RK ARCHIVE - Who is the Future of the Democratic Party?

What this shows is that there clearly is talent all over the United States (while I'm not saying there is an Obama in every state). The question simply is if they can make it out of the political wilderness into the limelight.

What I'm wondering is who comes after Obama? Who is the future of the Democratic Party? Now, this is not necessarily about who might become a future president but rather who has the ability to work hard and inspire people and make it into a leadership position in the future. Whether that is as governor, in the U.S. Senate or any other leadership position.

So, here's my question to you: who is the future of the Democratic Party? Which young person (younger than Obama who was born in 1961), male or female, white, African-American, Asian-American or Hispanic, straight or gay, inspires you? Now, that person may have already made it to Congress, or have been elected to statewide office. But it's just as likely that person is in the state legislature, the state cabinet or an elected official at the local level (mayor or county commissioner) or currently running for an office.

Which young Democrat in Virginia inspires you and whom do you wish/hope to rise and aim higher? And please provide year of birth and a bio link to that person if you can.

Comments

Jennifer McClellan (Randy Klear - 6/9/2008 2:51:05 AM)

Bio for Jennifer L. McClellan

Second term state delegate, DNC member, only 35 but with several solid years of leadership experience in the state Democratic Party. Smart, hard-working, dedicated, principled, charismatic. I have told people I know that Jenn will be the first female governor of Virginia if she decides she wants it.

Justin Wilson (proudvadem - 6/9/2008 8:27:59 AM)

City council member- Alexandria
Very active in the Democratic party for years and is a former VYD president.
Very smart, very tech savy and has a bright future..
Here's his bio:

http://www.justin.net/?page_id=2

And Randy, you are so right about Jennifer - I also believe she could be VA's first female governor.

Tom Perriello (JohnCos - 6/9/2008 3:01:59 PM)

Like Obama, after graduating from an Ivy League law school, Tom decided to give back and spent the next decade working in international transitional justice, bringing peace and security to Liberia and Afghanistan. He also helped found online activist organizations like Faithful America and Avaaz.org.

Tom is young, energetic, and advocating the new type of post-partisan solutions oriented politics that Virginia needs. He's 33 and is the Democratic nominee in the 5th District against Virgil Goode. For more information check out his website www.perrielloforcongress.com.

John MIller of the 1st Congressional District - Va State Senate.. (lgb30856 - 6/9/2008 5:34:39 PM)

Able to work across party lines with both Dems and Repubs
Won a hard fought race in a so called conservative district.
Made a big impression in the state senate this year.

John Miller is a great senator, but... (Randy Klear - 6/9/2008 6:30:40 PM)

according to his Senate bio, he's 60 years old already. Sven asked for people "younger than Obama".

Sorry but he is extremely qualified... (lgb30856 - 6/9/2008 6:58:31 PM)

he is 60 years young!!

Just my take.

"Democrats" like Miller should not even be allowed to mentor young Dems (JohnB - 6/9/2008 7:57:54 PM)

I say people like Levar Stoney, Joe Montano and Doug Denneny all deserve consideration

Glenn Nye (mikeporter - 6/11/2008 8:05:22 AM)

He is the Dem candidate for VA's 2nd district. It seems like he has a somewhat similiar background as Jim Webb and this background appears to be very popular with traditional Democrats. I also believe he has an excellent chance to beat Thelma Drake in the election. Webb endorsed Nye saying "Glenn's experience working overseas in conflict zones has provided him with a unique vantage point with which to approach the challenges our nation faces," in a statement. Nye is also only 33 years old.