as always.  I actually wasn't scribbling notes like I usually do, but I've got a few thoughts.  First, here's the schedule for the evening.

1. VIP/cocktail reception
2. National anthem (John  Alex Golden)
3. Evening welcome (JJ dinner co-chairs Gabriel Snow and Bree Raum, ACDC chair Peter Rousselot)
4. Congressional remarks (Rep. Jim Moran)
5. Keynote address (Gov. Tim Kaine)
6. Award winners (Peter Rousselot)
7. Presentation of Mary Marshall award (Peter Rousselot)
8. Closing remarks (Gabe Snow and Bree Raum)

Mary Marshall award for outstanding Democrat: Mary Margaret Whipple

Herselle Milliken precinct captain of the year: Charley Conrad

Campaigner of the year: Mary Detweiler, Chris King

Outstanding precinct: Fairlington

Best new precinct captain: Donna Doering

Volunteer of the year, not on the committee: Beth Holtzclaw

Volunteer of the year, on the committee: Marj Signer

Newcomer of the year: Lesley Sebastian

Outreach award: Terron Sims

Netroots award: James Martin

Lucy Denney award for a HQ volunteer: Pam Henrkisen, Janet Spence

Joint campaign fundraiser of the year: Warren Nelson

Unsung hero award: Mike Anderson

Sen. Patsy Ticer
Del. Brian Moran
Del. Steve Shannon
Commonwealth's attorney Dick Trodden
School board chair Ed Fendley
School board member Libby Garvey
School board member Abby Raphael
Commissioner of Revenue Ingrid Morroy
Clerk of the Circuit Court Paul Ferguson
Sheriff Beth Arthur
County board vice chair Barbara Favola
County board member Chris Zimmerman

Other Arlington County officials announced: Emma Violand Sanchez, the Democratic endorsed and unopposed candidate for school board; Margo Horner, 8th CD chair; ACDC deputy chair Alfonso Lopez (I might have missed a few).

Also, Peter Rousellot mentioned that Del. Eisenberg's wife Sharon Davis is recovering from an illness, and that Alfonso Lopez's mother had passed away (condolences to Alfonso).

A few other notable people at the dinner included Gov. Kaine's Chief Counsel Larry Roberts, Secretary of Technology Aneesh Chopra, Secretary of Finance Jody Wagner, and officially announced/filed LG candidate Jon Bowerbank.

A. Linwood Holton was at the dinner.

who I already mentioned above as speakers.

I didn't take extensive notes, but basically Kaine ran through his successes as governor (e.g., mental health reform, executive order barring discrimination against gays in state hiring, land preservation, Chesapeake Bay funding) called Virginia Republicans "ideologues" and "obstructionists" on transportation and other issues, said that Democrats were a "big tent" party and people who know how to "get things done."  

Kaine also talked about how 2008 is a "transformative election" and that this could be the first time since 1964 that Virginia's electoral votes have gone to a Democrat. He noted Arlington's 80/80 goal of getting 80% turnout on election day and, of that, winning 80% for Barack Obama.  Kaine related that he had supported Mark Warner for President   until Warner announced in October 2006 that he wouldn't run.  Soon thereafter, Barack Obama called Kaine, said he was thinking about running and asked for Kaine's thoughts.  Kaine advised Obama to run, and when Obama asked why, Kaine didn't give him a sophisticated analysis but simply said "run while people love you."

The bottom line on 2008 is this, according to Kaine: Obama doesn't HAVE to win Virginia to win the White House, but if he DOES win Virginia's 13 electoral votes then he WILL win the White House.  So, "let's win this thing!"

in state hiring, of course credit for that goes primarily to Mark Warner.

Warner Protects Gays in Va. Hiring
State Workers Given Right to Challenge

By Michael D. Shear and Chris L. Jenkins
Washington Post Staff Writers
Saturday, December 17, 2005; Page A01

RICHMOND, Dec. 16 -- Gov. Mark R. Warner (D) on Friday quietly amended an executive order that for the first time explicitly bans Virginia state agencies from discriminating against gays in hiring and promotions.

The policy went into effect immediately, and a spokeswoman for Gov.-elect Timothy M. Kaine (D) said the incoming governor plans to continue the policy by signing the same executive order when he is inaugurated Jan. 14.

specifically of Jon Bowerbank are here. I like several in particular.

1. Possible Democratic LG and AG nominees for 2009.

2. Possible Democratic gubernatorial and LG nominee for 2009 (note: to my knowledge, Creigh Deeds was not at the Arlington JJ dinner last night).

3. Bowerbank and Aneesh Chopra, who a lot of people are speculating is running for something (he denies it)

4. Gov. Kaine and possible future LG Jon Bowerbank

Kudos to the Arlington Dems, especially the Arlington Young Dems who were intimately involved in organizing the JJ this year.  Great event, great company, great pictures!

Sorry, I'm listening to "Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me" and am in a weird mood right now. :)