'I'm a Jim Webb Democrat'

On May 21, Democratic lieutenant governor hopeful Mike Signer was in Richmond for part of an afternoon.

At Capitol Square, Signer received the endorsement of Leslie Byrne, who ran on the Democrats’ last statewide ticket as lieutenant governor. Byrne lost in a squeaker to the sitting Republican lieutenant governor, who is running for reelection -- Bill Bolling.

Signer, from Arlington, is pitted against Virginia Beach resident Jody Wagner, a former state treasurer and state secretary of finance. The primary to decide which of the two will win their party’s nomination will take place on Tues, June 9.

After his downtown appearance Signer, a former aide to then-Governor Mark Warner, sat down in his campaign office at 10 N. Robinson St. to answer a few questions.

In warming up for the questions Signer, 36, spoke of two of his favorite books about politics: "All the King’s Men" (by Robert Penn Warren) and "The Shad Treatment" (by Garrett Epps).

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.

As the three-way Democratic gubernatorial race has been getting most of the attention in political news, endorsements will probably matter more in the lieutenant governor race.

Signer proudly ticked off an impressive list of endorsements he has received from military people, politicians, unions, etc.

So, in a nutshell, why did Bryne pick Signer, instead of Wagner?

"I feel very strongly that we need someone who’s going to start talking for middle income, wage-earning people in Virginia," said Byrne, "and that’s what Mike has been about."

As the interview ended the conversation turned to the Fan District and Signer’s campaign manager, Christian Rickers, mentioned he lived nearby. Then it came time for the traveling party to hit the road, again.

As he made his way toward the door, the busy candidate added another name. "Charles Samuels has endorsed me." Samuels is 2nd District’s city council representative, which includes part of the Fan.

'I'm a Jim Webb Democrat'

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