A large crowd of local residents and University students assembled on the Charlottesville Downtown Mall Sunday evening to rally for state Democratic candidates Jim Webb and Al Weed in the upcoming election. Former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner spoke on behalf of the candidates, emphasizing a need for change in an effort to get out the vote on Tuesday.
"We need strong American leadership that reflects American values," Warner said. "Virginians are ready for a change ... they want a Congress with an independent voice, not a rubber stamp Congress."
His comments covered a broad range of topics, highlighting what he believed to be erroneous current policies on the Iraq War, terrorism, national debt, energy policy and global warming, and a competitive global strategy for education and health care.
"The incumbent voted with Bush 96 percent of the time," Warner said, referring to Sen. George Allen, R-Va. Warner juxtaposed this with what he continually referred to as the "independent voice" of Webb and Weed.
Warner was also quick to point out that "Weed served our nation with distinction," adding that he would bring a combat-tested perspective to Iraq strategy.
"Every poll in the past 10 days has shown Jim Webb up in the race," Warner said.
Warner also addressed the importance of this election to college students.
"This election is about your future" Warner said.
University Democrats President Katie Cristol dismissed the possibility of a bandwagon effect in support of Webb.
"If anything is going to create a bandwagon effect, it's not going to be Mark Warner or the polls showing [Webb] ahead. It's going to be the fact that [Webb] is a great candidate that represents real change in Washington; however, that said, we are thrilled that he is here."
Fourth-year College student Adam Justus said Charlottesville has been decidedly Democratic in recent elections, so the rally served more to "get people excited and share the need to vote with their friends" than to appeal to undecided voters.
Signs read, "Time for a change," and that point was emphasized by the rally's speakers. The rally featured a host of state and local Democratic political figures and candidates in addition to Warner, including Charlottesville vice Mayor Kendra Hamilton, Virginia General Assembly Rep. David Toscano, D-Charlottesville, and Fifth District congressional candidate Al Weed. Weed commented on his recent campaign travels before introducing Warner.
Charlottesville community members Sherry Kraft and Jan Fenton expressed their belief that "this election is hugely important for Democrats ... we've learned that every vote counts."
College Republicans Secretary Michael Gannon said his organization will be focused on door-to-door campaigning.
"There will be CRs at several polling stations ... handing out literature and working from open until close on Tuesday," Gannon said.
Gannon expressed no concern over Warner's presence at the rally, or possible increased Democratic turnout.
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