Last night, Jim was in Petersburg to attend and address attendees at the Petersburg Democratic Committee's annual fundraising dinner. Let me set the stage a little so you have a good mental picture. I had no basis of comparison since this is the first time I'd attended this event (even living almost next door in Chesterfield), but by all accounts and according to others there, there was a significantly larger gathering than in years past. Some said double the crowd. Brian Moran had been scheduled to be the keynote speaker for some time, but graciously agreed to give this spot to Jim once it was clear that his schedule permitted him a chance to attend. Moran was there and did speak later. There was much ceremony prior to Jim's address, including the presentation of the colors by Petersburg Sheriff's department. Delegate Dance, a member of the Legislative Black Caucus, spoke to tell the crowd of their meeting with Jim just recently, when the final decision was made as to whether they'd endorse him (after Lambert's jumping ship unexpectedly). They questioned him about whether he'd ever used the racial slur that we've all heard about. She said he replied honestly that he couldn't say he'd never used the word. Then, she said, he turned the tables on them and asked the question of each of them--had they ever uttered disparaging remarks about "the other side". Of course, the answer was yes. And one told him they'd used much worse than that. Of course, no particular words were named so it was left to the imagination, but the point was made that this had been something that each group had been guilty of in the past. According to Del. Dance, the decision wasn't made that day, but after other discussions and a few days later, they did come to the consensus that, as a group they would not only endorse him, but would commit seriously to their candidate and to getting him elected. Several times he was referred to as our next Senator.
Jim's address was not vastly different from things we've all heard him say at one event or another. He did say earnestly that he needed everyone's help to make this happen. He spoke again of his belief that we measure the success of a society at its base, and how everyday people were doing in their lives. Economic fairness for all was emphasized and the fact that we need to look at the corporate loopholes that permit 47 of the Fortune 500 companies to pay no taxes. He told the audience that he made a promise to himself last February when he decided to get into the race that he wouldn't let the political process or the race change one thing about him--not his vote or his philosophy. He would remain true to his own beliefs. Though the audience response was hard to gauge because the applause was polite and not raucous, remember that the overall age in this audience leaned more toward middle age to retirees. Today, I got the word from one of the African Americans officers of the committee that Jim was well received and the attendees were enthusiastic about his candidacy.
Pam Stallsmith, a reporter from the RTD, was there taking notes and taping his speech, and as Jim was leaving (just before dinner was served), Channel 12 (WWBT 12 - NBC) arrived. I didn't catch the local news last night, so don't know if anything was aired.
In Richmond yesterday and today, the Webb volunteers had coverage at two events-the National Folk Festival in Richmond and Nostalgia Fest in the historic section of Petersburg. I understand that Allen had no presence at the Folk Festival yesterday, but there was a Forbes/Allen table not far from us in Petersburg. One of the Forbes supporters came down to our table, was extremely nice, did listen to many of our comments and kept saying, "Let's all work together".
Many signs and bumper stickers were distributed and several large signs were put up, including the last of the 4x8 signs.
Keep the faith alive!