J-J Just Days Away—June 11

Home , Adam Ebbin, Kathy Hochul, Mary Margaret Whipple

Vol. 36, No. 6 www.arlingtondemocrats.org June 2011 Congrats! J-J just days away—June 11 This year’s JJ (Jefferson-Jackson) dinner There is also a VIP reception with the speak- comes in twos: two keynote speakers; two honor- ers and honored guests at 6 p.m. for $250, includ- ees; and only two weeks left to buy your tickets! ing the dinner. Table sponsorships are also avail- This double bill of keynoters comprises former able. For information, contact JJ Dinner Chair Vir- Rep. Tom Perriello, who was defeated last year by ginia Robinson at [email protected]. a Tea Party candidate, and former DNC chair and With so many races on this year’s ballot, the former (and possible future) gubernatorial candi- candidates will be out in force, so register now and date Terry McAuliffe. The two honorees are retir- schmooze with your favorites. Register and pay ing State Senators Mary Margaret Whipple and on-line at www.arlingtondemocrats.org or return the Patsy Ticer. reply card that you should have received recently ACDC’s biggest—and most eagerly antici- with the printed invitation. pated—annual fundraiser will be Saturday, June 11, beginning with a reception at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m.. As in past years, the event will be held at the Westin Arlington Gateway at 801 N. Glebe Road in Ballston. Valet parking is available and there is a public garage a short block away on Vermont Av- enue just off Fairfax Drive. The Ballston Metro is also conveniently located nearby. Ticket prices are $125 for general admission; $115 for Roosevelt Society members; $100 for Ar- To new lington YD’s. Congresswoman Kathy Hochul Who just took the 26th Con- New DNC chair makes first gressional District in New York back for the Democratic Party with a campaign fo- calls from Arlington Dem HQ cused on protecting Medi- The well-used ACDC offices received a little ing event was jointly hosted by Mike Lieberman , care. burnishing of Capitol Hill polish this month with a ACDC chair, and Brandyn Keating of Organizing Hochul won 47% of the visit from Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman- for America to mark the beginning of the “I’m In!” vote to 43% for the GOP Schultz, the brand new chair of the Democratic voter outreach campaign designed to rebuild and candidate, 9% for a Tea National Committee. expand the volunteer network that elected President Party candidate and 1% The congresswoman made ACDC a stop May Obama in 2008. for the Green Party. 4 on her way to her investiture as DNC chair. The The star power was lent by Congresswoman Rep. Steve Israel (D-NY), visit also launched ACDC’s 2012 voter outreach Wasserman-Schultz, who knows how to make an campaign. Wasserman-Schultz, who represents a entrance. With the same instinct with which she chairman of the Demo- South Florida district that stretches from Fort Lau- parries pundits on “Meet the Press,” she delivered cratic Congressional derdale to Miami Beach, grabbed a telephone and a concise but powerful talk lauding the volunteers Campaign Committee, made some of the phone calls herself. for their efforts. She related her own beginnings as said: “The three rea- The phone room was packed that Wednesday a candidate who knocked on 25,000 doors in her morning, with more than 30 volunteers on hand to first campaign, who was told by the bigwigs she sons a Democrat was receive phone training. Representatives from had no chance to win, and how that early grassroots elected to Congress in ACDC, the Arlington Young Democrats and Orga- experience has positively shaped her political life. the district were Medi- nizing for America prepped the volunteers on their She told the crowd, “I cannot thank you enough care, Medicare and phone duties. for coming out here today and spreading the word Medicare.” This was just one of many weekly phone can- about the important work President Obama is do- vasses scheduled in ACDC headquarters. The train- continued on page five ACDC Voice, June 2011, Page 2

Report from Chairman Mike Lieberman Playing well with others Of all of the topics that have dominated plan, arguing that the new plan sacrifices an see great possibility from the prospect of in- our political debate in this spring, none has “Arlington Seat” in the legislature. In doing creased cooperation with our neighbors. been more contentious than the redistricting so, opponents argue, it weakens the ability for Take, for example, the expansion and plan approved by the General Assembly this Arlington to advocate in Richmond for issues repair of our Metro system. For years, April. of local interest with the same fervor and exurban jurisdictions like Loudoun County Indeed, in the State Senate in particular, strength we have previously enjoyed. have expressed wariness about paying for the changes the redistricting plan contem- On the other side of the debate are those Metro improvements and expansion that we plates are significant. Gone is the Arlington- who take a more Realpolitik view – arguing in Arlington know are critical, given our more dominated 31st Senate seat occupied so ably that the new lines sacrifice 65 percent Demo- frequent use of mass transit. by Mary Margaret Whipple, and, in its cratic performing districts for several 55 per- It seems only logical a new senator in place, is a district that stretches from Arling- cent Democratic performing districts in the the 31st District, representing both Arling- ton through McLean and into Loudoun. hope that a greater spread of Democrats across ton and Loudoun County, would be able to Carved out of this seat are 11 precincts districts will result in more Democrats being better communicate the regional, not merely in western Arlington, which join Janet elected overall, and a preservation of the all- parochial, benefits that come from this ex- Howell’s Fairfax-based district that stretches important Democratic majority in the State pansion. into Reston and beyond. Bob Brink’s 48th Senate. Look also at issues of environmental House District is also now extended into Great While I generally fall into this latter stewardship. There is no such thing as Ar- Falls, and the multi-jurisdictional character of camp, I think what has been largely ignored lington air or Alexandria air or Fairfax air or Patsy Ticer’s 30th Senate district, Adam in this debate to date have been the benefits Loudoun air. If we hope to make progress on Ebbin’s 49th Delegate district, and David that can come from the increase in cross-ju- air quality issues in Arlington, then a regional Englin’s 45th Delegate district are preserved. risdictional representation. Indeed, there are approach is needed. This cross-jurisdictional There are those in Arlington who have few issues in Richmond these days that are cooperation can be streamlined through multi- expressed concern about this redistricting limited to county and city lines, and I, for one, jurisdictional senators and delegates with an interest in spearheading regional communi- cation. And think about issues of jobs and em- ployment in our region. Arlington benefits if there are not only job opportunities in Arling- Jerry Botland ton and Washington, DC, but also in our neighboring jurisdictions. Computer Consulting An approach to economic development that emphasizes the regional attributes of Troubleshoot and resolve computer and Northern Virginia brings the greatest possi- computer related problems. bility for landing the large, 21st century em- Perform upgrades, set-up wireless routers and print servers. ployers that will serve as the economic foun- Transfer old files, address book and emails dation for both Arlington and its neighbors in the years to come. from an old computer to a new one. We are blessed in Arlington with an em- Phone: (703) 933-0558 — [email protected] barrassment of riches – a strong economy, engaged citizens, and a wealth of progressive voices committed to progress through Demo- cratic leadership. I have faith that as we explore these greater avenues of cooperation with our neighbors through redistricting, we will find that Published monthly by the many of them share these same attributes – Arlington County Democratic Committee perhaps even more than we previously knew. 2009 North 14th Street, Suite #612, Arlington, VA 22201 My great hope and expectation is that, Tel: (703) 528-8588 Fax: (703) 528-2321 as we learn from our neighbors and vice versa, http://www.arlingtondemocrats.org we will create not just a stronger region, but a Chair: Mike Lieberman —(703) 408-3940 (h), [email protected] stronger Arlington in the process. Editor-in-Chief: Warren L. Nelson —(703) 243-7867 (h), [email protected] Perhaps by the 2021 redistricting debate, Deputy Editor: Eric Wiener — (703) 524-6899 (h), [email protected] will find ourselves focused on preserving Views expressed do not necessarily represent those of the ACDC more Northern Virginia seats than Arlington unless expressly approved by an appropriate Committee Resolution seats because, if all goes well, their interests Copyright ©2011, ACDC, All Rights Reserved should be one and the same. ACDC Voice, June 2011, Page 3

Our Y-est YD Next Monthly Meeting All Dems Invited Wednesday, June 1, 2011, 7:00 p.m. NRECA Building, 4301 Wilson Blvd Corner of North Taylor and Wilson, just east of Glebe & Wilson Free parking under building, enter from Taylor Street This month starts our candidate debates leading up to the August primaries. At this month’s meeting, we will hear from the two candidates seeking the Democratic nomina- tion for commonwealth’s attorney—Theo Stamos and David Deane. In July and August, we will hear from the candidates in the competitive primaries for State Senate and the House of Delegates. Come on out, here what they have to stay, and put your questions to the candidates.

Candidates hit 1st Saturday Breakfasts for three months YD— Meet our newest and youngest The Arlington Democrats First Saturday Delegates) and County Board member Bar- Breakfast has a line up of primary candidates bara Favola (candidate for State Senate), and Arlington Democrat, Cameron to keep everyone motivated all through the on August 6 hear Alexandria Council mem- Alpert Lieberman, born May 17 to summer. ber Rob Krupricka (candidate for State Sen- ACDC Chair Mike Lieberman and On June 4, Delegate Adam Ebbin (can- ate) and Jamie Areizaga-Soto (candidate for wife Dara. The Lieberbaby weighed didate for the State Senate) will join every- State Senate). in at 8 pounds even and was seen one at the breakfast along with Alfonso Lopez Dems gather the first Saturday of each (candidate for House of Delegates). month at the Busboys and Poets in Shirlington kicking his legs like he was ready and On July 2, join School Board Member between 8:30 and 10 a.m. Courtesy of man- eager to take on a Messenger delivery Libby Garvey (candidate for State Senate) agement, we have a room there all to our- route. Stephanie Clifford (candidate for House of selves. Despite this being the credit card era, please bring cash! The organizers get one bill and it is much easier if everyone chips in cash instead of having to work a stack of credit Bumper Sticker cards. of the Month

Calendar items To submit items for the ACDC calendar, go to http://www.arlingtondemocrats.org/ submitevent.phtml . ACDC Voice, June 2011, Page 4 Trolling for Donkey Ears new captains Listening to the doings Folks move in and out of Arlington all the time and, not surprisingly, that includes of Arlington’s Dems ACDC Precinct Captains. As they move on, hopefully to equally as overheard by congenial and progressive communities, Dan Steen and Mädi Green ACDC must recruit new captains to replace them. One year ago, every single one of our Classy write-up: Check out the latest issue of Southern Living magazine. You’ll 50 precincts had at least one captain. Today, find an article there all about the spruced-up yard around the house of County two precincts—Claremont #28 and Crystal Board Member Jay Fisette and partner Bob Rosen. They make no pretense of Plaza #50—lack even a single captain. And, having a green thumb. In fact, the suggestions for changes came from a overall, 26 of our 116 captain slots are un- neighbor who is a landscape designer, Tom Mannion. Southern Living says filled. Precinct Operations Chair Kip Mannion shifted from a design that was “as exciting as watching a frozen turkey Malinosky has deployed his draglines and thaw” to one that “stands out from its environs like a Bolshoi ballerina in a nets as he prowls the highways and byways mattress store.” The article may be a tad heavy on similes, but the yard in of the county seeking volunteers so ACDC Ashton Heights is a stunner. will have a full team for the fall elections. The lunch bunch: Forget the polls. We have a new rating system now. It’s the Each precinct has at least two slots for Kiwanis lunch auctions. Rep. Jim Moran came out on top at $120, followed by captains, while the 16 largest have three cap- Commissioner of Revenue Ingrid Morroy at $100 and Clerk of the Court Paul tain slots. As 22 of the current 26 vacancies Ferguson at $95. are in precincts with at least one captain, new Adorables: Precinct Ops Chair Kip Malinosky, the man who never saw a doorbell volunteers will have an experienced mentor or telephone he didn’t adore, has found something else to adore. He is now to help them learn the ropes of this most ba- Uncle Kip to newborn niece Marie Virginia Malinosky. sic and crucial role in elective politics. The old ways still work: Old ways still prevail even into the 21st Century. Karl Precinct Captains serve as the “Feet on Johnson, former ACDC program chair, got down on one knee last month to the Street” of the Democratic Party all across propose to Danielle Granville of Westchester County. He did so under a grand the country. Captains are people who, first oak near the WWII Memorial where he first kissed her on their first date as they and foremost, are eager to turn grassroots ef- huddled under one umbrella in a torrential rainstorm. Karl had a camera-toting forts into fall victory. friend stationed nearby to capture the entire event and prove that Karl is a It’s fun to be a captain because it enables romantic at heart. Danielle is finishing up her doctoral dissertation in politics at the volunteer to get to know more people in Oxford. (Oh, yes, Danielle accepted.) their own neighborhood while helping the Size matters: We mentioned last month that the Arlington Young Democrats had party at the same time. And the captains have just been recognized (again) as being the largest YD club in the commonwealth ready access to elected officials in the county. (still). Now, the Sun-Gazette informs us that the Arlington YRs have become There are six core responsibilities of a the largest YR club in the state with 140 members. Is there something in the captain. They are: water here? How come Arlington, which is the 10th largest jurisdiction in the • Identify Democratic and swing voters in state, has the largest youth clubs of both parties? Will someone check out the the precinct. Greens? • Cultivate and expand a network of en- Moving on: Former ACDC Chair Peter Rousselot and wife Mary are leaving thusiastic volunteers. • Notify current and prospective volun- their home in Lyon Village for a new condo. Peter reports, “In 1999, when I teers about upcoming political events. wanted to get involved in Arlington Democratic politics, Marybeth Tschetter • Coordinate volunteers to distribute cam- suggested I work on the Sharon Davis for School Board campaign. So when paign materials, like the Democratic Messen- Mary and I decided it was time to reduce our carbon footprint, I again turned to ger each September, attend neighborhood vis- Marybeth who found us a condominium at The Monroe in Virginia Square. We ibility events, and work the polls on Election move there in early June.” Day. Newly named park: There’s a county park in Lyon Village that has long been • Facilitate candidate meet-and-greets. nameless. Now the County Board has voted to name the park at the corner of • Support Democratic candidates by en- Herndon and 13th Street “James Hunter Park” after the late County Board couraging neighbors to vote. member who lived just a few blocks away. A community survey last fall gave The party organization will train you and that name support by a 2-to-1 margin. Jim Hunter died in 1998. help you get started. Anyone interested should Passages: Paul Michl, an active volunteer in Rock Spring precinct, died April 25 contact Malinosky at (202) 841-8636 or after a battle of many years with cancer. Paul had also served on the Planning [email protected] Commission and as president of the Rock Spring Community Association. ACDC Voice, June 2011, Page 5

SHAKEDOWN CRUISE — In her first appearance as the new chair of the Democratic National Committee, Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz of Florida greeted a hardy band of phone bankers (above) at Arlington Dem HQ, and then sat down to make a batch of calls herself (below). New DNC chair starts out in Arlington continued from page one Democrats successfully bid $700 for lunch Wasserman-Schultz was elected to the with her before she became DNC chair. The House from the 20th Congressional District of ing. Nothing is more important than doing Voice looks forward to hearing a full report Florida in 2004. She underwent several op- that at a grassroots level.” on that nosh. erations for breast cancer in 2008. After her remarks, she schmoozed with volunteers and organizers, then sat down at a phone alongside the others and made calls to voters. Some of those she called recognized her name and offered their own ideas about the direction of the party. Throughout the room, many others were having similar conversations before tackling the phones. Bob Platt, ACDC director of administration, chatted with Meltin Bell, an OFA Community Organizer from Alexandria, while Arlington Delegate Bob Brink con- versed with Marilyn Karp, an OFA Team Leader from Prince William County. Karima Hijane, a veteran OFA Commu- nity Organizer from Vienna, said, “My team was really excited to participate in this event with the new chair of the DNC. We had folks drive out from every part of Northern Virginia to make calls alongside (her).… Many volunteers were especially excited to see a woman leading our party, and someone who believes so deeply in grassroots organizing.” One lingering question remains for the congresswoman. One of Arlington’s Young ACDC Voice, June 2011, Page 6 Batter up! for 2nd annual softball classic It’s time once again for Arlington to beat since this a county park. the living daylights out of Alexandria—we This is not a fundraiser, just a funraiser. mean AT SOFTBALL! There is no charge. Bring the spouse and kids. Last summer, in the First Annual Arling- All are welcome. ton-Alexandria Democratic Softball Tourna- There is one other major point. ACDC ment and Storm Door Company, Arlington’s doesn’t have a softball team, so we need play- unnamed team of blue batsmen creamed the ers! If you have a modicum of talent—or crop of Alexandria players by the amazing even if you don’t—sign up for the team by score of 9-7. The game was tied going into contacting Gabe (Casey Stengal) Snow at the final inning when Arlington got a two- [email protected]. He has a contract run hit to put the game away. rolled up in his hand right now and is waiting Now it’s time to do it again and preserve anxiously to hear from you. Arlington’s sterling and unbeaten record un- Let’s show one and all that Arlington blemished. Democrats can knock the ball out of the park Last year, Alexandria hosted the game. in more ways than one. So, this year Arlington will do the honors. And if you have an idea for a team name, Players and a vast squad of fans (we is still being squabbled over; after all, we are it needs one. Last year’s suggestions of Ar- hope) will gather the afternoon of Saturday, Democrats and schedules do require much lington Envelope Stuffers or ACDC Lit Drop- July 23, at the Quincy Park Field. That’s the debate. pers didn’t go over too well. ballpark between the Central Library and There will also be a cookout with lots of Oh, and bring your own glove. (But this Washington-Lee High School. The exact time hot food and cold drinks—non-alcoholic, year, we will supply base bags.) Whipple hangs up his editor’s eyeshade Tom Whipple, long-time editor of a wonder—’How can there be this person who Whipple will hit “send” and the last of his daily compilation of Virginia news articles and rises before dawn each day, scans online news- 5,400 daily updates will be launched. long-time spouse of retiring State Sen. Mary papers and sends me exactly what I need?’” On June 13, VPAP will assume respon- Margaret Whipple, has announced he is As one subscriber recently wrote, sibility. In his honor, the service will be re- turning over his news clipping operation to “Please, keep up the great work. It sets the named the VPAP Whipple Report. the nonprofit Virginia Public Access Project tone for rational discussion and consider- “We’ll do our best to be good stewards (VPAP). ation.” of his legacy,” Poole said. Whipple conceived the idea for the news On Sunday, June 12, Whipple will rise The service will continue to be free. clipping service after retiring as a CIA ana- at his customary hour of 4 a.m., head down to VPAP plans to defray its costs through volun- lyst. For 15 years, he has provided a genera- his basement and fire up his Mac. By 7 a.m., tary, tax-deductible donations. tion of news junkies with a daily dose of press clippings about Virginia government and politics. The free service is emailed to more than 2,100 people each morning. Kaine boosts Tejada Those who would like to start getting the Former Gov. Tim Kaine will headline a news clips can sign up here: www.VPAP.org. “Summer Fiesta Politica” to benefit the re- Those who are already receiving them will election campaign of County Board Member continue to get them each day. Walter Tejada. Whipple—who has provided the service The event will be held Saturday, June 4, without pay since 1996—was greeted by a from noon to 4 p.m. at the National Rural Elec- standing ovation at VPAP’s annual breakfast. tric Cooperative Association (NRECA), 4301 “I’m very pleased that VPAP is taking this Wilson Blvd—the building where ACDC’s project on,” Whipple said. “I’m confident that monthly meetings are held. they will do an excellent job of continuing From noon to 2 p.m., there will be a fo- and even improving the service.” rum on Latino issues, followed by the social Whipple—with occasional vacation help hour. There is no charge for the forum. The from volunteers—gathered and transmitted social function is $50 for general tickets, $35 the clips seven days a week. His retirement for students and YDs. A private reception with coincides with that of his wife. Kaine for $250 will begin at 1:45 p.m. “Tom’s selfless dedication is the stuff of For more information or to reserve a spot, legend,” said David Poole, VPAP’s executive TOM WHIPPLE call (703) 309-3267 or email director. “We open his emails with a sense of . . . new management arrives [email protected]. ACDC Voice, June 2011, Page 7

The 2011 primary ballot—3rd Draft We have had no additional candidates announcing over against Janet Howell for the State Senate. He is an attorney the past month (or announcing that they are mulling a run) formerly with the US Department of Homeland Security. His and candidates have only two more weeks until June 15 to initial comments suggest he will run against Howell for fail- file their paperwork for the primaries to be held Tuesday, ing to get Northern Virginia its “fair share” of state funding. August 23. Since Northern Virginia is the wealthiest part of the state, it That makes it likely that we will see four primaries on pays more in taxes to Richmond than it gets back. the ballot. They are for the seats to succeed retiring State A McLean resident and former Arlingtonian, Caren Sens. Patsy Ticer and Mary Margaret Whipple, to suc- Merrick, has announced she will run as a Republican for the ceed Dick Trodden, who is retiring as commonwealth at- State Senate seat being vacated by Mary Margaret Whipple. torney, and the post of delegate from the 49th District, from Merrick had planned to run against Howell, but redistricting which Adam Ebbin is retiring to run for the State Senate. put her home in Whipple’s old district. The list below is the same as we ran last month, but While the Arlington GOP hasn’t come up with any can- with the addition of some more candidate websites. didates thus far, the Arlington Green Party has formally en- Note that if School Board Member Libby Garvey wins dorsed Audrey Clement in a bid for one of the two County the Ticer seat or County Board Member Barbara Favola Board seats up in November. The Green Party in the county wins the Whipple seat, they will resign their current posts, has fielded candidates the last six years. In races where they setting up special elections that will probably be held early are facing both Democratic and Republican candidates, the in 2012. Green nominee has ended up in single digits. When there Over on the red side of the ledger, the GOP is trolling has been no GOP candidate, the Green Party nominee has for candidates without a lot of success so far. Only two gotten as much as 32 percent in one race. Republicans have announced plans to run for any of the 14 Here is the Democratic candidate lineup as of right offices involving Arlington, and neither of them is living in now—albeit subject to change by June 15. Dems may vol- Arlington. unteer or make contributions to the candidates through the A Reston resident, Patrick Forrest, has said he will run websites. The web addresses are simple and clear, but re- member to carefully note whether the address is .com, .org or GENERAL ASSEMBLY .net. In this list (I) indicates the incumbent. 30th Senate District (Patsy Ticer retiring) Adam Ebbin www.ebbinforvirginia.com ARLINGTON BOARDS Libby Garvey www.libbyforsenate.com County Board (2 seats) Rob Krupicka www.krupicka.com Mary Hynes (I) www.maryhynes.org Walter Tejada (I) www.waltertejada.net 31st Senate District (MM Whipple retiring) Barbara Favola www.barbarafavola.com School Board Jaime Areizaga-Soto www.jaimeforsenate.com Abby Raphael (I) www.abbyraphael.org

32nd Senate District Janet Howell (I) www.janethowell.com CONSTITUTIONAL POSTS Treasurer 45th Delegate Frank O’Leary (I) www.frankoleary.org David Englin (I) www.davidenglin.org Commissioner of Revenue 47th Delegate Ingrid Morroy (I) www.voteforingrid.org Patrick Hope (I) www.hopeforvirginia.org Sheriff 48th Delegate Beth Arthur (I) Bob Brink (I) www.bobbrink.org Commonwealth’s Attorney (Dick Trodden retiring) 49th Delegate (Adam Ebbin seeking other office) David Deane deaneforcommonwealth.com Stephanie Clifford stephanieclifford.org Theo Stamos theostamos.com Alfonso Lopez www.alfonsofordelegate.com ACDC Voice, June 2011, Page 8

Democratic Values in Action There are lots of ways to help Democratic Values in Action (DVA) is collecting contribu- around 10 p.m. Drivers will use the AFAC van or their own tions to help tornado victims in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. truck, SUV or minivan and should be able to lift 30 to 40 pound The mayor of Tuscaloosa, Walter Maddox, is a progressive bags of food. A six-month commitment to weekly or bi-weekly Democrat whose office suggests donating to the United Way of pick-ups is preferred. For details go to http://www.afac.org/ West Alabama. get_involved/urgent.php or contact Laura Jackson at Make out a check to “United Way of Alabama”—which means [email protected] or (703) 845-8486. the contribution will be tax deducible—and mail it to Democratic Values in Action, ACDC, PO Box 7132, Arlington VA 22207. DVA Saturday and Sunday Farmers’ Market Drivers Needed will bundle the checks and get them off to Alabama. Help AFAC pick up fresh produce at the close of the farm- ACDC continues to collect boxed cereal for the Arlington ers’ markets at Courthouse and Columbia Pike. In order to qualify Food Assistance Center (AFAC). This one item is not donated in as a driver, you must feel comfortable driving the AFAC work large quantities. A bowl of cereal is a meal to many. Boxed van. Drivers must interview with AFAC staff and provide a copy cereal is a great way for us to show we care. of driver’s license and DMV record. Drivers and helpers should Please continue to bring cereal to the monthly ACDC meet- be able to lift 30 to 40 pounds continuously and withstand sum- ing and the First Saturday Democratic Breakfast. So far Arling- mer temperatures. Minimum once-a-month commitment from ton Democrats have donated over 122 boxes of cereal in the first May to November preferred. five months of 2011. • For more information, go to http://www.afac.org/ AFAC is also always in need of volunteers. Here are two get_involved/urgent.php or contact [email protected]. ways to help AFAC and demonstrate your Democratic Values in • Saturday - Courthouse Farmers’ Market, 2100 Clarendon Action. Blvd, start at AFAC at 11:20 a.m., market closes at noon, return to AFAC by 1 p.m. Night owls needed to pick up food donations • Sunday - Columbia Pike Farmers’ Market, Columbia Pike AFAC is looking for volunteers to pick-up food donations & Walter Reed Dr., start at AFAC at 12:20 p.m., market closes from Trader Joe’s at Bailey’s Crossroads on Thursday evenings at 1pm, return to AFAC by 2 p.m.

AYDs start new Asian-American Caucus The Arlington YDs have just started a diverse community. many first-time attendees to an AYD-spon- new Asian-American Caucus as part of their The kickoff event was held May 25 at sored event. expanding efforts at outreach to Arlington’s Asian Bistro in Pentagon City and attracted Attendees also had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with guests Wuiping Yap, director of the Asia Heritage Foundation, and Rose Chu, treasurer of Democratic Asian Americans of Virginia. AYD has launched a major initiative to reach out to all of the Arlington community and currently has an African-American caucus, Latino Caucus, Faith Caucus, LGBT Caucus, Women’s Caucus, Environment Cau- cus and Disabilities Caucus as well as the new Asian-American Caucus. The two co-chairs of the Asian-Ameri- can caucus are Yilin Zhang and Christopher Der.

Calendar items To submit items for the ACDC calendar, go to http://www.arlingtondemocrats.org/ submitevent.phtml . ACDC Voice, June 2011, Page 9 Webb fears U.S. ‘blasé’ about use of military force around the world Politico breath.” way we’ve conducted these operations and May 26, 2011 Webb added that by next year, he thinks how we haven’t been able to control our Sen. Jim Webb, a Vietnam War hero and “there should be zero. I do not think we should economy.” former secretary of the Navy, said President be an occupying power in that part of the “I think we need to do a lot better job in Barack Obama “needs to narrow his focus a world. ... And the Congress never had the op- terms of how we’re positioning our military bit when it comes to judgments about using portunity even to vote on this ... Strategic around the world and what they’re doing, just military force” and needs to give more sway Framework Agreement [our negotiated rela- for starters,” he said. “We’re spending hun- to the views of Congress. tionship with Iraq], although the Iraqi parlia- dreds of billions in this effort, and I think we “We have to have a very serious debate ment did, and thus continues on that level the can be a lot smarter.” about presidential authority in terms of using frustration.” Here are Webb’s views on a few other the military around the world and have sort On the pace for drawing down surge issues: of a tighter string on these unilateral decisions troops in Afghanistan, Webb said: “I think we What are your concerns about U.S. in- that end up getting us into these situations,” need to hear very clearly from the military volvement in Libya? Webb said in an interview for the POLITICO commanders there. The successes on a tacti- I can’t come up with a good historical video series “A Decade of Fighting Terror- justification for what the president did in ism.” Libya in order to initiate these military ac- “You can’t have 535 commanders in tivities. Generally, the president has unilat- chief. But at the same time, we have become eral authority when a) we’re under attack, or - over the past 10 or 11 years - very blasé about b) we’re under imminent threat of attack, or the use of military force around the world. I we’re honoring clearly a treaty requirement, never thought we would be so blasé as a na- or Americans are at risk, or we are retaliating tion in terms of where we’re going in and in a specific way for something that happened dropping bombs and doing these sorts of to our people. ... I don’t see any of those. ... things. And we need to be a lot smarter about None of these pieces applied. And then the it.” Congress has basically been frozen out. Webb, who chairs subcommittees in both What will be your focus during the con- the Foreign Relations and Armed Services firmation hearings for CIA Director Leon committees, is among the most decorated Panetta to become secretary of defense? members of Congress. He graduated from the One of the great concerns that I have had, Naval Academy, then served as a rifle pla- even before Sept. 11, is how important it is toon and company commander in Vietnam for us to have the proper strategic balance in and was awarded the Navy Cross, the Silver East Asia. We tend to forget this, that with Star medal, two Bronze Star medals and two the expansion of China and the notion that Purple Hearts. Japan, China, Russia and the United States Since Sept. 11, 2001, Webb has consis- directly intersect in East and Northeast Asia, tently argued against occupying territory in it’s the only place in the world where they do. the fight against terrorism, “because it burns That region is extremely volatile, and I’ve up so much of our national assets and our at- been one of the real proponents of keeping tention and, at the same time, reduces our Sen. WEBB the United States more vigorously involved mobility. in that part of the world. “It doesn’t make a lot of sense to occupy You’ve written nine books. Are you still territory ... and become defensive, static tar- cal level ... have been considerable. The ques- writing? gets,” he said. “Instead of finding smart ways tion is whether it fits a strategic model that I’ll always write, and whatever else I do, to fight international terrorism, ... we were allows us to fight international terrorism, as I’m sure I’ll keep writing. ... I haven’t decided going to be sort of ineluctably drawn into this opposed to thinking we’re going to com- when I’m going to do another [novel]. short war and very long occupation of Iraq. pletely rebuild a society.” And that model, in some form, also has been Webb, 65, has decided not to seek re- used in Afghanistan. It’s a model that prob- election when his first term ends next year. ably heartens a lot of the people who wish us He said that in addition to “the threat of ill.” hyperviolent activity from international ter- Pointing to the 47,000 troops remaining rorism,” the other big risk to the U.S. “is that in Iraq, Webb said: “They’re supposed to be we are spending ourselves into a second-tier out by the end of this year. Don’t hold your status as a nation, if we’re not careful, by the ACDC Voice, June 2011, Page 10 State Dems come up short in ratings from the Right (which ain’t so bad) By Bob Lewis With Democrats holding only AP Political Writer a two-seat majority in the Senate, In a pivotal election season for control Republicans and their conservative of the Virginia Senate, Democrats have re- allies are determined to reclaim ceived predictably low marks from a socially control of the chamber for the first conservative lobbying organization. time since 2007. With the GOP Grading on how legislators voted in 2010 holding the governor’s office and and this year on 20 issues including abortion, the House of Delegates, a net gain gay rights, defiance of federal mandates, of two or more Senate seats in No- sexual-abstinence education and school vember would put state government choice, Republicans again topped the class. totally in Republican hands for the That mirrors results in 10 previous re- first time in 10 years. ENGLIN and TICER port cards compiled by The Family Foundation’s political action arm, Family Foundation Action. But foundation president Victoria Cobb said the chasm between Republicans and Democrats on issues important to the right Here is how the was widening, particularly in the 40-member Senate. Four Senate Democrats—Mamie Locke Arlington crew scored of Hampton, Louise Lucas of Portsmouth, Yvonne Miller of Norfolk and Patsy Ticer of Here is how Arlington’s legislative delegation scored on the rightwing Fam- Alexandria—scored a zero. Nine senators, all ily Foundation’s voting ratings for the 2010 and 2011 legislative sessions—way, Republicans, scored a perfect 100. way down at the bottom (or way, way up at the top, depending on your perspec- In the 100-member House, only one tive.) Democrat, Del. Joe Johnson of Washington The rightwing group took 20 votes and gave legislators five points each County, was even in the top 50. Thirty-nine time they voted its way. So 100 points made one a perfect conservative. Here Republicans and one conservative indepen- are the scores for Arlington’s delegation. dent, Watkins Abbitt Jr., posted scores of 100. Only three Democrats scored better than 50 Senate House points. 5 Whipple 15 Ebbin There are only 39 Democrats in the 5 Howell 10 Englin House, and the lowest 37 scores all went to 0 Ticer 5 Brink Democrats. Republicans hold 59 seats out- 5 Hope right, and conservative independents allied with the GOP hold the other two. These three were in These four were in the Some lawmakers make the most of a the bottom seven of bottom 17 of the high score, but others welcome a low grade. 40 Senators 100 House members Democratic Del. David Englin of Alexandria tweeted, “I apologize to my constituents for The ratings divided members almost exclusively along party lines. scoring so highly (10 percent) on the Family All Republicans and 1 All Republicans and 2 Foundation’s legislative report card.” Dem scored above 60. Dems scored above 70. Among the votes that brought high All other Dems scored All other Dems scored scores were those to defund abortions under below 60. below 70. Medicaid and to defund Planned Parenthood or against a proposed ban on discrimination In this rating, a legislator won five points each for opposing the health in hiring against gays. insurance mandate in “Obamacare,” for eliminating funds for abortions in Med- The grade cards are significant in legis- icaid, for opposing adding sexual orientation to the non-discrimination list in lative election years because the scores form state hiring policy, for adding funds for abstinence education, and to require a the basis for voter guides that Family Foun- woman seeking an abortion to have an ultrasound. dation Action distributes chiefly in churches to religious conservatives in select districts.