A Public Advocate for Working Virginians

Mike was endorsed today by the Richmond and Hampton Roads Voice Newspapers. Here's what they had to say about Mike: 

    "The frustration over the disenfranchisement of felons is something McAuliffe shares with our pick for lieutenant governor, A. Michael Signer.
    Signer, like McAuliffe, is a first time candidate for public office. He most recently was director of the Homeland Security Presidential Transition Initiative, a joint project of Third Way and the Center for American Progress. Just 35, Signer holds a Ph.D in political science from U.C., Berkeley, a J.D. from the University of Virginia, and a B.A., from Princeton University.  He is an adjunct instructor at Virginia Tech, and has served as the legislative aide to Deeds as well as a stint as deputy counselor to former Gov. Warner.
    We endorse McAuliffe and Signer because they give us the best opportunity to defeat McDonnell and current Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, who are both stuck in the extreme right of the Republican Party, which continues to alienate millions of moderate Americans with its divisive ideology."

For the full text of the editorial, check out pg. 6 of The Voice.

As the primary draws closer, Mike just released a radio ad, entitled "Not So Easy," to run statewide up until Tuesday, June 9.  Check out the ad below!

We have one week left until people go to the polls for the primary on June 9. Starting Wednesday, June 3, Mike will be touring around the state as a part of the "Countdown to Victory: A Barnstorm Tour."

Wednesday, June 3 - Bristol, Wise, Lynchburg and Charlottesville

Thursday, June 4 - Alexandria

Friday, June 5 - Winchester, Harrisonburg and Staunton

Saturday, June 6 - Roanoke, Martinsville, Danville and Chesapeake

Sunday, June 7 - Williamsburg and South Hill

Monday, June 8 - Newport News

Check back often for more details on the events during this last week before the primary and for updates from the road.

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/

Yesterday, after the shocking decision by Liberty University to revoke recognition of the college Democrats, the Signer campaign put out a statement and offered the full resources of the campaign and to assist the Liberty University students as they work to form a coalition with other area Democrats.  Liberty University President, Brian Diaz was on The Rachel Maddow Show last night to talk about the situation more.  He said, "We have been in contact with the VA Young Democrats...and Mike Signer."

The Mike Signer for Lt. Governor campaign is pleased to announce that former Congresswoman and 2005 Democratic Lieutenant Governor nominee Leslie Byrne has endorsed Signer for Lieutenant Governor. Byrne is a Fairfax resident and was the first woman elected to Congress from Virginia. In 2005, she defeated three opponents to win the Democratic primary despite being outspent three to one. Byrne announced her support for Mike on the Capitol grounds, where she served as a long time delegate and senator in the Virginia legislature.

Byrne’s statement of support comes on the heels of the endorsement of 26 labor unions and is a clear sign of Signer’s momentum just weeks before the election.  Organized labor, a key Democratic constituency, was crucial to Byrne’s 2005 statewide primary victory. She pledged to use the full weight of her resources and network to elect Mike Signer in June and defeat Bill Bolling in November.

The Signer campaign continues to pick up momentum and endorsements, most recently from the women of the Leadership Roundtable. This just in:

"The women of the Leadership Roundtable -- a group of Democratic and progressive women from Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and Stafford -- held a straw poll tea this afternoon at the home of Kay Sluger. You won 100 percent!"

Yet another example of Mike's broad appeal with women, veterans and working Virginians!