Awesome, so glad to have you here!  I don't have a question yet, just wanted to welcome you.  See you around Richmonmd! :)

Jaime

Thanks Jamie.  Very glad to be here. 

overwhelmingly Democratic?  Do you see that changing anytime soon?  Thanks.

A very complicated question.  African Americans turned to the Democratic Party in the 1960s as more and more Republicans became too conservative on civil rights issues, while Democrats began to embrace civil rights legislation.  For much of the late 20th Century, Democrats champoined the issues of concern to most African Americans, not only civil rights, but fighting for the middle class and working people, against poverty, etc.  In the 21st century, "African American" issues are not as clear cut, and we have more diverse views on the issues.  At the same time, Republicans are starting to reach out to African Americans more and more.  Now, African Americans, like most Americans, now look at candidates, not party.

for the African American community in Virginia?  I presume that an article Jim Webb wrote 27 years ago isn't one of them.  Ha. :)

The African American community is concerned about many of the same issues as everyone else in Virginia:  The economy, the War in Iraq, Jobs, Education, and Crime.  African Americans want to be sure that their kids live in a safe environment, get a good education, get a good job, live in neighborhoods with good roads and other infrastructure. 

I have a couple of questions:

1.) What do you think are the Democrats' chances next year to pick up seats in the VA. House and Senate races?

2.) What has been your biggest challenge in your first year as a Delegate?

3.) What, in your opinion, is the best way to get Jim Webb's message out to our minority communities?

(1) I feel very good about our chances of picking up seats in both the House and Senate next year.  I think Republicans who stood in the way of meaningful solutions to Virginia's transportations needs will find their constituents impatient with their attitute. 

(2) The biggest fristration probably has been being inthe minority and watching good public policy killed (and bad public policy enacted) by Republicans for shortsighted political reasons.  However, my biggest challenge has probably been finding balance between my political life, professional life, and personal life.  As a new Delegate, I am always tempted to accept every invitation, go to every festivall or town hall meeting, talk to everyone who calls.  But, there would need to be 28 hours in a day to do everything. 

(3) The best way to get Jim Webb's message out to minority communities is to go tell it to them.  Showing up is half the battle.  And, JIm can;t be everywhere, but we can go speak for him. 

What are the most important issues facing the city of Richmond, and why do you think Democratic leadership can best address those issues?

Given the recent flooding in the City, I would have to say upgrading our infrastructure, from roads to sewer lines.  Also, Richmond was once a thriving business center.  It can be again, but to do so, we need to be sure our schools attract and retain the best and the brightest teachers, high speed rail connecting Washington to Hampton Roads and a vibrant mass transit system, and safe streets.  Democratic leadership can help my keeping healthy core cities a priority of government.

Because all of the Richmond events with Jim Webb were cancelled this weekend due to torrential downpours, what do you think would be the best way Jim Webb can connect with Richmond voters who have not yet had a chance to see Jim Webb "in action?"  What would you, as a Richmond delegate, like to see from the Jim Webb campaign here in Richmond in order to succeed with a strong Richmond GOTV effort?

Again, the key is showing up.  Jim has been to Richmond, and will have other opportunities to come and connect with voters.  But, he can't be everywhere all the time.  So, it's up to us, his supporters, to go where he can't and spread his message.  I have been proud be a surrogate for Jim as often as I can. 

For a successful GOTV effort, we need people ... lots and lots of people to ID voters, persuade the undecideds, and turn out Jim's supporters.  I'd like to see a Webb campaign presence at every event where registered voters mat gather. 

And, for a successful GOTV effort, we need MONEY.  So, if you haven't already given to the Webb campaign, do so now. 

Average people have struggled for 5000 years to have input into how our community operates.  We now have a vote but few of us take advantage of it. 

What are the best ways to reach out to people who don't normally vote?

They key here is to make people see how government and politics is relevant to their everyday lives.  This is no easy task, and takes a lot of time.  That's harder for candidates to do in this era of 30-second sound bites.  Blogs and You-tube have made it a little easier to get a message out to the grass roots.  But, individuals can have an even greater impact on their friends and neighbors.  If everyone reading this today committed to talking to 5 people between now and Election Day about the importance of this race, and brought them to the polls, I think you'd see a lot of new voters.

Another strategy is to "get them while they're young".  I got interested in politics and government as a kid.  And part of what got me through the door was that it was fun.  And once you're in, you're hooked.

voter turnout in the 3CD?

The good news for Bobby that he has no opposition might be terrible news for Webb in terms of turnout.

You have touched on a significant problem with the way Congressional District (and General Assembly Districts) are drawn so as to stiffle competition.  But, the good news for Webb is that there are local elections in the 3rd.  I think a lot of people in the 3rd CD understand what is at stake in the Senate election, and will come out on Election Day.

Hi Jennifer - thanks for doing a live blog on RK!

My question is about the poll numbers we're seeing that indicate that Allen has higher than normal support from the African American community.  Higher being a relative term of course - his numbers appear higher than other similar Republican candidates.

Also, some of Allen's supporters have been touting similar high numbers (17-20 percent) have supported Allen in past elections.

Do you think the poll numbers are correct, and if so, why is Allen finding this level of support among the AA community?

How do you see Allen's racism issues versus his socially conservative (i.e. supporting the gay marriage ban) playing out in the AA community? 

The polls don't really surprise me given Allen's efforts to reach out to the African American community.  I think some of his support does stem from the marraige amendment, which is really a red herring.  But, it gives Allen something to talk to faith communities about.  Democrats have waited too long to get into a faith-based conversation.  Until Governor Kaine, very few Democrats felt comfortable talking about faith amd how it shapes their public policy views.  And people of faith want to know that government leaders are grounded in SOMETHING.  What we need to make clear to the faith community is that the Democratic Party follows the path of helping those less fortunate, the Golden Rule, and embracing those different from yourselves, not judgement and punishment. 

I do see Allen's racism issue as stalling his efforts to make inroads into the African American community.  As I said in my diary entry, it woudl be one thing if Allen just had an embarrasing youth. But, his record as Governor and in the Senate show a consistent insinsitivity to minority communities.

Jenn, you and I were mentioned on Ben Tribbett's blog, Not Larry Sabato, after Mark Warner's pig roast.  We were named "worst-dressed" at the event.  You, for apparently not dressing "Politico" enough and me for looking like a "gypsy."

Any thoughts on clothing and politics?  :)  Oh, and btw...I thought you looked great.

Worst Dressed:  Delegate Jennifer McClellan.  As one other member of the General Assembly said to me today: "If her goal was to dress so no one would think she was a Delegate, then she succeeded".  Sleeveless top and jeans?

Worst Dressed, Runner Up:  Blogger Phriendly Jaime.  FYI, Jaime, this wasn't a gypsy festival.
Link

Well, I wondered when someone would get around to this ;)

This may come as a surprise, but there is no guidebook or class on what Delegates are suppose to wear to a pig roasts.  There seem to be 4 basic uniforms for a male politican: suit, slacks and a blazer, slacks and a polo shirt, or a tux if you're getting really fancy. 

Women, have so many more options.  This is of course, both a curse and a blessing.  It is an unfortunate fact of life that people pay more attention to what women politicians wear than men.  And, it is also true that you can't please everybody.  So, if it is a casual event (and last time I checked, pig roasts are) I go for comfort.

For the record, I came to the Pig Roast from a conference, and had been wearing a suit.  I did not think suits and pigs go together, so I put on a pair of jeans, lost the jacket, and kept the top.  There are only so many clothes you can keep in your car ;)

 

Thanks for stopping by, Jen!  Come back often!  :)

Thank you all for your terrific questions.  I have enjoyed my time with you this morning, and hope to come back again soon. Please forgive any typos you might see, for in an effort to get to all of your questions in the hour, I typed just a little too fast :)

Be sure to tune in for the debate tonight, contribute to the Webb campaign (both time and money), and bring at least 5 people to the polls with you on Election Day.  With your help, we can send George Allen home, put Jim Webb in the Senate, and make Harry Reid MAJORITY LEADER! 

Jenn

You are welcome here anytime!