Alexandria Democrats JJ topic 21/51

"The real issues we face are no longer rigth vs. left or conservative vs. liberal. They're about past vs. future.  Our challenge, as Democrats, is to reclaim our role as the party of the future"  Mark Warner

From the time I arrived at the Alexandria Democratic Committee's JJ Dinner, you could sense the excitement in the air.  Yes, most of the folks who attended the event were long time Democrats in a Democratic stronghold of Virginia, but their upbeat mood came from the prospect of having Virginians finally becoming enlightened and electing Democratic majorities in both houses of the General Assembly on November 6th.

I can't tell you the number of conversations I had talking about the prospect of 21/51 but, coming up from Fredericksburg and Virginia's 1st District, people like Senator Patsy Ticer, Delegate Adam Ebin, Delegate David Englin, and Mayor Bill Euille, Max Stopler, Ron and Hazel Rigby, Charlie Conrad, John Biecham, etc, etc, etc ... all wanted to know about races in other parts of Virginia.

My responses varied, but over and over again I found myself talking about the importance the outcome of the Prince William County races would have on reaching the 21/51 goals, the field of candidates, and the work being done with the help of the House and Senate caucuses, the DPVA, along with the support of Governor Kaine and our 2009 U.S. Senate candidate and keynote speaker.

The evening reception featured a silent auction that included items like a Bill Clinton Sax Playing Doll, political signs and buttons, and a very unique collection on the welcoming and mourning of President Kennedy from the collection of former City Manager, Vola Lawson.

The reception also gave me a chance to talk with Howard Jennings and Sarah Stott about the upcoming PDA-VA event on October 10th. What an evening they've got planned!

After an introduction by Bill Euille, Mayor of Alexandria that included a request to help other areas get to the 21/51 goal, Congressman Jim Moran introduced Mark Warner for the keynote.  Congressman Moran spoke briefly about the President's pending veto of the S-CHIP program that costs $3.2 billion per year while "he's asked for $200 billion more for Iraq" and then did a great intro for the keynote speaker.

Mark Warner's speech was an amalgamation of others I have heard him give in the past few months mixed with plenty of local Alexandria flavor.  He spoke about shared sacrifice which he showed while Governor, that "the people of Virginia can handle the truth."  The audience applause was greatest when he spoke of his desire to help our nation regain our "moral might" 

After the event I also had the honor of meeting Delegate Brian Moran's wife, Karyn, for the first time.  Brian is in the middle of his road tour and missed tonight's event.  My thanks to all Susan Kellom, Julie Jakopic and everyone who helped make tonight memorable. 
Did you know?  Alexandria has elected Democrats who hold positions at the Federal, State and Local levels.

U.S. Senate
Senator Jim Webb

U.S. House of Representatives
Congressman Jim Moran, 8th District, Virginia

Commonwealth of Virginia
Governor Tim Kaine

State Senators
Sen. Patricia "Patsy" S. Ticer, 30th District
Sen. Richard L. Saslaw, 35th District

State Delegates
Delegate David Englin, 45th District
Delegate Brian J. Moran, 46th District
Delegate Adam Ebbin, 49th District

City of Alexandria

Constitutional Officers
Clerk of the Court, Ed Semonian
Commonwealth's Attorney, S. Randolph Sengel
Sheriff, Dana Lawhorne

City Council
Mayor William D. Euille
Vice Mayor Del Pepper
Councilman Ludwig Gaines
Councilman Rob Krupicka
Councilman Timothy Lovain
Councilman Paul Smedberg
Councilman Justin Wilson

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