I had the opportunity this morning to meet with the team of young folks that will be staffing the Obama Campaign office in Martinsville, Va.
Enthusiastic, energetic and focused is how I would describe them. They are currently working out of the Perriello for Congress office until more space becomes available.
As a Union officer and as a local Democratic Committee member, I was pleased to offer them my support in their efforts.
The fact that the Obama camp is willing to staff an office in rural Virginia speaks volumes, and will most definitely help turn Virginia Blue in November!
What an exciting time to live and work in this area!
This is the first post on my blog here, so I want to say hello! If we aren't already friends here, shoot me an invite.
I have a blog at www.southeastvirginia.blogspot.com, and diary at DailyKos, I also post at Mid-Atlantic States Labor. I fight Republican rhetoric and fact twisting at every turn.
Just so you know, I was a John Edwards supporter turned Barack Obama supporter and I do not always agree with every stance my party takes. But, I work as a member of the Martinsville, VA Democratic Committee and VaDP as well as a Union officer in my Communications Workers of America local (CWA2277) and AFL-CIO to make a better world.
Peace to all!
The Virginia Democratic Party Convention was held on Saturday, June 14, 2008 at Hampton Roads Convention Center. (Post by and Images taken by Chris Williams)
The Politicians U.S. Senator Jim Webb Virginia Delegate Dwight Jones House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong State Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw Chairman of Arlington County Board J. Walter Tejada Congressional Democratic Nominee for Sixth District Sam Rasoul Congressional Democratic Nominee for Tenth District Judy Feder Congressional Demo. Nominee for 11th District Gerry Connolly Governor Tim Kaine Governor Tim Kaine Congressional Democratic Nominee for 5th District Tom Perriello Gubernatorial Candidate Delegate Brian Moran Gubernatorial State Senator Creigh Deeds U.S. Senate Democratic Nominee and Former Gov. Mark Warner U.S. Senate Democratic Nominee and Former Gov. Mark Warner U.S. Senate Democratic Nominee and Former Gov. Mark Warner Tim Kaine, Mark Warner and wife, Lisa Collis U.S. Senate Democratic Nominee and Former Gov. Mark Warner
The Districts and More
The Virginia Fifth District Democratic Convention convened on this past Saturday in Lovingston, Nelson County to officially endorse Tom Perriello for Congress, decide on our delegates to the national convention, and unite as a party.
Image Credit: Chris Williams (Charlottesville, VA)
Needless to say, these Virginia Democrats were in part responsible for the victory Senator Obama enjoyed in the Virginia primary.
Fifth district Democrats talk politics before the start of the convention
Nelson County Middle School nears capacity for convention
Fred Hudson, chairman of the Albemarle County Democratic Committee, chairs convention
A young woman sings National Anthem with color guard in foreground.
John Wilson, mayor of Appomattox, VA, introduces Tom Perriello, who will hopefully replace Virgil Goode come November.
Albemarle County, the largest county in the Fifth District
Delegates sit according to county or city
Some of the members of the 5th District Democratic Committee
Every county and city in the district was represented at the convention
Tom Perriello delivers impassioned speech on turning the page on divisive politics and the Goode incumbency
Delegates pick up some Perriello literature to share in their home counties
Delegates to the Democratic National Convention are announced
http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19501048&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=415898&rfi=6
BY ROJA HEYDARPOUR, STAFF WRITER
Source: Times Tribune
It’s been said many times: this is an election year of firsts. The first viable woman presidential candidate. The first viable black presidential candidate.
But the first Muslim presidential candidate?
One in 10 Americans believes that Illinois Sen. Barack Obama is a Muslim, according to a Pew Research Center News Interest Index survey taken in March.
Mr. Obama is, in fact, a practicing Christian, as underscored by the debate over the controversial sermon delivered by his pastor after Sept. 11, 2001.
The same survey found that 79 percent of the general public had heard rumors that Mr. Obama is Muslim, while 38 percent had heard “a lot” about it.
Indeed, rumors have circulated on blogs and comment boards since the fall, spurred by pictures of Mr. Obama in a turban, by talk of childhood time spent in Indonesia — a Muslim country — and by his middle name, Hussein, among other things.
Obama Supporters in Virginia in the Last Legs of the Obama Campaign in CharlottesvilleMonday, February 11, 2008
Obama Supporters from the University of Virginia display signs at an event in which Hillary Clinton is speaking
A student on "The Lawn" at the University of Virginia shows her support
Obama volunteers make calls to local voters on Monday night
Obama supporter makes evening calls to local registered voters
Obama headquarters in Charlottesville is rushed by eager volunteers
Obama volunteers so excited to contribute to campaign that they wait for campaign cellphones to recharge
A window sill? Any space is good space for this Obama supporter
Volunteers don't stop even for dinner
Outside Charlottesville headquarters, this supporter pauses to watch a video of Michelle Obama
This supporter familiarizes herself with voting precincts
A local citizen comes in to sign up to volunteer Monday night.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008 Supporter for Senator Obama greets voters at this Albemarle County precinct
Obama supporters offer campaign literature at this precinct location in Charlottesville
These Obama supporters are willing to stand in the rain, now that is dedicated
Obama supporter at this voting precinct at Venable School in Charlottesville
These volunteers too stand in the rain to encourage voters to vote for Obama at this precinct near Fifth Street
By this time, night has fallen yet these Obama supporters don't mind
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Here is a look at how the Obama campaign in Charlottesville is gearing up for Tuesday.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Curious voters stop by Charlottesville headquarters, located on the Downtown Hall.
The front door to local campaign headquarters
More campaign literature dress the windows and door
The message of Hope is what drives the Obama campaign
Local volunteer coordinators met at noon to go over the local campaign strategy. From left to right: Ali, Unknown, and Adam
Volunteers listen as Arthur reviews most current updates on events, mailing lists, and the like.
Local voter enters headquarters looking for information on registration
Obama volunteer shares Obama literature with walk-in visitor
Local campaign office is busy with volunteers
Saturday, February 09, 2008
A seemingly unlikely Barack Obama fan arrives for morning rally
Obama volunteers gather just before morning rallies around Charlottesville
Apparently, Obama also has the really really, young vote too
A local Obama fan matches her passion for Obama with her passion for creativity
The local office manger fires up the crowd with inspiring words
The mayor of Charlottesville, Dave Norris, makes an appearance in support of Obama
One of three rallies in Charlottesville greets cars near the Downtown Mall
Obama's energetic supporters are his campaign's greatest asset
More Rally Supporters
Honk for Obama
Big and little Obama volunteers at second rally on Fifth Street
The busiest intersection in Charlottesville graciously welcomed Obama rally by endlessly honking
Obama signs, balloons, and hearts galore
Could his enthusiasm be any more infectious?
Obama supporters pause from campaign fever to take picture
Obama staffer welcomes visitor
This voter didn't take much convincing as he quickly signed up to volunteer
Young voter takes stock of things
One of Obama canvassers prepares to take it to the streets
Even as night falls, volunteers are busy at work
Volunteer mans the Downtown office, waiting for passersby
It's nearly 9:00 P.M. as Obama headquarters remains open
One of the many volunteers who call local registered voters to encourage them to vote Obama
Two canvass groups run into each other. (Someone had to take the picture)
Who else but the Obama campaign can attract so many people right off the streets
The bumper sticker that everyone asks for, but is few and far between. (It was quite by accident that this person got theirs.)
Volunteers must have Internet access to keep the national Obama headquarters well-informed
Cirque de Soleil visits Obama downtown headquarters
Just look at him sport an Obama sticker
Outside the office we discover that there are in fact two men on stilts
Local volunteers make phone calls to get out the vote, for Obama of course
Decorating the Downtown office is no easy task
Volunteers make phone calls around the clock
Keeping track of canvassing is no easy task either
Local citizens return from canvassing in the city
These volunteers are truly dedicated, deciding to take the hard floor over the luxury of a chair
Sometimes the only way to get wireless Internet is by sitting next to a window"Salsa Night" at a Bar in Charlottesville
A Staunton couple shows up to Obama event just because they read about it on the official Obama website
Obama volunteers are all geared up for 'Salsa Night' at a local bar
Obama volunteer only accepts invitations to dance if partner agrees to wear Obama sticker
Who says that you can't find good reading material at a bar
Obama staffer finds common ground with bar attendees (Notice that it did not take them long to put on their stickers)
By this time, Obama volunteers have almost worked until midnight
Hi Everyone,
Is anyone hosting or thinking about hosting a countdown to change gathering in Charlottesville? My searches have not brought up anything local. I think we need get organized. I'm not sure my space would accomodate a large group.
Laura
After discussing the matter with the national coordinator for Young Lawyers for Obama, David Burd, we would like to extend our chapter's reach to the rest of Virginia. If you're a law student, non-practicing attorney, practitioner, young attorney, in-house counsel, or law clerk we would love to have you get involved with Virginia Young Lawyers for Obama. We'll be hosting occasional events from our home base in Arlington, but we welcome the participation and interest of other Virginians. Feel free to email me at cycarroll@gmail.com if you're interested.
Many thanks,
