YOU HAVE to take pleasure in whatever victories you can gain, even if they are small. Never was this message more apparent than at the Omni Hotel in downtown Charlottesville last night - the site of the Democratic party reception in which State Sen. Emily Couric (D-25th) celebrated her reelection. Couric captured a solid 66 percent of the vote in her sound defeat of Republican challenger Jane Maddux.
During a night in which the most significant development was the Republican takeover of both houses of the state legislature, in addition to already controlling the governor's mansion, Democrats still rejoiced in Couric's victory. The mood of the gala was jovial and the crowd large and enthusiastic as Couric provided the centerpiece of attention. Supporters cheered loudly for her win and the celebration carried over to other candidates, including Ed Wayland, who was defeated in his attempt to challenge incumbent Del. Paul Harris (R-58th).
But the crowd gave no indication from their boisterous cheers that Democrats suffered a significant defeat last night. They instead rallied around Couric's victory and celebrated the inspirational effort put forth by a solid slate of Democratic candidates.
Couric was all smiles in her acceptance speech, profusely thanking campaign volunteers before discussing the campaign and then addressing how she wants to move forward. Her message was characteristic and followed themes she stressed throughout her campaign. She reaffirmed her primary commitment to "the best public education Virginia can, and must, provide" for every child in the state. Couric also revisited the issue of health care and her desire to make managed care organizations more accountable, and then briefly touched on the goal of balancing economic growth with common sense decision-making that is conscious of the environment.
It was evident that Couric wanted to focus solely on her campaign in her celebration. She stressed her commitment to "carrying our message forward in a positive and enthusiastic manner." And throughout her comments, Couric referred specifically to the voters of the 25th district, not to the people of Virginia as a whole.
When asked about her reaction to the statewide Republican takeover, Couric again returned to a local mindset. She did not comment on the Republican victory, but instead stressed that "my job is to represent the people of the 25th district - period." She conceded that the interests of the Commonwealth are in many ways also the interests of her district, but her intent to separate her victory from the larger Democratic defeat was apparent.
Couric's optimistic attitude and commitment to sustain the Democratic interests of the district amidst Republican control at the state level is encouraging. Her victory is a positive sign for Charlottesville, a pocket of liberalism in the midst of an otherwise conservative state. Couric won a commanding 76 percent of the vote within the city of Charlottesville. This is impressive considering the Republican dominance of Virginia.
We should commend Couric's refusal to be discouraged by the Democrats' setback. Charlottesville residents will be well-represented in Richmond despite the fact that Democrats will not control either body of the legislature or the governor's mansion. Couric promises to be a strong Democratic voice, and to work well with the Republican majority to further the interests of voters in this district.
So for all the voters of the 25th district, the Republican victory at the state level need not be dismaying. Emily Couric's victory last night demonstrates that the liberal-leaning interests of Charlottesville will not be lost in the incoming conservative tide.
(Bryan Maxwell is a Cavalier Daily columnist.)
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