Report: VB reception

In conjunction with the State Steering Committee and State Central Committee meetings held in Virginia Beach this weekend, there was a reception Friday night for the local Democratic candidates for the General Assembly with Party Chairman Richard Cranwell and House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong. I didn’t make the committee meetings but cvillelaw was there and provides this report. I did manage to carve out some time for the reception and I’m glad I did.

This was the first time I’ve heard Ward Armstrong speak and he did a good job. A nice mix of humor and seriousness were reflected in his brief remarks to the assembled group. There was a lot of energy in the room. I moved around from group to group, chatting with folks, mostly about the races here in Hampton Roads. Candidates in attendance included Joe Bouchard, Bobby Mathieson, Bob MacIver, Ralph Northam and Steve Heretick.

Heretick shared some good news that I had heard earlier in the evening: his candidacy has been endorsed by Governor Tim Kaine. This is the second primary in which the governor has made an endorsement. I understand that there will not be any others. Steve has been working hard and certainly deserves the governor’s support. As far as I know, his opponent, David Bouchard, has not been heard from since he filed.

Since this reception followed the Steering Committee meeting, some of the members of that group attended. One of those was rising star Jennifer McClellan. I’d not met McClellan before but after chatting with her for a few minutes, I can see why others think so highly of her. She’s definitely one to watch! I think we’re looking at our first female governor here (the bad links on her website notwithstanding). And, of course, I invited her to my Memorial Day Bash 😉

All in all, it was an interesting evening. I had fun and I think others did, too. Too bad these meetings don’t come to our area more often.