Vol. 34, No. 12 www.arlingtondemocrats.org December 2009

Read all about our Dems lose House of Delegates contested race for ACDC chair: Page 5 big time, but by small margins The Democratic goal of taking a majority of Those last two races should have been won 51 seats in the 100-seat House of Delegates was and the next two could have been won, while the shattered in the November balloting as the party first three were blowouts where the Democratic suffered a stunning net loss of six seats. candidate stood no chance of victory. The outcome yet again proved the importance The election in Virginia Beach was certified of solid campaigning and of a strong Get Out as a 14-vote Republican victory; a recount could TheVote (GOTV) effort in non-federal years as four reverse that. of those seats were lost by only a hair. The two seats picked up were won by margins Overall, the GOP defeated eight Democrats, of 8.34% and 4.08%. If Democrats had won the three by walloping margins and four by hair’s four very close races, the party would have lost only breadth margins—one by just 14 votes. Democrats a net of two seats this year, instead of having been picked up two seats, both by comfortable though pushed back on its heels with a net of six losses. not walloping margins. The accompanying table In statewide races, all three Democrats suffered Then read how our on Page 7 shows all the seats that were lost. a shellacking. There was a lot of talk but little con- Here are the Democratic margins of defeat in sensus over what went wrong. Many complained outgoing chair percentage terms for each of the eight losses ranked that gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds was a “Pete” Rousselot,, in order of degree: 19.10%; 15.06%; 14.28%; bad candidate who didn’t know how to run a state- got his start in poli- 5.40%; 1.73%; 1.70%; 0.97%; and 0.09%. continued on page seven tics: Page 9 Redistricting horror looming Redistricting will come to Virginia after the Kimball Brace, of Election Data Systems, ex- 2010 census, and it may not be pretty, according to plained that redistricting is “a very contentious a panel discussion held at the Arlington Civic Fed- time.” Redistricting “brings out the worst in people, eration November 10. Robert Ruiz of the Arlington the very worst,” agreed Van Landingham. How- County Planning Division noted that Arlington’s continued on page six share of Virginia’s population will fall slightly, from 2.7% to 2.6%. This means that Arlington will be entitled to slightly less representation in the Gen- Two-man race on eral Assembly and in Congress. At the end of 2010, the Virginia General Assembly and governor are re- for ACDC chair , quired to agree on updated locations and boundaries And then learn about of the districts for General Assembly delegates and It appears there will be a very unusual contested senators, and for the U.S. Congress. race for chairman of ACDC next month. Both Bob what an old, old chair Although there is a nominal public process for Platt and Mike Lieberman have declared their can- determining what district boundaries should look didacies for the two-year term to be elected Jan. 6. Larry Roberts, went like, in reality the political parties (or party, if only Both candidates’ election statements appear on on to do after finishing one is in power) control the process behind closed Page Five of this issue. doors. According to former Arlington Delegate And the Call explaining all the draft rules for his term in 2001: Page Marian Van Landingham, “There are hearings, but the election of officers, and, before that, the elec- 10 basically the parties decide what they are going to tion of precinct representatives (captains) is laid do.” Van Landingham believes that the boundary- out on Page Six. making process in Virginia next year is likely to be An optional form for those wishing to run for controlled almost entirely by Republicans, even precinct representative will be posted on the ACDC though the state Senate has a two-vote Democratic website, http://www.ArlingtonDemocrats.org, after margin. the voting rules are adopted at the Dec. 2 meeting. ACDC Voice, December 2009, Page 2

Report from Chairman Peter Rousselot Bipartisanship revisited, Virginia-style At the time I wrote my March 2009 Obama should be up front with the American problems. Chair’s Column, the U.S. House of Represen- people that this is exactly what he is going to I strongly believe that the advice I had tatives had just passed President Obama’s do, but should be clear that he absolutely is for President Obama in March applies just as economic stimulus plan without a single Re- NOT ‘going to meet the Republicans half way’ much to Virginia Democratic legislators in publican vote. That development set off an regarding any of their ideas or policies that December. You need to strike a principled extensive national debate regarding whether are proven failures.” balance. On the one hand, voters want to see or not President Obama had abandoned his Fast forward to Virginia circa Decem- you trying to govern and solve common prob- campaign promises to be bipartisan. ber 2009. lems effectively and with common sense. On In the context of this national debate, I Virginia Republicans swept to victory in the other hand, both Democratic and indepen- wrote in that column: the three statewide races this year, and in- dent voters admire, respect, and vote for poli- “To retain the public support he needs creased their margin of control in the Virginia ticians who stand for a core set of principles, to drive his progressive agenda through Con- House of Delegates. Governor-elect make clear what those are, and act on them. gress, President Obama should make clear that McDonnell and the Virginia Republican Party As a Virginia Democratic legislator, you the GOP bears a heavy burden to offer some- certainly will do anything it can to subvert need to send the message that you have such thing new and positive—in light of the mess the tenuous Democratic control in the Virginia core principles, and explain what they are. If the Bush Administration left behind. Obama State Senate. The effects of the Bush reces- you do that effectively, then you can and should be on the alert for any GOP ideas that sion continue to hurt most Virginians, and the should stand up proudly and vote “NO” on truly are new and positive, adopt such ideas Virginia state government budget is under those proposals forwarded on to you by Bob if he finds any, and point to their adoption as serious pressure from multiple declining rev- McDonnell and the Virginia Republican Party evidence of his bipartisanship. If the Repub- enue forecasts. which are fundamentally at odds with your licans persist in advancing the same old bank- In this political and economic environ- and the Virginia Democratic Party’s core phi- rupt ideas, then President Obama should con- ment, large numbers of voters in Virginia, par- losophy. tinue to reject those ideas, but should very ticularly independent voters, are looking for Not only is this the right thing to do, this publicly continue to reach out to the GOP. practical solutions to the state’s many fiscal is the politically savvy thing to do to position Virginia Democrats for a comeback in 2011 when all the Virginia legislative seats will next be up for election. Jerry Botland The next Virginia Computer Consulting Troubleshoot and resolve computer and election is upon us computer related problems. On November 3, Ken Cuccinelli was Perform upgrades, set-up wireless routers and print servers. elected attorney general. He will resign his Transfer old files, address book and emails seat in the Senate as of January 16. The Vir- ginia Democratic Senate Caucus that I chair from an old computer to a new one. is committed to a vigorous campaign to elect Phone: (703) 933-0558 — [email protected] a Democrat to this seat. Our current majority is 21-19, a slim margin that needs to be strengthened as we will be the only Democratic voice in the com- ing sessions and for redistricting in 2011. This special election in a fairly Democratic district is a great opportunity for us. Published monthly by the To succeed, we need your help! The Arlington County Democratic Committee Republicans are emboldened by the results of 2009 North 14th Street, Suite #612, Arlington, VA 22201 the recent election, and we will need to put Tel: (703) 528-8588 Fax: (703) 528-2321 all our energy and funds into this race. http://www.arlingtondemocrats.org We will be letting you know of volun- Chair: Peter Rousselot —703-276-1584 (o), [email protected] teer opportunities in the near future and on Editor-in-Chief: Barbara van Voorst —703-522-6294 (h), [email protected] December 12 you are invited to participate in Deputy Editor: Warren L. Nelson —703-243-7867 (h), [email protected] a fundraising event at my home from 4-6 p.m. Views expressed do not necessarily represent those of the ACDC For more information, call 703-534-9211 or unless expressly approved by an appropriate Committee Resolution email at [email protected]. Copyright ©2009, ACDC, All Rights Reserved Senator Mary Margaret Whipple ACDC Voice, December 2009, Page 3

Next Monthly Meeting Bumper Sticker All Dems Invited Wednesday, December 2, 2009, 7 p.m. of the Month NRECA Building, 4301 Wilson Blvd Corner of North Taylor and Wilson, just east of Glebe & Wilson Free parking under building, enter from Taylor Street He won. In advance of retiring in Janaury after four years as chair of ACDC, Peter Rousselot will address the committee on, “The Get Over it. Seven Most Important Things I Learned as Party Chair.”

Arlington still deep blue despite state’s slip Democratic candidates won every single one of the 306 contests the votes, while Green Party candidates are normally down in single in the county on election day. digits. Elections are contested precinct-by-precinct and every local It appears that Arlington doesn’t have so much a Republican op- Democratic candidate and every statewide candidate won every one position as an anti-Democratic opposition. The opposition voters went of the 51 precincts in the county for a clean sweep. GOP where there was a GOP candidate, but voted Green where that Countywide, the ticket leader was, of course, School Board can- was the only opposition. Here are the opposition numbers from the didate James Lander, who ran unopposed and pulled in 96.7 percent seven races in the county where Democrats faced opponents. of the vote. The four other countywide candidates were all clustered Gov LtGv AG CB 45th 47th 48th very closely with only 2 percentage points separating them: GOP 34.3 32.5 32.4 — 35.4 31.7 37.6 AG—Steve Shannon 67.5% Green — — — 31.7 — 4.6 — LtGv—Jody Wagner 67.4% Write-in .2 .1 .1 2.1 .1 .1 .1 CB—Jay Fisette 66.3% TOTAL 34.5 32.6 32.5 33.8 35.5 36.4 37.7 Gov—Creigh Deeds 65.5% The County Board race drew as much “opposition” as the other The closeness indicated considerable straight-ticket voting. races even though there was no GOP candidate on the ballot. And the What was most curious, however, was that the Green Party can- GOP candidate in the 47th Delegate District drew the lowest Republi- didate, running against Jay Fisette garnered more than one-third of can percentage where there was also a Green candidate. The totals suggest the Republican vot- ers will vote Green where there is no GOP candidate and the Green voters will vote Re- publican where there is no Green candidate. PC HELP Basically, they are best described as anti- Want help with setting up, networking, upgrading, Democratic voters. fixing, or just using your new or old PC? Turnout was a problem, not surpris- ingly. Virginia and New Jersey are the only states that hold gubernatorial elections in the Affordable, personalized assistance. year after a presidential race. There are no Evenings and weekends. Your home or office. federal candidates on the ballot to help draw out voters. The result is that voter turnout falls—precipitously. The GOP vote for gov- Ron Hicks DBA Systems That Work ernor this year was down 35% from the GOP vote for president last year—but the Demo- Email: [email protected] cratic vote was down 53%. That would suggest the main Demo- Website: www.systems-that-work.org cratic problem was getting out the vote. But that’s not the whole story. Make the same H/O: 703-528-1009 Cell: 571-217-9949 comparison with the Arlington vote totals in 2005, the last gubernatorial year. The Demo- Arlington Chamber of Commerce cratic gubernatorial vote this year was down 13 percent compared to 2005, while the GOP vote was UP 42 percent. ACDC Voice, December 2009, Page 4 AYDs unveil their 2009 Top Ten List Donkey Ears It’s hard to believe the 2009 AYD year is about to end. This year we’ve experienced Listening to the doings our share of triumphs as well as some “teach- able” tribulations. While there are many ways of Arlington’s Dems to capture AYD’s year-in-review, I thought it as overheard by would be best to sum up the year through a Top Ten list. Drum-roll, please… Dan Steen and Warren Nelson Top Ten Reasons Why Arlington Young Dems Ensured 2009 Was Not The Another tragic loss: Dollars for Democrats Chairman Warren Nelson is saddened Year Of The Elephant: to report that this year’s $4Dems drive missed its goal of $8,000. The total gross 10. Impressively, AYD called approxi- was $7,999.85. “I was stunned that we didn’t make our target,” Warren moaned. mately 9,000 voters for the Democratic He asks anyone who would like to relieve the pain to please “scotch tape a nickel ticket—and were only hung-up on 1,000 and a dime to sheet of paper” and mail it to $4Dems, ACDC, PO Box 7132, times. 9. Due to the miles walked door-knock- Arlington VA 22207. ing at over 4,000 homes, we probably should Hard row to hoe: A Washington Post article before the balloting quoted ever-hard- have entered The Office’s version of The Big- working Kip Malinosky in an article on how hard it was to get campaign volun- gest Loser. teers this year compared to last year. “I’ve been pulling every trick I can think of 8. Our GOTV efforts to the Jefferson to get people involved,” Malinosky said. “I’ve tried inspiring. I’ve tried anger. retirement community ensured that one resi- I’ve tried guilt-tripping. We’ve organized pizza nights. It’s just very difficult.” dent voted on NOV 3 instead of DEC 3 which Bookish: Long-time volunteer Chuck Toftoy has found time in between lit drops was marked on her calendar as “Voting day to craft a fiction-thriller, “It’s In The Eyes,” that is set in Arlington. Toftoy spoke for Deeds.” and held a book signing event recently at the Barnes & Noble in Clarendon. The 7. AYD “partied” with, I mean got to book features many Arlington sites, from the Silver Diner and Pasha’s to know, our local elected officials through the Arlington Cemetery and the Virginia Hospital Center and up-and-down Wilson “Coffee with an Elected” program. Boulevard. 6. AYD boosted its social skills by cre- Passages: Paul Morroy, father of Commissioner of Revenue Ingrid Morroy, has ating the Director of Retention who led us to passed away at the age of 90. The senior Morroy, a veteran of World War II, died all sorts of fun activities from jazz fests to on Veterans Day. ‘80s movies, and, of course, happy hours. Retirement: Since 1989, former ACDC Chair Fred Berghoefer has served on the 5. We kept a close eye on our beloved Arlington County Electoral Board, which oversees balloting in the county. He County Board Members by appointing an and his wife Louise are about to move into a retirement community in Fairfax AYD County Board Liaison. County, so he has submitted his resignation from the board. The timing—while 4. AYD almost became WWE fighters Tim Kaine remains governor—means another Democrat will be named to the at the Moran Health Care Town Hall, as we Board, maintaining a 2-1 Democratic majority. Charlene Bickford, another sent over 30 members to stand-up for Health former ACDC chair, is the other Dem on the Board. Care Reform and the Public Option against From the Forest to the Knolls: Former Precinct Ops Vice Chair Jesse Rosenthal, the aggressive opposition. with wife Stacy and their young sons, Will and Ben, have moved to Overlee 3. AYD once again played Cupid and Knolls after many years enjoying the Arlington Forest neighborhood. The fostered Democratic romance through the an- Rosenthals are relieved to have survived the months-long home selling, buying nual date auction. Maybe this is a new and moving crucible and look forward to settling into a bit of a larger space for fundraising venture we should consider in the future—democraticlove.com? their growing family. 2. AYD embraced its diversity by pro- Promotion: ACDC Deputy Chair Alfonso Lopez has been elected one of 75 at- moting five active caucuses – African-Ameri- large members of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Alfonso was one can, Women, Latino, Asian-Pacific, and of four Virginians elected at the recent DNC meeting in Austin, Texas. In LGTB. addition to the at-large members, the DNC also includes four state-elected 1. AYD is the only organization where a members from Virginia, one of whom has been Arlington’s Frank Leone for the white male is a minority—eight out of nine past two years. elected positions are held by women. Passages: Long time Dem activist Lawrence J. Latto passed away at the age of On behalf of AYD, I want to thank all 89 just after the elections. Forty years ago, back when precinct captains were on the Arlington Democrats for their incredible the primary ballot, Larry and his wife Roslyn were elected from Aurora Hills in support of the organization. We look forward 1969. A lawyer, Larry was also the first chairman of the Arlington Human to the new successes in 2010. Rights Commission and developed the commission’s procedures. In 1999, he Democratically yours, Sarah was the first winner of the county’s Jim Hunter Human Rights Award for his Godlewski, President, AYDs work on the commission. ACDC Voice, December 2009, Page 5 Contest for ACDC chair coming up ACDC rules require a reorganization of the committee every two years, including election of new officers and a new steering committee. This takes place in January of even-numbered years which means there will be a reorganization next month—January 2010. (Gosh—wasn’t Y2K just a couple of years ago?) See the draft Call to Caucus on the next page. Current and two-term ACDC Chair Peter Rousselot announced ear- Mike lier this year that he was not going to seek re-election. Two long-time Bob ACDC stalwarts—current Finance Chair Mike Lieberman and current Parliamentarian and Resolutions Committee Chair Bob Platt—are seek- Lieberman ing election to succeed Rousselot. Their announcements are here. Platt With this letter, I announce my candidacy for Chair of the Ar- I am running for Chair to improve our already strong organi- lington County Democratic Committee. Over the past seven years, I zation. I pledge to have had the privilege of working with many of you as Campaign • Reemphasize and strengthen our Precinct Operations Manager for Walter Tejada, President of the Arlington Young Demo- • Make ACDC equally inviting to volunteers of all ages crats, Precinct Captain in Buckingham and Ballston, and, for the past • Expand our use of social media and electronic communica- two years, as Finance Director for ACDC. tions Our success in Arlington speaks for itself. I am proud that every • Increase our volunteer recognition and social events elected office in Arlington is occupied by a Democrat. I am proud • Conduct interesting monthly meetings that during my time as Finance Director, we have had the two most • Find a new permanent office and relocate to it with minimum successful fundraising years in ACDC history. And I am proud that disruption. ACDC continues to provide a vibrant and active community for those As Chair, I would be inclusive and would actively recruit new who share our progressive values. volunteers. I would ensure that necessary tasks get completed with- We do a lot of things right in ACDC, and as Chair, I would not out micromanaging our volunteers. I will lead ACDC in a well- propose wholesale change. But we cannot afford to rest on our lau- organized, coordinated way, but with volunteers having fun in the rels. I therefore propose three simple but significant tweaks to help process. ensure ACDC stays on the cutting edge of party organizing: With our loss of the statewide offices, ACDC must join the (1) Identify our voters – Our precinct operations team is very effec- loyal opposition by working with our Arlington Delegation and by tive at turning out the Democratic voters we know, but Arlington vot- educating the voters about the Democratic values at stake in Rich- ers are constantly changing. As Chair, I will organize an off-season mond. If necessary, ACDC could organize mass lobbying trips to voter ID drive to make sure we know who to turn out on Election Richmond. Day. I have been active in ACDC for almost 20 years as a Precinct (2) Retain our new members – Involvement starts with incorporat- Captain and for most of two decades on ing newcomers into the ACDC commu- the Steering Committee. I have worked nity. I therefore propose establishing a on almost every aspect of ACDC, in- Retention Committee aimed at greeting cluding Parliamentarian, Legal Counsel, new volunteers at ACDC events, discov- Sergeant at Arms, Newsletter layout, ering what brought them out, and provid- Webmaster, School Board Caucus Di- ing social and volunteer outlets based on rector, and Resolutions Committee their feedback. Chair. I have also represented ACDC (3) Embrace technology – To realize our on Arlington’s Campaign Sign task force full potential, we must explore and incor- and on the 8th District Platform Com- porate new technologies into our Commit- mittee. I have served on the Joint Cam- tee operations. Technology is not a sub- paigns: designing printed media, plan- stitute for old-fashioned voter contact, but ning gold card events, organizing Metro it can help us reach our volunteers, vot- stop voter registration, mailing to absen- ers, and donors more regularly, more tee voters, and other tasks. I am cur- quickly, and more affordably. rently Area Chair for the Southeast. I I am honored and humbled to have the have been a delegate to 6 State Conven- endorsement of current ACDC Chair Pe- tions and served on a state Credentials Committee. ter Rousselot, Deputy Chair Alfonso Lopez, Precinct Operations I was Chemistry major at Cornell University and graduated Chair Maureen Markham, AYD President Sarah Godlewski, 10 of from its law school. I served for 5 years as president of a 1,300 Arlington’s elected officials, 26 members of the ACDC Steering Com- member volunteer organization, and served 4 years on Cornell’s mittee, 4 former ACDC Chairs, and many others. Board of Trustees. I have been a patent lawyer and an energy law- I seek the position of Chair because I believe I can help make yer. sure Democratic successes continue in Arlington, and that ACDC re- I have reached the point in my career where I can devote a mains the hard-working, effective, and fun organization we know and majority of my time to serving as ACDC Chair, and I ask that you love. On January 6, I respectfully ask for your support and your vote. entrust me with this task for the next two years. ACDC Voice, December 2009, Page 6 Arlington County Democratic Committee Call for Caucus to Elect Precinct Representatives and Election of Officers This draft call has been approved by the ten request received prior to the filing deadline. cinct in which they are registered. Steering Committee and will be presented to In order to certify the eligibility of a can- Only those Precinct Representatives the ACDC for approval at its December 2, didate for election as a Precinct Representative, elected at this caucus will be eligible to vote for 2009, meeting. Following approval, it, along the Chair shall ascertain that he or she is a resi- the officers of the Arlington County Democratic with the Rules for the Caucus, will be avail- dent of and registered to vote in the precinct in Committee at its January 6, 2010, Reorganiza- able on the ACDC website as of December 3, Arlington County for which he or she seeks elec- tion Meeting. 2009, at www.ArlingtonDemocrats.org. tion; is a Democrat; does not intend to support, Immediately following the caucus, ACDC endorse, or assist any candidate who is opposed will hold its Reorganizational Meeting to elect The Arlington County Democratic Com- to a Democratic nominee or endorsee; and is the following officers: Chair, Deputy Chair, Pre- mittee (ACDC) hereby calls a caucus on not a member of any other political party. Two cinct Operations Chair, Finance Chair, Press and Wednesday, January 6, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. at the Precinct Representatives may be elected from Public Relations Chair, Outreach and Visibility NRECA Conference Center, 4301 Wilson Blvd. each precinct in Arlington County, and each of Co-Chairs, Communications Director, Newslet- Arlington, Virginia, for the purpose of electing the 14 precincts that cast the most votes for the ter Editor, Volunteer Coordinator, Secretary, Precinct Representatives of the ACDC. Democratic candidate for Governor in the 2009 Treasurer, Sergeant-at-Arms, and Parliamentar- To be eligible for election as a Precinct General Election may elect a third Precinct Rep- ian. Representative by the participants of the cau- resentative. Candidates for office wishing to have their cus, individuals must deliver (i) written notice Any Arlington voter who certifies that: 1) names listed on the ballot for one or more of of their intent to seek election, specifying their he or she is a resident of and registered to vote these offices shall deliver written notice of their precinct, and (ii) a non-refundable filing fee of in the precinct in Arlington County, Virginia; intent to seek election, specifying the office(s) $25 (payable to ACDC) to the Chair of the 2) is a Democrat; 3) does not intend to support, that they seek, with the Chair of the ACDC, Pe- ACDC, Peter Rousselot, or his designated rep- endorse, or assist any candidate who is opposed ter Rousselot, or his designated representative, th resentative, at ACDC Headquarters, 2009 14th to a Democratic nominee or endorsee; and 4) is at ACDC Headquarters, 2009 14 Street N, Street N, Suite 612, Arlington, VA 22201, by not a member of any other political party, may Suite 612, Arlington, VA 22201, by 5:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30, 2009. participate in the caucus. Participants may vote on Wednesday, December 30, 2009. No filing The fee may be waived by the Chair upon writ- only for the Precinct Representatives for the pre- fee is required to seek ACDC office. Challenge of redistricting dead ahead continued from page one population. “The key is to send back the [Cen- ing formulas. He also pointed out that the sus] form,” to avoid requiring census work- legislature may not have the final word on ever, she suggested the result for Arlington ers to visit many homes to make sure every- redistricting. “We go through a legislative districts may be that they become safer than one is counted. The Census also determines process, and then we go through a court pro- ever for Democrats if Republicans organize Arlington’s share of a variety of federal fund- cess,” he said. our districts in combination with heavily Democratic areas from Fairfax, Falls Church and Alexandria. Republicans may do this in order to remove Democrats from the remain- ing districts in Fairfax County so they become more competitive for Republicans. One consequence of party-focused redis- tricting is that district boundaries are more likely to cross jurisdictional lines. Van Landingham said it is challenging for legis- lators to represent more than one district, be- cause the number of constituencies they need to keep up with makes great demands on their time. When she was a delegate, the bound- aries of her district (the 45th, now represented by David Englin) were changed to include parts of Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax County. Brace emphasized that the one thing under citizen control is ensuring that the Cen- sus fully and accurately counts Arlington’s ACDC Voice, December 2009, Page 7 Dems lose big in delegate races but by small margins, signaling more footwork needed continued from page one was not just a Deeds’ loss, but a party loss across the board. wide race. But four years ago, he lost the This House of Delegates election had House of statewide race for attorney general to the same special significance because this legislature Bob McDonnell by just 323 votes and in June will re-draw the boundaries of state senators, Deeds creamed two experienced campaign- state delegates and U.S. representatives. Ten Delegates ers in the Democratic primary. years ago, the GOP took control of both Election Dem Furthermore, it wasn’t just Deeds who houses of the General Assembly and used that Year Seats lost. None of the three statewide candidates power to draw boundaries designed to disad- Year Seats reached 44 percent. Lieutenant governor can- vantage the Democratic party by shoving as 1997 50 didate Jody Wagner was just 2.15 percentage many Democrats as possible into districted 1999 47 points ahead of Deeds while attorney general ghettoes. (See a related story on redistricting 2001 34 nominee Steve Shannon was just 1.14 percent- starting on Page One.) 2003 37 age points ahead. And the party lost that net That ploy worked very well in 2001, the of six seats in the House of Delegates. It was first election under the new districts. Demo- 2005 40 bad across-the-board. crats lost a net of 13 seats in the House of 2007 45 The most popular media interpretation Delegates. But in the 2003 elections, Demo- 2009 39 was that voters had turned against President crats began to claw their way back and won 2011 ?? Obama and made Democrats pay for it. But an increasing number of delegate seats in each polls do not show Obama to be unpopular and successive election until this year. (See table most voters are capable of distinguishing state at right.) and federal issues. (In the only two federal The GOP will hold the governor’s man- elected for the first time in either 2005 or elections held in November, Democrats won sion and the House of Delegates during next 2007. both, including picking up a House seat in year’s redistricting battles. But the Demo- The two Democratic pickups were both upstate New York that no Democrat had held cratic party holds a two-seat majority in the special cases. In Newport News, Democrat since the 19th Century.) Senate and may be able to foil any egregious Robin Abbott beat Phil Hamilton, who is un- Others attributed the Deeds loss to ex- re-districting ploys. (There are two new va- der an ethics investigation for seeking a job cessive negative campaigning, or to the fact cancies in the state Senate as a result of in- with Old Dominion University while that McDonnell had a simple message and cumbent senators being elected to other of- shepherding a bill through the legislature to stuck to it, or to the draining Democratic pri- fices in November. But both of those seats fund the position he sought. mary, which meant McDonnell—who faced are currently held by Republicans so the In Prince William County, Democrat no primary—got off to a flying start last June Democratic majority is not in danger.) Luke Torian picked up the open seat held by while Deeds spent 90 days playing catchup The Democratic loss in the delegate races retiring Republican Jeff Frederick, who was and seeking to fill his depleted campaign trea- was essentially an unraveling of the Demo- deposed as state GOP chairman last spring in sury. cratic gains of the previous four years. Every a nasty intramural bloodletting that left many Still, the bottom line was that the loss one of the defeated Democrats had been Republicans disheartened. 2009 Dem losses to GOP in Virginia House of Delegates ACDC Voice, December 2009, Page 8 Thank you to those who made the Arlington sweep a thing of beauty Many thanks to the volunteers and vot- Many thanks to Arlington Democrats for ers who helped in my campaign this year! We From the Joint your hard work and dedication during this had a successful team effort that included year’s campaigns. While elsewhere Election The Joint Campaign (JC) Co-Chairs: many candidate forums, mailings and events Day was not what we had hoped, you made Chris Zimmerman, Krysta Jones, and Kim – including a fabulous kick-off at sure that Arlington’s tradition of responsible, Klingler would like to thank everyone for Signature Theatre and a success- progressive leadership – Democratic leader- their efforts in Keeping Arlington Blue! The ful Democratic Dinner & Auction. ship – continues as strong as ever. ACDC JC would like to give special thanks And let’s not forget the touching The two lessons I hope to the following leads and their hard working personal postcard message from we learn most from this year’s and dedicated teams: Cassie and Chocco - my dogs. I races are: 1) We must always OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY & can’t say enough about those two! give people something to be COMMUNICATIONS But I especially want to for, and not just against. We Thanks to Chris Gill, Jordan Higgins, single out the two workhorses of have been so successful in Ar- Arielle Holland, & Brian Devine for their the campaign, my campaign man- lington not just because we’re leadership in scheduling events and facilitat- ager Jody Olson and campaign not the other guys, but because ing effective communications. treasurer Betsey Wildhack. I relied on them we continue to offer a compel- FINANCE & EVENT PLANNING heavily and they were terrific from the be- ling and positive vision for the Thanks to Virginia Robinson, Amaka ginning to the end. future and ideas to turn that Gossett, Kate Mesches, Jen Amore, Ingrid While the state took a step backward on vision into reality; and 2) We should never Morroy, Jean Crawford, Amy Lewis, Madi Election Day, the results in our own Arling- apologize for being Democrats or for our pro- Green, Mike Lieberman, and the Kitchen ton County reinforced this community’s com- gressive approach to solving our nation’s Crew for planning, fundraising, managing the mitment to good government. Thanks, again, problems, which rests on the very principles budget, and executing the Chili Cook-Off, to the best Democratic Committee in Virginia. of equality and justice upon which our nation Vintages for Virginia, Golden Gala, and Dol- I look forward to continuing to work with all was founded. lars for Democrats. of you to make Arlington even better. With your ongoing energy and commit- TARGETING & FIELD OPERATIONS Jay ment, I am confident that our positive, pro- Thanks to Carrie Johnson, Chris Jones, gressive vision for the future ultimately will Peter Owen, Nancy Pilchen, Maureen prevail. Thank you! Thank you to the people of the 47th Dis- Markham, Paul Ashin, Carol Fontein, Lauren David trict for giving me the honor and privilege to Hall, Jim McBride, Bob Platt, Charley represent them as their next Delegate. I espe- Conrad, Kip Malinosky, and Chris Mehrabi Despite setbacks elsewhere in the state, cially want to thank the numerous HOPE sup- for their work regarding precinct operations, Election Day in the 48th District was a strong porters who combined years of political ex- absentee voter contact, metro flyering, me- affirmation of Arlington values and “the Vir- perience with the energy of many first time dian signs, phone banking, canvassing, and ginia we want to be.” My re-election margin enthusiasts. Virginia faces challenging times election day activities. turned out to be over 6,000 votes, and I deeply ahead and I’m committed to representing DESIGN & PRINTING appreciate the efforts of everyone who made Arlington’s values in Richmond. Thanks to Amanda Brino and Mike that victory possible: my long-time volunteer While other election re- Anderson for designing, printing, and mail- manager and treasurer, Tom Connally and sults were disappointing, ing the grip cards, sample ballots, targeted Madi Green; Aileen Whitfill, who Arlington’s commitment to pro- postcards, and event invitations. handled scheduling and a thousand tecting our environment, ensur- OUTREACH, VISIBILITY & VOLUN- other things; Shannon Craig Straw, ing adequate funding for our TEERS Wordsmith Extraordinaire; the public schools and colleges, and Thanks to Steve Baker, Atima Omara YDs and Kitchen Crew who helped expanding transportation op- Alwala, Marj Signer, Libby Garvey Ana make my fundraiser with Gover- tions must continue. We must Gabilondo, Carolina Espinal, Shaun Edwards, nor Kaine at Sharon and Adam also remain vigilant to protect Alexandra Beninda, Carol Fontain, Brian Levin’s home such a success; and our most vulnerable populations Straw, Marj Signer, Marge Epstein & Nancy all those good Arlington Demo- to ensure our homeless have Pilchen, Gordon Simonett, and Therese Grif- crats who helped me reach out to safe and decent housing, our seniors have fin for coordinating and executing visibility, the 48th District’s voters at the adequate services to remain at home, all Vir- outreach, and celebration activities. Metro, the Farmer’s Market, and ginians have access to quality health care, and the doors. As always, List Lady Carrie people with disabilities have services and Finally, a big thank you to ACDC Chair Johnson made sure we contacted exactly the treatments that allow them to thrive. Peter Rousselot, AYD Executive Committee, right voters by mail and phone. And I espe- I promise to protect these principles and our Candidates, and our Electeds! cially want to thank the Washington Post: I look forward to serving the 47th District. couldn’t have done it without them. Pat Bob Brink ACDC Voice, December 2009, Page 9 JFK, Europe brought Rousselot to politics Peter Rousselot steps down in January University in the fall of 1959. “The campaign was an intense and ex- after serving two terms (four years) as ACDC Yale gave Rousselot his first taste of hilarating political experience—with a tragic Chair and he can count some of Arlington’s politics during the fall and summer of 1960 ending.” Rousselot began as a field organizer most exciting and exhilarating Democratic as a result of two catalysts: First, having spent in various states and his boss was the late victories in decades as having occurred dur- the summer in Europe, he had the first oppor- Senator Ted Kennedy. After Bobby ing his watch. tunity to “think about both my country and Kennedy’s assassination, Peter ended the These include honchoing Arlington’s myself from the outside looking in.” Second, campaign by planning the seating arrange- role in providing the margin of victory nec- John Kennedy was running for President as a ments at the funeral in St. Patrick’s cathedral essary to elect Senator Jim Webb in 2006, and Democrat. “He was young, articulate, and in New York City. He rode the funeral train in adding to the margin of victory for Senator energetic—a real contrast to the boring back to DC and attended the burial at Arling- Mark Warner in 2008. Arlington also boosted Eisenhower years,” says Rousselot. “I came ton Cemetery. the victory margin of the first Democratic home from [Europe] with an interest in poli- “The conclusion to the Robert Kennedy presidential nominee to carry Virginia in 44 tics and a commitment to the Democratic campaign was wrenching enough that, when years, Barack Obama, in what Rousselot calls Party. He became a political science major combined with my growing law practice and “the best organized Democratic presidential (much more fun than math) and was elected raising a family, I never really got back into campaign I have seen in my lifetime.” And, President of the Yale Political Union where politics in an active way for three decades— despite the dismal results of the 2009 state- he prepared his first campaign flier and was a until shortly after moving to Arlington in wide elections, Arlington Democrats carried member of Yale’s intercollegiate debate team. 1997,” he says. every precinct in the county by substantial He graduated from Yale summa cum Rousselot retired from Hogan & Hartson margins. laude, entered Harvard Law School that fall, in 1994 and has done legal and consulting Rousselot became active in ACDC just and graduated from there in 1966. Follow- work for international railroad clients. He has 10 years ago when, having recently moved to ing law school, Rousselot immediately went been virtually a full-time ACDC Chair since Arlington from Reston so his daughter, Anne, to work as an entry-level associate at the large his election in 2006. He says he has no de- could attend Washington-Lee High School, he DC-based law firm of Hogan & Hartson tailed plans regarding what he will be doing and his wife, Mary, became active in the W-L (where current ACDC counsel, Tom when his term is up but that “political con- PTA. There they got to know several long- Connally, now is a partner). sulting and punditry will be in the picture.” time Arlington Democratic activists, includ- “This was the middle of the turbulent ing Mary Beth Tschetter, who recruited him 1960s and I still had the ‘political bug’ from to volunteer for Sharon Davis’ campaign for college,” he notes. “When an opportunity Rousselot will reveal “the 7 most impor- the Arlington School Board. That experience arose to work on the national campaign staff tant things I learned as ACDC Chair” at got him “hooked again” on politics after a of Robert Kennedy for President in 1968, I ACDC’s December 2nd meeting. three-decade hiatus. From then on, it was a jumped at the chance. rapid rise through the ranks (Lyon Village Precinct Captain, Joint Campaign GOTV Coordinator, Co-Chair, and High Dollar Event Chair, Campaign Manager for Elaine Furlow’s School Board run, and Precinct Operations Chair) until he was elected Chair of ACDC in January 2006. Rousselot hails from New York City and grew up in Englewood, NJ, in an international family with roots in France, Denmark and Spain. His parents actually met in Puerto Rico and his maternal grandmother, who spoke little English, lived with the family. This ex- plains Rousselot’s fluent Spanish which he puts to good use at ACDC Latino events. While attending a small (only 16 in the graduating class), private, all-male high school, he was strongly influenced and moti- vated by his math teacher who convinced him that majoring in math in college was what he wanted to do. “Fortunately,” he says, “I gave up that idea when I got back the grade on my first college math test—10 out of 100!” Nev- FLIER — “Pete” Rousselot produced this, his first campaign flier, for ertheless, he was the valedictorian of his high his successful race to become president of the Yale Political Union back school class (“No big deal when there are only 16 kids in the class”) and enrolled at Yale when he started in politics in the 1960s. ACDC Voice, December 2009, Page 10 Roberts’ Arlington experience led him to party. Together, we have also expanded that Richmond and now D.C. capacity through the Organizing for America Larry Roberts, ACDC chair in 2000-2001, has tration and turnout for the 2008 election. program – which provides a vehicle for ac- served as general counsel to Governor Tim That election, of course, resulted in Vir- tivists to weigh in against the special inter- Kaine and is now chief of staff to Kaine in his ginia voting for a Democrat for President for ests who have dominated governing in Wash- capacity as chair of the Democratic National the first time since 1964, electing a second ington for too long. Committee. The Voice asked him to compare Democratic U.S. Senator, and gaining a ma- Thank you, ACDC, for allowing me to the two jobs. jority of Virginia’s 11 congressional seats. serve and teaching me how to be a successful Following that success, President-Elect Democrat. by Larry Roberts Obama asked Governor Kaine to serve as the When Peter Rousselot asked if I would new chairman of the Democratic National speak to ACDC about the 2009 gubernatorial Committee. In turn, I was asked to serve Democratic Values in Action race in Virginia, I jumped at the chance. It Chairman Kaine as Senior Advisor and Chief would be a homecoming of sorts, having just of Staff. changed my voter registration back to Arling- Truly, I could not have become a mem- ton earlier in the day. ber of the DNC leadership team without the Show Dem values I served with many of you during my experience and opportunities that I gained as years as an Arlington Democratic activist. I a member of the ACDC family. over the holidays was privileged to work with several ACDC Through ACDC, I learned from Chairs, culminating in my work as Program Arlington’s long-time experts and relative The holidays are upon us and there are Chair, Finance Chair, and then ACDC Chair newcomers about how to win elections and many ways to turn your Democratic values during the 2000 and 2001 election cycles. serve the public effectively. I gained valu- into action. Under co-chairs Charley Conrad Through my work as ACDC Chair in able knowledge of precinct operations, voter and Sarah Zevin, ACDC’s Democratic Val- 2001, I got to know one of our Democratic lists, fundraising, communications, outreach ues in Action Committee is undertaking the candidates for lieutenant governor – Tim to various constituencies, political schedul- following projects and urges your participa- Kaine. Over time, that relationship grew, and ing, joint campaigns, volunteer engagement, tion: I began to help map out the strategy for his GOTV, listening to voters, and working with • Bring cereal and canned goods to the gubernatorial race in 2005. honest and effective elected officials. December meeting. The items will be donated Ultimately, I moved to Richmond and These skills developed with my ACDC to the Arlington Food Assistance Center became chairman of the Kaine for Governor colleagues have allowed me to work confi- (AFAC) and the need is greater than ever. campaign. Our success afforded me the op- dently to improve our state party, help elect a • Bring used coats and new hats and gloves portunity to serve as counselor to the Gover- governor, serve in the governor’s cabinet, and for children to the December meeting for do- nor. to plan and implement strategies for our na- nation to the Arlington Homeless Shelter. One of the highlights of my service as tional Democratic Party. • Work with Project Christmas Angel, a counselor was to make sure Virginia was pre- In my role at the DNC, I run the day to program of Offender Aid and Restoration of pared for the massive increase in voter regis- day operations of the Office of the Chairman. Arlington County, Inc. (OAR) to provide holi- Most importantly, I manage the chairman’s day gifts to children of individuals incarcer- schedule, meet with key Democrats on behalf ated in our local detention center. You can of the chairman, review all communications make a financial donation (by December 1); By-Laws now under from the DNC to make sure they reflect the bring an unwrapped gift or check payable to chairman’s values, and help decide how and OAR to the December meeting; donate a gift review by one and all where the DNC’s resources are deployed. directly to OAR; and volunteer to help wrap Scheduling challenges have been particularly gifts on December 17. Finally, after Decem- Every two years, ACDC’s Bylaw Com- difficult this year as I help the governor/chair- ber 17, you can deliver the gifts to children’s mittee reviews the Bylaws for consideration man balance governing, campaign and DNC homes. To send a financial contribution and/ by the full ACDC. priorities. or a gift for a child directly to OAR, address The Committee welcomes input from all The lessons I learned as ACDC chair it to OAR – Project Christmas Angel Coordi- Arlington Democrats. If you have any rec- now allow me the necessary perspective to nator, 1400 N. Uhle Street, #704, Arlington, ommendations about the Bylaws, please email evaluate and prioritize the many requests and VA 22201. For gift suggestions or for addi- them to ACDC Chair Peter Rousselot at inquiries we field for the chairman’s time and tional information about the wrapping party [email protected] and also to By- the DNC’s resources. (or to rsvp for the party), contact (703) 228- laws Committee Chair Bob Platt at I am pleased that Governor Kaine has 7030 or send an email to [email protected] by December 21. retained the “50-state strategy” that allows the [email protected] or check The current bylaws may be reviewed on DNC (and me) to work closely with state par- last month’s issue of The Voice at the Arlington Democratic party website, ties, local committees, and Democratic activ- www.arlingtondemocrats.org. You can also www.arlingtondemocrats.org. Click on “Site ists across the country – the lifeblood of our visit the OAR website at www.OARonline.org Map,” then “Bylaws.” to learn more about the organization.