Gov. Tim Kaine, Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple, Chairman Gerry Connolly, Del. Brian Moran
At today's "Countdown to Progress Kickoff" with Governor Kaine at FCDC headquarters in McLean, the crowd was large and enthused. Sen. Dick Saslaw set the stage by predicting a "minimum of 6 new Democratic senators" elected next Tuesday, with the possibility that Democrats will "run the table completely." Wow, and I thought MY predictions were optimistic! :) Saslaw added that we're on the verge of doing something "damn historic," and it's thanks to Tim Kaine. According to Saslaw, "General Patton would be proud of Kaine's ground game." Saslaw also cited Mark Warner for his hard work this year, and said we will repay him next year by helping to "drive the final stake through Jim Gilmore." In a combative mood, Saslaw declared that "we've been in the desert for 9 years and now it's their turn."
Tim Kaine said that he learned a long time ago that he was "not gonna win by looks or smarts," but by hard work and a strong "ground game." Kaine pointed to our "spectacular candidates" this year, and urged their election so that he will have "better partners" in Richmond. Unfortunately, Kaine said, one particular chamber of the General Assembly is filled with people who know what they're against -- most everything.
Kaine talked about the Washington Post article this morning and the Republican moaning that Kaine is -- gasp! -- campaigning for his fellow Democrats. According to Gov. Kaine, competition and "offering people a choice" is a GOOD thing not a BAD thing. Kaine noted that he had lived in a country (Honduras) where the "military ran everything." Dick Saslaw threw in an aside that Republicans were the ones who drew these districts that we have to compete in. Kaine said we're "not gonna whine about it," even though we're "playing away games" everywhere. Despite this, "Virginia is an extremely competitive state."
This November 6, Kaine says that citizens across Virginia will cast votes for Democrats offering real solutions. The outcome will be "all about turnout," as this is the low point in the 4-year cycle. Of course, that makes "YOUR participation more valuable this year than any other year." The candidates have done their part, now it's our turn -- they're "too good to let down."
P.S. More pics on the "flip," with hopefully more to come later...
Gov. Tim Kaine, Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple, Chairman Gerry Connolly, Del. Brian Moran
Gov. Tim Kaine and supporters
Sen. Mark Herring, Mary Lee Cerillo, Chuck Caputo
Jay Donahue, Rex Simmons
Del. David Poisson
Ginny Peters, chair of FCDC
Lowell Feld, Sen. Mark Herring, Margi Vanderhye
Sen. Mark Herring, Mary Lee Cerillo
Dale Evans, Clerk of Court candidate
Democratic secret weapon, photo #1
Democratic secret weapon, photo #2
I was hoping to have a 5 seat pickup, but 6 would be just grand! But heck if we can win all of them, including Schultz, Breiner, and Heretick, we'd be looking at (what?).....8 seat pick-up? Come on, nobody expects that do they?
I'm optimistic, and I'd be elated with just four!
- Kerry winning VA
- Kaine/Byrne/Deeds winning VA
- Webb winning VA
and then getting kicked in the balls (nearly on Webb). I didn't hear the speech, but Saslaw should not be counting his chickens before they hatch.
People need to get out and WORK THIS WEEKEND.
I got two mailers, both intro's, for Ralph Smith. With only 6 an 1/2 days left I wonder why he is still introducing himself?
Breiner is first on tv, first in mail, first in field and first in ability. I know we are in a republican district but many supported Bell. Breiner will either win those votes or they will stay home. Either way, Ralph does not get them.
Here's to hoping Saslaw is right!