Prince William Democratic Committee Elects Bruce Roemmelt Chair

As Virginia Democrats continue working to improve our committees the Prince William Democratic Committee has elected my very good friend, progressive Democrat, Bruce Roemmelt as Chair.  Bruce’s added a post to facebook saying, “Tremendously humbled tonight to be elected to lead the Prince William County Democratic Committee. Prince William County has 400,000 souls, every one precious and we will make a supreme attempt to serve with distinction and honor!”

Bruce Roemmelt with new DPVA Chair, Brian Moran

Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley Keynotes Jefferson-Jackson Weekend

I am pleased to announce the Democratic Party of Virginia’s 2011 Jefferson Jackson Weekend. It is my sincere hope that you will join me and other Democrats around the state the weekend of February 18-20. I am also excited to announce that The Honorable Martin O’Malley, Governor of Maryland and Chairman of the Democratic Governor’s Association, will be our keynote speaker for our upcoming Jefferson-Jackson Dinner. Please click here to purchase your JJ Dinner ticket now. I want to highlight some other exciting events scheduled for JJ Weekend: Virginia Young Democrats Welcome Reception Friday, February 18, 9:00 PM – Richmond Marriott Hotel Women’s Caucus Annual Breakfast Saturday, February 19, 8:30 AM – Hilton Garden Inn DPVA Grassroots Award Luncheon Saturday, February 19, 12:00 PM – Richmond Convention Center Celebration of Black History Month – Highlights & Self Tour of Richmond’s Historical Landmarks (NEW EVENT!) – Sponsored by the Democratic Black Caucus of Virginia Saturday, February 19, 2:00 PM – Richmond Convention Center JJ After-Dark RETURNS with Live Entertainment (FREE with JJ Dinner Ticket Purchase) Saturday, February 19, 10:00 PM – Richmond Marriott Hotel For a complete look at the weekend’s events, visit the JJ Information page.  I also encourage you to check the website frequently for any event updates or exciting announcements. This is our largest fundraiser of the year and your attendance goes a long way in ensuring we have a successful 2011. Thank you for your support of the Democratic Party of Virginia.  I look forward to seeing you there! Sincerely, Brian Moran Chairman

DPVA’s Video Update “Values in Action”

DPVA’s December 9th Update Features Remarks By New Chairman Brian Moran

9 of 11 Congressional District Chairs Publicly Endorse Brian Moran for DPVA Chair

Note:  Democrats from all across Virginia are lining up to publicly endorse Brian Moran to be elected chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia … the following is a list of just the congressional committee chairs who’ve already stood up …  you too can show your support by visiting  Brian’s Facebook page or his website, Brian Moran for Chair.

Suzette Matthews, 1^st District Democratic Committee Chair

Sandra Brandt, 2^nd District Democratic Committee Chair

Susan Rowland, 4th District Democratic Committee Chair

Linda Wyatt, 6^th District Democratic Committee Chair

Abbi Easter, 7^th District Democratic Committee Chair

Margo Horner, 8^th District Democratic Committee Chair

Tom Brewster, 9^th District Democratic Committee Chair

Samuel T. Crockett, 10^th District Democratic Committee Chair

George Burke, 11^th District Democratic Committee Chair

Sen. Lucas: Brian Moran for Chairman of DPVA

h/t to my friend Vivian Paige for her endorsement and coverage of Brian Moran and the DPVA

Sen. Lucas: Brian Moran for Chairman of DPVA.

DPVA Strategic Plan, Meeting Notice, Holiday Party Fundraiser, and Women’s Caucus Auction

DPVA Strategic Plan 2010-FINAL

Central Committee Members & City/County Chairs, The next quarterly meetings of the Democratic Party of Virginia will be held on December 3-4, 2010 at the Newport News Marriott at City Center. The hotel is conveniently located right in the heart of the city’s business, shopping, and entertainment district. You can now view and download materials for the meeting at http://www.vademocrats.org/quarterly-meetings. You can find information about the Election of a new chair at http://www.vademocrats.org/chairman-election. The Hampton and Newport News Committees and the VA Young Democrats will be hosting a Holiday Party fundraiser. You can find see the flyer here. VA Democratic Women’s Caucus Silent Auction Saturday December 3-4, 2010 -Bidding will begin before the State Central Committee Meeting Room at 8:30a.m. -Please pick up your paddle number at the VaDWC’s Silent Auction registration table prior to the meeting and bid on your items. -Item sheets will be collected during the State Central Committee meeting, so hang on to your paddle number so you can claim your purchase. If you have a winning bid look for your paddle number on one of the brown bags displayed at check out, – Although credit cards and cash are excepted, credit card processing is slow via broadband–checks will make a faster check out.

Carlos Del Toro Offers Thoughtful Endorsement For Brian Moran’s Bid For DPVA Chair

Dear Friends-

I am strongly endorsing Brian Moran for Chair of DPVA, and I write to encourage you to do the same.

I first met Brian during my run for the House of Delegates in 2007. As Caucus Chair, Brian was deeply involved in our campaign, from fundraising and organizational support to friendship and moral support. He spent quality time with me and my staff, giving much needed encouragement and resources during a tough campaign in a non-traditional district- precisely the effort that will be critical to the future success of DPVA. I quickly learned to rely on him for advice and counsel, and was consistently impressed with his deep knowledge of my community and his professionalism.

At this stage in our development, we need a Party chair with deep knowledge of the political process, connections in each corner of the Commonwealth, and a fighter’s spirit- Brian has all of these and more. His time as a small business owner and advocate allows him to speak with authenticity to a wide spectrum of voters, especially the Independents we so desperately need to win statewide. His time as Caucus Chair and gubernatorial candidate gave him the platform to articulate the core values of the Democratic Party of Virginia- economic fairness and social justice for all our citizens. Brian has been a friend to the major constituencies of our Party for decades, and will continue to fight for all of us as Chair.

My unwavering support for Brian in no way diminishes Peter Rousselot or his contributions to the Party. We are extremely fortunate to have two excellent candidates for this position, and I sincerely hope that Peter will be involved in the rebuilding process. His time in Arlington was incredibly successful, and his expertise will be invaluable to other committees seeking best practices and improvement. Peter has been a dedicated volunteer for many years and also a friend. I look forward to working with him in the future.

While the past two cycles have been difficult, they also leave incredible opportunity. We have the chance to rebuild our Party and elect the legislators that we all deserve, legislators who protect the middle class not special interests, protect our civil rights and ensure true equality for all our citizens. Brian Moran is the best person to lead us into this future, and hope you will join us.

Carlos

Carlos Del Toro
Member DPVA Central Committee
Stafford, Virginia

Brian Moran Clear Choice for DPVA Chair

Why Brian … three words … People, Places, Process

People … Brian knows people from all across the Commonwealth and understands Democrats find strength in our diversity … he also has the Core Values of a Democrat

Places … Brian has traveled the length and breath of Virginia … checking back on where we were both at events just in the 1st Congressional District … Fredericksburg * Caroline * Essex * Fauquier * Gloucester * James City * King George * Mathews * Prince William * Spotsylvania * Stafford * Westmoreland * York * Williamsburg * Hampton * Newport News

Process … the next DPVA Chair will be faced with redistricting, 100 house of delegates and 40 state senate races, and a party in need of major changes necessary to be able to compete in 2011 and 2012 … Brian’s experiences and knowledge will allow him to immediately provide needed leadership on every level

Brian Moran Makes DPVA Chair Run Official

Note: Pictured below Brian Moran working with Democratic candidates in Stafford … following that is his email announcement … if you have any comments about the DPVA chair position or other input please email info@virginiadem.com

Good Morning,

I write to you to express my intent to run for Chairman of the Democratic Party of Virginia. When my good friend Dickie Cranwell announced he was going to retire as Chairman, I thought back to the time I served with him in the House of Delegates. Joining the House as a freshman Delegate in 1996, I was fortunate to serve in the Democratic majority under Majority Leader Cranwell. His dedication and service to the Democratic Party of Virginia has been truly remarkable, giving decades of his life for the greater good.

After Dickie left the House in 2001, we experienced the worst losses Democrats in Virginia had ever seen. Partisan redistricting and losses at the ballot box reduced our numbers to 34, leaving us without many of our long-serving leaders.  It was a tough time to be a Democrat in Virginia .

When you’re dealt a significant blow, it’s not about how you fall but how you get back up.  I ran for House Caucus Chair during a time that was tough to be a Democrat. But I knew that if we could come together to build a winning strategy, a stronger community of Democratic leaders and grassroots activists across the state, and a clear mission for the party, we would be able to take back the House.

Over the course of three elections, we came together and fought our way back. I was proud of the work we did, and after the 2007 elections, we got within striking distance of our mission to take back the House. Democrats managed to win in areas where critics didn’t think we could – Loudoun , Virginia Beach, Prince William and Lynchburg . These gains didn’t happen overnight. They only occurred with strong candidates, strategic thinking, statewide teamwork and a lot of old-fashioned shoe leather.

I am ready to take that challenge on again.

Last week, our party lost races that reminded me of those early days in the House of Delegates. We lost great public servants in a wave that swept the country. Congressmen Boucher, Perriello and Nye have my respect and admiration. They have done incredible work in their time in Congress, and I am looking forward to their continuing roles in our party. We also saw strong runs from the future of our party in candidates like Krystal Ball, Rick Waugh, Wynne LeGrow and Jeff Barnett. In a better year, any one of these candidates could have won. Unfortunately, these losses are distinct reminders that we need to come together as a state party to make sure this sort of red wave never sweeps Virginia again.

With a great strategy, a strong community and hard work, we will be able re-elect Jim Webb and President Barack Obama. We can take back the seats we lost on November 2nd while re-electing Gerry Connolly, Bobby Scott and my brother, Jim Moran. I will work with Senators Dick Saslaw and Mary Margaret Whipple to keep and expand our majority in the State Senate. I will work together with Delegates Ward Armstrong and Ken Plum to take the majority in the House of Delegates and, with all of us pitching in, we can win back the Governor’s Mansion.

These may seem like lofty goals to some, but with successful candidate recruitment, strong messaging, working with the grassroots, local committees and fundraising, I know these are all within our reach.

As a former Caucus Chairman I have a proven record of successful fundraising, recruiting and supporting candidates throughout Virginia from Scott County to Virginia Beach .    I have been traveling Virginia since 2002 working with local chairs, volunteers and grassroots activists, as well as donors.  I know Southwest Virginia doesn’t end in Roanoke and each community has their own unique challenges and strengths.

Our success will depend on our continued passion and commitment to our democratic ideals. Starting now, the Democratic Party of Virginia needs to go on the offensive. I know what it is like to take on the Republican Party. Now is the time for us to fight back.

I hope you’ll join me in this fight as your Chairman of the Democratic Party of Virginia.

Sincerely

Brian Moran