South of the James

As many of you know, 2007 is shaping up to be a year of major changes for me professionally. As such, I believe that it would be most appropriate to set aside this blog in order to focus my attention and energy. This is a decision that I am making of my own volition, something that I choose eagerly as there are many new roads ahead.

For over a year-and-a-half, I’ve had the good fortune (or misfortune) of musing about culture, media, politics and such from my perch on this side of the river. It’s been an interesting facet of what turned out to be a 2-year plus stint hanging out in alternative media and grassroots community activism circles. Despite some hiccups along the way, this wild and crazy ride has been tons of fun.

As President Eisenhower once commanded, “Politics ought to be the part-time profession of every citizen who would protect the rights and privileges of free people and who would preserve what is good and fruitful in our national heritage.” SOTJ served as an outlet for creative expression motivated by a desire to maximize my contribution to our democracy. When added to my other volunteer work, it’s been quite a journey into civic engagement. As clichéd as it sounds, I hope that this blog made a difference to someone, somewhere.

Before I drop the mike and leave this particular stage, I want to thank all of the readers, comment-makers, and fellow travelers who promoted my work and offered criticism, the dozen or so guest writers who lent me their voices on occasion, as well as the established media outlets that published my “random acts of journalism.” I also owe a debt of gratitude to my wife, family, and friends for their moral support and for telling (or admitting to) everyone they knew that I was one of those blogger people. Without you all, I’d basically be that tree that fell in the woods when no one was around.

My father constantly tells me to never tell people “good bye,” so I’ll take his advice this time. After all, I’m not going away forever, just taking my leave of this particular forum. So, I’ll see y’all later!

For Immediate Release

Contact: Jessica Smith

c: 202-236-3002

jsmith@webbforsenate.com

January 3, 2007

Washington, D.C., January 3 – Senator-elect Jim Webb announced today the appointment of several members to his senior staff.

“Over the course of the past several weeks, we have been working to assemble an experienced staff of professionals who can help advance the agenda I articulated in the fall campaign,” Senator Webb stated. “I am extremely pleased that this outstanding team has agreed to serve Virginia and our nation in the coming six years.”

Webb’s additional staff members include:

Michael Sozan – Legislative Director. As Legislative Director, Sozan will coordinate all committee and floor activities for Senator Webb and assist in establishing legislative priorities. Sozan has served since 2004 as Legislative Counsel in Senator Bill Nelson’s (D-FL) office. He grew up in Clifton, graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1991 and George Washington University School of Law in 1994. Prior to working on Capitol Hill, he was an Associate at Arnold and Porter.

Kathryn M. Wilmoth – Administrative Director. The Administrative Director is responsible for office accounts, personnel policies and technology systems. Wilmoth is a 21-year veteran of the Senate, having served in similar capacities for Senators John H. Chafee (R – RI) and Lincoln D. Chafee (R – RI). She grew up in Arlington County and is a 1985 graduate of Northern Virginia Community College.

Louise F. Ware – State Director. The State Director will manage Webb’s regional offices and coordinate constituent casework. Ware has a long record of public service in Virginia government and at the federal level. During the administration of Governor Mark Warner, she managed the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. She has also served in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and on the Democratic National Committee. Ware is a native of Lynchburg and holds a B.S. from Lynchburg College and a M.A. from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Gordon I. Peterson – Military Legislative Assistant. The Military Legislative Assistant will serve as the key staff person for Webb on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Peterson is a retired Captain in the U.S. Navy. He is currently a strategic communications specialist with General Dynamics supporting the U.S. Coast Guard’s Deepwater Program. His previous positions include Director of Congressional and Public Affairs for the Naval Sea Systems Command, and Deputy Chief of Information for the Department of the Navy. He is a naval aviator with more than 500 combat missions during the Vietnam War. Peterson, who is long-time resident of Virginia, holds a B.A. from the United States Naval Academy and an M.S. from George Washington University. He also graduated with highest distinction from the U.S. Naval War College.

Lisa Marie Stark – Director of Scheduling. Stark is currently the Deputy Scheduling Director for Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. As Webb’s scheduling director, she will coordinate state travel and his daily activities in Washington. Stark holds a BA. in International Relations from Michigan State University and is a candidate for a masters degree at the University of Michigan.

Conaway B. Haskins, III – Deputy State Director. As Deputy State Director, Haskins will assist in managing Webb’s regional offices and in coordinating constituent casework. He will also focus on economic development and special projects. Haskins currently serves as a Senior Program Officer for the Cameron Foundation, a non-profit organization in the Petersburg area that focuses on regional development. He holds a B.A from George Mason University and a M.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Michael “Mac” McGarvey – Legislative Assistant for Veterans Affairs. McGarvey will serve as Webb’s principal aide for the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. McGarvey has long been involved with veterans’ issues. He served in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a prosthetics specialist from 1985 to 2001. He served as a Marine infantryman in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

Phillip Thompson – Executive Assistant. As executive assistant, Thompson will handle Webb’s personal correspondence, help coordinate long range planning, and support the communications staff. Thompson served in a similar capacity in Webb’s campaign. Thompson, who is a long-time resident of Virginia, is a former Marine combat veteran and journalist. He is a native of Mississippi and a graduate of Ole Miss.

Webb noted that additional staff members will be appointed over the next several weeks.

Paid for by James Webb for U.S. Senate

Congratulations to Jon Henke on his new gig with the Senate Republicans. Jon’s a good guy, virtually a neighbor (for a little while more), and he’s an elite blogger. Democrats would be wise to watch his moves as he helps Sen. McConnell navigate the closely-divided Senate.  At any rate, to the extent that Jon’s blogging will decrease, Virginia’s loss is will be Beltway Republicans’ gain.

The Carytown NYE was fun and funny. It was a large outdoor festival in the misty confines of the River City’s finest shopping district. I feel bad for the folks who went to Can-Can looking for a nice, sophisticated, francophile way of ringing in the new year. What they got was a raucous, free-champagne, American version instead. It was off “le crochet“(I took Spanish…sorry).  Big kudos to my man Albert for the coffee and bread hook-up as one of Richmond’s best-designed restaurants played host to the most unusual NYE I’ve ever had.

With the recent “Bash Waldo” fiesta that ensued after Mr. Jaquith yanked a blog from his aggregator, I’m beginning to rethink my earlier comments regarding the nonpartisan Media Bloggers Association (which is full of Pajamas Media, thus it can’t be a liberal ploy to attack Republicans, folks). This situation – regardless of the motives involved – demonstrates why 2007 may bring days of reckoning to the blogosphere in terms of teasing out the quality among the quantity. After striking it rich in the brave new world of 2006 politics, blogland may be reaping a bit of what it has sown, particularly as the MSM and political establishment (right and left) signal that they have wised up to the goings-on and reach of our community. The golden age is over, folks. It’s time to think outside the text box…

At any rate, though it’s not yet a full day old, 2007 promises to be a very interesting year…