It included all the necessities of a good political event: the Governor, a couple of guys running for Governor, other elected officials, and Smokey+óGé¼Gäós Barbecue.
Mike Fleenor, Chairman of the Pulaski County Democratic Committee welcomed the crowd to Dublin. Tom Graham, Chairman of the Ninth District Committee ran the program.
Several local elected officials spoke in support of Congressman Boucher and Jim Webb, including Senators Phil Puckett, Creigh Deeds, and Roscoe Reynolds and Delegates Dan Bowling, Ward Armstrong, Jim Shuler, and Brian Moran.
Senator Reynolds stole the show during the warm-up speeches by drawing stark contrasts between Jim Webb and George Allen. Sen. Reynolds said, +óGé¼+ôJim Webb is an honest-to-God Marine, not some fake wearing cowboy boots and spitting tobacco.+óGé¼-¥ The crowd jumped to their feet applauding.
Delegate Brian Moran also attended and discussed his efforts to recruit new candidates for seats in the House and supporting current Delegates.
Senator Phil Puckett, who was scheduled to introduce Jim Webb, did an excellent job speaking in Webb+óGé¼Gäós behalf. Sen. Puckett was an early supporter of Webb and continues to work hard campaigning for him.
Senator Creigh Deeds gave a rousing speech, high-lighting the tireless work of Congressman Boucher. Sen. Deeds did a great job firing up the crowd and discussing some of the important issues facing our Commonwealth.
Governor Tim Kaine used the opportunity to speak about some of the things his office is doing and some of the issues being debated in Richmond. One of the most interesting topics was his new program of +óGé¼+ôtaking government out of Richmond.+óGé¼-¥ Gov. Kaine said that of holding his Cabinet meetings in Richmond, they will be held in public, in rotating venues around the state, where citizens can observe and participate.
Last, but certainly not least, was the guest of honor, Congressman Boucher. In response to the general consensus that his seat is safe, the Congressman said that he takes every challenge seriously and that he did not want to become complacent.
The Congressman also discussed the increasing likelihood that Democrats will regain the majority in the House of Representatives this year. In referencing this article from the Washington Post, he said that he felt very strongly that we would pick-up the 15 seats needed.
A Democratic majority in the House would be good for the obvious reasons, but with that and Congressman Boucher+óGé¼Gäós seniority in the House, it would also be very likely we could start calling him Chairman.
The event was really great. The annual Acres of Democrats event, I think, is my favorite of all political events. It will be even better next year with local elections taking place.