Both Senator Deeds and Delegate Moran graced the VBDC with their presence this morning. The number of Democratic candidates and National Convention Delegates in attendance was a greater turnout than the entire committee could muster in membership not very long ago. This underscores the distinct political tsunami occurring in the Hampton Roads and Southeast Virginia regions. Both gubernatorial candidates are making a broad swing through those areas today, starting and ending this leg of the campaign in the same locations. 
With apologies to my own committee, the highlight of the day will undoubtedly be the wrap-up event at the Annual Democrats Crab Steam over in Mathews County this evening. We have our shot as event headliners when we hold our Annual Elephant Roast, Sunday September 28th; around 500 are expected to gather.
The VBDC chairman invited Senator Deeds to say a few words. First, ahead of all else, he emphasized the dramatic shift in Democratic fortunes in this area. A regular visitor to the region, he recalled those days when not only the attendance but also the venues used for meetings were somewhat dire. He encouraged the receptive crowd to get involved so that the momentum can be maintained.
Delegate Moran was the VBDC breakfast speaker this morning. During a wide ranging discussion, he outlined his efforts to fight for working families by increasing the minimum wage and improving access to healthcare for all Virginians. He emphasized giving law enforcement the tools needed to make our communities safe; a message that struck home with this crowd only two days after a Virginia Beach policeman was killed while conducting a drug investigation. He also stressed the safety concerns on the internet with child predators. "It is fine to pass tough laws," he said, "but, how can they be enforced without the resources?" Mental health reform, early childhood education, and the challenges of competing in a global economy were also on his plate. The transportation infrastructure, he pointed out, isn't a Democratic or Republican issue, it is a Virginia issue that must be addressed.
Health care, he told the audience, is our moral obligation. He described the limited access to health care in Appalachian Virginia where he recently visited. It is not only a moral responsibility but, "let's appeal to the other side of the aisle, its fiscally responsible...We should not be providing our basic health care in hospital emergency rooms...prevention is the key."
Summing up he talked about playing a role in lifting America's prestige. "Come the end of August we have the opportunity to make history...let's set this great country as a leader once again... where we will enjoy international stature not because of our arms but because of our values."
Now there's change we can believe in.
Cross posted at VBDems - Blogging our way to Democratic wins in Virginia Beach! Go RK!