Last night my good friend Kate took me to a Democratic fundraiser for George Barker who is running for State Senate in the 39th district. Becky and David Campbell hosted this event, and the highlight was a visit from Helen Thomas! Helen spoke briefly, and I think I heard her quoting Dick Goodwin (one of the best public policy writers ever), though I may have mis-heard her (the room and house were packed).George Barker was introduced by his wife, Jane, who would make an excellent leader herself. George is quiet, unassuming, professional, and really listens. He'll reach across the aisle and listen to those who oppose him, and I found myself joking that he'd be a better representative for Delegate Bob Marshall than Bob has been for me (Marshall certainly does NOT represent me, and due to a fluke of the gerrymandered districts Marshall is actually in the 39th State Senate district). The party was a lot of fun, and the hosts were amazing and interesting people.
The enthusiasm of the fundraiser, coming (for me) right after the very positive canvassing I did for Senator Colgan, Corey Riley, and Bruce Roemmelt on Saturday has left me very enthusiastic that we'll score some major victories this November 6th. We need to get the word out about Corey Riley, as not enough voters know of him.
I asked her why more of the White House press corps did not ask tough questions at daily briefings. She said she truly thought they "just don't care." Helen also said she thought the Democrat Party was out of step with Americans - our members in Congress are not listening to what we have to say - and that's the reason they keep voting our rights away in the name of "protecting" us.
The thing I like most about Helen is her dedication to doing the job right. She asks the uncomfortable questions when no one else will. She understands that her job as a journalist is to shine a light on this secretive administration in order to help keep our democracy safe and viable.
I think what made Helen's appearance at the Barker fundraiser so "right" is that I believe George Barker is cut from the same kind of cloth. He knows there's a job to do and he's working like the Dickens to "git'r done." George knows he can't win this senate race unless he puts in a Herculean effort, and I think his running door to door to meet voters face to face, visiting over 4500 Prince William County constituents' homes (as of several weeks ago.), and far more in Fairfax County, proves he's sincere. I believe he means it when he says he's going to go to Richmond and work with Republicans in the General Assembly to find solutions to our traffic gridlock, immigration problems and other issues affecting our quality of life.