Arlington County Democratic Committee : Articles

Our year

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 CST

At our ACDC meeting in January, despite last minute location changes, limited parking, and lingering vacation schedules from the holidays, Democratic activists packed a room built for 300 with overflow into the halls. Just two months earlier, a mere two weeks after the November 2011 elections, a standing-room-only crowd of more than 150 attended the Arlington organizing meeting for Obama For America. These numbers are big, and they are only getting bigger. You can feel it in the air - there...

A government of the people, not the party

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

I was recently approached by a reporter walking near my office in Washington, DC, who asked me for an interview if I was "a government worker who would be furloughed if a budget deal is not struck in the next 24 hours." Working in the private sector, my job thankfully does not depend on Congressional budget whims. And in any event, at the 11th hour, a budget deal was reached by Congressional negotiators and a government shutdown was averted. But I was struck by the reporter's question,...

ACDC 2012 ACDC Reorganization

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

Every two years the state party plan requires ACDC to reorganize, which involves re-election of all of our 118 precinct captains and 15 elected officers. The elected officers of our Committee, according to our ACDC bylaws, are Chair, Deputy Chair, Finance Chair, Precinct Ops Chair, Volunteer Coordinator, Outreach and Visibility Co-Chairs (3), Treasurer, Press and Public Relations Chair, Secretary, Newsletter Editor, Communications Director, Sergeant-at-Arms, and...

Giving thanks

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 CST

14 for 14. That was the Arlington Democratic record this Election Day. With 14 races on the ballot this November - including three critical contested State Senate races - the Arlington Democrats not only won, but carried each and every race that came with our ambit.

Indeed, out of the 52 precincts in Arlington, only a single precinct dipped below 60% Democratic performance this year, and even in...

Rules for the 2012 School Board Endorsement

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 00:00:00 CST

Including the Unassembled Caucus to be held on Wednesday, May 9 (7 p.m. to 9 p.m.) at Drew Model School and Saturday, May 12 (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.) at Washington-Lee High School

The filing deadline is Monday, March 5 at 7:00pm.

Click here to download the Rules for the 2012 School Board Endorsement

What's at stake

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 CDT

In less than three weeks, Arlingtonians will go to the polls to elect 14 officials to represent us locally, and down in Richmond. This legislative year typically brings the lowest turnout in Virginia's four-year election cycle, which means that every Democratic vote cast makes that much more of a difference.

Two votes

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Two votes in the Virginia Senate. That's the only buffer left against full control in Richmond by Republican Bob McDonnell, Ken Cuccinelli, and their Tea Party friends. And this year, with three contested Senate contests here at home, those votes have to come from Arlington.

United we stand

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Throughout the spring and summer, our Arlington Democratic Party witnessed four hard-fought, spirited primary campaigns featuring nine outstanding candidates. On Tuesday, August 23, the voters spoke, and four candidates emerged. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate our primary winners - Barbara Favola for Senate, Adam Ebbin for Senate, Alfonso Lopez for Delegate, and Theo Stamos for Commonwealth's Attorney - and to welcome them to our joint campaign team for the...

When compromise became a dirty word

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 CDT

I, for one, am embarrassed that we have come to a place in our country where compromise is considered a dirty word, and where putting the good of the country above political expediency is thought of somehow as a negative character trait.

It's all the economy, stupid

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 CDT

On my way to work this week, I heard a news report on NPR regarding President Obama's recent announcement that he will withdraw 30,000 surge troops from Afghanistan by the end of summer 2012. As is too often the case, the reporter digressed into the political impact of the decision, noting that he did not believe the change would matter for the 2012 election because the issue "was not about jobs, and not about the economy."

Playing well with others

Mon, 30 May 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Of all of the topics that have dominated our political debate in this spring, none has been more contentious than the redistricting plan approved by the General Assembly this April.

Who we are

Tue, 03 May 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Earlier this week, I attended an organizational meeting for Arlington volunteers of Organizing for America - soon to be Obama for America - held at our Arlington Democratic Headquarters. At the outset of the meeting, after introductions from the group, Kip Malinosky, the leader of the meeting, asked me to tell everyone who we are as an Arlington Democratic organization. Put on the spot, I harkened back to our mission statement (yes, we have an official mission statement): "To increase the...

Time for spring training

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Politics is a lot like baseball - if you work hard in the spring and summer, you set yourself up for a strong run in October and November. Here in Arlington, the sun is out and the flowers are blooming, which can only mean one thing - it's time for spring training.

Lessons from Cairo to Madison

Sun, 27 Feb 2011 00:00:00 CST

To all those who have family in the Arab world now standing in harm's way, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Your work here as we struggle to improve our own communities honors their struggle as they fight to liberate theirs.

If this counts for civil discourse...

Sun, 23 Jan 2011 00:00:00 CST

As we move into yet another election year in Virginia - and one where stakes run particularly high because of redistricting - I sincerely hope that candidates in both parties, and those running against each other in primaries, will pause to choose their words carefully, without the damaging labels or rhetoric we have become all too used to. As chair of the Arlington Democratic Party, I consider it a personal goal to urge decorum and respect from all candidates on our Democratic ballot, and I...

A chance to give back

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 00:00:00 CST

So many times over the course of the year, we talk about the importance of caring for those who are least able to care for themselves. These are core Democratic values, core community values, and core human values we should never take for granted. But while political action indirectly addresses these challenges, it is not nearly often enough that we get a chance to directly put our Democratic values into action.

The payoff of hard work

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 00:00:00 CST

After watching district after district move into the Republican column, I'm sure that many of you did what my wife and I did relatively early in the night - turned off the TV.

But as I think back on this difficult election year with the benefit of a few weeks hindsight, I am reminded that while the rest of the country took an unfortunate turn, we have a lot to be proud of in Arlington.

In Arlington, we carried the top of our ticket...

The fierce energy of now

Sun, 24 Oct 2010 00:00:00 CDT

Forty-seven years ago, Martin Luther King, Jr. stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and talked about "the fierce urgency of now." Dr. King's famous words were, of course, aimed at the civil rights movement - encouraging African-Americans to stand up against oppression and make their voices heard. But decades later, these words still ring true.

Indeed, this year's election, now a mere eight days away, is in many ways the modern-day continuation of the civil rights...

When the going gets tough

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:00:00 CDT

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. With only a month to go between now and Election Day, never has this mantra been needed more.

It is hard to ignore the pervasive storyline that Democrats this year are playing defense - a headline reinforced by the breathless coverage the media provides daily of the Tea Party Republicans and their purported revolution to take back America. But the story that's not being told - the one the media doesn't...

The only way to run

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:00:00 CDT

Someone once told me that there are only two ways to run an election: unopposed or hard. This year, more than any other we will face as Arlington Democrats, this is a lesson we must take to heart.

As I have traveled from Democratic event to Democratic event this summer, I have heard people tell me time and again that there is no reason to worry - that Jim Moran, Chris Zimmerman, and Sally Baird are, of course, going to win in Arlington. After all, they tell me, we are one...

The real community organizers

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 CDT

One of my least favorite parts of being ACDC chair is the solemn responsibility I bear to let our community know about the passing of some of our older and most valued members. In that respect, July has been a more difficult month than most.

Remember, Remember, the 4th of November

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 CDT

There was an autumn chill in the air on Tuesday, November 4, 2008, yet more than one million people huddled together in Grant Park in Chicago to witness the historic acceptance speech of our new president, Barack Obama.

The solution to the credibility gap

Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 CDT

We must all be reminded from time to time that there are few lessons in life that cannot be learned from Dr. Seuss. Nowhere is that mantra more true than in politics.

In Government We Trust

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 CDT

May, 2010 Chair's Column
by Mike Lieberman

The Pew Research Center has just published the results of a survey indicating that public trust in government is at a near record low - 22 percent. It attributed this statistic to a "perfect storm" of conditions - a down economy, an unhappy public, increased partisanship, and a perceived...

Arlington Democrats Endorse Sally Baird for School Board

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 CST

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jason Rylander (202) 486-8650 March 10, 2010

Arlington Democrats Endorse Sally Baird for School Board

Arlington, VA - The Arlington County Democratic Committee enthusiastically endorses Sally Baird for reelection to the Arlington School Board. "We are proud to have School Board Chair Sally Baird running again as...

Know Your Voters: The Key to Electoral Success

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 CST

At its most basic level, politics is not all that complicated. To win as a candidate, you must do two things: (1) identify your supporters; and (2) make sure those supporters turn out on Election Day.

BI-PARTISANSHIP-REVISITED VIRGINIA STYLE

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:00:00 CST

BI-PARTISANSHIP-REVISITED VIRGINIA STYLE

At the time I wrote my March 2009 Chair's Column, the U.S. House of Representatives had just passed President Obama's economic...

LET'S ALSO GO ALL OUT FOR WAGNER & SHANNON!

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 CDT

LET'S ALSO GO ALL OUT FOR WAGNER & SHANNON!

I have previously written several columns about the need for all Arlington Democrats to work tirelessly to turnout our vote for Creigh...

MCDONNELL'S THESIS-AND HOW HE ACTED ON IT-DISQUALIFIES HIM FROM SUPPORT BY ARLINGTON VOTERS

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 CDT

Republican Gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell's thesis on "The Republican Party's Vision for the Family" reflects what he still wishes all...

DEEDS or MCDONNELL?

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 CDT

ACDC Chair's Report September 2009

A "PALINOSCOPY" FOR MCDONNELL: What Should Bob Do About Sarah?

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 CDT

ACDC Chair's Report August 2009

WE'RE ALL BEHIND DEEDS, WAGNER, AND SHANNON!

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:00:00 CDT

ACDC Chair's Report July 2009

Resolution on Liberty University College Democrats

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:00:00 CDT

Whereas, the Liberty University chapter of the Young Democrats has been a well-run, recognized student organization at

ARLINGTON DEMOCRATS: WAKE UP!

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 CDT

ACDC Chair's Report June 2009

VIRGINIA REPUBLICANS TO VIRGINIA'S UNEMPLOYED: FEND FOR YOURSELVES

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 00:00:00 CDT

ACDC Chair's Report May 2009

PRESIDENT OBAMA'S BUDGET: Resources for the Change We Need

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 CDT

ACDC Chair's Report April 2009

THE USES AND LIMITS OF BI-PARTISANSHIP

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:00:00 CST

ACDC Chair's Report March 2009

THE STALE POLITICAL ARGUMENTS NO LONGER APPLY

Sat, 24 Jan 2009 00:00:00 CST

ACDC Chair's Report February 2009

THE PROMISE OF A NEW START

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 CST

ACDC Chair's Report January 2009

Democratic Volunteer Reception Focuses on Success . . . and the Future

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 CST

Democratic Volunteer Reception Focuses on Success . . . and the Future

THANKS!

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 CST

ACDC Chair's Report December 2008

Virginia Turns Blue, and Barack Obama WINS!

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 CST

Virginia State Board of Elections Results - Statewide

Virginia State Board of Elections Results - Arlington County

With PN, OH, and now

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:00:00 CDT

ACDC Chair's Report, June 2008

Maconomics: Don't Trust This Guy With Our Economic Future!

Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 CDT

ACDC Chair's Report, May 2008

Resolution on the 2008 Legislative Session

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 CDT

Resolution Commending Governor Kaine and the Virginia General Assembly

ACDC School Board Endorsement Election: Tell Your Friends!

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 CDT

ACDC Chair's Report, April 2008

Why the Iraq War Still Matters

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:00:00 CST

ACDC Chair's Report, March 2008

Trio Lead Joint Campaign: It's Jay, Madi and Jody

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:00:00 CST

With one of the most important-and exciting-election years in memory upon us, ACDC Chair Peter Rousselot has appointed three veteran campaigners to lead the Joint Campaign.

Primary Turnout Shatters Records

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:00:00 CST

The February 12 Democratic presidential primary in Virginia didn't just break the record for primary turnouts, it shattered them, as almost twice as many Democrats cast ballots as in any previous primary.

Our Agenda for the Future

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST

ACDC Chair's Report, February 2008

Let's Celebrate the Leadership of AYD!

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST

ACDC Chair's Report, January 2008

Break Out The Brooms

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 00:00:00 CST

One-party rule in Arlington County continued unabated last night as Democrats were victorious in every contest on the local ballot. As expected, Arlington Democrats were not upset in any race in the 2007 contest. All incumbents who were up for reelection, from state legislators to local county officials, retained their positions. "I think that the message was that Arlington voters continue to remain generally satisfied with the Democratic leadership of the county," said local Democratic...

Democrats Seize Control of Virginia Senate

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:00:00 CST

Democrats wrested control of the Senate from the Republicans in yesterday's legislative elections, picking up the four seats they needed to give them a majority of at least 21 to 19 and end a decade of GOP dominance in the chamber.

Democratic Reform Committee 'On the Right Track'

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 00:00:00 CDT

It's a delicate political balancing act: Finding a way to impose a code of civility on political campaigns without being accused of censoring candidates. And it's the Arlington County Democratic Committee up on the high wire. The party's Electoral Practices Commission held a public forum Sept. 12 to gauge interest in, and solicit feedback to, a proposed code of conduct that could soon apply to the party's candidates.

Civil Rights Crusader Oliver Hill

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 00:00:00 CDT

DPVA Chairman Richard Cranwell: "Oliver Hill spent his life dedicated to the causes of justice and equality, both here in Virginia and throughout the United States. Because of him, our schools are better, our workplaces fairer and our country is stronger. Mr. Hill challenged our country and changed it for the better. His life is a shining example to us all."

Poll Finds Democrats Favored on War

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 00:00:00 CDT

Most Americans see President Bush as intransigent on Iraq and prefer that the Democratic-controlled Congress make decisions about a possible withdrawal of U.S. forces, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.

Dodging Dirt on the Home Stretch (Editorial)

Sun, 27 May 2007 00:00:00 CDT

Get ready to duck. Here come the kitchen sinks. With just a couple of weeks left before June 12 primaries, candidates all across Virginia are unloading anything left in their arsenals, including dirt.

Senate Race Has Sociable Start

Sun, 27 May 2007 00:00:00 CDT

The friendly tone in an exchange of letters last week between Democrat Albert Pollard and Republican Richard Stuart--the two candidates for the 28th District state Senate seat--was unusual for a race that will be one the state's most watched this fall.

As Primary Nears, Gop Split Over Chamber, Party Control

Sun, 27 May 2007 00:00:00 CDT

With two weeks to go until the June 12 primary, conservative and moderate Republicans are fighting for control of the Virginia Senate as well as the future of a party that has been deeply divided over taxes and social issues such as abortion.

Hanger, Sayre Work to Combat Low Voter Turnout

Sun, 27 May 2007 00:00:00 CDT

The Senate District 24 Republican Primary turnout is expected to be low on June 12, making it important that candidates Emmett Hanger and Scott Sayre get their base of voters out to the polls

Delegate, Mayor, Sierra Club Oppose Drilling for Oil Off Virginia

Sat, 26 May 2007 00:00:00 CDT

State Del. Brian J. Moran joined Virginia Beach's mayor, a former city councilman and Sierra Club leaders on Friday in calling on Congress to keep the moratorium on drilling for oil off Virginia's coast.

Delegates Eye Mental Health Care

Sat, 26 May 2007 00:00:00 CDT

A House panel wants to review the state's mental health system in the wake of the Tech shootings.

Democrats Banking on a Bush vs. Kaine Turnout

Thu, 24 May 2007 00:00:00 CDT

Virginia Democrats are hoping two men will become the face of the party's efforts to make substantial inroads in the General Assembly this year. The first is a popular Democratic governor who has just completed a remarkable series of high-profile events. The second is a Republican president who Democrats think is so unpopular he could help drive voters to the polls Nov. 6, although no federal candidates are on the ballot.

Kaine's Chief of Staff to Retire after 29 Years in Government

Wed, 23 May 2007 00:00:00 CDT

William H. Leighty, a top adviser to Gov. Timothy M. Kaine and his predecessor Mark Warner said Wednesday he will retire after 29 years in state government.

Feel the Heritage Festival Showcases African-American Culture

Wed, 21 Feb 2007 00:00:00 CST

Music played, food sizzled (and smelled great) and there could be found a host of activities for young people at the annual Feel the Heritage Festival, held Feb. 17 at Drew Community Center. The annual event is one of the highlights of Arlington's Black History Month Celebration, and puts the spotlight on the achievements of African-Americans at both the local and national level.

Ferguson Makes It Official: He's Running for Clerk

Tue, 06 Feb 2007 00:00:00 CST

County Board Chairman Paul Ferguson said Monday he plans to seek the seat of retiring Clerk of the Circuit Court David Bell.

2007 Joint Campaign Chairs Appointed

Thu, 01 Feb 2007 00:00:00 CST

ACDC Chair Peter Rousselot appoints Ed Fendley, Karla Hagan, and Amanda Brino as Co-Chairs of the 2007 Joint Campaign

An Environmentalist's Moment of Glory

Tue, 16 Jan 2007 00:00:00 CST

An Environmentalist's Moment of Glory

Arlington Legislators Prep Bills

Wed, 10 Jan 2007 00:00:00 CST

Arlington Legislators Prep Bills

Garvey, Wilson Picked to Lead Arlington School Board

Sun, 07 Jan 2007 00:00:00 CST

Libby Garvey was elected chairman of the Arlington County School Board by her colleagues at the Jan. 4 board meeting.

Tejada Aims To Help Immigrants Become Citizens

Fri, 05 Jan 2007 00:00:00 CST

Tejada Aims To Help Immigrants Become Citizens

A Democratic Sweep

Tue, 02 Jan 2007 00:00:00 CST

2006 Year In Review: Part I
The Top 10 Stories in Arlington Last Year- Story #3