Enjoy the video of the final 8:59 of Tim Kaine’s speech last night at the Democratic Party of Virginia’s Jefferson-Jackson Dinner. Per the Virginia Politics blog:
“We’re spending some time reflecting about it,” Kaine told the crowd. “And I’m going to make to make a decision soon about whether I can best serve the Commonwealth as senator or as chairman of the party.”
A few voices from the crowd shouted “Run, Tim, Run!”
“Whatever decision I make, I’m confident the next senator from Virginia will be a Democrat,” he said.
By the way, there were about 1,400 or so people at the dinner last night, which isn’t bad at all (although obviously far less than in the exciting presidential year of 2008). It was great catching up with a bunch of people, some of whom I haven’t seen in a while (e.g., Steve Shannon, Mo Elleithee, met Charlie Diradour in person for the first time). Also, thanks to Dr. Babur Lateef, Democratic candidate against Corey Stewart for Prince William County Board Chair, for inviting me and my Labour Party friend from England to sit at one of his tables. It appeared that Lateef was giving Brian Moran and Terry McAuliffe some serious competition in working the room last night, and lots of people were asking me about him. Finally, I had a chance to talk with Tom Perriello for about 15-20 minutes, off the record, and it was great catching up about his latest activities (in southern Sudan, Egypt, etc.) and his thoughts about Jim Webb’s decision. The bottom line right now: we’re all waiting to hear what Tim Kaine decides, and obviously if Kaine throws his hat in the ring, that will “clear the field” of other Democratic candidates. If Kaine decides he doesn’t want to run, however, this could get interesting real fast. Stay tuned…
As for the speeches last night, Jim Moran was his usually passionate self (see here for video by The Richmonder). Neither Jim Webb nor Mark Warner were at the dinner, but recordings of their greetings/thoughts were played. Other speakers included Bobby Scott, Gerry Connolly, Brian Moran, and several other Democratic leaders. I thought the crowd was somewhat subdued — not sure why that was the case exactly; maybe because of Jim Webb’s announcement and noone else declaring yet? — but it seemed to run smoothly with no glitches.
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