So Jon Bowerbank is the Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor. He’s been making the rounds, getting to know folks, and doing the usual spiel (Washington Post).
Funny thing, though; when you go to his campaign site, he makes no mention about the only political experience he has (his current term on the Russell County Board of Supervisors). In fact, about the only mention of his race comes from an interview with the Roanoke Times:
He said he easily could have won election to a district-level seat on the board of supervisors based on community reaction to the Honaker field. But he chose instead to test himself by running countywide. “I learned how the business of politics works,” Bowerbank said. “I found this was very invigorating.”
Even here, Bowerbank, leaves one thing out - something that would explain his reticence to discuss his first and only campaign - he didn’t run as a Democrat. Now, here in Spotsylvania, that’s not such a big deal; Democrats hide as “Independents” all the time in these parts. However, in Russell County, the Dems pretty much run the show.
This is where it gets more interesting: Bowerbank ran against a Democrat - Clarence “Butch” Ball - in his race for Supervisor - and Ball wasn’t too happy about it:
I am leaving it up to the knowledgeable people of Russell County to realize that money does not buy a supervisory position. I have far too much integrity to challenge Mr. Bowerbank with the same dirty tactics he has chosen to utilize during the last days of the race. My record and integrity stands for itself . . . In spite of what my opponent purports, ONE person cannot change ANYTHING…the Board is given a budget, and we abide by that budget. If Mr. Bowerbank thinks HE alone will change Russell County — he is in for a rude awakening. If he wins, I feel sorry for him when reality sets in, and our citizens bombard him with questions as to why cannot fulfill the promises he’s made.
Hmm, perhaps he decided to cope by running for Lieutenant Governor as a member of Mr. Ball’s party! I can only imagine how Ball felt when Bowerbank announced himself as a Democrat one month after election day (Washington Post).
Seriously, if this kind of shiftless opportunist is the best the Democrats can do (and I know there is a certain cabinet member waiting in the wings, but she’s still in the wings so far), Bill Bolling might as well plan for 2013 right now.
July 9, 2008 at 10:34 pm
After reading this well-written piece, I felt compelled to let others know the website of Clarence Butch Ball during the Supervisory campaign in Russell County (still active), so they can get not only his comments above, but the full views he had on the election. Bolling is my choice, but if worse comes to worse, I’ll write in Clarence Butch Ball.
http://www.geocities.com/cbutchball
July 10, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Thank you, David, for providing this website address. It was certainly worth visiting and has made me/my family rethink our future vote. Does anyone know–is this article anywhere else except the WP? It should be. I suppose some candidates fail to realize the internet can provide information past, present and “future affecting”. It also proves to me that what we see is not always what we get. After visiting the site you provided, I am in agreement with you. Mr. Ball seems to be the one with integrity in the end.
July 11, 2008 at 9:48 pm
I agree this article is informative; however, I do not feel it will make an impact on most folks. Mr. Bowerbank is not the first (nor will he be the last) politician to skirt issues. There will always be opportunists with their buckets of frothing lies–and there will always be starving animals scampering at their heels to lick up the spill. Obama is clear proof of that. Bowerbank is just selective as to where he spills his bucket. People will believe in magic if the slide of hand is fast enough.
IMHO, from what I have read, Mr. Bowerbank is far too busy rubbing elbows with the “big boys” to worry about the impact of this single article. I will, however, be interestedly watching for a response. I won’t be holding my breath.
July 22, 2008 at 2:55 pm
[...] Bolling’s job, no doubt cheered on by party leaders lerry of the alternative (a fellow who wouldn’t admit to being a Democrat until about five minutes ago). Already, the would-be candidacy has had one positive effect (Riley at VV): Wagner’s [...]
July 23, 2008 at 11:02 pm
I loved the direct questions posed by this person: (She’s GOOD!!!!)
http://mssassypants.wordpress.com/2008/07/11/dear-john-bowerbank/
but has Mr. Jon Bowerbank EVEN attempted to respond to her or to anyone that doesn’t have political clout ? Of course not! Again, IMHO, he is far too busy being kissy-kissy with the elite to lower himself (or his spokesperson) to give any concrete answers regarding his “silent sin”. Come on, Mr. Bowerbank, we’re waiting to hear from you. Or are you above the common folk?
I have been toggling back and forth between several sites covering this issue. I bookmarked the Ball site to see how many hits he would get after the posts here and it’s actually phenomenal. He’s averaging about 40 hits per night. Bolling, Bolling..he’s our man…but if he can’t do it BALL can!
July 28, 2008 at 10:47 am
[...] redux. Bowerbank has a lot of the characteristics of Webb: southwest appeal, netroots love, and a real short history with the Democrats. Wagner, by contrast, seems to have the establishment in her corner, much as Harris [...]
August 3, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Jon Bowerbank is another Obama…all talk, no substance. Do we see him answering any of the postings here? God FORBID, he thinks he is so far above the common people that he will not take time to check the internet for those who oppose him. He’s so full of himself that he only takes time to affiliate with those who can/will promote his political aspirations. I have read that his Lt. Gov. contributions (other than his own) are LESS than $200.00. Hmmm…is that an indication of what others think of him….and emphasizes his belief in HIS own self-worth? He has given over $200,000 of his own money to this campaign. DUH!!!
I’m appalled that this man has the audacity to run, after seeing his past record…and I’m appalled that we have Virginians that are so gullible that they would stand behind him. Get INFORMED Virginia. Vote Bolling!
August 3, 2008 at 11:00 pm
When push comes to shove, I do believe most Virginians will see beyond this power hungry “want-a-be” Lt. Governor Bowerbank (and YES, his desire is to be Governor someday). My concern, at this point, is Bowerbank’s arrogance–but my second concern is those who throw themselves behind him in full support of his Lt. Gov. campaign. If one researches this hopeful candidate, they could question how he attained a Board of Supervisor position opposing a Democrat in Russell County in the first place (he ran Independent). Either way, I’m a Bolling fan, and my charge to all is RESEARCH, then decide if Bowerbank is the person you want as Lt. Gov. There’s a skunk in the cellar. I challenge you all to FIND the stink and hope the stench isn’t on you when the Lt. Gov. race is finalized.
August 4, 2008 at 9:40 pm
Just a humble opinion here, but this is what I see, after observing VA politics over the years. The political elite are going to bleed Bowerbank until his money runs out, and then they are going to toss him away like yesterday’s trash. As long as he is dishing out the money, the dinners, the classy soires–they’re going to make him feel like he’s the greatest thing since white bread. Let the money dwindle and see where he stands in this race. Politicians LOVE being pampered, but sooner or later they all have to GET BACK TO WORK…Bowerbank’s campaign will do one of two things, it will run out of money or it will run out of steam.
After all, what does he really have to bring to the table–no experience, an unknown from a county that is really nothing more than a minute dot on Virginia’s map, and from what I can tell from research, his only achievement to date is rugging football fields. Correct me if I’m wrong. Bolling doesn’t have to worry — Bowerbank is nothing more than a minor distraction. This too shall pass…
August 4, 2008 at 10:50 pm
KUDOS Melinda. I think you’ve encapsulated every concerned voter’s viewpoint. We truly need to get the word out. We all need to be out promoting Bolling and encourage any Bowerbank supporters we run across to visit this forum. Encourage them to do the research, and let them become informed about their candidate.
I also agree with Ellen–Mr. Bowerbank is not concerned about anything the common people of VA might have to say against him. He’s depending on the elite to pull him through whatever indiscretions he may have created along the way . That is why I intend to avidly promote this forum to friends, family and co-workers. I am asking them to visit and get a GOOD look at Bowerbank. By the time election rolls around — we can at least have a few informed voters. There is enough ammunition here (if one will follow the links) to allow people to see that Bowerbank is nothing more than an opportunist.
August 8, 2008 at 10:27 pm
[...] reward this incompetence with the number-two position in the state? Take a chance on John “Instant Democrat” Bowerbank? Go Back to the Future (literally at 88 MPH) with Dick [...]
August 15, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Jon Bowerbank has the beginnings for a new party, the “Independocrats”. Just pour water on him and (like a hybrid) you never know what will sprout.
August 15, 2008 at 10:04 pm
This is an interesting blog for all who visit here:
http://www.democraticcentral.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=2409