1st CD Convention Report

By: Newport News Dem
Published On: 5/14/2006 9:45:16 AM

I was one of the 184 delegates who made their way to Williamsburg to choose the Democratic nominee, or no nominee, to take on JoAnn Davis this fall. Here are some highlights.
The keynote was by Senator Leslie Byrne who set the tone for the day. We must hold dear to the values we hold as Democrats and take them to the voters this fall. Not only do we make the case for the need to fire the enablers of George Bush, but we must have something to offer in its place. She did a great job.

Harris Miller gave a short speech touching on the need to replace him. It was a good speech and nicely received.

Standing in for Jim Webb, Leslie Byrne spoke again. The highlight for me was her answering the question "Is Webb a Democrat". She talked of "grilling him like a hot dog" on a host of core issues. She gave him a grade A stamp of approval. When I am asked the same question, the Byrne endorsement should hold water to most in doubt.

3 resolutions were passed with very little discussion. Support for public campaign financing, and 2 calling for providing full medical care for our veterans.

On to the main event. Dr. Grant made a long speech touching on all the issues with his top priority of introducing a bill to reform public education in America.

Shawn O'Donnell had a slick video introduction before he spoke. Mr. O+óGé¼GäóDonnell talked about his 12 core beliefs in being a Democrat.

In the end, Shawn came away with a win on the first ballot. The no candidate option recieved 4 votes. We want choices in elections. I want to again thank Dr. Grant for coming forward, working hard, and putting himself and family on the line in his run.

It was then on to cocktails and a Unity Dinner. Harris Miller stayed for the entire day, gave another talk before dinner and the evening finished up with a folksy address by Chairman Cranwell on+óGé¼-¥ Framing the Issues".

Where the GOP is in favor of "limited government and lower taxes", Democrats are in need of making the case for "Smarter Government and Taxing the Future".

I had a great day and let the campaigns begin!


Comments



Grilling like a hot dog (DemTilDeath - 5/14/2006 9:59:44 PM)
Leslie's great.  Thanks for telling us about this comment.  It's memorable and effective.  And Leslie knows her Democrats.