Miller event wrapup

One should question the mental acuity of anyone who decides to try to get from Norfolk to Newport News for a 5:30 pm event 😉 The normal 30 minute trip took over an hour. Nevertheless, it was worth it to me to sit in traffic for the opportunity to hear 1st Senate district Democratic candidate John Miller speak and to watch him interact with supporters of all stripes.

Some 175 people attended the event on this warm, sunny afternoon. Among the attendees were Del. Mamye BaCote, Del. Bill Barlow, former Del. Alan Diamonstein, former Del. Flora Crittenden, and Newport News Commissioner of the Revenue Charles Crowson. Also there was the late Senator Hunter Andrews’ wife, Cynthia and the wife of Newport News Mayor Joe Frank.

Singled out for special thanks by Miller in his remarks were original candidate Steve Corneliussen, who stepped aside when Marty Williams lost the Republican primary, and Hampton Commissioner of the Revenue Ross Mugler, who chose not to run. Both of these men were in attendance.

Miller gave brief remarks on his desire to represent the people in the 1st. (I hope to have video of the speech soon.) His primary issue is education and for this event and those forthcoming, he asked the attendees to bring school supplies that will be distributed to the teachers in the 1st. His passion for education was evident – and not something that was made up as a campaign gimmick. I was impressed with his earnestness. This guy’s no politician – which I hope he takes as the compliment that it is intended to be. There is no doubt in my mind that when people hear him and have the chance to speak with him, he will win them over.

Taking a cue from Miller, Governor Tim Kaine talked about education as well, framing the issue in a historical context. Now, I’ve heard the Governor speak a lot, but this speech was different. Education is also one of the Governor’s passions, and it clearly showed in this speech. The Governor talked about how far Virginia has come in the years between the visits of Queen Elizabeth. She visited Virginia for the 350th anniversary in 1957, at a time when Virginia ranked low in terms of education – 36th. By the time that she visited again this year – 50 years later – Virginia has risen to 9th. He said that during that time, it was investment in public education that made the difference. Kaine made reference to the pledge signed by Miller’s opponent, Republican Tricia Stall, with a group known as the Alliance for the Separation of School and State which supports “ending government involvement in education.” (The Governor’s speech was also videotaped and I hope to get a copy of it in the next few days.)

One really cool thing in all of this is the support Miller has of his family. Some candidates have a hard time engaging their family in politics. Not so here. I have no doubt that his wife, Sharron, is his biggest cheerleader. Daughter Jenny (recently promoted to 1st VP at her firm – congrats!) was in attendance at the event and in my conversation with her, says she plans to be involved as much as she can. Son John is a state trooper and was unable to make the event.

Yes, the event was for Miller supporters. But the enthusiasm for his candidacy was palpable. We’ve got a winner here, folks. Do what you can to help. Volunteers are always needed as is, of course, money. John Miller is a great candidate. The race will be tough, but it is certainly winnable.

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