Last night, I attended the Democracy for Virginia meeting in Arlington. I went to hear my good friend and close RK colleague, Josh Chernila, speak about his vision for a "Blue Virginia." As an added bonus, I got to see a bunch of great Democrats - past, current, and future candidates here in Virginia. I talked for a while to Leslie Byrne, who's looking and sounding great after her narrow loss to Bill Bolling for Lt. Governor, by the way! Leslie, Josh and I discussed how Democrats can win consistently if they articulate a powerful message to the working class in parts of Virginia that used to be "blue" but are currently "red." The fact is, Republicans are bad news for most Americans' economic self interest, and it is our job as Democrats to give them a positive, realistic alternative.Besides Leslie Byrne, I spoke with Andrew Hurst, who's running for Congress against Tom Davis in the 11th District. Andrew was upbeat as usual, but he also let loose with a powerful attack on Rep. Davis for doing nothing, as head of the House "Government Reform" Committee, to address real abuses of power - Abramoff, DeLay, Cunningham, Abu Ghraib. Instead, Davis and the Republicans waste their time on trivialities like steroids in baseball. Hurst asked the crowd to guess how many supboenas Davis' "Government Reform" Committee - the "major investigative tool" of Congress, according to Davis - in the two years preceding the steroids investigation. Correct answer? That's right, Z-E-R-O. Great job, Congressman Davis!
A few others I had a chance to meet and talk to last night included Shawn O'Donnell, whose 3-part interview with RK will conclude today. O'Donnell is taking on right-wing Republican, Jo Ann Davis, in Virginia's 1st District. Hopefully, he will receive the 100%, all-out Democratic support he both NEEDS and DESERVES. This is an eminently winnable seat, and there's simply no excuse for not winning it!
Bruce Roemmelt was there last night as well, in a great mood, as usual. The news of the evening was Roemmelt's announcement that he will definitely be running again in 2007, following his competitive race with entrenched incumbent, "Sideshow Bob" Marshall. The only question for Roemmelt is whether he'll run for the House of Delegates or for State Senate. Stay tuned, and keep an eye out for Roemmelt's new blog, which he promises is coming soon!
I also had a chance to talk to Del.-elect Chuck Caputo and Earnie Porta (who lost to Michell McQuigg and her "despicable campaign smear tactics" against him. I had to get going and didn't get a chance to chat with Del.-elect David Englin, but I wish him the best of luck in Richmond!
Overall, it was a great event. Thanks to Josh for the invitation, and sorry for showing up in my gym clothes right after working out! :)