Democracy for Virginia

After Turn Virginia Blue BBQ: Two Great Parties

Is four and a half hours of fun with your fellow progressive Democrats at the Turn Virginia Blue Barbecue this Sunday not enough political partying for you?

If so, there are three great after-parties that might interest you, two in Northern Virginia and one in Richmond!

The first is our companion Majority Parties house party, sponsored by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and hosted by Lynn and Rich in Alexandria. Lynn and Rich's Party to Turn America Blue will be held in Alexandria right after the Turn VA Blue BBQ. Lynn and Rich are planning a relaxing evening, and the house party will feature a conference call with Nancy Pelosi and Al Franken! If you've already contributed to the DCCC through the Turn Virginia Blue Barbecue, you do not need to contribute again to attend Lynn and Rich's party. All are welcome, and don't feel pressure to bring food to both events!

If you're in the Richmond area, Robin is throwing her own Turn Virginia - And Congress! - Blue party on Sunday night. Some people will be driving up for the Turn VA Blue Barbecue and then down home to Richmond for Robin's party. It's going to be a great day!

The other great house party fundraiser on Sunday night will be a wine-tasting house party for Al Weed in Arlington from 5:00 - 7:00 on Sunday. It will feature wine's from Al Weed's own Mountain Cove Vineyards, including his unique fruit wines, including peach, blackberry, and winesap apple wines. I wish I could find a way to be in three places at once!

Third Congressional District (VA-3): The Basics

The Third Congressional District in Virginia (VA-3) is the proud home of Congressman Bobby Scott, who endorsed Howard Dean in December 2003 and worked so hard with us throughout our campaign in Virginia.

The 3rd District is one of the most strangely configured Congressional districts in the country, encompassing the largely urban areas of Richmond, Newport News, Portsmouth, Norfolk, and Hampton City as well as parts of Henrico County and New Kent, Charles City, Prince George, and Surry counties.

Voter turnout for the Democratic Presidential primary in CD-3 was 11.92%, the second highest turnout in the state. Dean carried 4.66% of the vote in CD-3. He ran strongest in Newport News City (5.0%), Norfolk City (5.2%), and Richmond City (6.1%).

In 2002, Bobby Scott faced no Republican challenger and won re-election with 96% of the vote. This year, he faces Republican Winsome Sears, who in 2001 became the first black female Republican to be elected to the Virginia General Assembly, defeating a Democratic incumbent. She resigned her seat in the assembly last year.

Though many people believe that Bobby Scott has a safe seat, we all know that fighting any Republican challenger is hard work. Bobby Scott stood with us through thick and thin during and after the primary season.

What can Dean Democrats throughout Virginia do to support Bobby Scott in his re-election bid? Please use the comments area to disscuss.