July 1, 2009 
President Obama spoke forcefully in support of his health care program at Northern Virginia Community College today. He was introduced by Governor Kaine. Senator Warner and Congressmen Moran, Connolly, and Scott were present. I was very fortunate to be able to attend.
Posted in News, Obama 
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June 27, 2009 The DNC Change Commission held its first meeting at the Capitol Hilton in DC to hear presentations on primary calender, super delegates, and caucuses. Governor Kaine convened the meeting and charged the group to work to have a strong, fair, transparent process that is good for our party and the country. The meeting was well organized and included some interesting presentations on the issues and served to bring all Commission members up to speed. The next meeting on August 29 will feature public comment and the October 24 and December 5 meetings will discuss and adopt proposals. See the official DNC Change Commission website for updates. A brief summary of the meeting, copies of the materials, and key issues to be addressed are set forth below. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in DNC, News, Rules 1 Comment »
June 14, 2009 
Back from Williamsburg after attending the DPVA Steering Committee (Friday night), DPVA State Central Committee (Saturday am), Unity Rally (Saturday noon), and Democratic Black Caucus Juneteenth Dinner (Saturday night). I’ve never seen Virginia Democrats so united behind their ticket. 50% of Democratic voters had Creigh Deeds as their first choice for governor – - at least 45% had him as their second choice, and that makes it very easy to unify behind Creigh. He is an experienced, moderate, enthusiastic, and innovative leader who will be a great governor. Likewise Jody Wagner (Lt. Gov.) and Steve Shannon (Attorney Gen.) have overwhelming support among Virginia Democrats – sometimes statewide tickets have had some tension among the candidates – not this time. Jody and Steve will help Creigh win and govern. The State Central Committee featured officer elections, with only one contest, and all with a positive spirit. (See below.) Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in 2009 Election, DPVA, News No Comments »
June 10, 2009 Congratulations to Creigh Deeds — he is a great guy, and will be a terrific candidate and an excellent governor. I look forward to seeing the ticket at the Unity Rally on saturday in Williamsburg.
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June 6, 2009 At last – Tuesday is primary election day – Democrats can vote at their usual polling place, from 6 am to 7 pm. Check here for your polling place.
Everyone knows that Lt. Governor is an important job – the LG advances the agenda of a Democratic Governor, is the party leader if there isn’t a Democratic Governor, presides over the Senate and breaks ties (important with a 21-19 Senate), and stands ready to assume the Governorship if necessary. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in 2009 Election, Primary, Virginia No Comments »
June 6, 2009 The Democratic Party of Virginia State Steering and Central Committees will hold their quarterly meetings in Williamsburg on June 12 (7:30 pm, Williamsburg Hospitality House) and June 13 (10:00 am, Sadler Center, Chesapeake Room). The committees will:
After the meeting , there will be a Party Unity Rally featuring our Statewide Ticket at 12:00 pm at Alumni House, College of William and Mary.
All Virginia Democrats are invited to attend all events – especially the Rally!
On a personal note, I will not be seeking reelection as Vice Chair for Rules, having been elected to the DNC last year. I have worked hard over the past eight years to craft processes that were open, fair, and clear and help build the Democratic Party. I thank the Virginia Democrats and excellent party staff who have worked with me over that time. I look forward to more Democratic victories in Virginia and new challenges at the DNC.
Posted in DPVA, News, Virginia No Comments »
May 17, 2009 As we reported, the 2008 Democratic National Convention adopted a resolution to establish a DNC Change Commission to evaluate party rules. See Convention resolution, Commission membership. The Commission will hold its first meeting on June 27 in DC, and issue its final report by year end 2009. The DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee will consider the report, as well as other proposals on all 21 DNC Delegate Selection Rules, and adopt final rules by the fall of 2010. (State Parties will then submit Delegate Selection Plan in 2011.)
The Commission will focus on timing, super delegates, and caucuses. Specifically, it will try to bring about a later start to the 2012 delegate selection process, with most primaries and caucuses being held in no earlier than March. It will reduce the influence of uncommitted super delegates. It will adopt new criteria for caucuses – currently 21 states have caucuses and have aproximately21 different processes.
As DNC Rules Guy Phil McNamara reported to the DNC Executive Committee, we will make efforts to work with the RNC, particularly on scheduling issues. Typically, the GOP locks in its rules at its national convention, but in 2008 the GOP convention allowed the RNC some flexibility.
We will report as the process continues. For additional information, see the DNC Change Commission page.
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May 17, 2009 The Executive Committee of the Democratic National Committee and Association of State Democratic Chairs (ASDC) met on friday – the first time (at least in anyone’s memory) that such a meeting has been held in Richmond. Appropriately for a Richmond meeting, the Executive Commitee adopted a resolution honoring George Rawlings (see April 26 post). The Committees heard from DNC Chair, Governor Tim Kaine, Ricmond Mayor Dwight Jones, and DNC leaders. The ASDC had several days of training seminars.
Governor Kaine addressed the need for the DNC to help President Obama seize the moment and bring about change, including on the issue of health care.
Brad Woodhouse, DNC Communications Director, screened a series of excellent DNC-produced ads regarding the successes of the Obama Administration and the GOP fail. See , e.g., Survivor.
Clyde Williams (DNC Political Dir.) discussed the new DNC 50-state strategy – it involves grants to state parties to hire staff, DNC support for regional political and communications activities, and information sharing among state parties. (Gov. Kaine has assuaged concerns that he would seek to implement a “13 colony strategy”).
Organizing for America is also taking shape reported Jeremy Bird (Deputy ED) – OFA staffers will be in 32 states by the end of June and ultimately in all 50, working to help enact the Obama administration’s programs and working for important state and local issues - like early voting in Virginia.
Phil McNamara (Dir of Party Affairs and Delegate Selection) reported on the DNC Rules Change Commission which will hold its first meeting on June 27, 2009 in DC (see May 17 post).
DNC goals for this year include raising money to get out the message and elect Democrats and gearing up for the mid-term elections, including Virginia and New Jersey in 2009.
In addition to honoring George Rawlings, the DNC EC passed other resolutions, including commending President Obama on his accomplishments in his first 100 days, and authorizing continuation of OFA. See Resolutions.
Virginians who are currently working at the DNC include Larry Roberts (Senior Advisor to the Chairman), Sindy Benavides (Vote and Community Director), Lindsey Reynolds (Dir., Dems Abroad), Amy Reger (OFA), and Charlie Kelly (50 State Strategy Dir.).
Posted in DNC, News No Comments »
May 2, 2009 Interesting commentary at Bearing Drift on the GOP’s new chair. Recall the RPV Central Commitee removed chair Jeff Frederick in March and has now elected Pat Mullins as Chair, although the RPV will elect a Chair again (one of the Fredericks?) at the upcoming state convention. [The qoute in the title is from Amy F's facebook posting.] What mess. Doesn’t speak well for McDonnell/Bolling – they can’t even keep their own party organized. Mullins is a former Fairfax [and Louisa] County Republican Commitee Chair.
UPDATE: Frederick wimps out - won’t run for chair – but urges votes against “anointed” candidate.
Posted in 2009 Election, Rules, Virginia 1 Comment »
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