A party appeals panel has faulted the Richmond City Democratic Committee's endorsement of Dwight Jones for mayor. Although the other candidates questioned the official nod, Paul Goldman led the charge against it. The panel's call vindicates his position that the party traduced its own rules. The process was fishy. The committee now must not only repudiate itself but resolve not to issue endorsements in mayoral races period. Richmond is a Democratic bastion, yet there is no need to turn the general election into a Democratic primary.