It was a long day yesterday, and I'm pretty tired, but here are a few personal observations/reactions from yesterday's Jefferson-Jackson (JJ) Dinner in Richmond.*Despite the snow, the JJ was well attended - around 1,000 people. However, there were a few changes in schedule as Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell spoke first so he could get back to Pennsylvania and deal with the snowstorm in his state. Also, author John Grisham apparently was snowed out. How about the bestselling novelist writes a sequel to "Skipping Christmas," perhaps entitled "Skipping JJ?" Ha ha.
*Pretty much "anyone who is anyone" in Virginia Democratic politics was there last night. This included everyone who ran for state office last year - Tim Kaine, Leslie Byrne, Phil Puckett, Viola Baskerville, and Creigh Deeds - except for Chap Petersen. It also included several candidates for Congress - Al Weed, Phil Kellam, Judy Feder (I didn't meet her but was told she was there), and Andy Hurst. I'm not sure if Shawn O'Donnell or Ken Longmyer were there, but I didn't see them. I believe Bern Ewert was at the JJ, but I didn't meet him, unfortunately. I spoke with former candidate Troy Farlow, but I didn't catch up with David Ashe, who withdrew from his race against Phil Kellam (who I spoke with for several minutes) yesterday morning. So many politicians, so little time... heh.
*Despite the fact that I am strongly supporting James Webb for Senate, the Miller people - starting with Harris Miller himself - were very friendly to me. I enjoyed chatting for a while with some of the Miller staffers; we all discussed how we were ultimately on the same side - Democratic - with the same goal - defeating "Urban Cowboy" and right-wing Republican George Allen next November. This bodes well for the Webb-Miller primary, which the Democrats reportedly approved, reportedly by over 90%, at their meeting earlier in the day.
*Democratic Party Chairman Richard Cranwell commented that "I think [a primary] keeps people a little bit energized and helps the candidates get better known." I agree. I would also add that a primary gives both candidates, Webb and Miller, a chance to a) introduce themselves across the state; b) hone their messages and organizations; c) start laying down their lines of attack on George Allen and the Republicans; d) get themselves into top fighting shape - both are inexperienced as political candidates - for the knockdown/dragout to come against Allen; and e) garner lots of free media attention, which I believe could be extremely valuable.
*One of Miller's major themes was that "Washington is broken" - no argument there! - and that George Allen is part of the mess that needs to be cleaned up. Essentially, Miller is making the argument that Republicans "have taken mismanagement to new depths," and that he can help fix this given his own management background. It's an interesting strategy, and probably a smart one given Miller's background and experience. The question, as always, is will it resonate with the voters? Last night, Miller - despite a well-delivered speech - received a polite but not particularly enthusiastic reception from the JJ Dinner crowd. Perhaps JJ attendees were too focused on their desserts (mmmmm....chocolate cake!)?
*Unfortunately, James Webb couldn't be there last night due to his hand surgery on Friday. That's a bummer, for several reasons: 1) it would have been a chance for Webb to start introducing himself to Democrats; 2) Miller and his people - to their credit - were all over the event, including the "JJ After Dark" celebration that Miller hosted (I didn't attend, since I needed to drive back in the snowstorm and had to get going); 3) numerous people told me that they were disappointed Webb wasn't there, and were very anxious to meet him soon; 4) Webb's speech was not clearly delivered by Viola Baskerville (who I think is great, by the way...just not reading Jim Webb's speeches!), and I think many in the crowd were confused as to what she was reading until the end.
*Bloggers at the event included my good friend Brian Patton, who received a richly deserved award for his service to the Democratic Party. It was great seeing Brian and his lovely fiancee, Jayne. Of course, the omnipresent and incredible wunderkind Kenton Ngo was there, doing his best imitation of a reporter, and coming around to beg for food (we obliged...he's a growing teenager and needs the nourishment!). I also had a chance to meet J.C. Wilmore for the first time, as well as Corey Hernandez, who I've been working with for months now but never met in person. Both are great guys.
*I thought Ed Rendell was definitely onto something when he talked about how Democrats needed to have fun again, emphasize the progressive themes that made the Party great, and not run as imitation Republicans. Classic Rendell quote: "If we're going to lose, let's lose for something we believe in. Politics is at its best when you talk about it with passion." Hey, I've got an even better one: "Let's WIN for something we believe in!"
*Tim Kaine looked and sounded great, not at all dejected or frustrated by the recent fights in the General Assembly over transportation, taxes, etc. Quite the contrary, Tim appears ready to rock and roll, which is great to see.
*Prominent absence: Mark Warner, who for some reason was busy in New Hampshire. Great skiing in New Hamsphire, I hear. Heh. :)
*Biggest cheers of the evening? No doubt, Creigh Deeds - who lost a recount for Attorney General in December) received the loudest and most sustained ovation when he was introduced. How on earth could this guy not be our Attorney General? Also receiving very strong reactions were David Englin (no doubt because he has the guts to stand up strong and proud for Progressive values!), Mark Herring (who won a huge, inspiring victory in the 33rd Senate District just two weeks ago), and Dan Bowling (who trounced his Republican opponent in the 3rd House District on January 3).
*Place to be at the JJ? Apparently, the men's room, which is one of the best places to listen in on fascinating conversations between Virginia politicians (in this case, Al Weed and Troy Farlow - ha, I told you guys I'd blog this!). And here I thought it was only women who went to the restrooms to gossip. Heh.
*My best decision of the evening? To drive back after the JJ and not stay overnight. It turned out that the snowstorm got worse overnight (still snowing now in Arlington), and I'd probably be stranded in Richmond right now- not that there's anything wrong with Richmond - if I hadn't headed home. Hat tip to the snow plow crews, by the way!
[UPDATE/ADDITION: How embarassing, I forgot one of the evening's highlights - the Locust Mountain Boys bluegrass band, sponsored by Webb for Senate!. These guys - the Dowdys and the Carpers - are great, and I'm sorry I didn't have a chance to thank them in person. Anyway, thank you; loved the music!!]