Over the past year, Sen. Donald McEachin has been the man who, more than anyone, has filled the leadership vacuum in the aftermath of Virginia Democrats' crushing defeat in 11/09. Also, Sen. McEachin has been the Virginia Democrat who has most effectively stood up to Ken Cuccinelli and Company, who has most powerfully articulated Democratic values, who "gets" the grassroots and netroots, and who represents everything we'd want in a party chair. Right now, with DPVA chair Dickie Cranwell stepping down, we have the opportunity for a change in leadership, a change of direction, and a huge boost in energy and enthusiasm. Right now, it's time for the DPVA to open things up, to hold a competitive election, to let whatever interested candidates battle it out, but in the end to select Donald McEachin to lead the party. If Sen. McEachin's interested in this job, he should know that he has a lot of friends and supporters in the progressive activists community. Let's do all we can to encourage him to run!