Meet & Greet with Creigh Deeds and the Roemmelts!

Watch this space for photos and updates from Bruce & Beth Roemmelt's meet and greet for Creigh Deeds tonight on Bull Run Mountain!

8:00 PM UPDATE: See below for photos! (Click to "embiggen".) 

UPDATE by Lowell: Eric should have more photos later.  For now, here are a few notes.
Virginia's next Governor and Lt. Governor? Stay tuned... UPDATE by Eric: More photos scattered around. ** We're having some technical difficulties with Adam's photos, so I've moved them to the end of this post. Adam realizes he needs a better camera. Please scroll down to his photos (if they're working) **
Bruce Roemmelt introduced Creigh as a "friend of mine." Bruce said that he makes decisions on a gut basis, and when Creigh announced his gut told him to go with Creigh.  Bruce mentioned that a senior Virginia Democrat had called him and asked him what he was doing endorsing Creigh, and he said, "I'm sorry, I'm loyal."
Jon Bowerbank spoke for a few minutes, said that he had filed for lieutenant governor and would be running. Jon introduced himself as a Fortune 10 company businessman, married with three children (including a sophomore at Virginia Tech), and an at-large member of the Russell County board of supervisors. Jon talked about working in the natural gas business, learning hard lessons, bringing a business approach to Virginia government. Jon also mentioned that he was an immigrant from England who had lived here since 1994. He talked about an oak tree on his property in Russell County, how it will be there long after he's gone, and how it's his "time to give something back."

Creigh Deeds talked for about 5-10 minutes and took questions. Creigh said that 2009 is important, but we've got important elections to get through this year. Creigh noted that we've got "superstar Mark Warner" on the ballot, and that every extra vote for him helps us pick up congressional seats as well as help Virginia go Democratic for president in this "vitally important" election.
As far as 2009 is concerned, Creigh said he is very focused this time after losing the last time around by 300+ votes and being outspent 2:1. After he lost, he talked about how reporter Margaret Edds had written that Bob McDonnell had beaten a "nobody from nowhere." Creigh didn't particularly appreciate that, and said that if he's a nobody, there are a whole lot of nobodys out there.  Creigh said that this time, "I can win and I will win."
Creigh talked about having a successful 21st century vision for transportation, an ability to sell a plan to the rest of the state.  He talked about economic opportunity and the importance of thinking ahead, like the research triangle idea in North Carolina which started 40 years ago.  The "next big thing," in Creigh's view, is energy, if "we're gonna survive as a planet."  We need alternative forms of energy, bring together all the resarch universities and create thousands of jobs in Virginia.  Bring high tech jobs and broadband internet to all parts of the state.  We need the smartest workforce in Virginia.  He's running for governor to create opportunities.   Also, the next redistricting is crucial and we need a Democrat as governor.
Creigh was asked about transportation, and said he's proud of Gov. Kaine for throwing a plan out there, because nobody else did.  Sitting in Beltway traffic helped him understand why this is a huge issue in northern Virginia.   In Hampton Roads, it's a big problem too, in part because there are "choke points" everywhere (e.g., the Norfolk-Portsmouth tunnel, the most traveled road in Virginia according to Creigh).   Creigh emphasized that we're "all in this together," and that it's called a COMMONwealth for a reason. It shouldn't be NOVA's responsibility alone to take care of NOVA.  We have a common responsibility to take care of problems all over Virginia.  That's why Creigh favors a statewide solution for transportation.  Also, everything ought to be on the table, the plan has to be right for every part of Virginia.  Creigh's very supportive of high-speed rail as a way to transform the state.   Need to integrate land use and transportation planning. As governor, Creigh would get smart people to figure ou the plan, it would be his job to sell it.
Creigh was asked about overuse of Virginia's national guard and reserves.  He said that he will work to ensure that peoples' lives aren't impinged upon more they bargained for.  Right now, the federal government has a complete disregard for these peoples' lives.  "I'll stand up for our Guard, for our people."
Finally, Creigh talked about the need for an "inordinate amount of money" in order to run successfully for governor.  Last time, he raised $3 million and got outspent 2:1.  Tim Kaine spent $25 million.  He's got to find new people.




Creigh explains why he will win in 2009.

Jon Bowerbank talks to guests.

Creigh talks about the importance of 2008 to Virginia Democrats.

Beth the excellent hostess.

Bowerbank introduces himself.

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