Mark Shriver's super-strong endorsement of Van Hollen has raised his standing enormously. If I had a dollar for everyone who has said, "What a class act," I'd be a wealthy man. Watching the two former rivals campaign together at the Silver Spring Metro, I was struck by how many people recognized Shriver first. But Mark very smoothly and un-self-consciously guided each person over to Chris, saying "I'd like you to meet Sen. Van Hollen; I hope you'll support him."



Mark Shriver's super-strong endorsement of Van Hollen has raised his standing enormously. If I had a dollar for everyone who has said, "What a class act," I'd be a wealthy man. Watching the two former rivals campaign together at the Silver Spring Metro, I was struck by how many people recognized Shriver first. But Mark very smoothly and un-self-consciously guided each person over to Chris, saying "I'd like you to meet Sen. Van Hollen; I hope you'll support him."

Random reflections on the Sepetember 10th primary and the upcoming November 5th general

[Excerpt]

Mark Shriver's super-strong endorsement of Van Hollen has raised his standing enormously. If I had a dollar for everyone who has said, "What a class act," I'd be a wealthy man. Watching the two former rivals campaign together at the Silver Spring Metro, I was struck by how many people recognized Shriver first. But Mark very smoothly and un-self-consciously guided each person over to Chris, saying "I'd like you to meet Sen. Van Hollen; I hope you'll support him." One commuter approached the pair and said -- unprovoked -- "I'm glad to see the two of you together."

Everyone says they plan to support the winner of the primary, but few do. Mark Shriver has set the standard....

Van Hollen's win didn't shock me, because I've always thought his earnestness and results-oriented approach -- the passion and creativity he brings to the legislative process -- suited the 8th district perfectly. Chris's win did shock a lot of people though. There was a strong assumption that Shriver's name ID and money would carry the day.

The sheer number of Van Hollen bumper stickers told me there was a deep grass roots-level enthusiasm for this man. He built his win a vote at a time. The challenge for him is to harness and focus all the energy coming his way and direct toward a task that remains formidable: knocking off a scandal-free incumbent member of Congess

When this story was prepared, here was the front page of PCOL magazine:

This Month's Issue: August 2004 Teresa Heinz Kerry celebrates the Peace Corps Volunteer as one of the best faces America has ever projected in a speech to the Democratic Convention. The National Review disagreed and said that Heinz's celebration of the PCV was "truly offensive." What's your opinion and who can come up with the funniest caption for our Current Events Funny? Exclusive: Director Vasquez speaks out in an op-ed published exclusively on the web by Peace Corps Online saying the Dayton Daily News' portrayal of Peace Corps "doesn't jibe with facts." In other news, the NPCA makes the case for improving governance and explains the challenges facing the organization, RPCV Bob Shaconis says Peace Corps has been a "sacred cow", RPCV Shaun McNally picks up support for his Aug 10 primary and has a plan to win in Connecticut, and the movie "Open Water" based on the negligent deaths of two RPCVs in Australia opens August 6. Op-ed's by RPCVs: Cops of the World is not a good goal and Peace Corps must emphasize community development.

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