Southwest Virginia Democrats

From the Webb Campaign:

Congressman Rick Boucher,
Mary Lynn Tate and Bob Roberts

Invite you to join them for
Southwest Barbeque and Cocktails
with

Secretary Jim Webb
Democratic Candidate for U.S. Senate

Saturday, September 23, 2006
7:00 to 9:00 PM
(Party Casual Attire)

The Tate-Roberts Farm
18254 Old Jonesboro Road
Abingdon, Virginia

Patron: $1,000
Sponsor: $500
Friend: $250
Individual: $100

To RSVP click here.

Questions? Call (540) 797-6985 or
email jen.tomasello@gmail.com

Sounds like this will be a nice event.

Bill Carrico, the Republican candidate running against Congressman Boucher here in the Ninth District, recently gave an interview to the Quality News Network. It is available here.

Some of his responses were very interesting, the others are mostly GOP talking points. He did, however, stop short of declaring that God had endorsed his candidacy this time.

After being asked about the immigration problem, Carrico says “we have got to build that wall around us,” seemingly suggesting that we need to build a wall around the entire country. I have heard proposals of building a wall across the southern border, but Carrico is the first candidate I have ever heard suggest that we need a wall between us and Canada and on our coastlines.

Carrico was also asked about the budget and he quickly proclaims that he thinks the budget should be balanced. On the follow-up, though, when asked if he would support revoking the recent tax cuts on just people making more than $500,000 per year if it would balance the budget, he declines to answer. Could that mean that Carrico has a few friends (i.e., campaign donors) who make more than half-a-million per year?

This interview confirms what most of us here in the Ninth District already knew – Congressman Boucher should easily win re-election.

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.

Saturday, May 27th, 12:00p.m., DeHart Park, Stuart, VA

Shelter #2.

Everyone is welcome to join us for music, food, and fun! Hotdogs, Hamburgers, and BBQ will be provided!

Guest Speakers will include but not limited to: Delegate Ward Armstrong, Congressman Rick Boucher, and Senator Roscoe Reynolds.

Bring a covered dish and a lawn chair and enjoy the music, food, and the fellowship!

We hope to see you all there!