Congratulations to Al. Now, let's show all the naysayers that you can win this seat from an ethically challenged, do-nothing-for-his-district Republican. Go Al!!
For Immediate Release
April, 29th, 2006
Contact: Stephen Davis
434-220-2434
540-435-9021Al Weed secures enough Delegates to capture Democratic Nomination
54 percent of all delegates are committed to Al Weed, unofficially securing the nomination for the military veteran. Two-weeks of caucuses in which fifth-district Democrats elected delegates to represent them at the May 20th convention in Buckingham County came to a close Saturday
afternoon. Weed+óGé¼Gäós opponent, Bern Ewert of Charlottesville, received only 28 percent of the committed delegates.Saturday began with Weed winning Henry County with four delegates, which pushed his total over the half-way mark needed to secure the nomination. Weed then gained three more delegates in Pittsylvania County before moving to The Franklin County Library, where the final caucus was underway. Franklin County looked to be a sure win for Weed+óGé¼Gäós opponent, but Mr. Ewert+óGé¼Gäós campaign failed to turn out enough supporters to elect the slate of delegates. As a result Weed walked away with the win and two delegates. Ten more delegates from Franklin are uncommitted. With the final caucus adjourned, it is clear which candidate has the support, organization, and energy to win in the fall.
Weed is now mobilizing for a hard fight against Republican incumbent, Virgil Goode, Jr. of Rocky Mount. +óGé¼+ôI am honored that Democrats across the
district have voted to give me the party+óGé¼Gäós nomination. It has been a spirited contest, and we+óGé¼Gäóve been working very hard. We are ready for the general election and this year, we will win. Virgil is popular, but he is vulnerable. The fifth district needs a change. Communities are hurting, and what has our Congressman done? The war is getting out of hand, and what has our Congressman done? Energy costs are ridiculous, and what has our Congressman done? We will pull together and move forward. I am very excited,+óGé¼-¥ Weed said Saturday afternoon.Weed finished the caucuses with 106 committed delegates, seven more than needed. By contrast his opponent was only able to claim 55 delegates. 34 delegates remained uncommitted. +óGé¼+ôWe+óGé¼Gäóre comfortable, but not complacent,+óGé¼-¥ said Weed campaign manager, Stephen Davis. +óGé¼+ôWe are looking forward to the nomination, but we will continue to talk to every uncommitted delegate. Al will answer the hard questions, and we will make it official in Buckingham. Virgil Goode, Jr. has been side-by-side with the President and Republican Congress every step of the way. We have to make a change. We are excited that the party is getting behind the candidate who will win.+óGé¼-¥
The Weed campaign+óGé¼Gäós primary success was spread across the large district. In only one jurisdiction, Brunswick County in which all delegates remained uncommitted, did the campaign not have any registered delegates. By contrast, Ewert+óGé¼Gäós campaign lacked registered delegates in over a third of the district+óGé¼Gäós 22 jurisdictions. At many caucuses turnout for Weed went beyond traditional Democratic activists, highlighting the successful party building by the campaign team. These supporters, new and old, are excited about change, and are excited about their candidate.
In the short term, I just don't want my silence to be misinterpreted as indifference.
I have supported Al for many years, and worked on his 2004 campaign as a volunteer. I am looking forward to the General Election so we can get rid of the absolutely horrible Virgil "not so" Goode.
I lived in Columbia for a little while, but didn't cross the river all that much. I'm looking forward to getting the real story on your landfill. I only hear bits and pieces.
You'll see me in Buckingham, I am the funny looking one with glasses B>)