Democratic prospects have been historically bleak in Virginia, but several events this weekend were geared toward energizing local Democrats in an effort to reverse a 40-year Republican voting trend in the Commonwealth.
University students and local Democrats of all ages turned out at The Park Saturday morning to race and attend a rally featuring Gov. Mark R. Warner.
Yesterday, Cavs '04 Kerry and the University Democrats sponsored a rally called Swing Virginia Blue in the Amphitheatre.
Saturday morning, following a four-mile run and a mile-and-a-half walk around North Grounds and Charlottesville, attendees listened to short speeches by 5th Congressional District candidate Al Weed, Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Charlottesville, and Warner.
Each speaker emphasized increased Democratic turnout at events and voter registration and praised their party's ability to win local and national races in Virginia.
Weed, who is trying to unseat four-term Republican incumbent Virgil Goode, noted what he called "packed" attendance at an event in Danville, which votes heavily Republican.
"If we can turn it around in Danville, we can turn it around in the 5th District," Weed said.
Deeds, who is running for Attorney General in the 2005 Virginia election, also praised turnout at Weed's events and agreed Virginia would vote Democratic in November.
"We're going to be a blue state in four weeks," Deeds said to an enthusiastic response.
While introducing Warner, Deeds said the process of changing Virginia's vote began in 2001, when voters elected Warner, and praised Warner's efforts during the spring General Assembly session.
"As Governor, he's set Virginia back on the track of fiscal responsibility," Deeds said.
According to Warner, Virginia's increased voter registration is benefiting the Democratic Party.
"Most of the new voters ... are turning up in places like Charlottesville," Warner said.
Like Deeds, Warner referred to Thursday night's debate between President George W. Bush and Sen. John Kerry, criticizing the president and linking local Democratic successes in Virginia to support for national candidates.
"Come November, not only are we going to take back Virginia for John Kerry, but Al Weed's going to take back the 5th District," Warner said to a another cheer.
The race and rally were co-sponsored by the Charlottesville and Albemarle County Democrats. In between the events, organizers distributed fliers, yard signs and other materials, offered voter registration materials and advertised volunteer opportunities.
Over 400 runners were expected to race, and organizers said at least 200 finished.
Sunday's rally also focused on energizing Democrats, particularly University students.
"Our main objectives are to register as many people as possible before the deadline, and we want to have them listen to Virginia's Democratic politicians to convince them that Kerry and Edwards are the best choices for leading our country," said fourth-Year College student Danny Drachsler, who planned the event. "We also want to show [the community] that this ain't Bush country yet."
Weed also spoke at Sunday's rally, as did Virginia Democratic Party Chair Kerry Donley.
Local bands Silent Diner, Cannonball Coming and The Beetnix provided musical entertainment throughout the event.
Weed addressed several issues he said will have a major impact on America's future, including the half trillion dollar deficit, the environment and the war in Iraq.
Weed, who also is the founder of Virginia's oldest winery, said the Bush administration has failed to protect the environment.
"If you're not voting for Democrats this year, what you're voting for will probably not end up in protecting the environment," he said.
Weed's sharpest criticism pertained to the current administration's handling of the war in Iraq.
"One of the things that Congress is supposed to do -- and it's why I'm running more than anything else -- is ask questions when the executive says they want to have a war," Weed said.
Donley addressed many of the same issues as Weed and said the Democratic campaign is about what America needs and what it does not need.
America does not need a large deficit, more legislation like the No Child Left Behind Act and more failed foreign policies that further tarnish America's reputation, he said.
At the conclusion of his speech, Donley likened voting to driving a car.
"When you want to go forward, you put it in D," he said. "When you want to go backward, you put it in R."
In addition to distributing Democratic campaign materials, rally organizers also registered some 50 people to vote, Drachsler said.
Amber VerValin, College Republicans vice-chairman of campaigns, said she does not think Virginia will be "swung blue" this election year.
"I think there might be increased enthusiasm for the Democratic party ... but the Republicans are doing just the same," VerValin said. "What the Republicans are doing is countering what the Democrats are doing"
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