Today's Richmond Times-Dispatch has an editorial about State Senator Benjamin Lambert and the background behind his endorsement of Senator George Allen, a man he has worked with in state government for years. It begins:
Leadership
It is not hard to earn the title, "politician." It is much more difficult to transcend to the level of "leader." State Senator Benjamin Lambert is not a mere politician.
As a graduate of Virginia Union University, Lambert cares deeply about the mission of historically black colleges and universities -- as do many in his Richmond-based district. Over the years he has worked closely with Senator George Allen to support HBCUs, and that led to collaborations on a number of other issues. The ease with which the relationship produced tangible results caused Lambert to make an endorsement many thought unlikely.
Lambert has put politics aside, and endorsed the candidate he feels can advance the needs of his district and the Commonwealth -- despite the pull of party and ideologues. It also should be noted that his endorsement of Allen does reflect a consistency not often found in politics: Lambert couldn't bring himself to support Jim Webb in the Democratic primary, and found no "new" Webb during the general election. His independent stand contrasts with that of the General Assembly's Legislative Black Caucus, which last week did what everyone knew it would do: Endorse the Democratic candidate, in this case Jim Webb.
Check out the Richmond Times-Dispatch Op-Ed page to read the rest.
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