Calls for resignation ain’t what they used to be.
Virginia Democrats are accepting money from Governor Ralph Northam, despite the fact that both the House and Senate Democratic caucuses called for his resignation just months ago.
Northam gave checks of $5,000 and $15,000 to a number of Democratic candidates recently, including a significant number who called for his resignation in no uncertain terms.
Winning is more important than consistency, according to Democrats.
Democrats need money to win, and a call for his resignation isn’t enough to keep Democrats from cashing checks, according to Del. Eileen Filler-Corn, the House minority leader.
“Gov. Northam is part of a team working to elect majorities in the General Assembly,” Filler-Corn said told the Virginian-Pilot. “When we win this November, the governor is going to be a key partner in working to enact our policy promises to Virginians.”
In February, Filler-Corn was adamant: Northam must go.
“Today’s statement from [Governor Northam] does not change my earlier viewpoint. He must resign in order to let a process of healing begin,” she tweeted.
Del. Kelly Convirs-Fowler was insistent that Northam resign in February. “Anything less than resignation is unacceptable,” Convirs-Fowler told the Nation.
Now, she’s grateful for his help.
“I am so grateful for the work Governor Northam is putting in to take back the House and Senate,” she told the Virginian-Pilot.
“Once in the majority I look forward to working towards solutions for Virginia Beach residents like sensible gun laws, expanding access to affordable healthcare, improving economic outcomes for communities of color, and protecting reproductive rights for women in Virginia,” she said.
Donations to candidates have come from the same PAC that paid $30,000 to Northam’s crisis communications team.