Virginia Petition Drive -- 5th Congressional District

John Sweeney and Barack Obama on AFL-CIO conference call today

Jim White — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 22:18:47 EDT

I had the good fortune to be in on the conference call today, July 31, 2008, with AFL-CIO president John Sweeney and the future President of the United States, Sen. Barack Obama. Mr. Sweeney spoke briefly about how we, as Union Brothers and Sisters can give Washington, “an indication of the breadth and power of labor if we all pull together”. “This year we are bringing together the biggest political program ever in the history of the AFL-CIO”, added Sweeney before introducing Sen. Obama.

Hello anyone reading. . .

Nish — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 10:31:15 EDT

Let me introduce myself. I am the organizer for the Obama campaign in North central Virginia. We are looking to build the kind of momentum here as we have done in other parts of the state. Friend me if you think you might be able to help in Culpeper, Orange, Rappahannock, Madison, Greene, or Page. Thanks.

Obama office in Martinsville, VA

Jim White — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:44:14 EDT

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!

Hi there

Jim White — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 07:02:27 EDT

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

Chris from Charlottesville, VA — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 20:58:05 EDT

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

Why we volunteer

Kristin Szakos — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:04:15 EDT

Some thoughts as we celebrate the end of the primaries and re-energize ourselves for the work ahead:

Five months ago, when he was trying to decide how involved to be in helping his preferred candidate, Barack Obama, win the presidency, a UVA student named Andrew asked himself a question: What is it worth to me?

What is it worth to me to have a president who is not a bully, attacking other countries, refusing to negotiate, dividing the world into “for us” and “against us”? What’s it worth not to have my country embroiled in endless war? What is it worth to not see my friends shipped off to Iraq and then forced to go back again and again to be attacked by and kill civilians in Iraqi cities and towns?

What is it worth to have a president who won’t imprison foreign suspects indefinitely, allowing them to be tortured, denying them access to family, clergy and legal defense year after year? Imprisoning them – with American soldiers as guards – on an island so American laws won’t apply to their treatment (well, except for the Geneva Convention)?

What is it worth to have a president who supports the Constitution – who has a degree in Constitutional Law, in fact – instead of a president who seems determined to subvert the Constitution at every opportunity to amass more power for himself and his cronies?

What is it worth to not be embarrassed by my president when he starts tap dancing because he doesn’t want to talk with reporters while waiting for a photo opportunity? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScA-EsB09Bo).

What is it worth to me to live in a country where workers are valued, children are educated, families are insured, people are listened to and differences are respected?

A lot.

And so he volunteered, even though he’d never worked on a political campaign before. He has been phone banking, canvassing and donating to the campaign ever since.

And he’s not alone. Across the nation, millions of Americans are putting their time and money where their hearts are – and they’re building a movement the likes of which American politics has never seen before.

People who thought that presidential elections were a choice between tweedle-dee and tweedle-dum are giving their time to elect a president who promises a new choice. People who worked tirelessly in the past for candidates who lost have found the strength to try again.

Young people who have never voted before, new citizens eager to participate, political activists who believe that this time things can be different, old people who discover they’re not as jaded as they thought they were – all are coming together to forge a new coalition: the coalition of the hopeful. And we’re having a great time, forging relationships that will last long past the election, and helping to change the world, one voter at a time.

If that’s worth something to you, don’t hold back over the next five months. This is the chance of a lifetime. If not now, when? If not you, who?

- Kristin

Hallelujah!!! on Utube. Watch

Shelley Murphy — Sun, 25 May 2008 15:41:22 EDT

Hello All... this you tube video is wonderful, congrats to those that put it together. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lU-5lT2qVv0

Virginia's 5th District Democratic Convention

Chris from Charlottesville, VA — Mon, 19 May 2008 00:06:56 EDT

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

The Muslim myth still dogging Obama

funkfresh01 — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:24:38 EDT

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.

Just Imagine! Share With Your Friends!

Chris from Charlottesville, VA — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 22:51:18 EDT

A Job Well Done for Obama Supporters

Chris from Charlottesville, VA — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 19:21:27 EST

Obama Supporters in Virginia in the Last Legs of the Obama Campaign in Charlottesville

Monday, 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

Obama Campaign in Charlottesville, VA

Chris from Charlottesville, VA — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 01:43:24 EST

CLICK HERE FOR FULL ALBUM

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

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Obama staffer gives a new volunteer a crash course in canvassing for the 11 o'clock shift

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

BO action in Charlottesville/Crozet

wendy — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 22:34:28 EDT

I'm looking to connect with other BO supporters in the area and wanting to find ways to support the campaign locally...anyone have anything going on...needing support, volunteers, etc? Please let me know!

Charlottesville

Laura from Charlottesville — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 16:37:29 EDT

Barack Obama scheduled to come to Charlottesville October 29.
Let's get out there Charlottesville !!!
Laura

Local Events

Laura from Charlottesville — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 19:20:48 EDT

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

Virginia Young Lawyers for Obama

Christina — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 18:22:40 EDT

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,

Christina
Virginia Young Lawyers for Obama