Buchanan County Democratic Committee

OBAMA MAKES SECOND VISIT TO SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA

Vern — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:42:04 +0000

Senator Barack Obama made his second visit to Southwest Virginia on September 10, 2008, at a town hall meeting in Lebanon, Virginia. Senator Obama appeared before an enthusiastic crowd of more than two thousand at Lebanon High School. During the meeting, Senator Obama emphasized his support for clean coal technologies which can create new jobs for our region and make America energy independent from the Middle East. Senator Obama outlined his support for hard working families which includes tax cuts for ninety-five percent of America’s families and the availability of healthcare coverage for everyone.

Congressman Boucher introduced Senator Obama at the town hall meeting. During his introduction, Congressman described Senator Obama as a “friend of coal” citing his support of the Energy Policy Act in 2005 which was a measure to advance clean coal initiatives. Congressman Boucher reminded the gathering that Senator Obama is also from a coal producing state. In fact, Congressman Boucher and Senator Obama have cosponsored legislation to advance the coal industry. With his vision to assist hard working families with tax cuts and healthcare as well as the advancement of clean coal technologies, Senator Obama clearly cares about Southwest Virginia.

WARNER TO KEYNOTE DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION

Vern — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:44:32 +0000

Our candidate for U.S. Senate, former Governor Mark Warner, will deliver the keynote address on Tuesday August 26, 2008, in Denver, Colorado at the Democratic National Convention. The keynote address is the same high profile speech which propelled Senator Barack Obama into the national spotlight in 2004. The broadcast will be seen by millions around the country. According to Senator Obama’s campaign manager David Plouffe, “Mark Warner is not afraid to challenge the status quo to bring people together and get things moving. It’s that kind of spirit and innovation that resulted in his selection as keynote speaker on a night when the Convention program will focus on renewing America’s economy.”

SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA MATTERS TO OBAMA

Vern — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:47:49 +0000

After becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee, Senator Barack Obama made his first general election appearance in Southwest Virginia on Thursday June 5, 2008. Senator Obama appeared at a town hall meeting at Virginia High in Bristol, Virginia before approximately 2,500 supporters. Senator Obama sent a clear message that Southwest Virginia and the entire state are in play for the general election this fall.

Senator Obama said that Southwest Virginia is an example of so much that is good about this country. He also said that there are good, hard working, decent, generous people in beautiful towns all around this region but Washington hasn’t been paying attention and hasn’t been listening. During his remarks, Senator Obama emphasized his plans to provide comprehensive healthcare to all Americans.

The Obama campaign invited the Chairman of the Buchanan County Democratic Committee, Vern Presley, to drive Senator Obama’s staff to and from Tri-Cities Airport for the town hall meeting. Presley spent most of the day with Senator Obama and his staff during the Southwest Virginia visit. Senator Obama is clearly interested in our region and concerns. In fact, no major political party candidate has visited Southwest Virginia in almost fifty years. If he wasn’t your first choice to change the mess we have in Washington, Senator Obama certainly deserves the full support of our party since he sent a clear message with his visit that we actually matter.

NINTH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS NOMINATE BOUCHER

Vern — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:36:46 +0000

Democratic delegates from the Ninth District convened at Auburn Hills High School on May 17, 2008, in Riner, Virginia and unanimously nominated Congressman Rick Boucher as the democratic candidate to the U.S. House of Representatives for the general election this fall. Congressman Boucher is vying for his 14th term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

According to a report recently completed by the respected, non-partisan Congress.org, Congressman Boucher is ranked the 11th most effective member of the 435 member United States House of Representatives. In addition, the organization recognized Boucher as the most effective member of Virginia’s Congressional Delegation. As of the date of this posting, Congressman Boucher is unopposed.

Mark Warner to Appear in Abingdon on May 4, 2008

Vern — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:46:53 +0000

Former Governor Mark Warner will be in our neck of the woods on Sunday, May 4, 2008, at 5:00 p.m. at E.B. Stanley Middle School in Abingdon, Virginia. Join Governor Warner to officially launch his campaign for the U.S. Senate. This will be a great opportunity to support Governor Warner as he kicks off his Senate campaign.

Committee to Hold Caucus

Vern — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 21:43:53 +0000

The Buchanan County Democratic Committee (“Committee”) will hold an assembled caucus (mass meeting) beginning at 7:30 p.m. on April 21, 2008, in the Circuit Courtroom of the Buchanan County Courthouse, Grundy, Virginia for the purpose of electing 7 delegates and 3 alternates to the 9th Congressional District Democratic Convention and the 2008 Virginia Democratic Convention.

Any person wishing to seek election as a delegate or alternate must file with Russell Vern Presley, II, Chairman of the Buchanan County Democratic Committee, 1131 Plaza Drive, Grundy, Virginia 24614 no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 12, 2008. A voluntary administrative fee of $10.00 (which may be waived) will be charged at the time of filing for those wishing to be elected as delegates for the Committee, a $5.00 fee for the 9th Congressional District Convention, and a $10.00 fee for the 2008 Virginia Democratic State Convention.

There is no charge for those wishing to attend and vote at the caucus.

Doors to the caucus will open at 6:30 p.m. for check-in. Any person attending the caucus and participating in the caucus shall sign a Caucus Participation Form stating that he or she: is a Democrat; is a registered voter in Buchanan County; believes in the principles of the Democratic Party; and that he or she does not intend to support any candidate who is opposed to a Democratic nominee in the next ensuing election. Caucus Participation Forms must be completed and signed prior to participating in the caucus. Doors to the caucus will close at 7:30 p.m. at which time no person may complete a form and participate in the caucus with the exception of those standing in line to register.

For more information, please contact the Committee Chairman, Vern Presley, at 935-2128 or 498-7581.

REORGANIZATION OF COMMITTEE

Vern — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 23:21:02 +0000

The Buchanan County Democratic Committee will hold precinct meetings on December 1, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. at the normal polling places for each precinct, with the exception of the Hurley Precinct which will meet at Hurley Middle School, for the purpose of electing precinct officers pursuant to the Bylaws of the Committee. All Democrats who are registered and eligible to vote are invited to attend the precinct meetings. Each person participating in the precinct meetings must provide written certification that he or she: is a democrat, is a registered voter in their respective magisterial district and voting precinct; believes in the principles of the Democratic Party; and that he or she does not intend to support any candidate who is opposed to a Democratic nominee in the next ensuing election. Certification forms must be filled out prior to the meeting. Doors to the precinct meetings will close at 10:00 a.m. and no person may complete a certification or enter the meeting after that time with the exception of those in line at the aforementioned time. Precinct officers elected will meet on December 10, 2007, in the circuit courtroom at the courthouse in Grundy, Virginia on December 10, 2007, to elect officers of the Committee which includes Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer.

DEMOCRATS CLAIM THE MAJORITY OF COUNTY OFFICES

Vern — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 22:15:36 +0000

Buchanan County Democrats claimed three constitutional offices and five seats on the Board of Supervisors at the polls on November 6, 2007. Beverly Tiller, Bill Keene, and Jay Rife easily won Circuit Court Clerk, Treasurer, and Commissioner of Revenue respectively. The Democratic majority elected to the Board of Supervisors included Berlin Viars (Garden District), Carroll Branham (North Grundy), Steve O’Quinn (Prater District), Frankie Landreth (Rocklick District), and William P. Harris (Hurricane District).

Buchanan County Democrats also celebrated the fact that the Virginia Senate is now back in the control of Democrats. With Democrats in control of the Virginia Senate, our own Senator Puckett is expected to assume a significant leadership role which can only benefit our county.

The loss of Commonwealth Attorney and Sheriff tempered the celebration on election night. A Republican and independent challenged Sheila Tolliver to her fourth term as Commonwealth Attorney. Randy Ashby fell short of his attempt to unseat the incumbent Republican Sheriff. Like the race for Commonwealth Attorney, Ashby also faced an independent in addition to the Republican candidate. As we often see, the presence of independents hurts our candidates and divides our party. Of course, when the independent is a former Democrat, the idea is to scuttle the battleship when victory is obviously out of reach. Both Tolliver and Ashby have been public servants for more than twenty years. Our party wishes Tolliver and Ashby the best with their future endeavors.

FINAL RALLY AND LUNCHEON ON NOVEMBER 4, 2007 AT GRUNDY HIGH SCHOOL

Vern — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 13:19:07 +0000

The Buchanan County Democratic Committee will hold its final rally and luncheon on November 4, 2007, at Grundy High School at 1:00 p.m. to support our local candidates and members of the General Assembly. Congressman Boucher, Senator Puckett, and Delegate Bowling plan to attend the event. After we hear from our candidates, lunch will be served by Jo’s Pastries and Candies.

The Committee kicked off the fall campaign at Twin Valley High School in September. Other rallies and dinners followed at Rocklick, Hurley, and Council. The Committtee will also host a gospel singing and hotdog dinner for the North Grundy District at J.M. Bevins Elementary on November 3, 2007. All democrats and supporters of our ticket are encouraged to attend our final events as we enter the homestretch to Election Day.

Fall Campaign Kicked Off at Twin Valley High School

Vern — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 13:35:17 +0000

The Buchanan County Democratic Committee kicked off the first of five dinners for our local candidates on Saturday September 15, 2007, at Twin Valley High School. Congressman Rick Boucher, Senator Phillip Puckett, and Delegate Dan Bowling addressed the gathering and stressed the quality and experience of our constitutional officer and board of supervisor candidates. Dinners or rallies are planned for September 27, 2007, October 13, 2007, October 27, 2007, and November 4, 2007. For more information, please see our calendar page.

Pictured from left to right are Jay Rife (Commissioner of Revenue), Congressman Boucher, Randy Ashy (Sheriff), Senator Puckett, Sheila Tolliver (Commonwealth’s Attorney), and Beverley Tiller (Circuit Court Clerk).