S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 0 I S S U E 9 THE PARTY LINE The Official Newsletter of the Loudoun County Democratic Committee The RNC: A Convention of Misrepresentation By Tyler Peak, LCDC Executive Director

What's Inside: On August 27th, the Republican National Convention wrapped up with President Trump’s acceptance speech. President Trump, and the speakers before him, attempted to change the RNC Convention (Cont.) 2 narrative and hide the failures of his administration Notes from the Chair 3 these past three plus years. Virtual Silent Auction 4,5 Membership Meetings 6 Among the themes of the RNC’s convention were Wexton-Burk Day of Action 7 Spotlight on Sterling 8,9 the following: equality in opportunity, the Trump Victory 10 Administration is the most pro-law enforcement The LWV Leesburg Forum 11 administration ever, and an economy-saving Committees 12 response to the pandemic. Let’s break each of these Districts 13 points down.

Equality in opportunity. Did Jacob Blake have LCDC Membership Meeting equality of opportunity to life, liberty, and the pursuit Thursday 3 September of happiness? Do the millions of essential workers keeping this economy moving have equality in NOTE: October Membership opportunity to health care and Social Security? Meeting is on October 1st! While the country reckons with the everlasting (see p. 6) effects of the pandemic, President Trump is ( C o n t . o n p . 2 )

Donate Facebook Twitter Website pushing for a payroll taxcut that reports It is vital to see through these show will deplete the funds for Social misrepresentations. Workers across the Security by 2023 (1). country are facing the choice of putting their safety on the line or earning a The most pro-law enforcement paycheck. As Labor Day approaches, administration ever. There is a distinction let’s remember the core values that between being pro-law enforcement and make us Democrats: fair pay, safe blindly supporting those who subvert the working conditions, and a strong social law. DeGue, Fowler, and Calkins (2016) safety net for those struggling. found that law enforcement officers use deadly force 280% more often against Voters will come to their own black victims compared with their white conclusions on who is best for workers counterparts (2). Which begs the question, when they cast their ballots, but they is it better to be pro-law enforcement or should remember what is at stake. Joe pro-justice? Biden offers reform and revitalization. President Trump offers a continuation of Economy-saving response to the despair and destruction. Be well, be safe, President Trump, and many pandemic. and vote blue. speakers at the convention, believe a life- saving pandemic stimulus package was provided. President Trump and Mitch McConnell have the gall to tout such lies as they plan to rip away the $600 unemployment benefits keeping families from financial ruin. In addition, Trump’s lack of a response to the pandemic has economists estimating that 42% of job losses due to the pandemic are permanent (3). Never mind the fact over 180,000 Americans have died since March.

1. https://money.yahoo.com/trumps-permanent-payroll-tax-cut-would-deplete-social-security-funds-by-2023- analysis-finds-205515510.html

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6080222/

3. https://www.forbes.com/sites/terinaallen/2020/05/10/3-bitter-truths-about-the-coronavirus-job-losses- and-the-economy/#3790cb6167f9 Notes From the Chair We are only a few months away from the most important election of our lifetimes. That has been said in many elections, but this time we know in our hearts, it’s true. This is the election that will decide not only what type of country we are but will demonstrate the humanity of our people. We have worked so hard over the last four years. We have written postcards, phonebanked, and protested. We are doing everything that we possibly can to ensure that we have a democracy on November 4th. at marathons. We will continue to carry our message of progress to all I know that you are tired. I understand you ends of the county. When they tell are frustrated. I share those feelings. us we can’t, we will stand up and say “watch me.” We know what is at What I have seen from Loudoun County stake. Yes, it’s scary, but we also Democrats in the past is that in times like know what a county full of people these even when you’re tired, you carry on. who refuse to quit can accomplish Even when you feel like you can’t stomach and that is our hope. attending one more protest or making one more phone call, you lace up your shoes, Lissa Savaglio, charge your phone, and make sure that you LCDC Chair have that perfect writing pen and continue on. You do it again and again. You keep going.

I could not be prouder of that energy and that spirit: the perseverance of the Loudoun County Democrats. You will not quit because you know what’s at stake. You will not entertain the notion of giving up. You If you've been on the fence about are strong and inspiring, and you will keep volunteering, we really need you. moving forward. Sign up here or call 703-771-3366. Most of our work is done by This is a marathon, not a sprint, and Loudoun Democrats are really good volunteers. Don't be "woulda, coulda, shoulda" on Nov. 4th! Virtual Silent Auction Raises Funds to Get Dems Elected Friday 2 October through Sunday 12 October

This year, our premier fundraiser will be our Virtual Silent Auction, held online from Friday, October 2 through Sunday, October 12, 2020. As with every campaign and committee, it has been difficult to raise money the way we have traditionally – we cancelled our annual gala fundraiser and several other events that usually fund our operations. Even getting out the vote has proven more challenging – door knocking is limited. Let’s help elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as President and Vice President and re-elect Senator Mark Warner, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton, and Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk! Help us elect Ara Bagdasarian, Zach Cummings, and Bill Replogle to the Leesburg Town Council!

Loudoun County voters have already requested more than 30,000 absentee ballots - far more than the total in any previous year and we expect that number to rise to 100,000 by Election Day. All auction proceeds will go toward promoting early absentee voting, ballot chasing, and Election Day operations.

The auction format will consist of a couple of viewing days, where we will add new items each day, followed by about a week of bidding. We ask that you help by contributing items now, volunteering to help, and purchasing from the auction when bidding opens. Additionally, we request you promote the event on your District or organization’s social media page( as well as on your personal pages.

Our goal is to collect items valued at $10,000 in opening bids and we are currently at about $2500 in items. We need all items by Friday, September 25th at 9:00 PM. Here are a few items we have already collected:

Senator John Bell is hosting dinner and a guided tour of the General Assembly and donating a night's stay in a Richmond hotel - Opening bid $200 Lunch at Lightfoot Restaurant with Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk – Opening bid - $100

Virtual Bow Tying Lesson with Soil and Water Board Director and MSNBC's John Flannery and receive a custom Ari Melber “The Beat” bow ties from John’s personal collection – Opening bid $100

Gift Certificate to a local restaurant – Opening bid $50

A bottle of wine – Opening bid $20

Bar of handmade soap – Opening bid $10

For questions or more information, contact the event Co-Chairs: Nicole Gore-Hayes at [email protected], Ellen Heald at [email protected], or Kannan Srinivasan at [email protected]. September Membership Meeting Thursday 3 September (Networking 6:30 PM; Business Meeting 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM)

Join September Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/97468678307? pwd=MnNsWlc1V3dyL1JJVUgvbEdRU0lTQT09 Meeting ID: 974 6867 8307 Passcode: 233008 One tap mobile +13126266799,,97468678307#,,,,,,0#,,233008# US () +16465588656,,97468678307#,,,,,,0#,,233008# US (New York)

NOTE: The October General Membership Meeting will be on the 1st of October. Thursday 1 October (Networking 6:30 PM; Business Meeting 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM)

Join October Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/91644578662? pwd=Nit3Y25PZ0FQTkJpZkl3SDBFZUR5dz09 Meeting ID: 916 4457 8662 Passcode: 599074 One tap mobile+16465588656,,91644578662#,,,,,,0#,,599074# US (New York) +13017158592,,91644578662#,,,,,,0#,,599074# US (Germantown)

Congratulations to Shelley Tamres on her election to Vice Chair of Operations!

Less than Days

Until Voting Starts! RSVP here.

Save the Date! Special Session and Election Update Forum Monday 14 September 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Spotlight Sterling Elected Officials State Senator (SD-33) on Precincts 701-703, 705, 707, 709, 710

State Senator (SD-31) Sterling Precinct 708

Sterling District runs from Fairfax County in the east to across Rte. 7 to the north. Part of its western boundary runs down Rte. 28 Delegate Kathleen Murphy (HD-34) Precinct 708 with Broad Run District pushing a little ways east across 28 to the north and the south. Delegate Ibraheem Samirah (Rep. HD-86) Precincts 701, 705 Sterling includes many old established neighborhoods, such as Sterling Park and Delegate (HD-87) Seneca Chase. Sterling Park was one of the Precincts 702,703,707,709,710 first planned communities in eastern Loudoun County and was built as a result of the construction of Dulles Airport. Sterling Supervisor: Koran Saines A few decades ago this district was ruby red and was home to the infamous Eugene School Board: Brenda Sheridan Delgaudio, who is virulently homophobic and anti-immigrant. Delgaudio served as Sterling's representative to the Board of Supervisors for 16 years until he was LCDC Contact Info defeated by Koran Saines. Chair Lauren Coyne [email protected] Currently, Sterling is a blue district represented by not only Koran Saines but Vice Chair: Maria Damare Senators Boykso and Favola and Delegates Facebook: Murphy, Samirah, and Subramanyam and @SterlingDistrictDemocrats School Board member Sheridan. Sterling is a reminder that hard work and changing demographics can make a significant difference politically in areas that seem to be entrenched in one political direction. Sterling District is in purple with Algonkian in pink and Broad Run in green. Fairfax County is to the east.

Precincts Polling Place

701 Sully Sully Elementary School 702 Park View Park View High School 703 Rolling Ridge Rolling Ridge Elementary School 705 Forest Grove Forest Grove Elementary School 707 Claude Moore Park Claude Moore Recreation Center 708 Seneca Seneca Ridge Middle School 709 Mirror Ridge Sugarland Elementary School 710 Sterling Sterling Middle School

See Loudoun.gov to verify polling locations, locate addresses, and view individual precinct maps. Victory Virginia

Check out Victory Virginia campaign events in mobilize.us

Looking for Biden Harris Graphics for Social Media? Check out the Team Joe Virtual Toolkit The League of Women Voters Meet the Candidates, Ask Your Questions

Join the League for a free nonpartisan online forum for Leesburg mayoral and town council candidates in the November 3, 2020, Election. The forum will be moderated by Loudoun Now editor and publisher Norman K. Styers.

Submit your questions before the Forum by email to [email protected]. An online link will be sent to you when you register.

Kelly Burk

In Person Absentee Voting Begins September 18th Board of Elections: 750 Miller Drive SE, Suite C, Leesburg Early voting hours - Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Committees

Silent Auction Discussion Friday 4 September (7:00 PM to 8:00 PM)

Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/99346468847? pwd=WHQwV1ZUOWdSL201V2ROZkF1QlUwQT09 Meeting ID: 993 4646 8847 Passcode: 821161 One tap mobile +13126266799,,99346468847#,,,,,,0#,,821161# US (Chicago)

Diversity and Inclusion Outreach Committee Sunday 6 September (12:30 PM to 1:30 PM)

Monthly Outreach and Inclusion Committee meeting to discuss ongoing initiatives and discuss new outreach and inclusion efforts that are needed.

See LCDC calendar for more details.

Finance and Fundraising Committee Thursday 17 September (7:00 PM to 8:00 PM)

Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/95083979507?pwd=TXpGQVFqQ0JrNFJWR3cyQjAzOEkzZz09 Meeting ID: 950 8397 9507 Passcode: 952475 One tap mobile +13126266799,,95083979507#,,,,,,0#,,952475# US (Chicago) +16465588656,,95083979507#,,,,,,0#,,952475# US (New York)

For information on LCDC committees and leadership, Join see the LCDC website. Districts Dulles District Thursday 10 September (7:00 PM to 9:00 PM) Contact [email protected] with any questions.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/96454146910? pwd=b3NGVEh6QzM5R3ZRY2RFMzNEUVFPUT09 Meeting ID: 964 5414 6910 Passcode: 154956 One tap mobile+16465588656,,96454146910#,,,,,,0#,,154956# US (New York)+13017158592,,96454146910#,,,,,,0#,,154956# US (Germantown)

Algonkian District Monday 21 September (7:00 PM to 9:00 PM) Algonkian will be hearing from Supervisor Juli Briskman and School Board Member Atoosa Reaser and discussing GOTV efforts.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/95980011343? pwd=aXp2OVlkU2N5eUNDNWpoT2xCSEdoQT09 Meeting ID: 959 8001 1343 Passcode: 199951 One tap mobile+16465588656,,95980011343#,,,,,,0#,,199951# US (New York) +13017158592,,95980011343#,,,,,,0#,,199951# US (Germantown)

Broad Run District Monday 28 September (7:00 PM to 9:00 PM)

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85128193127 Meeting ID: 851 2819 3127 Passcode: 404955 One tap mobile +13126266799,,85128193127#,,,,,,0#,,404955# US (Chicago) +16468769923,,85128193127#,,,,,,0#,,404955# US (New York)

Authorized and Paid for by the Loudoun County Democratic Committee

Loudoun County Democratic Committee PO Box 544 Leesburg, VA 20178