show for it. If this were any other job, he would have been fired for lack of productivity years ago. It is time to show the people of the 5th District that they deserve a congressman who will work for them. A congressman who will work for better jobs, better healthcare, better education, and a better future. With your help, I will be that congressman.

Al Weed has been quoted as saying that “early money wins elections” — and he’s right, you know. If you’re looking for a district in which a difference can be made, the 5th District of Virginia is a good one. Virgil Goode is weak. Is Al Weed strong? Visit Al Weed’s website, then read up on his biography and a remarkably detailed set of issue positions. If what he has to say inspires you, then make a contribution. Even a small contribution now will have multiply positive effects as Weed’s campaign grows.

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