On June 12, 2010, the Democratic Party of Virginia (DPVA) will select a new 1st Vice Chair. The following statement is from former Webb “ragtag army” superstar Susan Mariner, who I am strongly supporting for this position. Also supporting Susan so far are people like Sen. Chap Petersen, Del. Scott Surovell, Roanoke County Clerk of Circuit Court Steve McGraw, Prince William County Democratic chair Pete Frisbie, 10th CD Democratic Committee member Charlie Jackson, Isaac Sarver, Joe Montano, Joseph Puckett, 316 Facebook fans, and more. I hope you’ll support Susan too. Thanks!
WHY I AM RUNNING for DPVA 1st VICE CHAIR of ORGANIZATION
I’m Susan Mariner, and I’m asking for your vote on June 12th
First and foremost, the job of the DPVA 1st Vice Chair of Organization is to elect Democrats. I am running for this seat at this particular time because I believe I am uniquely qualified to accomplish that goal. Here’s why–
*I have the proven ability to grow, strengthen, and diversify the Party: In 6 months as Chair of the Virginia Beach Democratic Committee, I have increased our committee membership from 80 to 175, brought in a critical infusion of energetic young people, and vastly increased participation of minorities. If you want a 1st Vice Chair of Organization who has the skills to grow, strengthen, and diversify the Democratic Party across the Commonwealth, I ask for your vote.
*I will leave no committee behind: Over the years, my work with urban, rural, and suburban Democratic committees has made me acutely aware that the challenges faced by committees throughout the state are not the same and cannot be met with a “one size fits all” solution. If elected, I will personally and actively support all committees across this great state. If you want an energetic and knowledgeable 1st Vice Chair of Organization, one who will spend time helping any committee that seeks my assistance in creatively energizing, professionalizing or expanding their organization, I ask for your vote.
*I can improve relations between the Party establishment and the grassroots/netroots: The Democratic Party of Virginia needs everyone’s support. Unfortunately, there has been a feeling among numerous grassroots Democrats that the Party leadership is disconnected from the activists who support the Democratic Party every day. Whether this feeling is justified or not, the tension damages the Party and weakens us in our efforts to elect Democrats. Every election cycle, we rely heavily on our grassroots activists to do the heavy lifting on the ground. Similarly, we rely on our netroots activists to articulate and disseminate a compelling political narrative to the mainstream media and the public. Along these lines, I have credibility and strong support amongst the grassroots and netroots activist base of our Party. If elected, I will serve as a bridge between the activists and our Party leadership, ensuring the best possible working relationships between these crucial groups. Over the years, the DPVA has demonstrated that it can accomplish amazing things when we are unified. If you believe in the value of electing a 1st Vice Chair who will help to improve relations between grassroots activists and Party officials, I ask for your vote.
*I have professional political campaign experience: If you think that having a 1st Vice Chair of Organization who has professional experience working on campaigns in tough districts and who has a history of accomplishment winning tough races for Democrats would be a good thing for the Party, I ask for your vote.
*I know what it takes to win: We must have a 1st Vice Chair of Organization who knows what it takes to win against difficult odds so that we preserve our critical State Senate majority and win back seats in the House of Delegates in 2011. Just imagine what Bob McDonnell and Ken Cuccinelli would do with control of the Senate as well as the House of Delegates. Needless to say, that’s not acceptable. Also unacceptable would be to have Glenn Nye, Tom Perriello, Rick Boucher or Gerry Connolly defeated in 2010. As 1st Vice Chair of Organization, I will be able to use my training and experience to ensure that Democrats hold their ground and expand from there. To that end, I ask for your vote.
If I am afforded the extraordinary opportunity of serving as 1st Vice Chair of the great Democratic Party of Virginia, I will focus like a laser beam on strengthening the Party at all levels and will work tirelessly to put our Party in a position to win this year and beyond. I will be responsive and inclusive and will work collaboratively with you at every turn because I am absolutely convinced that together we can make this a Bluer Virginia.
I love this Party and want to serve. I ask for your vote on June 12th at the Central Committee meeting in Charlottesville.
Warmest Regards,
Susan Mariner
(757) 692-0989
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