THANKS!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

(Arlington County Democratic Committee)

Report from the Chairman

Peter Rousselot

Thanks to your extraordinary efforts during the 2008 election campaign in Arlington, Barack Obama carried Arlington by a margin of almost 50,000 votes over John McCain. That margin was a major contributor to Obama’s victory in Virginia. As you know, 2008 was the first time in 44 years that a Democratic candidate for President carried the state. Your participation in every aspect of this process enabled Obama to get 72% of the Arlington vote and Mark Warner to get 76% of our vote. Although we fell just a little bit short of the 80% goal we set for them, the results attained were truly historic—thanks to all of you.

Our candidate for Congress, incumbent Representative Jim Moran, again triumphed decisively in Arlington and throughout the Eighth Congressional District. As he has repeatedly in the past, Jim and his campaign team provided tremendous support to all of our Democratic candidates, with strong leadership at our headquarters and at the grassroots level. Jim’s loyalty and dedication to our Democratic team are very welcome and much appreciated.

We also swept the field in all of our local races and our positions on the four bonds and one ballot initiative. Barbara Favola was resoundingly re-elected with 75% of the vote. Once again, all four bonds were approved by wide margins. We defeated the ill-advised public housing authority ballot initiative by a 2 to1 vote. Although they had no opposition because no other Republicans, Independents, or Green Party candidates were even willing to challenge them, our endorsed candidates for School Board, Libby Garvey and Emma Violand Sanchez, also won.

Our special thanks go to our 2008 Joint Campaign Co-Chairs, Arlington County Board member Jay Fisette, Madi Green, and Jody Olson who led us to these great victories. Please join them at our next ACDC meeting on December 3 as we celebrate and honor all the volunteers who made these victories possible.

As we move into 2009, it looks like we are going to be having spirited Democratic primary contests for the positions of Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General of Virginia. Closer to home, it appears that we will be having a primary contest for one Virginia House of Delegates seat from Arlington. These primaries will be held on June 9, 2009. We may also have a contest for the Democratic endorsement for School Board. If there is such a contest, it will be decided in a caucus held in May 2009. All of these events will provide opportunities for you to get involved in these campaigns---as well as the general election campaign in 2009.

With your continued help, dedication, and support, we look forward to even greater things in 2009!

PETER ROUSSELOT