The Democratic Party of Virginia held its Steering and Central Committee Meetings in Blacksburg, Virginia this weekend – visiting the Fightin’ Ninth Congressional District for the first time in memory.  The trip was a bit of challenge, but if you are going to be stuck on a Virginia interstate for hours, I-81 has nice scenery, and the weather was beautiful.  Once we got there, we  received a very warm welcome from the Montgomery County and other SW Va Democrats and were happy to be at Va. Tech.   I liked the new format which included workshops in addition to the business meeting.  Highlights included:

• General Assembly candidate recruitment is ongoing and will continue past primary filing deadline as committees have until August 23 to nominate candidates.
• DPVA is working with campaigns, local committees, and constituencies in preparing GOTV efforts, voter file updates, mailings, fundraising, volunteer efforts, and other 2011 election activities.
• Sign up for the DPVA/OFA/VYD “summit” to be held in Richmond on July 15-17 (more later)
• Central Committee adopted the memorial resolution for Ray Colley; resolutions honoring Sen. Whipple, Sen. Ticer,  Del. Phillips, Del. Shuler, and PW Comm. Attny Ebert; and issue resolutions supporting America’s working families, Virginia’s public employees, and Afghanistan/budget priorities (see below).
• We will make minor corrections in the 2012 delegate selection plan, and it will be considered by the DNC Rules & Bylaws Committee on Saturday, June 11 (more later).
• Chairman Moran appointed a Site Selection Committee for the 2012 Virginia Convention and I am honored to serve as the 8th District representative (more later).
• Promote and Protect the Vote – if you are a lawyer/law student interested in helping, contact DPVA.
• Brandyn Keating reported on OFA activities – including volunteer recruitment, voter outreach, and voter registration this summer.
• DPVA has ramped up its communications activities, including email, social media, press release and other updates.  Communications director Brian Coy lead a workshop of message development and delivery – focusing on the party’s commitment to opportunity and fighting for middle class families.
• Del. Onslee Ware led a very interesting workshop on General Assembly key issues and process.
• The Virginia Democratic Black Caucus held their annual Juneteenth Lunch, which was excellent as always – and included a presentation on the Freedom Rider movement (more later).

•   DPVA_Resolutions_June_2011.pdf (202.5 KiB, 800 hits)