This will be a live post covering the Bob McDonnell for Governor event held in Prince William County, Virginia. McDonnell is the Republican Candidate who is facing off against Democratic candidate Creigh Deeds for the position to be vacated by current Democratic Governor Tim Kaine. Virginia’s unique law only allows a Governor to serve in one 4-year term. This term limit has been challenged in the past by some prominent politicians, the last being former Democratic Governor Mark Warner back in 2004.
2:55pm – There is roughly 40 or 50 people current at the restaurant. The event is to begin at 3:00pm. Looking around, the event coordinators have placed pamphlets and yard signs throughout the interior, as well as yard signs up and down the street. I will post pictures once I get home.
3:05pm – People continue to stream in. By my estimate, there is now about 70 people here for the event. The campaign has provided a buffet for participants, to include pizza and soft drinks. I walked the crowd briefly while taking a few photos. Most of the campaign staff are wearing official McDonnell for Governor shirts, while others are displaying campaign stickers and name tags. I was given a sticker as well, as is evident in the photo of my laptop (to be displayed once I get home).
3:15pm – People are still arriving, filling up most of the available tables. I will have to check with one of the waitresses to see what the seating capacity of the restaurant is, just for a more accurate count. By the looks of it, there is only one table of patrons that are not here for the campaign event.
3:25pm – I have been greeted by a few campaign staffers, including the local party organization leaders. The flow of traffic into the room has slowed, so I think things will kick off soon. I have overheard two conversations regarding the proposed health care reform bills, primarily about the health coverage for the elderly.
3:30pm – By my estimate, there is 120 people here. There might be more, but with people standing and walking around, it is a bit difficult to get an accurate count. I was just informed that the actual event will be starting in 10 minutes. Time for another round of photos.
3:35pm – Just by a quick glance around the room, there is a wide demographic of participants here. There are retired couples, young couples with small kids, people dressed as if they have just arrived from church as well as others wearing t-shirts and jeans. The couple next to me was kind enough to allow me to take a photo of their bumper sticker. With McDonnell being an Army Veteran (20+ years both active and reservist), Veteran stickers such as the one in this photo is common here.
3:45pm – The announcement that things are getting started has just been made. However, I don’t think anyone heard it, as side conversations continue.
3:50pm – Rich Anderson (candidate for 51st Legislative District) is now speaking. He just introduced Scott Lingamfelter (31st Legislative District) and Bob McDonnell.
3:55pm – Lingamfelter discusses his role in building Veteran support in the County for McDonnell. He just introduced McDonnell. McDonnell is welcoming the guests and those that did the introduction. He is currently mentioning the young adult and children turn out, explaining how it is important for them to understand their roll in local politics and how it impacts their lives.
4:00pm – McDonnell is currently discussing his election for Attorney General and how his daughter was serving overseas in Iraq. You might remember that he won the election by less than 1000 votes (total to be updated when I get home). He is discussing how he wants to keep state taxes low while increasing the jobs available in the state through practical business-friendly policies. Covering the economic, housing, and electrical challenges facing the state, much of which resulting from 7 years of Democratic Governor leadership under Warner and Kaine.
4:05pm – McDonnell is discussing how the competition for new jobs is not only region (against Tennessee, N. Carolina, Maryland, etc) as well as countries such as India and China. He notes that leadership on jobs is more than standing in a picket line in front of Hotels (reference to be provided). He also has credited President Obama for some of his positions on improving access to education as well as increasing the quality of education. McDonnell is now discussing the need for more accountability and transparency for the spending of taxpayers’ money.
4:10pm – McDonnell is discussing the need for States to stand up for their Constitutional rights, especially the 2nd Amendment and the 5th Amendment. Noting that there are 90 days left in the campaign, he notes that he is ahead in the polls and in fundraising, and that Michael Steele wants a win in Virginia. (I also have Bill Bolling sighting in the room.) McDonnell is asking the audience to text his campaign to receive campaign updates. This was a successful tool used by President Obama during his campaign.
4:15pm – McDonnell is wrapping up his quick speech, promising to get the rest stops reopened (to a roaring applause and cheers). For those who do not travel the I-95 corridor yesterday, traffic was backed up for hours in both North and South-bound lanes, with some area rest stops being closed by Tim Kaine’s office due to the states current budget shortfall.
He has also addressed a question about the 10th Amendment (which he calls the forgotten Amendment). Crediting Republicans, Democrats, and the Supreme Court for trampling the Amendment, he promises to challenge the overstepping by the Federal Government on States Constitutional Rights. Addressing Health Care, he states that we have the best doctors and medical systems in the world, but that we do need to reduce the costs associated with that care.
4:20pm – Turning his attention to Energy, he discusses the large concentrations of natural gas in Virginia and how that the next nuclear power plant will be down in Lake Anna, Virginia. Additionally, he is for drilling for oil 50 miles off the coast. He believes 2600 jobs will be created in tapping the natural gas resources in the state alone. The revenue from oil and gas production will go towards the currently weak transportation funds to update state roads.
A question has been asked about stimulus funds. He recognizes that $4.6 Million (or Billion, I have to check) has been accepted by the State to cover unemployment costs. He opposed 3% of the funds directed to part-time workers who are unemployed since it was in conflict to state laws and that it created a disincentive for those unemployed individuals to seek new employment.
Ending the short Q&A session, he closes with his focus on jobs and economic growth, and how he cannot win the election without carrying Prince William County.
4:25pm – Closing remarks have been made and now McDonnell and the other politicians are roaming around the room talking to those in attendence. Time for more photos.
4:30pm – The room has emptied quickly, with McDonnell shaking hands and talking to the few remaining participants. With that, I think I will end the article here and head home.
