Just back from Ralph Northam’s reception. It was a nice crowd. Since I’m not good at estimating groups, I won’t try. One of the first people I ran into was former Norfolk Mayor Vince Thomas, who, like Northam, is a VMI grad. I hadn’t seen Mayor Thomas in a while, so it was good to catch up a bit.
Phil Kellam, dapper in a tuxedo as he was on his way to another function, was also there. It was also good to see some of the Democrats that I don’t often see at these events. More importantly, there were a number of new faces in the crowd, an indication that Northam has support outside of the usual Democratic supporters.
Northam spoke briefly, in that soft southern drawl of his, emphasizing the issues that important to him in the campaign:
- Law enforcement funding
- Health care access
- Education
- Saving the Bay
- Controlling skyrocketing property taxes
- Importance of coordination between local and state government
- Transportation
When I arrived (directly from work 😦 ) there were already a number of contributions in the basket. I suspect this was a profitable event for Northam.
I’ll bet Nick Rerras isn’t sleeping too well these days 🙂
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VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
Boo hoo for Nick Rerras.
I did the “Running to Win” conference today and there were some Norfolk ladies there that have supported Rerras in the past but have absolutely NO! intention of doing that again. I gave them Ralph’s web addy and they’re anxious to learn more about him, liking everything that they are hearing so far.
I guess professional women don’t like to be compared to any kind of Nazi — how could Nick Rerras have known? To quote a Norfolk attorney who knows Norfolk politics better than just about anybody, “Oh, Nick Rerras? He’s gone!”
Folks–I would not underestimate Nick Rerras. He has been in tough races before. Most of the comments I have heard from political consultants says Nick wins–albeit with a smaller margin perhaps. NOBODY outworks this man.
The bottom line is that Rerras needs this job and will fight hard to keep it. We have to fight harder! Remember the fine citizens of the 6th have voted to elect AND re-elect him even though he is an embarassment and down right dumb. That’s dangerous.
If only professional women (or any educated members of the public) voted, then surely Rerra would be gone. There are others who are less informed who will vote for whoever puts a flag in his yard or comes to his house campaigning. Ralph Northam needs to do more than be the best candidate. He needs to pound the pavement. As we remember from judicial selection this year, being the best is not enough in Norfolk.
well ralph is in for a fight cause Senator Rerras Has been here and has beat the best and is the hardest worker in virginia. Rerras beat the president protempt of the senate to get here so good luck