It was a warm (steaming warm) Sunday afternoon and all the Democratic activist had gathered, when what to our wondering eyes should appear, But a Governor on a bike in really bright gear.
It was a warm (steaming warm) Sunday afternoon when many grassroots activist came out to the Mount Vernon Democratic Committee 27th annual ice cream social. The event and the setting could not be grander in beauty and history.
It is a great event and since in Virginia we have a race every year it is our official launch for the Election season. This year we are fighting to regain control of the Virginia State House, both the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates. The majority in both houses is the balance this year our magic numbers for control 21/51. Why is this important? Well besides the obvious, majority, duh. This is the last election for control of the Virginia Senate before redistricting for the next decade. We have the momentum coming off of a Governor Tim Kaine victory, a Jim Webb, US Senate victory and great (really great) candidates.
As we gathered on river edge of the Potomac and the ice cream was melting, the crowd was settling in to listen to our elected / candidates for the 2007 cycle, a figure rode up on a speedy looking bike all dressed in that bright stuff (you know, really bright) riding gear.
Slowly the passerby removed the helmet and a pleasant surprise was heard in the crowd. The honorable Governor Mark Warner had just stopped by our event to say hi. He was out on a Sunday afternoon exercise route and saw the plastered election signage and realized this was an event he could feel at home in.
Mark made an announcement:
"I am please to say to a wonderful gathering of supporters, that....... I am running for elected office.......what office....... You will have to wait until Friday........."
So there you have it. Mark’s back in Virginia politics (wished it was national) and now the question will be answered Thursday.
Event Photos
Mt Vernon Dems blog