Week in Review

WEEK'S END

Although the departure will not provoke the debate, or the silly recriminations, that occurred when the R-Braves fled, fans will miss the Commonwealth Cup polo match destined to leave Goochland for Fauquier. The contest raised money for the Goochland Free Clinic and Family Services, and during its run of 23 years wove itself into the local fabric.

Larry Sabato's Crystal Ball reports that the National Republican Congressional Committee has identified 70 Democratic House seats as "targets" in 2010. We agree with him that the list seems preposterous. In Virginia, for instance, the Democratic targets include Glenn Nye (2nd), Tom Perriello (5th), Rick Boucher (9th), and Gerry Connolly (11th). Based in South Hampton Roads, the 2nd rates as one of the state's more competitive districts; at this writing the freshman Nye enjoys a strong edge. Republicans have a good shot at retaking the 5th. Boucher remains unbeatable in the 9th, for the simple reason that he is an excellent representative. Last year Connolly easily won the seat vacated by Republican Tom Davis. Although he ran several points behind Barack Obama, Connolly is not yet imperiled.

The 5th could prove one of the most decisive races in Virginia as well as in the nation. Perriello defeated incumbent Virgil Goode by fewer than 1,000 votes in a district won by John McCain. Perriello ran an impressive campaign in 2008, yet if Republicans do not limit him to a single term then the national GOP's time in the wilderness will prove protracted.

Tomorrow Sen. Jim Webb embarks on a two-week tour of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Burma. As a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, Webb has an obligation to keep abreast of conditions overseas. His Virginia constituents, however, might be wondering if he will be holding a town hall along the Irrawaddy.

A Wall Street Journal story headlined, "Detroit Schools on the Brink," reported that Motor City's school system is racing toward bankruptcy. Enrollment has fallen dramatically, as families with schoolchildren move to jurisdictions with better and safer schools. One individual emerges with his reputation enhanced. The emergency financial manager appointed to save the schools is making the tough choices. His name is one Richmonders remember with affection -- Robert C. Bobb, a former city manager.