Thursday night, supporters of Del. Johnny Joannou gathered at the Ambassador in Portsmouth for an evening of food, fun, and a bit of politics. Shortly after arriving, I had my first surprise of the evening. Del. John Cosgrove (R-Chesapeake) was in attendance. 
The last time I saw Cosgrove was at another Democratic event: Del. Lionell Spruill’s golf tournament. (Come to the light, Del. Cosgrove 🙂 )
We chatted as we edged toward the food line, where we were treated to barbeque, coleslaw, fried chicken, and baked beans. In addition, they were roasting oysters outside. (I passed on those.) Making my way through the crowd to get seated, I ran into a number of folks from all over Hampton Roads as well as a few from outside the area. Both Brian Moran and Creigh Deeds made the trip.
The second – and far larger – surprise of the evening occurred when the MC of the event read a letter of support that Joannou had received. The letter in itself was not remarkable – but the person signing it was.
The letter was from former governor (and our next Senator) Mark Warner. Now everyone around here is aware that there has been a tiff between Warner and Joannou since Joannou voted against Warner’s bill in 2004. Warner campaigned for Henry Light in 2007 in his primary against Joannou. So to have a letter from Warner supporting Joannou is a big deal, and I understand that not only have they buried the hatchet, but that Warner will be supporting Joannou next year.
Electeds and candidates from throughout the region joined Joannou on stage as he offered remarks. Cosgrove had mentioned to me earlier that he had to leave but as it turns out, he had not left by that time. At the urging of the others, he came up and addressed the crowd and joined those standing in support of Joannou.
Among the candidates present was Robert Barclay, who is a first time candidate for City Council in Suffolk and who, as luck would have it, is running unopposed! Seems no one else filed to run for the Sleepy Hole borough seat, which is being vacated by Linda Johnson, one of the candidates for mayor. Congratulations to Rob!
Also among the candidates present was Greg Underwood, who is running for Commonwealth’s Attorney in Norfolk. That seat became vacant when Jack Doyle was chosen for a judgeship. The date of the special election to fill the seat has not yet been announced.
(Speaking of special elections – I see that the date for the special election to fill Del. Terrie Suit’s seat has been set for January 6, 2009.)
A good time was had by all.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
Del. Joannou is a wonderful person and a dedicated legislator. He is very effective for his district, and Portsmouth knows a good thing when they have it!
Nice Post.
Hopefully you will able to recieve 1 million views in the futre.
Yes your post got caught in the spam filter & I fished it out.
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Yeah, they can keep Cosgrove.
I wonder if Randy Forbes knows that Del. Cosgrove is partying with the enemy. Of course Johnney is very Bipartisen.
Johnny is an extremely hardworking legislator and he is very focused. I think he breaks down barriers between the parties with his charisma. He always seems to know how to reach out to people and he understands when others are at a disadvantage. He understands human frailties and he never takes anyone for granted. He is always diplomatic, even temepered and he is always concerned for others before himself. His district is lucky to have him.