Statement from Gaylene

Greetings

To whom much is given, much is required. – Luke 12:48

I want to take this moment to once again thank you for your support.

Yesterday was a bittersweet day for me. It was joyous because, of course, WE won the 1st Vice Chair of Organization position! This victory would not have occurred without the enormous support I received. Thank you!

Sadly, though, during the nomination segment my very good friend Yvonne Six, who was like a mother to me, was laid to rest. I could hear her voice of support during the entire process.

I also want to thank Susan Mariner. She ran a strong campaign and offered great ideas for moving our Party forward. She is the kind of Democrat we need who is willing to work hard for the DPVA and the people of the Commonwealth.

I stand ready to serve; ready to listen to you, your concerns, ideas and suggestions, and to act on them to keep Virginia Blue. We are One VIRGINIA!

Now it’s time to get our boots on the ground! Bill Brown (VA-HD-27) and Kai Degner (VA-HD-26) both need our help to be elected Delegates in the special elections this Tuesday June 15. I spoke with both campaigns today and there are three things we can all do no matter where we are in the state.

1. Make a contribution. No amount is too big or too small and the campaigns can use the money in this last minute push to the finish. Click here to contribute to Bill Brown. Click here to contribute to Kai Degner.
2. Phone Bank. You can do this from the comfort of your own home and it takes as much time as you’d like to give it. Contact Bill Brown at Brown16@comcast.net to receive a phone bank list. You can send an e-mail to taylor@degnerfordelegate.com to set up a virtual phone bank for Kai Degner. Making calls is crucial on Election Day because most people don’t turn out to vote in special elections!
3. Work the polls. If you live in either candidate’s district or know someone who does, please make arrangements to work the polls on Election Day.

Beyond the June 15 elections, we need to set up and prepare for elections to come. Campaign season is too late to get started. One of the first things we need to do is train our activists and volunteers on VAN. Stay tuned for upcoming training dates and sessions.

Finally, a note to Chairs: Please consider hosting a Local & State Boards and Commissions Training. We need to stack the deck and get strong, reliable Democrats on local Boards and Commissions across the Commonwealth so we have leaders to go to when we’re looking for candidates for the General Assembly and other State/Local offices.

So let’s get the party started now! Let’s…PUT BOOTS ON THE GROUND! BOOTS ON THE GROUND! WE’RE GOING TO WIN WITH OUR BOOTS ON THE GROUND!

Until next time…Go Virginia Democrats!

Gaylene Kanoyton
DPVA 1st Vice Chair, Organization