Pics from Chap Party Tonight

Politicos tonight included Gov. Warner, Sen. Dick Saslaw, Sen. Toddy Puller, Sen. Mark Herring, Sen. Creigh Deeds, Del. David Bulova, Supervisor Sharon Bulova, Supervisor Linda Smyth.  Also, former candidates Rip Sullivan, Charlie Hall, and Greg Galligan were there, and I had a chance to talk to all of them (Morris Meyer was announced, but I didn't see him).

According to Creigh, we need to take back the State Senate so that it's an asset to Tim Kaine, not a detriment.  Creigh added that Chap "has what it takes to be a great Senator," and that he "has to win."  He emphasized that it's "up to you."

Mark Warner noted that elections matter.  He said we need Chap back in public service, that Chap will be an independent voice in the Senate that will work with Tim Kaine.  "Imagine how much more we could do if we had a legislature that didn't just say no."

Chap talked about how he was optimistic about winning this race, just like before a trial when he knows he has a great case to present to the jury.  So far, Chap says he has made thousands of phone calls and walked up 10,000 driveways.  He's running because he cares about public education, first and foremost, including a "Student Bill of Rights."

Second, Chap cares about transportation. He said we cant't solve transportation problems in Virginia with $3,000 speeding tickets, that "this is a stupid idea."  He said we need a statewide solution to our transportation problems, not a balkanized situation like we have now.  He emphasized the importance of rail and of innovation.

Finally, Chap talked passionately about environmental protection, about having a state plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fight global warming, and about having an energy plan that isn't written by industry.  He talked about using farmland in rural Virginia to grow crops for cellulosic ethanol and other biofuels that could be used in Fairfax County.  And he said Fairfax needed programs to preserve open space and tree canopy.

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