Congressman Scott’s Labor Day picnic

Monday, hundreds of Virginia Democrats gathered at the waterfront home of Congressman Bobby Scott’s parents in Newport News for his 31st annual Labor Day picnic. This is the biggest political event in Hampton Roads, drawing attendees from all over. Since the event runs three hours, people usually wander in a little late. Not this year. When I arrived at about 3:15pm, a sizable crowd was already present, including the local news media. Many of the local electeds who are running unopposed were there when I got there. Those who are running in contested races came later, as they spent the earlier part of the afternoon at other events in their districts or knocking on doors.

Around 4:15, the crowd was at its largest and I wandered out to the street. Coming from inside the house was Governor Tim Kaine. I mentioned that he looked tired – and he said he was. This was his 12th – and last – event of the Labor Day weekend. Nevertheless, he waded into the crowd and talked with folks, listening intently to their questions and concerns.

The print media is always at this event but this year, local TV coverage was there as well. After all, former governor Mark Warner was to be there – and he was. I listened as they interviewed him after the speeches and they were hoping for an announcement of his intentions. They pressed him hard – but Warner deftly deflected their questions.

Shortly after Warner arrived, the call came for the candidates and electeds to come forward. Their initial call was quite broad – something along the lines of “all candidates for any office” – heck, that covered half the folks there! Naturally, they narrowed it down a bit. Still, the number of candidates and electeds in attendance was impressive. (Ralph Northam was at an event on the Eastern Shore and was unable to come. Paula Miller was working in the district and was not able to make it, either.)

The local media videotaped the entire 15 or so minutes of the speeches, so I did, too. You can see the video below the fold.

All in all, another great Labor Day picnic. Kudos to Congressman Scott and his staff for putting together another wonderful event.

Part I of the speeches from the picnic. This segment, a little over 8 minutes long, includes introductions of all of the candidates and electeds and features House Democratic Caucus chair Brian Moran and Senator Creigh Deeds.

Part II of the speeches from the picnic. Includes the speeches by Warner and Kaine.