Democrats, Virginia Needs YOU On Nov. 8th

We are less than 2 weeks away from Election Day and we’ve got a lot of work to do to make sure we keep our majority in the State Senate and pick up seats in the House of Delegates. Our Democratic candidates are running in close races across the Commonwealth and they need your help. Will you pledge to volunteer and help us get out the vote and fight off the Republican money machine? Here are a few ways you can help:

1- SIGN UP TO WORK WITH A CAMPAIGN  or local committee and help them reach out to voters in your community. In the closing days of these elections, candidates need to make contact with as many voters as possible. You can work with a local campaign to make phone calls or go door-to-door making sure every Virginian knows what is at stake in these critical elections.

2- SIGN UP TO BE AN INSIDE POLL MONITOR on Election Day with the DPVA’s Promote & Protect the Vote program. Election protection is critical during these close elections to ensure that every voter has access to the ballot and to make sure every vote is counted after the polls close.

3- SIGN UP TO BE AN OUTSIDE POLL GREETER on Election Day. When voters show up to vote, it is important that every Democratic candidate has a presence at the polls to provide voters with information about our great slate of Democratic candidates before they cast their ballot.

4- TELL YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND CO-WORKERS about the November 8th Election! Using e-mail, Facebook and Twitter, as well as in-person conversations, you can do your part to make sure every Democrat comes out to the polls on Election Day.
Finally, if you cannot volunteer your time, please consider contributing $25 or $50 to the DPVA’s effort to Get out the Vote in every corner of this Commonwealth on Tuesday, November 8th.

With less than two weeks to go, these elections are close and the stakes could not be higher. I want to thank you for everything you do for our great party and urge you to step up your efforts in these closing days and help Virginia Democrats finish strong!

Sincerely,
Brian Moran

Are Virginia Republicans Sending Illegal Unsolicited Text Messages Attacking Democratic Candidates?

The smell of desperation is in the air. Virginia Republicans know they can’t win on the issues or with the radical slate of candidates they have running for State Senate and the House of Delegates. So they’ve resorted to the usual underhanded tricks trying to scare, intimidate or confuse voters.  Over the past few days people from across Virginia have received unsolicited text messages to their cell phones attacking Democratic candidates. The DPVA has reason to belive that these text messages are illegal and we are doing everything we can to determine where they are coming from.

If you have received one of these messages, please take the following steps to help the DPVA determine who is sending them and hold them accountable:

1. Contact our unsolicited text messages hotline (hosted by Revolution Messaging) at 866-529-7620  to be forwarded to Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli’s Office of Consumer Affairs where you can file a complaint and urge him to investigate this violation of your privacy. 

2. File a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission the FCC.

3. File a complaint in small claims court.  Each recipient may obtain $500-$1500 per unauthorized text message received.

Running a slate of extreme right-wing candidates with no plan to create jobs, improve education or fix transportation is no excuse for breaking the law and violating voters’ privacy. Please help us hold the Republicans accountable for these underhanded and illegal tricks.

Thank you for your help in standing up to those who are breaking the law to advance their political agenda. 

Sincerely,

David Mills

Executive Director

Will Virginia Face A Scary Future? – Yes, Elections Matter

Prince William County Democratic Committee Endorses Four for County Races

For Immediate Release
27 October, 2011
Contact: Bruce Roemmelt, Chair of PWCDC (703) 895-9490
Prince William County Democratic Committee Endorses Four for County Races

Prince William County, VA – In addition to the “party identified” candidates, the Prince William County Democratic Committee has endorsed four candidates for the non-party identified races in the School and the Soil and Water Board races. Full and unanimous support was given to the individuals identified below.

Chair of the committee Bruce Roemmelt said, “The four excellent candidates that we have endorsed represent the values of the local, Sate and national Democratic parties, and have demonstrated a commitment to Prince William County’s future by working tirelessly to improve the lives of those that live, work and visit Prince William County.”

PWC School Board Chair – Myra F. Sawyers, M.Ed.
Myra Sawyers has dedicated the last 20 years to teaching, working in politics and reforming education. During the 1992 elections, she worked on many grassroots campaigns in California, which led to several statewide victories. In 1993 she moved to Washington, D.C. where she spent six years working as an aide for U.S. Representative Patsy T. Mink. Following her work on Capitol Hill, she began teaching first grade. In 2004 she became an adjunct professor at Northern Virginia Community College, teaching courses in Early Childhood Education. That same year she founded Educators for Progressive Instructional Change (EPIC), a non-profit organization whose mission is to elevate the status of the teaching profession. Myra graduated from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California and holds a M.Ed. from the University of Virginia. She lives in Haymarket, Virginia with her husband Michael Sawyers and son George. As Chairwoman of Prince William County School Board, Myra will: 1) Build, expand and support Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) in our schools and create a STEM Alliance to bring more industries to Prince William County 2) Re-examine our reliance on test-taking, 4.) Recruit and retain dynamic and creative teachers.

PWC School Board (Neabsco) –Diane Raulston
Diane graduated from Monterey High School, California. Attended Kansas State College; student teaching in Kansas City, Mo. Diane lived in California until 2006 when relocated to Dale City. She has 3 granddaughters who attend PWC Schools. Diane was involved in education in California:
• Appointed to Title 1 Chapter 1 Committee 1989
• Re-appointed 1995 served until 2000
• Appointed to State Special Education Committee writing of the Special Education policy book
• Conducted workshops and training on Title 1 Chapter 1
Agenda items:
• Establish a round table committee
• Have complete Board Minutes PWC School Website

PWC School Board (Coles) – Lillian Garland

PWC School Board (Woodbridge) – Denita Ramirez (incumbent)

PWC Soil and Water Board – Pablo Elliott
Pablo has demonstrated a longstanding dedication to local agriculture and environmental stewardship, and is excited to bring a new voice and energy to the Soil and Water Board.
Elliott has eight years farming experience in Prince William County, running the Stoney Lonesome Farm CSA vegetable program on his family’s farm in Gainesville.
Elliott’s farm operation was the 2009 recipient of the Bay Friendly Clean Water Farm Award.
Elliott has served for seven years as Director of The Local Food Project at Airlie, and has organized five annual conferences on sustainable agriculture in the region.
Elliott is a founding member of the Virginia Food System Council, and also serves as a board member for Future Harvest-Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture.
In 2010, Elliott co-founded the Chesapeake CRAFT new farmer-training program.
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To learn more about Democratic candidates in Prince William County please visit www.pwcdems.com.
-End-

Mark Warner Headlines GOTV Event To Help Re-Elect Edd Houck

You’re Invited!

State Senator Edd Houck

featuring

U.S. Senator Mark Warner

With

Musical Entertainment

Sunday, October 30^th

2:00 p.m.

Old Mill Park, Picnic Shelter F

2400 Caroline Street,   Fredericksburg

 Free and Open To the Public

RSVP:  senatorhouck@comcast.net

Mark Warner is appearing at this event only as a special guest. 

Mark Warner is not asking for funds or donations.

Virginia GOP Congressman Refuses to Speak Where Event Is “Open To The Public”

h/t to Think Progress for this up to date email on Eric Cantor’s refusal to meet the public …

In just a few moments, we were expecting to hear a speech by House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) about inequality in America. We were particularly intrigued to hear the speech because Cantor has previously characterized the Occupy Wall Street movement as a “mob” that wants to “divide America.”

But, shortly after noon today, Cantor abruptly canceled his speech at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. His office complained that the University was making his speech open to the public, but Cantor only wanted to speak to a “selected audience.” (Cantor’s decision followed plans for a large march and protest prior to the speech.)

You can read the full text of the speech that Cantor did not deliver HERE.

Cantor had claimed that the University of Pennsylvania changed its attendance policy at the last moment, thus forcing him to withdraw. But in a statement released moments ago, the University explained that the speech was always open to the public. “The Wharton speaker series is typically open to the general public, and that is how the event with Majority Leader Cantor was billed,” a statement read.

Speaking of income inequality, we wanted to share a few important facts with you. Since the late ‘60s, the middle class share of income has fallen in tandem with the decline rate of union membership in America. Meanwhile, the top 1 percent has experienced a precipitous rise. Check out this chart:

If Cantor were truly interested in reducing income inequality, here are five proposals we offered that he could embrace:

1. Promote Unionization
2. Rein in CEO Pay
3. Fair, Progressive Tax Reform
4. Increase the Capital Gains Tax Rate
5. Promote Economic Mobility Through Education

Thanks,

Faiz
—
Faiz Shakir
Editor, ThinkProgress.org

Virginia’s Democratic Party Senate and House Candidates for 2011

State Senate

SD 1- Sen. Jon Miller- http://senatorjohnmiller.com/

SD 2- Sen. Mamie Locke- http://senatorlocke.com/

SD 5- Sen. Yvonne B. Miller

SD 6- Sen. Ralph Northam- http://senatornortham.com/

SD 9- Sen. A. Donald McEachin- http://www.donaldmceachin.com/

SD 10- David Bernard- http://www.bernardforsenate.com/

SD 13- Shawn Mitchell- http://shawnforsenator.com/home/

SD 16- Sen. Henry Marsh- http://henrylmarsh.com/
SD 17- Sen. Edd Houck- http://www.senatorhouck.com/
SD 18- Sen. Louise Lucas

SD 20- Sen. Roscoe Reynolds- http://www.roscoereynoldsforsenate.com/

SD 21- Sen. John Edwards- http://johnedwardsva.com/

SD 22- Bert Dodson- http://dodsonforsenate.com/

SD 25- Sen. R. Creigh Deeds- http://senatordeeds.com/

SD 27- Shaun Broy- http://www.shaunbroy.com/

SD 29- Sen. Chuck Colgan

SD 30- Adam Ebbin- http://ebbinforvirginia.com/

SD 31- Barbara Favola- http://www.barbarafavola.org/

SD 32- Sen. Janet Howell- http://www.janethowell.com/

SD 33- Sen. Mark Herring- http://www.markherring.org/

SD 34- Sen. Chap Petersen- http://fairfaxsenator.com/

SD 35- Sen. Dick Saslaw- http://dicksaslaw.com/

SD 36- Sen. Toddy Puller- http://www.toddy.org/

SD 37- Sen. Dave Marsden- http://www.marsdenforsenate.com/

SD 38- Sen. Phil Puckett- http://senatorpuckett.com/home/

SD 39- Sen. George Barker- http://www.senatorbarker.com/

SD 40- John Lamie- http://www.lamieforvasenate.com

 

House of Delegates

HD 2- Esteban Garces- http://estebangarces.com/

HD 3- Vern Presley- http://www.vernpresleyfordelegate.com/

HD 4- Del. Joseph Johnson

HD 9- Del. Ward L. Armstrong- http://www.wardarmstrong.com/

HD 10- David Butler- http://www.votedavebutler.com/

HD 11- Del. Onzlee Ware- http://www.delegateonzleeware.com/main/

HD 12- Don Langrehr- http://donfordelegate.com

HD 13- Carl Genthner- http://votecarl2011.com/

HD 17- Freeda Cathcart- http://freedaworks.com/

HD 18- Bob Zwick- www.zwick.net/

HD 19- Lew Medlin- http://www.lewismedlin.com/

HD 20- Laura Kleiner- http://laurakleinerfordelegate.com/

HD 21- Adrianne Bennett- http://www.adriannebennettforvirginia.com/

HD 31- Roy Coffey- www.roycoffeyfordelegate.com

HD 34- Pamela Danner- http://dannerfordelegate.com/

HD 35- Del. Mark Keam- http://www.markkeam.com/

HD 36- Del. Ken Plum- http://www.kenplum.com/

HD 37- Del. David Bulova- http://davidbulova.com/

HD 38- Del. Kaye Kory- http://kayekory.com/

HD 39- Del. Vivian Watts- http://www.vivianwatts.com/

HD 41- Del. Eileen Filler-Corn- http://www.eileenfillercorn.com/

HD 42- Jack Dobbyn- http://jackdobbyn.com/

HD 43- Del. Mark Sickles- http://www.marksickles.com/

HD 44- Del. Scott Surovell- http://scottsurovell.org/

HD 45- Del. David Englin- http://www.davidenglin.org/

HD 46- Del. Charniele Herring- http://www.herringfordelegate.com/

HD 47- Del. Patrick Hope- http://www.hopeforvirginia.org/

HD 48- Del. Bob Brink- http://bobbrink.org/

HD 49- Alfonso Lopez- http://www.alfonsofordelegate.com/

HD 52- Del. Luke Torian- http://www.delegatetorian.com/

HD 53- Del. Jim Scott- http://www.delegatejimscott.com/

HD 57- Del. David Toscano- http://davidtoscano.com/

HD 59- Connie Brennan- http://www.brennanfordelegate.com/

HD 63- Del. Rosalyn Dance- http://www.delegatedance.com/

HD 64- Del. Bill Barlow- http://barlowfordelegate.com/

HD 67- Eric Clingan- http://clinganfordelegate.com/

HD 69- Del. Betsy Carr- http://www.betsycarr.org/

HD 70- Del. Delores McQuinn

HD 71- Del. Jennifer McClellan- http://www.jennifermcclellan.com/

HD 74- Del. Joe Morrissey- http://www.joemorrisseyfordelegate.com/

HD 75- Del. Roslyn Tyler- http://roslyntyler.com/drt1/

HD 77- Del. Lionell Spruill, Sr.- http://lionellspruillsr.com/

HD 79- Del. Johnny Joannou

HD 80- Del. Matthew James- http://www.mjames4delegate.com/

HD 87- Mike Kondratick- http://www.mikekforva.com/

HD 89- Del. Kenneth Alexander- http://www.kennethalexander.com/

HD 90- Del. Algie Howell

HD 92- Del. Jeion Ward- http://www.jeionward.com/

HD 93- Del. Robin Abbott- http://robinabbott.com/

HD 94- Gary West- http://garywestfordelegate.com/

HD 95- Del. Mamye Bacote

HD 98- Andrew Shoukas

HD 99- Nick Smith- http://nicksmithfordelegate.com/

HD100- Del. Lynwood Lewis- http://lynwoodlewis.com/

Note:  re-posted from the Democratic Party of Virginia website in the hope that Virginia Democrats will use the links to get active in local races across the Commonwealth

DPVA Chair Updates Democrats

There are only 20 short days left before Virginians will go to the polls and decide the fate of the Virginia Senate majority along with other key offices across the Commonwealth.  I know how hard you all are working so I will keep these updates brief, but it’s important that I share some recent events with you.

The DPVA’s Get Out the Vote swing has begun, and I’m on a marathon three week sprint across Virginia in support of our 2011 candidates.  I’m putting everything I can into these final days to make certain our party stands shoulder to shoulder with the Democratic legislators and candidates who are the last sea wall against a Republican agenda that is too reckless and extreme to contemplate.

We began the swing on Tuesday with a roundtable in Portsmouth with local community leaders and activists hosted by State Senator Louise Lucas. Congressman Bobby Scott, Senator Mamie Locke, Gaylene Kanoyton and a host of other prominent leaders from all over Hampton Roads were on hand to talk about the importance of keeping our majority in the Senate, picking up seats in the House and keeping our party united and strong heading into the 2012 elections.

Later in the day I had the terrific honor of meeting the President prior to his remarks in Emporia.  I made sure to express how grateful we are to him for visiting Virginia and for fighting for what is right in our country today – more jobs and more fairness in our economy. As the press focused in on the attacks flying back and forth in this week’s Republican debate, the President was here talking about real issues – getting people back to work and restoring the middle class. President Obama’s visit allowed him to talk directly with Virginians about the need for Congress to pass the American Jobs Act – a bill that will help our Commonwealth and our nation as we move out of this recession.

In fact proposals in the President’s plan would create 10,500 Virginia jobs repairing and modernizing our out-of-date roads and bridges; prevent layoffs for 10,800 of Virginia’s teachers, firefighters and first responders, and reward the hard work and service of our many veterans and military families.  This proposal for immediate job creation contrasts sharply with Republican plans that rely on the same old trickle-down economics that have hurt Virginia families for decades.

The fight we have in front of us is one of the most important, and most difficult, of our long history as a party.  But I know that if we stand together over these next nineteen days and beyond, we can and will succeed.

I am so proud to have the chance to crisscross the Commonwealth as your Chairman making the case for our candidates, and I am looking forward to hitting the road with a number of our most prominent Democratic leaders as well. Please stay tuned for more information about events in your area and make sure you are following our DPVA Facebook, Twitter, and the DPVA iPhone App for more information.

As always, thank you for what you are doing on behalf of the Democratic cause.  See you on the trail!

Sincerely,

Brian

PS: Attached are some photos from the President’s visit to Portsmouth and Emporia.

 

Kaine’s 2012 US Senate Campaign Launches New Website

Today we launched a brand new campaign website at KaineForVA.com, and I wanted you to be among the first to see it.  Our new site is a testament to the early investment you’ve made in this campaign — and I hope you’ll be as excited about it as I am.

KaineforVA.com is more than a place to learn about Governor Kaine — it’s going to be a central hub to reach out to new constituencies and interact with voters through fresh and engaging technologies.

Click here to take a look at the new website, KaineForVA.com.  And make sure to check it out on your phone!

 

In addition to harnessing the power of social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube that have become essential parts of any modern political campaign, our new site has a couple of features that put us a cut above the rest.

• Mobile.  Check out our site on an iPhone, Android, or Blackberry, and you’ll notice that it looks totally different. With more Americans using smart phones every day, our new mobile site will help us reach them.  Nearly 60% of smart phone users won’t return to a mobile site if it is difficult to use — our investment in a mobile site will bring supporters back to our site time and time again.  Also, look for a series of mobile ads we are launching today — they will help us to reach more supporters.

• Español.  Virginia’s Hispanic population has nearly doubled in the past decade.  In an effort to communicate with members of the community who may be English language learners, we’ve deployed a Spanish version of the website.  Governor Kaine is fluent in Spanish, and we want to make sure we’re reaching out to native Spanish speakers, both on- and offline, who call Virginia home.

I hope that you’ll take a moment now to look at our new website, KaineForVA.com.

Individuals like you are one of our campaign’s greatest assets.  Whether you use your smart phone to read emails and surf the net, prefer Twitter and Facebook to stay in touch, or turn to your PC to read news updates, our campaign is going to be where you are.

The Governor and I would love to hear what you think — and we’ll be looking for your comments on Twitter and Facebook later today.

Sincerely,

Mike Henry
Kaine for Virginia

2011 Virginia General Assembly Elections – VPAP Says Very Few Will Vote

h/t to