Southwest Virginia Democrats

The first meeting of the Southwest Virginia Young Democrats group will be:

The first meeting will be held at:

If you need more information or have any questions regarding this group, please contact Tabitha Peace at (276) 393-1055.

Everyone is welcome to attend, but to be considered a “Young Democrat” by the Virginia Young Democrats, one must be between the ages of 18-35.

On June 13, 2006, Virginia’s Democrats went to the polls and elected Jim Webb as their nominee to challenge Sen. George Allen.

Webb won the Ninth District, but we still have a lot of work ahead of us if we want to beat Allen.

If you have not already, visit his website and register to be a volunteer and contribute some funds (even a little helps). Allen has millions sitting in the bank and Webb will need every dime and hour Democratic volunteers can contribute to beating Allen.

A large group of Southwest Virginia Democrats gathered today in Marion to nominate Congressman Rick Boucher. Boucher is seeking his 13th term in Congress.

I am afraid to guess how many people were there, but I heard estimates ranging between 200 and 300. It did appear, however, that there were thousands of “Boucher for Congress” signs. Someone got up very early this morning and started putting out signs.

Ninth District Committee Chairman, Tom Graham, kept everything rolling and did a good job. Graham said he invited the two senate candidates, but both were unable to attend.

Jim Webb, though, did have former-chair, Gary Hancock, speak in his behalf. Hancock gave an impassioned case for why Webb should be our nominee. One of Webb’s biggest supporters, Henry Tieleman, was also there passing out literature and yard signs for Webb. I looked as much as I could, but I did not see any Miller signs, stickers, or any visibility for him.

Senators Puckett, Deeds, Edwards, and Reynolds, Delegate Bowling, and several other elected officials were there to keep the crowd fired up. They all agreed that Boucher was, without a doubt, “the best Congressman in the United States.” I would certainly concur with that assessment.

Needless to say, Boucher accepted the nomination to be our Democratic candidate for the Ninth District. Boucher was his usual self and delivered a powerful speech. Boucher said his campaign would be positive and based on his previous accomplishments.

After the convention, Graham and others presented Boucher and his new wife, Amy, with a wedding cake that was topped with a bicycle. As most people have already heard, the Bouchers were married last week on the Creeper Trail.

All in all, the convention went great and everyone left energized. I am really looking forward to the next few months as the campaign really gets rolling and we get past next week’s primary.

Neal was apparently also there and has posted his thoughts here.

From the Congressman’s website:

On Saturday, June 3 U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher and Galax Gazette editor Amy Houslohner were married in Damascus, Virginia. The couple took their marriage vows following a bicycle trip from Abingdon . The ceremony took place on an old railroad bridge within the town which is now a part of the Virginia Creeper Trail. Officiating was Chief U.S. District Judge James P. Jones, a longtime friend of Boucher’s.

Following the ceremony, the couple returned by bicycle to Abingdon. The Abingdon-Damascus bicycle round trip is a favorite recreation of the Bouchers who decided to have a private informal marriage in one of their favorite settings.

Congratulations to Rep. Boucher and Ms. Hauslohner.

Next weekend, Boucher will accept the Democratic nomination as he seeks his 13th term in Congress.

The 9th CD Convention will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, June 10, 2006, in the Marion Senior High School auditorium.

There will also be a short 9th District Committee meeting at 12:30 PM, following the convention.

Update:
Here are some directions to the High School:

1) Get on I-81 and head to Exit 45.
2) Northbound traffic turn left at the exit stop sign, southbound traffic turn right at exit stop sign onto Route 16.
3) You will pass the state hospital complex on your right (complete with high fences/guard towers).
4) Go to the end of this road and turn right at the last (2nd) traffic light.
5) Bear left onto Route 16 again almost immediately at the Chevron Station. Do not go up the long/steep hill directly in front of you prior to the turn.
6) At the next traffic light you will see a Hardee’s on your left. Go straight through this light.
7) Pass through a 2nd traffic light and then cross some rail road tracks.
8) At the next (3rd) traffic light at the Wendy’s/Rite Aid (located on your left) and KFC/Taco Bell (located on your right) turn right and go up the hill.
9) At the top of the hill, turn left onto Stage Street. Marion Sr. High School will be the 2nd school on your right after Marion Intermediate School.

Starts: Polls open from 6:00 AM until 7:00 PM
Location: At your regular polling place.
For more information, please contact us.