You said Reed wasn't allowed to speak at picnics-- but I actually heard him speak at the King Co GOP picnic at Freed Farm. He was earlier denied the right to speak at another function (by the state rep party) because he (Reed) wouldn't agree to not attack the other candidates in his speech. I disagree with that decision (I think he should be allowed to say anything he wishes) and overall, he tends to represent my views more accurately than Nethercutt, however, I'd like to encourage Reed to run for a congressional seat first, before trying a senate run. Nethercutt is just much more polished and a better state-wide candidate. He seems quite charming the several times I've met him, certainly not a "toad". But I agree, the term limits contradiction may shoot him in the foot.
Now that Reed has lost the primary, I will be supporting Nethercutt because I can't stand the thought of sending the troll Murray back to D.C. to "represent us". I too would agree with the assertion that he run for a lower office prior to running for higher office again. I did respect him for standing up and volunteering to run long before any other "big names" came forward. It looked like Murray was going to run unopposed. That was very discouraging.
Reed needs to run for a state rep or state senate seat before running for state wide office. I think he would do very well at the grass roots level as he is articulate and very well spoken.
Vance is a horrible "leader" of our party in this state. We need to do something to replace him, but it really has to be with someone who has charisma and poise and can recruit better quality candidates that Vance has. I think this who fiasco with the state auditor candidate is enough to warrant him stepping down.