It’s well known that, in Virginia, we manage to have elections every year. In 2004, we will have the opportunity to vote several times, depending on one’s political persuasion. Virginia will participate in the Democratic Presidential Primary selection process next week on February 10, and there will most likely be a Democratic primary for the Eighth Congressional District in early June, with incumbent Congressman Jim Moran facing challenger Andy Rosenberg.
It’s been a long time since Democrats in Virginia had a presidential primary; indeed, Virginia could be a significant feather in some candidate’s hat next Tuesday. Early polls and phone banking results put Massachusetts Senator John Kerry ahead here in Virginia. The Kerry campaign opened a Northern Virginia office in the Westlawn Shopping Center on Saturday, and more than 100 supporters showed up to cheer. Former Fairfax County Board Chairman Kate Hanley, who identified herself as a “recovering elected official,” presided over the endorsements of Senator Kerry by current and former elected officials throughout Northern Virginia. Kerry also is endorsed by many local firefighter associations, and has the support of many Vietnam veterans for his courage both as an Army Lieutenant during the Vietnam War and an anti-war activist following his military service.
Other candidates also are working hard to win delegates in the Old Dominion. Former Vermont Governor Howard Dean opened an office several months ago in the city of Falls Church, and was the keynote speaker for the annual Kennedy-King Dinner in Alexandria last fall. Former General Wesley Clark has a lot of supporters here and is using direct mail and television ads to contact voters. North Carolina Senator John Edwards seems to favor the e-mail approach, with regular messages popping up on computer screens everywhere. Also on the Virginia ballot are Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich, Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman, and Rev. Al Sharpton. Missouri Congressman Dick Gephardt will be listed on the ballot; he withdrew his candidacy too late to be removed from the Virginia ballot.
The Democratic Presidential Primary will be held next Tuesday, February 10. If you wish to vote in the primary, you should go to your regular polling place between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Be sure to take a picture ID with you; new state election laws require proof of residence and a picture ID. To vote absentee in Fairfax County, contact the Electoral Board at 703/222-0776, or log on to www.fairfaxcounty.gov, and click on Citizenship and Voting for more information.
