With the Democratic Party of Virginia’s state convention, including an election for Virginia’s four elected DNC delegates, kicking off in less than a week, the candidates are working hard for support. Yesterday afternoon, DNC candidate Ben Tribbett announced that he’d been endorsed by “all five committee Chairs of the largest localities here in Northern Virginia.” Ben points out that those localities – Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax City, Fairfax County, Falls Church, Loudoun, and Prince William – account for more than “40% of the total Delegates registered for this state convention.” Impressive.
I checked with several of the Democratic Committee chairs for why they endorsed Ben, and so far I’ve received two statements (from Arlington chair Mike Lieberman and Loudoun Chair Evan Macbeth) and had one conversation (with Fairfax County chair Cesar Delaguila). Here’s what they had to say:
Mike Lieberman (ACDC)
Ben cares a great deal about the Democratic Party, which he demonstrates every day through his job, his writing, and his volunteerism. Ben has my vote because I believe he will bring the same dedication and commitment to the DNC that he has brought to the Democratic Party in Virginia.
Evan Macbeth (LCDC)
Ben challenges assumptions, speaks his mind, expects accountability and fights for those who fight for us. It seems to me that’s a kind of person we could use in the room when our national Party makes decisions.
Cesar Delaguila (FCDC)
*”Ben’s the type of person who would shake things up…will bring fresh ideas…a different perspective and a different way to engage people.”
*”I believe it’s important to bring a lot of people back into the party…There’s often lots of bitterness after elections which can create fissures between people, we need to sit down and talk to each other.”
*”Ben’s got the social media thing down…gets people thinking in a whole new way.”
Other chairs endorsing Ben are Dak Hardwick (Alexandria), Harry Wiggins (Prince William County), Betty Coll (Falls Church), and Patrick LeFloch (Fairfax City).
If you’re interested in attending the convention, it’s being held this coming Friday and Saturday at George Mason University. I’ve posted the schedule on the “flip.” Check it out, and vote if you can!
Friday, June 1, 2012
4:00 pm to 7:00 pm Early Registration Mason Inn
5:00 pm Steering Committee Meeting Mason Inn
5:00 pm Asian American Caucus Reception Mason Inn
7:30 pm Evening Honoring Senator Jim Webb Mason Inn
10:00 pm Hospitality Suites Open TBDSaturday, June 2, 2012
7:00 am Registration Opens, George Mason Center for the Arts
7:00 am Continental Breakfast
8:45 am Delegates must be seated
9:00 am Call to Convention
11:30 am Lunch for Delegates
Boxed Lunches Support the Democratic Black Caucus’ Recognition of Juneteenth (pre-order only)
2:00 pm Convention Concludes
4:00 pm DLOV Happy Hour TBD
7:00 pm Year of the Woman Reception Mason Inn
9:30 pm Hospitality Suites Open TBD
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