Volume 17, Number 2 www.fairfaxdemocrats.org February 2008

never been better, our blogs that he built affluent and well-educated communities Message are hammering away, and the Lee District in the . It is filled with from the Democratic Committee also appreciates all politically active citizens eager to con- that he has done as Co-Chair for the last 2 tribute, and the Presidential cycle is the Chair years. I look forward to continuing to work optimal opportunity to recruit as many with Steve into the future. new people to the Democratic Party as By , This coming year presents an incredible possible. We are poised to grow FCDC Chair, Fairfax County opportunity for us to grow the grassroots of into a grassroots powerhouse. our party into a force to be reckoned with. Please consider volunteering all day on Thank you to all of FCDC’s 369 mem- The Presidency is at stake and we also have February 12 to recruit new volunteers to bers who came out to vote in our officers an opportunity to recapture an additional volunteer or obtain emails so we can start elections on January 8. The amount of U.S. Senate seat and two Northern Vir- to communicate more efficiently with positive Democratic energy in the room ginia congressional seats. The amount of our supporters about the Democratic was incredible and the turnout was reflec- raw votes that Fairfax County contributes Party. Together we will make FCDC tive of everyone’s interest in seeing our statewide and to congressional district totals the strongest political committee in the party be successful this fall. could not be more critical. Commonwealth of and continue I want to congratulate Steve Bunn for As of 2006, Fairfax County had 1.01 mil- to turn Virginia blue. If you ever have his efforts on behalf of FCDC in the past, lion people, more than double any other any questions about anything feel free to his efforts that I am sure we will see in the jurisdiction in Virginia, and larger than eight email me at [email protected] future, and upon a hard fought Chair’s race. states. We have 530 members and we are or call me at 703.587.7872. Thank you Steve is an asset to FCDC. Our website growing; Fairfax County is one of the most for your support. q and communications capabilities have

Surovell Elected FCDC Chair the aisles in the Hovis (finance), Sue Langley (precinct auditorium for the operations), Chris Ambrose (voter registra- January 8 meeting tion), Nadja Golding (assistant treasurer), that also reelected Rafael Arancibia (recording secretary), and incumbent Trea- Liz Griffith (corresponding secretary). surer Bruce Neilson Surovell outlined an ambitious agenda and a host of other for the new administration in his speech FCDC officers. to the FCDC members. S u r o v e l l , t h e Retiring FCDC Chair Ginny Peters Mount Vernon dis- received a standing ovation when 11th trict chair, competed CD Committee Chair George Burke rec- against former Lee ognized her decades of service to the party District Chair Steve and she was presented with flowers and a Bunn in a spirited Waterford crystal bowl on behalf of the race that sparked FCDC membership. q considerable inter- est as evidenced by enthusiastic crowd. Photo by George Burke Nearly 400 Bruce Neilson was elected by accla- Campaign Reports...... 3 FCDC members packed the Fairfax County mation, as were Regional Vice Chairs District Reports...... 5 Government Center at the party’s reorga- Lola Quintela (Central), Barbara Caputo Committee Reports...... 7 nization meeting which saw Scott Surovell (North), and Kate Wilder (South). Also Calendar of Events...... 8 elected FCDC Chair. elected by acclamation were Vice Chairs Democrats filled every seat and flooded Les Halpern (administration), Mary Ann ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Page  The Democrat February 2008

The Democrat Fairfax County Democratic The Newsletter of the Fairfax County Democratic Committee Committee (FCDC) Editor-in-Chief: Rachel Rifkind (703) 941-9574 Mailing: Rayma Miles, (703) 323-1936 Design & Production: Mark Richards (703) 753-2484 Bob Donargo (703) 323-5351 2815 Hartland Road, Suite 110 Mail List: Ellen Cantor (703) 280-5310 Coordinator: Jeane Brockway (703) 256-5553 Falls Church, VA 22043 Proofreader: Linda Waller (703) 913-9143 Web Master: Steve Bunn (703) 861-1343 (703) 573-6811; FAX: (703) 560-7004 Billing: FCDC HQ Staff (703) 573-6811 [email protected] [email protected] All rights reserved. Published in Fairfax County, Virginia, by the authority of the Fairfax County Democratic Committee. Web site: www.fairfaxdemocrats.org About The Democrat Steering Committee The Democrat is the monthly publication of the Fairfax County Democratic Committee. The purpose of FCDC OFFICERS The Democrat is to provide information to Committee members and other interested persons through Chair: Scott Surovell (703) 587-7872 district reports, committee reports, news articles, campaign notices, and flyers. Views expressed do not neces- sarily represent those of the FCDC unless specifically approved by an appropriate Committee Resolution. Regional Vice Chairs: -Vice Chair South: Kate Wilder (703) 455-9007 How to Submit Material: -Vice Chair Central: Lola Quintela (703) Material may be submitted in the following ways, listed in order of preference: (word limit: 300 words) -Vice Chair North: Barbara Caputo 703-476-4229 1. E-mail. Send to [email protected]. Attach text file (any word processing program) Vice Chairs: or photos (.jpg,.eps,.tif); or copy the article in the e-mail message. -Precinct Ops: Sue Langley (703) 403-0190 2. Mail CD/Scanned Photos. Include a hard copy of text, your name and telephone number. -Administration: Les Halpern (703) 435-2891 Mail to Mark Richards, 18108 Camdenhurst Drive, Gainesville, VA 20155 -Voter Registration: Chris Ambrose (703) 550-1725 -Corresp. Sec.: Liz Griffith (703) 250-2520 Deadlines -Record. Sec.: Rafael Arancibia (703) 869-3037 Articles must be received by 5:00 pm on the second Tuesday of the month. Articles received after the deadline may not make it into the issue. Material may be included as flyers inserted into The Democrat for Finance: Mary Ann Hovis (703) 620-4419 a charge of $35. You supply the printed flyer.Call FCDC at (703) 573-6811 for the quantity of flyers Treasurer: Bruce Neilson (703) 323-0457 to be printed. Also, please supply a volunteer to help collate on Friday, for 1-1/2 hours. Asst. Treasurer: Nadja Golding (703) 532-3821 Immediate Past Chair: Advertising Ginny Peters (703) 799-3418 Ads are very much welcomed and accepted; however, we reserve the right to reject ads for any reason. No FCDC Parliamentarian: (703) 573-2894 product, service, or event advertised herein is endorsed by The Democrat or the FCDC, unless otherwise Communications Director: noted. Rates are: George Burke (202) 288-2104 Size Price Dimensions Size Price Dimensions 1/6 $35 2.25”w x 4.5”h 1/2 $100 7.25”w x 4.5”h District Chairs 1/3 $70 4.75”w x 4.5”h Full page $200 7.25”w x 9.5”h Braddock: Marc Greidinger (703) 323-4661 Subscribe! Walt Mika (703) 978-5732 12 months for only $25! What a deal! Make checks payable to FCDC and mail to: Dranesville: Sue Rosenberg (703) 938-5031 FCDC, 2815 Hartland Road, Suite 110, Falls Church, VA 22043 Hunter Mill: Bob Haley (703) 476-9440 Let Us Hear From You! Bettina Lawton (703) 242-1652 Write articles! Send photos! See details above, under “How to submit material.” Lee: Scott Robinson (315) 529-8418 Hugh Robertson III (703) 924-1433 Mason: Rachel Rifkind (703) 941-9574 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Mt. Vernon: Scott Surovell (703) 765-8115 Deadline for the Providence: Rick Dotson (703) 319-9010 NEXT issue Springfield: Ruth Miller (703) 913-0487 (March 2008) Sully: Mary Lee Cerillo (703) 830-3435 of The Democrat: Standing Committee Chairs Articles: The Democrat: Rachel Rifkind (703) 941-9574 Tuesday, February 12, 10:00 a.m. Labor: Shannon Sullivan (703) 968-9441 (see above for more details) Local Affairs: George Burke (202) 288-2104 State Affairs: Fred Shwaery (703) 451-4877 Flyers: National Affairs: Sandra J. Klassen (703) 620-9723 Thursday, February 21, 3:00 p.m. John A. Miranda (703) 978-1965 (due at headquarters, printed and Diversity: Rose Chu, Co-chair (703) 998-5539 ready to collate) Lina Orr, Co-chair (703) 281-0985 Collating: Senior Citizens: Charisse Glassman (703) 206-0090 Friday, February 22, 9:30 a.m. Technology: Les Halpern (703) 435-2891 Women’s Rights: Joanna DeLaune (703) 242-1529 Secretary State Party of Virginia: Deadline for the April 2008 Pixie Bell, Secretary (703) 971-3541 issue of The Democrat: 8th Cong. District: Susie Warner (703) 971-2731 Articles: 10th Cong. District: Rich Galecki (540) 347-5550 Tuesday, March 11, 10:00 a.m. 11th Cong. District: George Burke (202) 288-2104 (see above for more details) Fairfax Young Dems: Rafael Arancibia (703) 869-3037 Headquarters: Bill Lahue (703) 577-6339 Flyers: Thursday, March 20, 3:00 p.m. Key Phone Numbers (due at headquarters, printed and White House (202) 456-1111 ready to collate) U.S. Senate and House (202) 224-3121 DNC (202) 863-8000 Collating: Democratic Party of Virginia Friday, March 21, 9:30 a.m. FAX: (804) 343-3642; Toll Free (800) 322-1144 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ February 2008 The Democrat Page 

Reports ★ Reports ★ Reports ★ Reports ★ Reports ★ Reports

No matter who runs against her, wheth- Byrne er there is a primary or not, Leslie will run Congressional for Congress strong in the eleventh and she will win! Exploratory Support from core constituencies Campaign Report Leslie has already received the endorse- Committee Happy New ments of key leaders and organizations Report throughout Virginia. Below is a partial Year! We have Dear Friends: been working list: I carry in my wal- hard to get our CWA Endorsed let a quote from campaign under IUPAT Teddy Roosevelt. way. Due to the Ironworkers It is not the critic huge outpour- Plumbers who counts, nor the ing of support Carpenters individual who points we are proud to Boilermakers out how the strong a n n o u n c e w e Steamfitters person stumbled, have raised over AFSCME Virginia or where the doer $115,000 in the Women’s Campaign Forum (Fund) of deeds could have first reporting VA NOW Chairman Gerry done better. Credit period of the campaign, with contribu- State Sen. Chuck Colgan Connolly belongs to the indi- tions coming from nearly 300 individual State Sen. vidual who is actually donors. Since we waited for the November State Sen. Don McEachin in the arena; whose face is marred by dust, sweat 6th elections to conclude before going Delegate Bob Hull and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and into real fundraising mode, Leslie is Delegate Margi Vanderhye comes up short again and again, who at best particularly pleased with what we have Fmr. State Sen. Joe Gartlan knows in the end the triumph of high achieve- been able to accomplish in such a short Fmr. State Sen. Elmon Gray ment, and, who, if he fails, at least failed while daring greatly, so that his place shall never period of time. I would like to take this Kaye Kory Fairfax School Bd. be with those cold and timid souls who know opportunity to state why I believe she is Kathy Smith Fairfax School Bd. neither victory nor defeat. Ingrid Morroy Arlington Comm. Of doing so well. I’ve spent nearly fifteen years in the arena The Numbers Revenue of public service here in the 11th Congres- The numbers below show the strength Sally Orsmby Soil and Water Conser- sional District. And recently I announced of support Leslie has received over the vation that I’m considering a new way to serve years in the 11th Congressional District. State Sen. Candidate Janet Oleszek in that arena. I’ve formed an exploratory As you can see, even in a race which she Scott Surovell-FCDC Chair committee to help me weigh the possibility lost narrowly statewide, Leslie’s vote share Kate Wilder-South Co. FCDC Chair of running for Congress. in the 11th was on par with the most popu- Delegate Candidate Bruce Roemmelt In the weeks since my re-election as lar Democrats in the state this decade. State Senate Candidate Karen Schultz Chairman, hundreds of friends, supporters 2001-2006 Eleventh District General Charley Conrad, GLBT Community and even complete strangers have urged me Election Performance Del. , DNC Commit- to consider entering this race. The 11th 2001 55% teman District is hungry for change -- hungry 2004 John Kerry 49.3% Jim Turpin DPVA Vice Chair Finance for government that works -- and tired of 2005 55% Abbi Easter, DPVA Treasurer political gridlock in Washington. 2005 Leslie Byrne 55% Jan Reeves, Fmr. Chair FCDC Before beginning my career in public 2006 54% Fmr. Sen.and 11th District Chair Emilie office, I worked for ten years on the Sen- 2005 Eleventh District Primary Elec- Miller ate Foreign Relations committee, traveling tion Performance You can see why we are excited about the entire world and dealing everyday with While her general election numbers in this campaign! If you would like to come complex foreign policy challenges. Today, we find ourselves mired in an endless war 2005 show her overall strength in the Con- onboard, check out our web site at: www. in Iraq, our international reputation dam- gressional District, her primary numbers lesliebyrne.org . Our bumper stickers aged. If I ultimately decide to run for are in, so if you would like one just call also provide great insight into her strength Congress, it will be for this reason above among Democrats. 703-534-4988 or feel free to email me at all others: We must end this war and bring Despite sharing a [email protected]. q our troops home. base with another strong candidate, Les- ★★★★★★★★★★★ I plan to spend some time talking to fam- lie garnered 46.4 percent of the eleventh ily, friends and supporters like you. I won’t district vote in a four way Democratic make a decision lightly or on any timetable primary. Incidentally, the candidate who Moving? but my own. If I enter this race, I’m enter- she shared this base with and beat in the Let us know. ing to win against any and all opponents. I 2005 primary is newly elected Senator (703) 573-6811 haven’t lost an election yet and I don’t plan Chap Petersen (my old boss), who is now to start now. supporting Leslie in 2008. ★★★★★★★★★★★ But I do need your help. One of the Page  The Democrat February 2008

Reports ★ Reports ★ Reports ★ Reports ★ Reports ★ Reports things I must prove during this exploratory phase is that I can raise the funds necessary Oleszek Final Deligate Vanderhye to win. I need you to visit my website www. Campaign Report Legislative Report gerryconnolly.com to make a contribution of $50, $500 or the most you can afford No campaign I am happy to up to $2300 today to my exploratory com- can succeed with- share with you mittee. Or, if you prefer, you can mail a out the tireless the legislation I contribution to PO Box 563 Merrifield, dedication of fam- introduced at the VA 22116. ily, friends and, of beginning of the Remember, credit belongs to the indi- course, dedicated 2008 session of vidual who is actually in the arena. and committed the General As- Yours in service, q supporters. I feel sembly. While the so fortunate to have introduction of had your aid and as- these bills is sim- sistance over these ply the first step in Denneny last few months. the long journey for Congress Janet Oleszek We almost did it, Margi Vanderhye to passage, I feel but in the end we lost confident that the Campaign Report by 101 votes out of more than 37,000 cast. quality-of-life issues they focus on – trans- A N e w The razor-thin margin triggered an automatic portation, education, and the environment Generation of recount. My hope was that a recount of the – will be priorities for the House of Representation absentee ballots would tilt in our favor, but, Delegates as they were for voters last No- Doug Denneny as hard as my outstanding attorneys Scott vember. The bills I introduced would: is hard at work Surovell and Jack Young tried, Virginia law • Repeal the abusive driver fees enacted campaigning to prevented us from recounting all but 16 of the in 2007; bring change to 1,200 absentee ballots. • Revise the Virginia Standards of Virginia’s 11th While we came up just short, let me thank Learning (SOLs) to increase flexibility CD. Following all of you one last time for everything that in the way the tests are administered his recent en- you have done during our year-long 2007 and make the results more useful in dorsement by campaign. I am deeply humbled by your hard improving student achievement; C o n g r e s s m a n work on behalf of my candidacy, your enthusi- • Enhance consumers’ ability to pur- Doug Denneny Patrick Murphy, asm that galvanized so many supporters, and chase electricity from renewable Doug is gaining support from influential your commitment to achieve real and mean- energy sources by requiring that utility Democrats on and off the Hill with several ingful change in the General Assembly and for bills prominently display options for more endorsements to follow. the people of our great Commonwealth. renewable energy and make it simple As a decorated Iraq war veteran who is Northern Virginia and the Virginia State for customers to sign up; committed to bringing the troops home, Senate are in good hands with newly-elected • Add a spring season sales tax holiday Doug’s experience, leadership skills and Senators Chap Peterson, George Barker, for the purchase of energy and water message are gaining real traction. Strong and the rest of the Democratic majority. conservation projects; on national security issues, committed to While Northern Virginia’s voice and vote in • Revoke the driving privileges for six fiscal discipline and socially progressive, the General Assembly has sometimes been months of drivers under the age of 18 Doug is defining himself as a New Gen- minimized, important changes are afoot with who are guilty of speeding and reckless eration Democrat. The message coming the arrival of a Democratic majority in the driving; and out of the Democratic primaries is loud Senate. Democrats will now set the chamber’s • Place restrictions on pet breeders to and clear: people want real and meaningful legislative agenda, chair the committees, eliminate so-called “puppy mills.” change, and they want a new generation of and work cooperatively with Governor Tim I am excited about beginning my service leadership and representation. Kaine. Needless to say, Senate Democrats as the representative of the 34th Delegate Doug had a great TV appearance on have a host of exceptionally able committee District. I encourage you to share your “Inside Scoop” with George Burke in De- and party leaders, notably our new Major- thoughts and concerns about the chal- cember, and you can catch his appearance ity Leader, , and the chair of the lenges we face in Fairfax County and the on his website at www.dougforcongress. Senate Democratic Caucus, Mary Margaret Commonwealth of Virginia. com. He has a flurry of meet and greets, Whipple. All of this was your doing, and all My district contact information is: fundraisers and events scheduled for the of Virginia owes you thanks. P.O. Box 7335 next two months, and our volunteer list of Lastly, I wish everyone a healthy and McLean, VA 20106 like-minded Democrats is growing every prosperous new year! And please keep work- Phone: 703-448-8018 day. Please visit the website to read about ing for positive change for all our people, Email: [email protected] his initiatives and check the calendar for including an across-the-board victory in the In Richmond, I can be reached at: upcoming events near you. Email us at November 2008 elections. After all, that’s Phone: 804-698-1034 [email protected] or call at 703- what Democrats stand for, the advancement at Email: [email protected] 352-2684 and join our team of dedicated all governmental levels of ideals such as hope, My office in the General Assembly Democrats who want to bring change to opportunity, justice, fairness, and progress. Building is Room 708. I will be joined our district and to our nation! q Cheers! q February 2008 The Democrat Page 

Reports ★ Reports ★ Reports ★ Reports ★ Reports ★ Reports in Richmond by my legislative assistant and she kept active, even when she was Lee Rob Abbot and McLean resident Antonio housebound in her illness. Even after Eve Elias, who will be working as an intern was no longer with us, she still managed Scott Robinson, (315) 529-8418 three days a week, as well as continuing to get Democrats out where they were not Hugh Robertson, (703) 924-1433 his studies at William and Mary. I look usually found. St. John’s Episcopal Church E-mail: [email protected] forward to seeing many of you at the State was packed with Democrats, more than it Democratic Party’s Jefferson/Jackson had ever seen, paying their last respects Thanks to everyone who came out for our Dinner in Richmond on February 9! q to Eve. q FCDC reoganizational meeting. Almost our entire committee showed up and we hope that you will continue to attend future FCDC meetings. Braddock Hunter Mill Our next Lee District Democratic Com- Walt Mika, (703) 978-5732 Bettina Lawton, (571) 215-1563 mittee meeting will be on Wednesday, E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] January 30th at 7:30pm in the Community Marc Greidinger: [email protected] Robert Haley, (703) 716-2339 Room of the Franconia Government Center. E-mail: [email protected] Please note the change in day and plan to at- No report available for publication.q tend. We will be coordinating our coverage Hunter Mill meetings will be held on the for Primary Day on February 12th. Please third Thursday of each month, with regular plan to help us sign up volunteers during the Dranesville meetings on even months and precinctsop- morning or evening hours at your precinct erations meeting on odd months. on this day. We look forward to seeing you Sue Rosenberg, (703) 938-5031 Vienna Democrats gathered at the home at our next meeting. q [email protected] of Sue Langley on the evening of December To thank everyone who contributed to 2nd to celebrate our November victories. Mason our success this past November in elect- In an exciting evening, several volunteers ing Democrats, the Dranesville thank were recognized for specific contributions Rachel Rifkind, (703) 941‑9574 you party will be January 27, the Sunday made during the campaign, and a wonderful E-mail: [email protected] without a football game, from 3 to 5 pm, at time was had by all! Andrew Hunter, (703) 916-0942 the home of Marilyn and Bev Blois, 1415 Hunter Mill has at least two mem- E-mail: [email protected] Claves Court, Vienna. bers actively working out of state in the presidential campaigns. We give kudos to Congratulations to Scott Surovell on December started out happily, with the his election as chair and to all of the new birth of Elliot Auden to Buckley and Scott Margaret Parsley, Reston 3, for her efforts in Iowa supporting presidential candidate FCDC officers on their elections. Thank Fricker. Buckley is doing her utmost to you to all the Mason members who made turn Cooper Precinct blue. Barack Obama, and to Gayle Rubin, Vi- enna 4, for her efforts in New Hampshire it to the committee re-organization meet- Sadly, in mid-December Bill Strauss, ing on January 8. We had a great turnout, husband of Dranesville school board supporting presidential candidate John Edwards. and it was a great start to the next two member Janie, lost his long fight with years of hard work building our party cancer. Bill was multi-talented, as a The Hunter Mill Lasagna Dinner kick off planning meeting was held on January and electing Democrats in Virginia. The writer, co-founder of the Capitol Steps, meeting showed how committed you are a satirist noted for his “lirty dies,” and 9, 2008, 7:30pm at Dogwood Elementary School. The Hunter Mill Precinct Op- to making FCDC an even stronger advo- in recent years as the co-founder of the cate for Democratic values, which was the Cappies award program which promotes erations meeting will be held at Flint Hill Elementary School on January 17, 2008, main theme of every one who spoke at the high school student performers and crit- meeting. 2008 will be a momentous year ics. There will be a celebration of his life 7:30pm. Our next Hunter Mill regular meeting will be held on February 21, 2008. in Virginia, with an exciting Senate race in March 2. which Mark Warner will finish turning our We lost a very special person on Christ- The Hunter Mill Lasagna Dinner will take place on Saturday Evening, March 29, 2008 U.S. Senate delegation blue, when we turn mas Eve morning. Eve Wilson was a the 10th and 11th congressional districts liberal Democrat who was proud to be a at the Hunters Woods Reston Community Center (RCC) with the patron/sponsor re- blue, and where we have the chance to turn liberal and a Democrat. Eve had been an Virginia blue at the Presidential level for activist long before she moved to Dranes- ception at 5pm and dinner at 6pm. Please mark your calendars. q the first time since 1964. ville and became our chair in 1988. She Don’t forget, on February 12, the Virgin- was tireless in recruiting members, can- ia presidential primary will be held. First didates, fundraising and party building. ★★★★★★★★★★★ of all, be sure to get out and vote for your After her term as Dranesville chair, Eve favorite candidate. Also remember that was elected 10th District chair, a posi- the primary is a tremendous opportunity tion she held almost continuously until Moving? to identify volunteers and reach out to the her death. If Dranesville was Republican core Democrats in your precinct. Please when Eve was our chair, the 10th District Let us know. do all you can, and contract our precinct was even more so. Eve traveled all across (703) 573-6811 operations team to get any help or advice the 10th, building the Democratic party, you need to prepare for the primary. to the point where we can look realisti- Given the roller coaster ride of the early cally to electing a Democrat to Congress, ★★★★★★★★★★★ caucuses and primaries, it looks like Vir- Page  The Democrat February 2008

Reports ★ Reports ★ Reports ★ Reports ★ Reports ★ Reports ginia Democrats can make a difference in rat with a great showing at a post-election was elected as Secretary. Elections for the choosing the next President of the United thank you party held at Sally Ormsby’s remaining Sully officers will take place States. And the tremendous turnouts by home that highlighted Volunteers efforts on January 16th at the Sully Government Democrats in the states which have already to make 2007 a great year for local and Center starting at 730pm. q voted means February 12 may be the best state races, leading to an 8-2 majority on opportunity we have to identify our voters the Fairfax Board of Supervisors and to a 8th CD Report in many, many years. Democratic majority in the Senate. Susie Warner, (703) 971-2731 On a more local note, I would like to At the party were some of the great E-mail: welcome a few new members to the com- elected officials representing Providence, mittee: John Conway, Stephen Hoffman, including Chap Petersen, Jim Scott, Gerry By U.S. Rep. Christopher Worley, and Jay Fadgen. I Connolly, Linda Smyth, Phil Niedziel- It was a year of highs and lows for con- would also like to remind all that Mason still ski-Eichner and, of course, Sally Ormsby gressional Democrats. Beginning with the needs to identify representatives on several herself. PDDC Chair Rick Dotson singled swearing-in of the 1st woman Speaker of FCDC standing committees. Please let me out the achievements of the many dedi- the House and the return of Democratic know ASAP of your interest in serving on cated volunteers who made our victory in majorities in both the House and Senate, one of these committees. Our next MDDC November 2007 a reality. And, naturally, ‘07 began with great promise. We pledged meeting will be on February 19. The next a good time was had by all. to end the war, repair the damage to our regular monthly FCDC meeting is January At last count, PDDC numbers 73 nation’s international reputation and refocus 22 at Holmes. q members strong, with two more slated to Congress on long-neglected domestic pri- join up at the biennial FCDC reorganiza- orities. What we didn’t account for was the Mt. Vernon tion meeting. That said, the Committee President and congressional Republicans’ needs people to volunteer for the following Scott Surovell, (703) 765-8115 willingness to buck the message sent by the critical PDDC positions: Communications American people in the 2006 elections. E-mail: [email protected] Director, Recording Secretary, Website But what did this recalcitrance in the face MVDDC will host a straw poll for & Technology & Young Democrat Co- of a Democratic resurgence mean? Democratic candidates for President, ordinator. You can reach Chair Dotson For the American people it meant Virginia Senate, and 11th Congressional at 703-319-9010 or rickdotson@gmail. continuing to spend hundreds of billions District at its First Annual Mardi Gras com to volunteer, ask questions, or make of dollars in Iraq. It meant continuing to Party fundraiser Saturday Feb. 2, at the suggestions. put our soldiers in harm’s way while Iraqi Riverside Apartments Resident Center on Also, please keep your calendars clear leaders continued to fail to reach political Route 1 just south of the Beltway. for the Precinct Operations meeting on agreement necessary for them to govern. The party will also feature a silent auction Thursday, January 17 at FCDC HQ. All This resistance also meant 10 million of items and services donated by presiden- precinct captains are encouraged to attend low-income children would not be afforded tial campaigns, candidates, Democratic as this will be the first planning session of health insurance, a proposal that costs a officials, local businesses and MVDDC the year, where we will set our long term fraction of what we’re spending on the war. members. Food, drink, and Mardi Gras goals. We will also discuss staffing for the And unlike the war, it was fully paid for with music will make for an exciting evening. presidential primary. a tax increase on cigarettes. For more information, see the flyer in PDDC members have much in com- Though they tried, Republican adher- this issue or visit www.mvdemocrats.com. mon with those born in the year of the rat: ence to the President’s priorities couldn’t Please RSVP at [email protected] organized, passionate, and hardworking stop every measure intended to bring about or 703-799-1433. For detailed directions leaders. PDDC will lead the way in bring- progressive change. In just one year, we to the event, visit the website. ing home solid Democratic turnout for the raised the minimum wage, cut the inter- At our next meeting on Thursday 2008 races. Let’s lay the local groundwork est rate on student loans in half, boosted January 24, we will debrief the 2007 state to make this year the one that Dems take veteran’s healthcare by $3.7 billion, enacted election results. The meeting will be held back the White House q new lobbying and ethics rules, the most at 7:30 p.m. at the South County Center stringent ever, implemented all the recom- on Richmond Highway. Springfield mendations of the 9/11 Commission, and, On President’s Day, Feb. 8, Karen Stall- passed a historic energy bill that raised the ing will lead our annual President’s Day trip Ruth Miller, 703 913-0487 fuel efficiency standards on cars and trucks to Richmond to visit Mt. Vernon legisla- E-mail: [email protected] for the first time in over twenty years. tors. More information will be posted on No report available for publication. q Democrats left town for the holidays this our website. q year feeling a little down for not coming through on all their promises, particularly Providence Sully to end the war. They shouldn’t. Republican Mary Lee Cerillo, (703) 830-3435 obstructionism will only serve to deplete Rick Dotson, (703) 319-9010 E-mail: [email protected] their numbers and raise the probability a Cell : (703) 785-3850 Democrat wins the White House in No- E-mail: [email protected] Sully District had its reorganization vember. The Democratic New Direction meeting on Dec 4th. Sixty members filed. Congress is dead-set on bringing about As with the close of 2007, the Providence Sully Committee continues to grow. Elec- progressive change America wants. The District Committee had a strong start at tions were held and Mary Lee Cerillo public will be made aware of those dead-set the beginning of January for the year of the was re-elected as Chair and Andy Cerillo on obstructing it. February 2008 The Democrat Page 

Reports ★ Reports ★ Reports ★ Reports ★ Reports ★ Reports The next meeting of the Eighth District water with an exploratory committee and we caucuses, Congressional district conven- Democratic Committee will be on Monday, have heard from at least one other individual tions, State convention (June 13-14 in January 21st at 8:00pm in the Falls Church interested in the race. It will make for a inter- Hampton) and the Democratic National Community Center. The Eighth District esting primary and I encourage every FCDC Convention (last week in August). The Democratic Committee meets the third member to get involved with the candidate Democratic Party of Virginia encourages Monday of every month and the public is of their choice. full participation by active Democrats in welcome to attend. q As for incumbent Tom Davis, let’s all hope Virginia. Contact Rose for more informa- he decides it is time to leave Congress and tion. go out and make some money in the private The Diversity Committee will be meet- 11th CD Report sector. Regardless of Davis’ decision, we ing on Monday, February 4th at 7:30pm at FCDC to discuss this year’s activities. We George Burke, (202) 288-2104 have a good field of primary candidates for the job and I believe a well-funded Demo- would like representatives from each mag- Email: [email protected] crat can take Davis out if he decides to seek isterial committee. q Congratulations to new FCDC Chair reelection. Scott Surovell and all of the new FCDC As we move through the primary cam- officers. The 11th CD Committee looks paign and into general election mode, let’s Senior forward to working with Scott and the new all strive for unity within our party here in Committee FCDC team to keep Fairfax County and Fairfax so we can maximize our efforts and Virginia Democrats moving forward. our effectiveness. Charisse Espy Glassman, I, like most Democrats who attended the I look forward to seeing many of you at our (703) 206-0090 recent FCDC reorganization meeting, were Super Bowl fundraiser on February 3. q proud to see every seat and all of the aisles Congratulations to the new Chair of in the board chamber of the Fairfax County FCDC! We had a large turn out and perhaps Government Center filled with enthusiastic Diversity we can have the same enthusiasm for the Democrats. Let’s keep this energy going and Presidential elections this November. The elect more Democrats this November. Committee Seniors Committee will hold its first meeting On the 11th CD front, I want to remind Rose Chu, (703) 998-5539 of the new year on Saturday, February 2nd at everyone that our 3rd annual Super Bowl E-mail: [email protected] 1:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Party is scheduled for February 3 at the home Lina Orr, (703) 281-0985 The meeting will be at my home at 2103 of Seth and Sharon Stark in Fairfax Station. E-mail: [email protected] Grayson Place, Falls Church, VA 22043. This event is always well-attended and a good Directions from the headquarters: make a left time is had by all. It is a low dollar event and The Outreach Committee of the Demo- from the building, at the traffic light turn left. every dollar raised will be used to elect our cratic Party of Virginia is sponsoring a Turn Left on Shreve Road, pass the Giant 11th CD Democratic candidate to Congress, seminar on delegate selection on Sat. Janu- on the left, make a left on Turner, and make all of whom I hope and expect to attend. ary 26, 2008 (1:30 to 4pm) at the Mason a left on Grayson. It is the last house in the Along with the filed 11th CD Democratic Government Center (6507 Columbia Pike cul-du-sac. Each Magisterial District should candidates, Leslie Byrne and Doug Denneny, in Annandale). This seminar will discuss send its Senior’s Representative. Thank you Gerry Connolly has dipped his toe in the the February 12 primary, magisterial district and see you at the meeting. q

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ FCDC BYLAWS ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Proposed Amendments for January sponsibility of the Elected Officers and Article IV (Officers) Section 6: 2008 Reorganization Meeting Standing Committees.] CHANGE “North or South” TO If you have questions or would like a “South, Central or North” copy of the current Bylaws, please call or Article VI (Steering Committee) Sec- Article IV (Officers) Section 10: BE- e-mail your District Chair or Mike Burke tion 2: ADD A NEW PENULTIMATE TWEEN “ranking” AND “Vice Chair”, Kirby at 703/571-5443 or mikeburkekir- SENTENCE: “If a Regional Vice Chair ADD “Regional” [email protected] is unable to attend a meeting of the Article VII (Other Committees and Steering Committee, they shall designate Appointments) Section 12: AFTER Substantive Changes: one of the District Chairs from their “Officials” ADD “who reside in Fairfax Article IV (Officers) Section 1: RE- Region to represent them.” County and represent voters in Fairfax PLACE “Vice Chair for Voter Registra- County” tion” WITH “Vice Chair for Get Out Article X (Rules ) Section 1:REPLACE the Vote Operations and Voter Registra- “Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Re- Typographical and Transcriptional: tion” vised” WITH “the current revision of DELETE: all occurrences of “! “ (excla- Article VII (Other Committees and Ap- The Sturgis Standard Code of Parlia- mation point plus two spaces) pointments) Section 1: REPLACE “Voter mentary Procedure” Article III (Membership) Sec.. 1(a): Registration” WITH “Get Out the Vote CHANGE “noon-partisan” TO “non- Operations and Voter Registration” Corrections/Clarifications partisan” [Relevant language will be offered to the Article III (Membership) Section 1 (f): Correct all font inconsistencies. Resolution on the Authority and Re- DELETE “that District Committee and” Page  The Democrat February 2008 ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ Next Regular Calendar of Events FCDC Meeting: January 1/21/08 8:00pm 8th CD Monthly Meeting Tuesday, January 22, 1/22/08 7:30pm FCDC Meeting, Holmes, 7:30pm Social; 8:00pm meeting 7:30 pm social; 8 pm meet 1/26/08 1:30pm Seminar on Delegate Selection, Mason District Government Center 1/27/08 3:00pm Dranesville Thank You Party Holmes Middle School 1/30/08 7:30pm Lee District Democratic Committee Meeting

February 2/2/08 1:30pm Seniors Committee Meeting 2/4/08 7:30pm Diversity Committee, FCDC HQ 2/5/08 7:30pm Springfield District Meeting 2/5/08 7:30pm FCDC National Affairs Standing Committee (NAC) Regular Mtg. FCDC HQ 2/8/08 9:30am DPVA Quarterly Meeting, Richmond Marriott 2/9/08 6:00pm DPVA Jefferson-Jackson Dinner, Richmond Marriott 2/9/08 8:30am VA Democratic Women’s Caucus Second Annual Breakfast, Richmond Marriott 2/12/08 6:00am Virginia Presidential Primary 2/12/08 7:30pm FCDC Steering Committee meeting, FCDC HQ 2/18/08 8:00pm 8th CD Monthly Meeting 2/19/08 7:30pm MDDC Meeting, Mason Government Center 2/28/08 7:30pm Lee District Democratic Committee Meeting

March 3/4/08 7:30pm Springfield District Meeting 3/4/08 7:30pm FCDC National Affairs Standing Committee (NAC) Regular Meeting 3/11/08 7:30pm FCDC Steering Committee meeting 3/12/08 7:30pm MDDC Meeting,Mason Government Center 3/17/08 8:0pm 8th CD Monthly Meeting 3/27/08 7:3pm Lee District Democratic Committee Meeting