Former congressman to head Clark campaign in Va.

[Jerseycoa]

Source: AP / Daily Press

Former U.S. Rep. L.F. Payne will lead Wesley Clark's Democratic presidential primary campaign in Virginia, Clark's campaign said Friday.

Payne, a House member from 1988-1997, was a charter member of the "Blue Dogs," a coalition of centrist to conservative congressional Democrats. He also developed the popular Wintergreen ski resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

He did not seek re-election to his 5th District seat in 1996 and became the party's nominee for lieutenant governor. He lost the 1997 race to Republican John Hager in a GOP sweep of all three statewide elected offices.

Two years ago, he headed Gov. Mark R. Warner's gubernatorial transition team.

:dem:

[Democrats unite]

1. I hope he doesn't get labeled "Democratic" special interest groups

That seems to be the new tactic here on DU for anybody but Dean.