Democracy for Virginia

The long Road Back (PAC) to Democratic Strength and Sanity

The following guest post was written by Jean B. Wyant, a DFV leader in Crozet, who will now be a regular author on Democracy for Virginia.

On Saturday, January 15, the Road Back PAC sponsored a free political candidacy training session in Charlottesville. The Road Back PAC is a VA Democratic support group in central VA, started by Del. Mitch van Yahres in 2003 -- just as Gov. Dean's presidential campaign was heading stratospheric. 

To get people's attention, the event was headlined: So, you want to be in politics! About 120 activists, volunteers, potential candidates and future campaign managers, organizers, and consultants, said "Yes, indeed!" and showed up for a morning of hardnosed advice from veterans of VA politics, followed by a lunch address by Dean Dozen candidate Al Weed!

Many DFA regulars and volunteers, and Dean sympathizers from local committees, campaigns and organizations were there (more would have come, but a violent flu bug is making the rounds here). It was a nice chance to see folks from the Al Weed campaign and some of my canvassing buddies and volunteers and election day poll workers, and to actually meet some of the legendary local Dems whose names I've heard ever since I got involved way back in the summer of 03. Some from the old Democrats-DLC crowd were also on hand, as usual beside themselves with nay-saying Howard; for a while yet, I expect that will be the norm.

Continue reading about this great event below the jump...

Charlottesville DFV Update

The following post is from Donna Goings, longtime DFA Meetup leader in Charlottesville.

As we put 2004 behind us we can look forward with hope and excitement.  There are local, state, and national happenings that tell me we are not retreating in our efforts to change public policy.

1. Democracy for America/Democracy for Virginia Meetup
Wednesday, January 5th.  7:00PM
404 8th St. NE - 2nd floor the Prudential Building.  Plenty of parking around the building.
Please register at http://dfa.meetup.com/3/

Agenda:

• View Lakoff DVD.
  
• Discuss DVD by reviewing current campaign literature and web sites of candidates for Gov., Lt. Gov. and Att. General of Virginia
  
• Brainstorm Session:  A number of people have expressed a need for a DFA-Charlottesville Logo.  We would make lapel pins and car stickers using this logo. Ideas floating--liberty bell, photo of Jefferson & Madison, etc. 

Read more about Charlottesville DFA activities by clicking below!