Virginia Tomorrow

They get paid to think this stuff up?

Here’s the latest trick in the never ending quest to extend the news cycle?

You take a position on an issue that receives media coverage.

A few days later you invite your political opponents or members of the other party who do not share your position to “join you” in some activity on behalf of the stance you have taken.

At this point, the media covers both your “request” and the other side’s RSVP.

Voila!

Another round of stories. And you’ve said nothing negative about your opponents.

So far the GOP is way ahead in the invitation derby.

Last week, Bob McDonnell asked the Democratic candidates for Governor  to “join me” in sending a letter to Interior Secretary Salazar opposing Tim Kaine’s position on off-shore drilling.

And just yesterday, Eric Cantor, Randy Forbes and Frank Wolf asked Governor Kaine to “join them” in opposing policies that would tranfer any prisoner from Gitmo to a facility anywhere in Virginia.

What’s the matter with Democrats?  When are they going to start befriending Republicans?

Tim Kaine could surely invite Eric Cantor to “join him” in a letter to Rush Limbaugh expressing disappointment in his statement that he wants President Obama “to fail.”

Perhaps the Democrats could add a new twist, combining ”The Invite” with one of my old favorites,  ”The Pledge.”

What if Creigh Deeds, Terry McAuliffe and Brian Moran asked Bob McDonnell to “join them” in a letter to GOP Chair Jeff Frederick asking him “to pledge” not to make any comments during the campaign season comparing President Obama to Osama Bin Laden?

The “Invite” may be a response to the public’s increasing disenchantment with negative campaigning.

If you can’t beat em (up), ask them to join you.