Convention Praise

Posted by brian on Tuesday, May 22

When was the last time you traveled to Lebanon, VA?  With my trip on Saturday, I became the latest state party (and perhaps the first DNC) visitor to the community, as I attended the Russell County Democratic Convention. (In all honesty – I don’t much care for the title of visitor, since I consider Southwestern and Southside Virginia my territory of operation.  More importantly, being a lifelong resident of Southwestern Virginia, I consider this region to be my home.)

Sorry, for the aside, where was I?  Oh, yes – attending the Russell County Democratic Convention.  I have always enjoyed my trips to Russell County.  SR 19 is one of the four major roadways serving as the asphalt carpeting of my blue rolling office.  It has carried me, on numerous occasions, to the connecting routes of the Appalachian Plateau.  It is beautiful country, with towns carved into the hillsides and incredible people – hard working people, who are as passionate about their politics as their faith and family.  I truly respect their work ethic, political knowledge and wisdom. 

In a scene that is sure to be repeated in the courthouses, community centers and gymnasiums throughout Southwestern Virginia over the next month, the Russell County Committee began the nominating proceedings for its slate of constitutional officers.  Even before the event began, I knew it was going to be something special as there wasn’t a parking space anywhere close to the school auditorium. I would estimate a crowd of 100+ attended the convention. Sure enough, the nominating process was an exciting event to watch, with all of the candidates and current constitutional officers present to give speeches, to campaign and finally accept the nomination of the delegates elected to the convention.  Steve Banner, the Democratic Committee Chair, did a fantastic job of running the convention.  Let me stop here and say that I consider him to be one of the most knowledgeable chairs in Virginia and I learn so much from him in each subsequent conversation. Democrats in Russell County should know – if they don’t already, what a tremendous local committee they have standing up for them and a large part of their party’s success is due to the dedication of people like Steve Banner, the Puckett Family and every single member of the committee in Russell County.  Russell County is one of my favorite stops along my circuit and I attribute this fondness for their community and committee to the incredibly nice people who make this county their home. 

Well, at the risk of turning this entry into a marathon reading session, let me just say that I learned so much from the Russell County Democratic Convention, both about the politics and people of Russell County.  I look forward to helping our candidates there in the months leading up to Election Day.            

View all Southwest Virginia posts.

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• Fri, Dec 5, 7:13 PM
  State Steering Committee Meeting
• Sat, Dec 6, 8:30 AM
  Norfolk City Democratic Committee Monthly Breakfast
• Sat, Dec 6, 10:00 AM
  State Central Committee Meeting
• Sat, Dec 6, 1:00 PM
  70th House District Nominating Caucus
• Sat, Dec 6, 6:00 PM
  Rockingham County Holiday Celebration
• Sun, Dec 7, 4:00 PM
  Holiday/Volunteer Thank You Party