8th CD Convention This Saturday in Alexandria; Straw Announces Endorsements

The following letter is from Brian Straw, who I've endorsed (along with Peter Rousselot and Alfonso Lopez) for the DPVA's State Central Committee from Arlington.

Friends,

Will you join me this Saturday, May 16th, for the Eighth District Convention? I need your vote to represent you on the State Central Committee.

I’ve spent the last month talking to grassroots activists across Arlington about why I’m running for State Central Committee. I believe that our volunteers, the foundation of our party, need a voice at every level of the party.

This message has been resonating and I’ve seen an incredible groundswell of support, but it won’t mean anything unless we have our voices heard on Saturday. I’m including below a list of some of the activists who are supporting my campaign, but the most important name we can add to that list is yours.

I look forward to seeing you this Saturday, May 16th, for the Eighth District Convention. Registration is from 9 – 10 am at Edison High School and the Convention will begin immediately after registration is over.

Thank you,

-Brian

Brian Straw for State Central Committee

FYI, any Democrat from the 8th CD can come out Saturday morning and participate in this election. As Brian notes, it's from 9 to 10 am at Edison High School in Alexandria and the Convention will begin immediately after registration is over. You can only vote for candidates from your county or city in the 8th CD (e.g., I'm voting for Arlington candidates since I live in Arlington).

UPDATE: Brian also announced the following grassroots endorsements for his candidacy.

Miles Grant – Candidate for the House of Delegates, 47th District
James Lander – Candidate for Arlington County School Board; Co-Chair, ACDC Outreach/Visibility
Sarah Godlewski – President, Arlington Young Democrats
Gordon Simonett – Membership Director, Arlington Young Democrats
Marj Signer – President, Virginia NOW; Volunteer Coordinator, ACDC
Charley Conrad – President, Virginia Partisans; Co-Chair, Democratic Values in Action; Secretary, Eighth District Committee
Jim McBride – President, Generation Obama: DC Area Chapter; Vice Chair, ACDC Precinct Operations
Lowell Feld – Author, Blue Virginia; Founder, Raising Kaine
Mary Detweiler – Brigades Leadership Team; West Area Chair, Precinct Operations
Nancy Pilchen – Deputy Volunteer Coordinator, ACDC

Brian Straw, Alfonso Lopez, Peter Rousellot for State Central Committee

On May 16, the 8th Congressional District Democratic committee will hold a convention (at 10 am at Edison High School in Alexandria) to select representatives to the State Central Committee (SCC) - the governing body of the party. Within the 8th CD, the number of seats are apportioned as follows: Fairfax (8), Arlington (7), Alexandria (4), Falls Church (1). In addition, the seats are further divided by gender. In Arlington, this means an allocation of 4 men and 3 women to fill the 7 slots. Currently, there are 6 men and 3 women running for those slots, which means that, as of now (filing deadline is tomorrow), the only competition is in the men's category. Today, I am endorsing three of those candidates. Here they are, with my rationale:

1. Brian Straw: I've spoken with Brian, read his materials and have been very impressed. Brian is a strong believer that the grassroots activists of Arlington need a representative on the SCC. Brian also believes that involving more grassroots activists in the decisions of the party is a good thing, and that the best ideas often come from volunteers. I couldn't agree more. Brian's background includes two years working for Students for Barack Obama and the Campaign for Change, as well as active involvement in the Arlington Young Democrats. He'll make an excellent addition to the SCC. [Note: See Brian's Facebook page for more information]

2. Alfonso Lopez: A strong progressive on a wide variety of issues, Alfonso is about as well connected and experienced as anyone around, heading up the Virginia liaison office in Washington, DC for Governor Kaine and serving as Vice Chair of the Arlington County Democratic Committee (among other things). Alfonso asked me for my support, and I am happy to give it.

3. Peter Rousselot: Last but most definitely NOT least, ACDC chair Peter Rousselot is one of the best Democratic committee chairs in Virginia, part of the reason for this is that Peter "gets" the new media, the netroots and the grassroots. Over the past few years, Peter and I have worked closely together on many projects, including helping to elect Jim Webb and Barack Obama, and I'm proud to call him my friend. I couldn't endorse Peter more strongly for the SCC.