A collection of party leaders voted former Del. Brian Moran (brother of Rep. Jim Moran), chairman of the Democratic Party of Virginia on Saturday. Moran defeated an underdog bid by Peter Rousselot, former chair of the Arlington County Democratic Committee.
Rousselot says it was worth the trouble to advance his agenda for the state party.
“I set a reform agenda in my DPVA Chair campaign, and I gained many new supporters for reform both in Arlington and around Virginia,” he said.
At least one activist is now calling for Rousselot to pursue another intra-party fight. Ben Tribbett, who runs the Not Larry Sabatao blog, says he’s trying to convince Rousselot to challenge state Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple in next year’s primary.
Tribbett cites Whipple’s endorsement of Moran for chair and her willingness to serve as a “token” Democrat on Gov. Bob McDonnell’s government reform commission as reasons why she should be unseated by a fellow Democrat.
“Senator Whipple has represented Arlington for 16 years in the State Senate without ever having a serious election where voters had a serious choice of who was best to represent Arlington,” Tribbett said. “I think after her recent actions it’s time for the voters to have a chance to speak.”
So far, Rousselot is not dismissing the idea outright.
“It is very gratifying that such an astute and strategic observer of Virginia politics as Ben Tribbett has enough confidence in me to promote my candidacy for the Democratic nomination for the Virginia State Senate,” he said. “However, it is only two days since I completed my campaign for Chair of the DPVA, and I have only just begun to consider what my next steps might be.”
Tribbett isn’t the only local Democratic blogger who would support Rousselot in a primary. Lowell Feld of Blue Virginia said Rousselot has his backing as well.
“Peter Rousselot is a superb Arlington Democrat, a strong progressive, and a good friend,” Feld said. “If he chooses to run for State Senate, I will enthusiastically support his candidacy.”
We tried to get several local party leaders to comment on this story, but no one wanted to talk, even off the record. Perhaps the attitude of the local establishment was best demonstrated at the recent work session between the county board and Arlington’s state legislative delegation. During the meeting, Whipple was praised as one of the most effective Democrats in the state legislature.
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At Generation Hope, we’re dedicated to supporting teen parents in college as they work toward earning their degrees. We are in need of caring child care volunteers for upcoming events on Saturday, October 21st (in Washington, DC), and Saturday, November 4th (in Arlington, VA). Join our growing volunteer community and support us at an event this fall!
At all of our events, we provide free onsite child care for the children of the teen parents we serve, creating a nurturing environment for the kiddos while their parents learn valuable life skills and build community.
If you enjoy working with children and are looking to make an immediate impact in your community, please visit https://www.generationhope.org/volunteer to learn more.

Join us for Arlington’s biggest civil rights & social justice event of the year. The banquet is back in person at the Arlington Campus of George Mason University.
Our keynote speaker this year is Symone Sanders from MSNBC and former Chief of Staff for Vice-President Kamala Harris.
The Master of Ceremonies is Joshua Cole, former state delegate, NAACP President, and local pastor.
Tickets/seating are limited. Purchase your ticket today! Sponsorship opportunities available.
Standup Comedy Showcase Starring John F. O’Donnell (Comedy Central)
Live standup comedy starring John F. O’Donnell (Comedy Central)
Friday, October 20
Headliner: John F. O’Donnell
John was a correspondent on the radical comedy news TV show, “Redacted Tonight,” for 5 years. Recently, he released his debut one-hour standup special,
Arlington Metaphysical Chapel Presents METAPHEST, October 14-15, 2023
Workshops on: ~ Meditation ~ Intro to Tarot: The Aces and Major Arcana
~ Ageless Aging ~ Past Life Regression ~ Animal Communication and Healing
~ Psychometry ~ Spiritual Healing ~ Self Soul Love ~ Consciously Clearing Clutter ~ Awareness/Mindfulness/Consciousness.