Democrat Harris Miller will be working feverishly to organize his supporters over the next three days as he makes a final push to win the June 13 primary and the Democratic slot in the Virginia race for U.S. Senate — but many experts say it won’t be enough.
The Pittsburg-area native announced his candidacy in January and has since been working to raise more than $1.2 million and pull in more state and local support than his opponent, Jim Webb.
Miller, a former technology industries lobbyist and Fairfax County leader, has been endorsed by electrical and transportation workers unions, 25 members of the General Assembly and countless city officials throughout the state.
“These are the people who really know Virginia. … They are the ones who are helping me turn out the vote in Virginia and will help me beat [Republican Sen.] George Allen in November,” said Miller, 54.
Harris’ primary-race opponent, James Webb, has received key endorsements from national politicians such as Sens. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., and John Kerry, D-Mass., in addition to state and local legislators and military brass.
“I think the national people are sending the signal: If Webb is the nominee, they will play in Virginia. If Miller is the nominee, I doubt they will play,” said Larry Sabato, head of the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics.
On the campaign trail, Miller has said Allen voted to support President George Bush 97 percent of the time, while he would promote alternative fuels by taxing big oil, fire Donald Rumsfeld and return the people’s optimism in government and achieving the “American dream.”
“In order to beat George Allen in November, I’ve got to convince the people to fire George Allen for his performance … and to hire me,” Miller told The Examiner.
Several pundits have said that Miller has a better grasp on the issues, but lacks basic candidate skills.
While many would like to vote for Miller, the voters are pragmatic and want to take back the House and Senate, said Toni Travis, associate professor of public and international affairs at George Mason University.
Miller is also politically mismatched for the state, experts say.
“Harris Miller, God bless his heart, is a wonderful, progressive, Democratic operative and now politician. And he would make a wonderful candidate about 100 miles north,” said Larry Harris, a principal at Mason-Dixon Polling and Research. “A Washington lobbyist and progressive in Virginia doesn’t sell as well as a former secretary of the Navy, ex-Marine, former Reagan appointee who turned Democrat.”
