I just got back from the pre-inaugural event in Abingdon. A capacity crowd was on-hand, numbering around 375 people. The Ninth District Committee Chairman, Tom Graham, kicked things off. Delegate Jackie Stump handled the invocation. Next up was Senator Phillip Puckett who introduced Congressman Boucher who then introduced Gov.-Elect Tim Kaine. Joining Kaine was his wife, Anne Holton.
Del.-Elect Dan Bowling's wife, Jan, was there, but Dan was in Richmond getting ready for his first legislative session.
The coverage from the BHC is here. As always, Kaine vowed to fight for Southwest Virginia and continue the work Governor Warner has started.
The highlight of the night was when someone thought it would be funny to pull a fire alarm. Coincidentally, at the same time, they were bringing out desserts that had sparklers on them. Everyone just thought it was the sparklers that caused the fire alarm to go off, but Chairman Graham announced it was a prankster.
Reports are sketchy and cannot be verified, but some people in attendance said they noticed Willie Mae Kilgore lurking around and believed she was the main suspect. I think it was probably just the sparklers, though.
As always, it was a great event. I met a lot of folks, had a good meal, and even did a little dancing.
This was a great event, kudos to the Ninth District Committee for putting it on. It really got me pumped for Inaugeration weekend, and now I can't wait to get on to Richmond and party Kaine's victory all weekend. Anyone else coming?