When I arrived at Steve Heretick’s Fish Fry yesterday, I saw a series of blaze orange caps. Even though I’m not a hunter, I’m aware that they wear the color. So I was curious as to why the caps were being handed out. “Just wait,” I was told.
So I mingled around. Some 125 people had shown up on this beautiful 
afternoon to show their support for Heretick, to chat with the many electeds in attendance, and, of course, to eat some fried fish. Among those in attendance were Portsmouth Mayor James Holley, Delegates 
Lionell Spruill and Ken Melvin, Congressman Bobby Scott and several members of council. Oh yeah – and Governor Tim Kaine 😉
Once all were assembled, 
the speeches began. Congressman Scott kicked things off. Mayor Holley had the crowd in stitches as he alternated between telling jokes and being serious about Heretick’s service to the City of Portsmouth.
Our next Senator from the 13th district then took the stage. “I am told that yesterday was the official start of duck season. Well, ladies and gentlemen,” he said, “I’m here to tell you that today is the official start of Quayle season.” With that, he put on the orange hat. The crowd roared with laughter. Some of the speech appears below.
Governor Kaine addressed the crowd as well. His message of the need to elect Steve and other Democrats in the area in order to continue to move Virginia forward was well received.
The event drew participants from all over Hampton Roads. A little food, a little politics – what could be better than that? 🙂
Technorati Tags: Steve Heretick
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
If the goal is to make the state senate even more polarized, then go ahead and take out another good centrist servant, Fred Quayle. I don’t know Heretick from Adam’s off ox, and I hear he is a good man. And I suppose 35% of the state would think any D is better than any R in any slot. I’m just not one of them. I can be moved to vote for anyone of any stripe — but there’s nothing here in this post or any of Heretick’s information that is geared to the average voter. Then again, maybe that’s not the point.
I wish folks would stop using Red and Blue and Purple to describe politics. The colors are well-known by those who are entranced by mass media, but Democrat, Republican, Green, Libertarian, Independent, … are much more descriptive terms.
Very coy, but empty jibe. I hope Quayle doesn’t fall into the same vein and make jokes about ‘heretics’.
Observer – this was a Democratic event, so it was a case of preaching to the choir, revving up the supporters. Both sides do the same thing at their events. (And yes, I’ve attended both.) You will see more information geared to the average voters both here and elsewhere as the election gets closer.
#2 – the use of red and blue to describe Republicans and Democrats is the norm. I think you will also find that when a candidate is Green, Libertarian or Independent, those terms are appropriately used. This is, after all, a political blog and at this point in the election cycle, mostly political folks are reading.
Didn’t the networks switch the colors back and forth years ago, every presidential election?
As a republican, I don’t see where Quayle has done much for family values. He continually supports bills that raise fines and penalties for working families. I dread that fact that I voted for him in 1992 knowing that he didn’t pay his taxes then I had to watch him raise ours. Its about time that he goes. Republicans for Heretick.