This afternoon, I attended the kickoff party for David Bulova, one of two Democratic candidates - along with Janet Oleszek - in the 37th district (Fairfax City). This is the seat being vacated by Chap Petersen, who is running for the Democratic Lt. Governor nomination this year. As I've stated previously, the grassroots group RaisingKaine is not endorsing anyone in contested Democratic primary races. This is simply my report on the David Bulova event, for the information of prospective Democratic primary voters.
The Bulova kickoff had an impressive and enthusiastic attendence, even more so considering that the event had not been publicized on the campaign's website due, apparently, to technical difficulties. My estimate is that there were 100-150 people in attendance, including many politicians and also dozens of kids. David Bulova is a young man with small children of his own, which probably explains all the youngsters at this political event. Either that, or the kids are future politicians in training, but let's hope not for their sake! :)
All joking aside, it was fascinating to see the lineup of Democratic heavyweights endorsing David Bulova, people like Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Gerry Connolly, Fairfax City Democratic Committee chair Dan Drummond, State Senate Minority Leader Richard "Dick" Saslaw,, 44th district Delegate Kristin Amundson, Delegate Mark Sickles, plus House of Delegates candidates Dave Marsden.
Dick Saslaw spoke of the critical importance that Democrats hold Chap Petersen's seat, stating point blank, "We're gonna hold this district." In a reference to Bulova's relative youth, Saslaw added, "We don't have enough young people running in the Democratic Party" and that "We need young blood and we need it quickly!" Saslaw strongly praised Bulova's "natural leadership skills," commenting that "every job David has done, he has done well."
Other speakers continued the theme that the 37th District is the "Republicans top target" and that "the only person who can win the seat is David Bulova." Gerry Connolly argued that, in picking the candidate to defend Chap Petersen's seat, there was "no contest" between David Bulova and his opponent (Connolly didn't mention Janet Oleszek by name). According to Connolly, Bulova is "an accomplished environmentalist" who has the two key characteristics needed in this election: "competence in office" and "electability." In Connolly's opinion, Bulova also has the ability to "take a complex subject and make it understandable to the average voter."
Finally, David Bulova spoke. I've got to say, this guy's a natural -- at ease speaking in public, humorous, self-deprecating. Good stuff. In addition, what he talked about was all music to Democrats' ears. How his mother taught him "empathy, listening, and never shying away from making tough decisions." How he "take[s] public service very seriously" and believes in "stand[ing] up for what is right." How much he "loves [his] state." How "one person can make a difference in the community" but also how "we're all strongest when we work together." And finally, how "politicians who drive us apart weaken our community and weaken Virginia."
With regards to Fairfax County, Bulova spoke of growing up there and how "the area has changed dramatically in his life...[from] the sleepy bedroom community it once was." In Bulova's view, this has brought "tremendous challenge" but also "great opportunity" to Fairfax, requiring a delegate "willing to roll up his sleeves" and fight for education, transportation, clean air and water, a safe and gang-free community, and a "fair share of taxes" coming back to Fairfax from Richmond.
Bulova added that government needs people not just focused on small "soundbites," but on a long-term vision, "where our children will be 15 years from now." The question, in Bulova's mind, is "what kind of legacy we will leave" to them. And this, Bulova believes, will require education ("the key to everything"), starting in early childhood, and including the arts, culture, critical thinking skills, and testing used in a "positive way not to stigmatize" kids and schools.
Aside from education, Bulova stressed three more issues -- transportation, crime and the environment.
On the first issue, Bulova believes we need to invest in transportation infrastucture, including roads, public transportation, and telecommunicating technology. He further believes that the state "can provide incentives to make that happen."
On the issue of crime, Bulova talked of "the specter of gangs in Fairfax" as being "frightening," and pointedly mentioned his endorsement by Fairfax County Sheriff Stan Barry.
Finally, on the environment, which is his area of greatest expertise, Bulova spoke passionately about trees, parks and the Chesapeake Bay. He noted sadly that the Bay's blue crab and oyster populations have crashed, and promised that he would work to protect that vital resource. Bulova highlighted his experience in this area ("I have devoted my professional career to addressing environmental and water problems") and talked about "restor[ing] degraded streams locally" as well as "buffers along streams."
In closing, Bulova noted that this race is about the "quality of life here in Fairfax." He pledged that, if elected, he would "represent you well in Richmond" and work to provide the "tools" needed for Fairfax local government to "diversify its revenue stream" and not rely so heavily on the property tax. He called for each person present to "take a sign...grab a bumper sticker," and help "convince 40 neighbors to vote for me." If people do that, he says, "we win."
So what are Bulova's chances of doing just that -- winning the Democratic nomination for the 37th district? It's hard to say, as there is no polling (to my knowledge) on this race. However, Bulova does appear to have significant resources at his disposal, including about the same amount of money as his opponent -- just over $30,000 each as of March 31, 2005.
One big difference between the two candidates is that Bulova's campaign has garnered a slew of high-profile endorsements, while his opponent appears to be waging an almost exclusively grassroots campaign. We will find out which proves more successful on June 14, when the degree of turnout by each campaign's supporters will almost certainly be the key. After that, it looks like a hard-fought, competitive race against the Republican nominee to hold the 37th.
Good luck to both David Bulova and Janet Oleszek - may the best candidate win!