Hampton Roads

Kaine Keeps Going and Going and Going

Posted by susan on Wednesday, September 05

Recently, a lot of us foot soldiers have been collecting signatures to get our Democratic Presidential primary candidates on the ballot for 2008. Eight candidates is a lot of for one primary election. I've been circulating a petition called Sign and Date for Eight, which will help get all of our candidates on the ballot. The DPVA wants to get the 5,000 signatures for the 8 in '08 primary collected quickly so that we can refocus all of our energies on the important 2007 races.

I was tired after working petitions at three Democratic events this past Sunday. Don't know how I would have done more. I'm starting to think that Governor Kaine must be some sort of Energizer Bunny of Democratic events. I was tired after three events, but on the same day the good Governor was the star attraction at EIGHT events. Wow...

I'll give you a brief heads up on the events I attended. First the Governor joined Delegate Paula Miller and State Senate candidate Dr. Ralph Northam for a lunch event in Norfolk. The room was packed and the energy was high. In addition to Kaine's stellar performance, Delegate Miller and Dr. Northam were terrific, as always. People left the event even more motivated to make sure we win these critical races. Go Norfolk Dems!!!

Then the Governor headed over to Virginia Beach for a volunteer appreciation event at the Combined Campaign office of House of Delegates challengers Bobby Mathieson, Bob MacIver, and Joe Bouchard. The volunteers who've been working so hard for these candidates were excited to get a visit from the Governor. It really made them feel good. Before the crowd cleared out, lots of folks made commitments to volunteer on Election Day.

After the Virginia Beach event, Governor Kaine headed to Portsmouth to a Fish Fry for the Steve Heretick for Senate campaign. The Fish Fry was a great event, highlighted by a very passionate and upbeat speech from Councilman Heretick, who is obviously going to push all the way through to the end of this race. The family home of Wilson and Evelyn Goode was a lovely, welcoming setting, and the food was yummy. The crowd was filled with friendly people who obviously care very deeply for Steve. About 125 people in all came out to celebrate and cheer Steve on.

Heretick_crowd

Governor Kaine was, of course, a crowd pleaser. The Governor explained what a great guy Steve Heretick is and why we need to elect Steve to the Senate. Governor Kaine was only one of a multitude of dignitaries present, including Congressman Bobby Scott, Delegates Melvin and Spruill, and Portsmouth Mayor Holley, who made some very positive remarks about Steve Heretick's character and his performance on the City Council.

It was a great set up for Steve's speech, which was all sorts of fun. Interspersed with serious facts were funny quips. The crowd roared when Heretick announced the opening of "Quayle Hunting Season." Based on talking with a lot of folks, I think Steve Heretick has put a fun spin on a serious issue. Where is Senator Quayle anyway? I hear from lots of folks in the 13th Senate District that over the sixteen years he's been in office they've never seen him. We all know that a Senator Heretick would be present, available and responsive to his constituents.

After three events, I was happy but tired. I was lucky because I could go home. Governor Kaine wasn't done yet, though, and went on to join more voters in other parts of the region. I am in awe.

There's no doubt that Democrats have momentum going into the 2007 elections. Governor Kaine is saying that his grandmother used to tell him to make hay when the sun shines and the sun is certainly shining on us at this time in history. The Governor is giving the 2007 elections his all. If we, as supporters of the Democratic party, can find a quarter of the energy of Governor Kaine and give it to our candidates this year, November 6, 2007 will be one for the history books.

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