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Actions Speak Louder Than Words

VirginiaYoungDemocrats — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:30:11 GMT

We are happy to give credit where credit is due. Governor Bob McDonnell, with the support of Lt. Governor Bill Bolling, issued Executive Directive One, re-affirming the position taken by Governors Kaine and Warner, that Virginia hires the best talent regardless of whether that employee is gay or straight. Within hours, Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli reversed years of anti-gay demagoguery and applauded Governor McDonnell's "tone." Today was a success-story, and we are honored to have played a leading role in pressuring the Governor and the Attorney General to retract their earlier words.

But Actions speak Louder than Words. As Attorney General Cuccinelli carefully avoided pointing out in his somewhat vague statement: the law remains the same. The Virginia Code still does not protect GLBT Virginians from discrimination in the workplace, public or private. Governor McDonnell should do more than say the state won't discriminate against gays: he should work to make it law. We call on Governor McDonnell to pledge that he will introduce and support legislation codifying protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender state employees. Governor McDonnell's earlier decision to retract protections for GLBT state workers, along with Attorney General Cuccinelli's earlier letter to Boards of Visitors, expose the fragile nature of Executive Orders and Directives. If Governor McDonnell means what he says - and we sincerely hope that he does - than he must promise to guarantee protections for GLBT state employees in law.

The Virginia Young Democrats call for a March 12th Facebook Day of Action stands. We will use this opportunity to encourage our members to send emails and letters to their legislators and the Governor calling for the codification the intent of Executive Directive One. We call on all civic and political organizations to join us in this common-sense effort.

Virginia Young Democrats Call to Action!

VirginiaYoungDemocrats — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:46:00 GMT

Ken Cuccinelli has gone too far. He and Governor McDonnell have embarrassed Virginia and are going to steer jobs and talent away from Virginia if they don't change their tune. Our Board President, Sean Holihan, has released a video statement, calling on Virginians to join us in a few specific actions, including a Facebook Day of Action on March 12th. His full comments are below the fold.

Hi, I'm Sean Holihan, President of the Virginia Young Democrats. Late Friday, March 5th, our Attorney General, Ken Cuccinelli, decided to wage a war against our state colleges and universities, telling them that their policies protecting Gay and Lesbian Virginians are illegal. There are so many things wrong with this, so many reasons to be angry. You might be angry that while our Universities' budgets have been gutted,Ken Cuccinelli is now trying to meddle in their hiring and admission processes. Perhaps you are angry because you don't care who your college professor loves, you just want a good education. Or perhaps you're outraged because you don't think your sexual orientation should ever come into account when you're applying for admission to the College of William and Mary, UVA, or Virginia Tech. Whatever the reason, we are outraged with you. We are outraged by the decision to put personal prejudice ahead of good policy.

This week, most of our large Universities are on Spring Break. So, I am calling on young people of all parties to take part in three specific actions on your campus, in your high school, or in your community. First, we're asking people to make March 12th a facebook day of action. On March 12th, I'm asking you asking you to send a message to Ken Cuccinelli, Governor McDonnell, and the Republicans in the General Assembly by changing your status message to say "This Virginian does NOT Discriminate." Second, we are asking you to send an email to the governor, telling him to reign in his Attorney General and to amend his Executive Order on non-discrimination by including sexual orientation, just like Governors Kaine and Warner. Third, there are many groups taking part in actions protesting Ken Cuccinelli. I'm asking you to join in these activities, and you can find a list of them on our Website, www.VAYD.org.

Ken Cuccinelli, Bob McDonnell, and the Republican members of the legislature need to realize that if they can't put personal prejudice aside and start concentrating on getting people jobs and giving them a good education, voters will make a different choice in the next election. There is no place for this in government, there is no place for this in Virginia. Thank you, I hope you'll join us.

Governor Bob McDonnell should Live Up to Promises made after Bob Marshall's comments

VirginiaYoungDemocrats — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 20:01:17 GMT

This Blog Post is written by Virginia Young Democrats Disabilities Caucus Chair, Dan Davis

I've known Delegate Marshall for nearly 20 years and I'm sure he regrets saying that. I think those are wrong and offensive comments. We should do everything we can for young children that are developmentally disabled and provide the best safety net that we can through state government.
- Governor Bob McDonnell, "Ask the Governor," WTOP Radio, February 23, 2010

Virginia Young Democrats calls on Governor Bob McDonnell to honor his rhetorical commitment to "the best safety net" services for children with disabilities by canceling his draconian budget proposals slashing funding for home and community based services.

When Governor McDonnell appropriately condemned the appalling remarks of Delegate Bob Marshall (R-Prince William) for suggesting that children with disabilities were punishment for the actions of their parents, he verbally endorsed doing "everything we can" to provide these children with the "best safety net through state government." Yet McDonnell's laudable rhetoric is inconsistent with the stark reality that his budget endorses draconian cuts to home and community based services and related programs which these children and their families rely upon.

As Delegate Robin Abbott (D- Newport News), mother of a young adult with a disability, said recently while referencing Marshall's hurtful words, and McDonnell's devastating budget, "More important than words or rhetoric are the actions we take." Budgets are moral documents, which reflect a leader's values and priorities. And as a moral document Governor McDonnell's budget is quite disturbing: He proposes eliminating 6,000 self-directed home and community based services waiver slots for children and adults with disabilities, while cutting Medicaid eligibility and slashing funding for related supports that children and young adults with disabilities rely upon to live independently in the community.
While Bob Marshall's words are extraordinarily hurtful to children with disabilities and their parents, Bob McDonnell's budget is far more harmful, threatening to devastate the services and supports families have come to rely upon and to deprive young people with disabilities of their opportunity to pursue educational and career opportunities in their communities.

Fortunately, the Democratic -led Senate takes a different approach, prioritizing the preservation of community services, while minimizing painful cuts to Virginia's young people with disabilities and their families. To honor his commitment to a safety net and dignity for children with disabilities and demonstrate his respect for their lives and dignity, Virginia Young Democrats calls upon Governor McDonnell to use opportunity of the budget negotiations to reach an accord with Senate Democrats and ensure that we do not balance the budget on the backs of people with disabilities.

Make Virginia a Better Place to Do Business

VirginiaYoungDemocrats — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:30:41 GMT

Written By VAYD President Sean Holihan

Click this link to Take Action!

As many of us are aware, Virginia has not been among the friendliest states for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community. With Governor Robert McDonnell and Attorney General Kenneth Cuccinelli at the helm of Virginia's government, along with a conservative House of Delegates, Virginia has chosen to stay behind as our sister states have advanced equality among all of its citizens.

Since his Inauguration, Governor McDonnell has refused to follow former Governors Kaine and Warner by being inclusive in his non-discrimination Executive Order. Even worse, Attorney General Cuccinelli has implied that he will not tolerate known homosexuals in his office.

Keep reading to hear how Virginia might lose hundreds of high-paying jobs because of anti-gay Republican policies...
For years, many of us have said that full inclusion at work can only lead to a more productive and attractive workplace. In fact, according to Richard Florida's acclaimed book, "Rise of the Creative Class," studies have shown that an area's number of coupled gay people in a region is a strong predictor of an area's high-tech industry growth and concentration.

Currently, Fortune 500 Company Northrop Grumman is looking to relocate its headquarters to the Washington D.C. metropolitan area from Southern California. The planned move was announced in January and has started an intense bidding war for the nearly 300 high-salary jobs between Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia. A defense giant that is already one of the largest employers in Virginia, Northrop Grumman has maintained a perfect score with the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index for four consecutive years.

Unfortunately, it is not just Virginians that have taken notice of our state's archaic policy towards equality. Recently, a Maryland State Senator sent a letter to Northrop Grumman's CEO, citing the lack of a LGBT non-discrimination policy for Virginia's government employees as a reason against moving to Virginia and that a move to Maryland would be more in-line with Northrop Grumman's policy towards equality.

If Virginia wants to hold its title as, "The Best Place to Do Business," we need to step into the 21st Century along with Maryland and Washington, D.C. At the very least, Virginia needs to grant members of the LGBT community safety in the government workplace.

Senator Donald McEachin's Senate Bill 66 is up for a vote on Tuesday, March 2nd. This bill would prohibit discrimination in employment based upon sexual orientation. In this economy, with Virginian's pleading for work, we cannot let archaic policy to stand in the way of a Fortune 500 Company relocating to our Commonwealth.

Please, encourage Governor McDonnell to do the right thing and make Virginia's government an inclusive workplace. Email your Delegate and encourage them to pass Senate Bill 66. We must move Virginia onto the same playing field as Maryland.

We simply cannot afford not to.

Sean Holihan is the President of the Virginia Young Democrats.

Click this link to Take Action!

Young Democrats Call for Bob Marshall's Resignation Over Disgraceful Comments

VirginiaYoungDemocrats — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 21:20:26 GMT

Young Democrats Call for Bob Marshall's Resignation Over Disgraceful Comments

Using disabled children and their families as a political prop for his extremist Republican agenda is out of line

Richmond, VA - Virginians are shocked and outraged at the recent comments made by Virginia Delegate Bob Marshall and the Young Democrats will not stand by idly while such statements are made. State Delegate Bob Marshall of Manassas says disabled children are God's punishment to women who have aborted their first pregnancy, the Staunton News Leader reported today.

"Bob Marshall's recent apology does not correct what he has done," said Dan Davis, Disability Caucus Chairman for the Virginia Young Democrats. "Del. Marshall should stop using disabled children and their families as a political prop for his extremist Republican agenda. We are deeply offended and demand that he resign his position as a Delegate in the Commonwealth, our Commonwealth."

In recognizing the negative effect of such disgraceful and offensive language on all disabled youth across the country, VAYD's parent organization, the Young Democrats of America, joined in calling out Bob Marshall and asking for his immediate resignation.
"These kinds of comments are deeply offensive and can absolutely not be tolerated from an elected official who claims to represent the public." says Ben Spangenberg, Chairman of the national Disabilities Issues Caucus of the Young Democrats of America, and Virginia resident.

"With the incredibly important issues facing Virginians today, including a massive budget gap requiring our attention, Republicans are focusing on spewing hate instead of helping out citizens," remarked VAYD Executive Director Toby Quaranta. "Republicans continue to fail to lead in Richmond. Bob Marshall should be ashamed of himself. Governor Bob McDonnell should repudiate Delegate Marshall's comments and call for his immediate resignation."

About VAYD:
The Virginia Young Democrats is a statewide organization for Democrats under the age of 36. With 51 chapters and 10,000 members, the Virginia Young Democrats are the premiere volunteer organization for Democrats in the commonwealth.

About YDA:
The Young Democrats of America is the largest youth-led partisan political organization in the country and represents Democratic youth under the age of 36. With 300,000+ members - including middle school, high school and college students as well as young workers, young professionals and young families - YDA reflects the broad diversity of our nation and the Democratic Party. The Young Democrats of America has been the official youth arm of the Democratic Party since 1932.

A Letter I got from Mary Margaret Whipple

VirginiaYoungDemocrats — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 03:59:03 GMT

Senator Whipple sent out an awesome letter talking about the great things that the Senate Democratic Caucus is doing to show the Governor the best way to govern Virginia. The full letter is below the fold...

This Spring, the Virginia Young Democrats are working hard to impact legislation working its way through the the General Assembly. Our Lobby Day is coming up Monday the 22nd, and our legislative fellows - part of our 2010 Spring Program- are working hard to help our majority in the Senate hold the line against Pass The Buck Bob.

See below for Senator Whipple's letter...
Hello again Virginians!

Tomorrow is "crossover day" down here in Richmond, meaning each chamber must act on all pending legislation if they want it considered by the other. Consequently, your Senate Democratic Caucus is working hard to pass our priority legislation and send it to our counterparts in the House of Delegates where we hope it will find a warm reception.

Since my last update, we've gotten some great legislation through the Senate and kept a few bad bills from getting out. Last week we passed two very important equality bills, both sponsored by Democrats. Sen. Donald McEachin of Richmond introduced SB66 to prevent discrimination in the state workforce, including on the basis of sexual orientation. This important protection has traditionally been enacted by Governor's Executive Order, but we felt it was important enough to put in the law. This basic protection means that all employment decisions in Virginia state government will be made based on talents and abilities, just as they should be.

The Senate also passed SB451 that will allow local governments to extend the insurance policies of their employees to other family members-including domestic partners or grown children-as the locality sees fit. I introduced this bill as a way to keep Virginia localities competitive against other localities and private business when attracting top talent.

Democrats also won passage of two constitutional amendments that you should look for on the ballot in November. Sen. Toddy Puller of Prince William has long championed veteran's issues, and the Senate passed her amendment to exempt certain severely disabled veterans from taxes on their homes. It is a small but meaningful way to support men and women who have made great sacrifices for us.

Senator Chap Petersen of Fairfax won passage of an amendment that would allow localities to provide a tax credit for certain green buildings, equipment, or renovations that conserve energy. This amendment can be a powerful tool for localities to incentivize smart, efficient construction and is one piece of a larger green energy and jobs platform that Senate Democrats are building.

Also last week, Senate Democrats defeated a measure that would have allocated phantom revenues from offshore drilling. Proponents of the measure would have you believe this was a referendum on offshore drilling, but it was really just a trick to make folks think that revenue was on the way. If any revenue from drilling comes in the distant future we will allocate it at that time, but we did not want to start dedicating imaginary money.

Finally, as we move into our sixth week of session, we continue to work through the difficult process of balancing the state's budget. We continue to press Governor McDonnell to present a plan for addressing the shortfall and get involved in this challenging process. His threat to veto any new revenues means that $4 billion will be cut from the state's budget over the next two years. The $4 billion in cuts that Governor McDonnell needs to make will likely result in massive layoffs to critical public servants like teachers, sheriff's deputies, and healthcare providers. Please know that the Senate Democrats understand the severity of the coming cuts and are working hard to find ways to mitigate their impact. We hope the Governor will publicly present a plan in the coming days to make his $4 billion in cuts. Even if he does not, the Senate will fulfill its duty to create a balanced budget.

On another quick note, I am very excited this week to announce a new way for you to keep track of the happenings in Richmond. The Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus has launched our own YouTube channel! We hope to offer a wide variety of clips, including floor debate, speeches, and news conferences. You can find us at www.youtube.com/vasenatedems, so please check in occasionally and catch up with us.
As always, we remain available any time in Richmond and welcome your thoughts, suggestions, ideas, concerns, and feedback.

Thank you again, and until next time,

Mary Margaret Whipple
Chair, Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus

VAYD Lobby Day, Convention, and More!

VirginiaYoungDemocrats — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 23:46:56 GMT

Cross-posted at the VAYD Blog and on our Facebook Fan Page.

After helping Senator Dave Marsden pull off an upset win in the 37th Senate District special election earlier this month, the Virginia Young Democrats are rockin' and rollin'! Below you will find more information on our Lobby Day, our Convention, our work to keep the 41st House District blue, and our Commonwealth Club. More after the jump...
Issue Advocacy - Lobby Day
Find This Event On Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/event....
Governor Bob McDonnell has already managed to make some really bad decisions. Just days into his governorship, promise breakin' Bob has managed to ignore transportation, ignore the $2 Billion deficit he created, fail to protect LGBT state employees from discrimination, and renege on his promise to take up bipartisan redistricting. Help make sure that we lend a voice to common sense. Join us as we lobby our legislators on February 5th in Richmond. You can also join us at our Lobby Day Reception and DPVA Open House at the DPVA/VAYD Headquarters in our Capitol city. For more information on times and dates, contact your chapter president, or visit www.vayd.org/LobbyDay2010.

Convention - Alexandria, April 16-18
While we'll be getting more details out to our membership in the near future, we are excited to let our membership know that the Virginia Young Democrats will be hosting our annual convention from April 16th to April 18th in Alexandria. We'll be getting more info out to our chapter presidents and our membership at large in the coming weeks.

Campaigns - 41st House District
The Democrats have nominated Eileen Filler-Corn for run for the 41st House District, which opened up after Dave Marsden was sworn in as Senator! We are hoping to add another awesome female delegate to the Democratic Freshman class in Richmond and to keep the district blue! We will be invading the Springfield-based district multiple times in the coming weekends. Check with your chapter president for details on our invasion, or email organizer41@vayd.org to sign up for more information.

Commonwealth Club
In the absence of any funding from YDA, the Virginia Young Democrats are reaching out to our members to ask for your financial support. We all know money is tight, but we recognize that the work being done this year is critical to maintaining the gains we have made in the last four years. It is sink-or-swim time for small PACs like the Virginia Young Democrats, and we are counting on people like you to help us out. The best way to help is by joining our Commonwealth Club. Our Commonwealth Club members give between five and twenty-five dollars each month to help us run our programs: hire organizers, run trainings, coordinate invasions, keep our fellows in the capitol, and maintain a full-time staff. Please go to http://www.actblue.com/page/co... and sign up for any amount over $5. The Virginia Young Democrats have made the difference in so many critical campaigns in the last year, we want to keep up this great work in 2010! Please help and sign up for the Commonwealth Club today!

MARSDEN WINS!!!

VirginiaYoungDemocrats — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 02:31:42 GMT

From our press release...
http://www.vayd.org/37Special

MARSDEN WINS!

Virginia Young Democrats make over 14,000 voter contacts in critical victory
In-kind organizers, volunteer force critical to victory

Centerville, VA - Delegate Dave Marsden has just won the special election to fill the senate seat vacated by Attorney General-elect Ken Cuccinelli. The district was represented by a Republican in the state senate for 8 years and carried by Republican Governor-elect Bob McDonnell. The seat is now in Democratic hands. The Virginia Young Democrats (VAYD) contributed two in-kind organizers to the campaign after Delegate Marsden was the only Democrat to file. In the past five-and-a-half weeks, VAYD organizers Trent Armitage and Mary Kate Aylward and scores of VAYD volunteers combined to make well over 14,000 voter contacts in this race. The margin of victory for Senator-elect Marsden was less than 350 votes.
"Congratulations to Senator-elect Dave Marsden, his campaign staff, to our organizers, Trent and Mary Kate, and of course, to all the Young Democrats who volunteered," said Sean Holihan, president of the Virginia Young Democrats. "I am absolutely thrilled that the Virginia Young Democrats were able to contribute to substantially to this critical win."

"The Virginia Young Democrats continue to grow as a professional organization," said Toby Quaranta, Executive Director of the Virginia Young Democrats. "I am more and more proud of how increasingly important young voters and young volunteers are to winning Democratic campaigns and championing progressive causes."

The Virginia Young Democrats are a statewide PAC for Democrats under the age of 36. With 51 chapters and 10,000 members, the Virginia Young Democrats are the premiere volunteer organization for progressive causes in the commonwealth. In 2009 the Virginia Young Democrats hired 14 organizers to work on the statewide races and in key legislative districts. As an organization, the Virginia Young Democrats made 137,300 voter contacts.

On The Trail in the 37th Special Election

VirginiaYoungDemocrats — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 22:09:21 GMT

Cross-Posted at www.VAYD.org

This winter, the Virginia Young Democrats have hired two organizers to help Democrat Dave Marsden in his race to fill Attorney General-Elect Ken Cuccinelli's open State Senate seat in southern Fairfax County. Mary Kate Aylward, the Virginia Young Democrats 2009 Organizer on the Bouchard campaign this fall, and Trent Armitage, former State Director for the non-profit group My Rural America, have hit almost 6,000 doors and phones since starting December 1st! VAYD - along with some of our America Votes Partners - is participating a big canvass on Saturday the 19th at 10am in Centerville. You should join us! Need convincing? Mary Kate sent along this dispatch:

If you live in Northern Virginia you probably spent the previous Saturday enjoying the first snow of the season from the comfort of your living room. In the 37th state senate district, Trent and I ventured out into the snow to wake up our Fairfax Democrats and knock doors for the special election coming up January 12 to fill Ken Cuccinelli's vacant senate seat. Some brave volunteers joined us as well - including an intrepid group of George Mason University Young Dems!
We got some astonished looks, and a lot of folks asking what we were doing walking around in a snowstorm - and the answer? We're out on the doors - despite snow, rain, sleet, and horrendous NoVa traffic - to send a great Democrat to the state senate in Dave Marsden, and to start our Democratic comeback January 12th. November was rough, and we're not going to let it happen again.
The two of us have hit almost 6,000 doors since December 1, with a goal of 18,000 doors before early January - can you spare a few hours from your busy holiday schedule to help us hit that goal? A Democratic win is the best gift you can give yourself, and Virginia!

There are a ton of reasons to go out and volunteer on this race. Chief amongst them: This election could decide control of the State Senate. Democrats at the moment have a one-vote majority in the senate and we can't afford to have any Democrats out sick with that wafer-thin majority. We need to expand our majority. Let's make sure we have a necessary check on Bob McDonnell and the House of Delegates, instead of one-party rule in Richmond.

The Virginia Young Democrats is an independent State PAC working across the commonwealth of Virginia. With 10,000 members and 50 chapters, VAYD is changing the face of youth politics in Virginia. This past election, we made 137,300 voter contacts. To make a contribution, click here!

Extended Deadline for VAYD Legislative Fellows

VirginiaYoungDemocrats — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:09:33 GMT

We had some folk who got the information late and wanted to apply. To be fair, we decided to keep the application process open for everyone! The new deadline is the 21st of December! Cross-posted at http://www.vayd.org/2010LegislativeFellows

Permalink: http://www.vayd.org/2010LegislativeFellows
Position: Virginia Young Democrats Legislative Fellow
Stipend: $400 - $600 pending hours worked
Application Deadline: Extended! December 21st, 2009
Requirements: 15-20 Hours per Week, January 12th through March 13th
Qualifications: Must be able to work in fast paced environment, think on feet, and follow deadlines. An interest in the inner workings of politics and the legislative process is a must.

Description
Rarely does an opportunity like this arise for young people to play such an active role in policy. The Young Democrats and the House and Senate Democratic Caucuses have joined forces to provide a fellowship program where young people can become experts on an issue area and work closely with elected officials during the General Assembly session.

Candidates for a fellowship will apply for a committee assignment and if chosen will work closely with the Caucus Whip or Committee Chair of the committee. This fellowship is unique because it allows young people to be an active part of the legislative process and interface directly with lawmakers. Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, attending all assigned committee and subcommittee meetings, following legislation through the committee process and through the legislature, monitoring amendments to legislation, keeping track of who is in favor and against legislation, observing meetings between legislators and lobbyists (both constituent and professional), drafting correspondence to constituent contacts on legislation before your committee, preparing background briefing information daily for legislation up for votes on the floor of the General Assembly, taking visual record (pictures) of your experience and reporting about your work on the VAYD blog, and other duties as assigned.

There are 20 fellowship positions available. Each comes with a $400-$600 stipend. Candidates must be able to commit to 15-20 hours per week, January 12 - March 13. Availability and flexibility will be weighted equally to qualifications and references during the selection process. Any questions should be emailed to Toby.Quaranta@vayd.org.

Deadline
The deadline to apply has been extended to Monday, December 21st at 5:00 p.m.

How to Apply
Submit an application to Toby.Quaranta@vayd.org with the following information:
Full Name
Address
E-Mail Address
Cell Phone and Home Phone
Preferred Chamber (House/Senate)
Preferred Committees (List Three; click for the list of House and Senate Committees )

Include answers to the following in your application:

Briefly describe your qualifications and knowledge of the subject areas of the three committees you chose above.
What do you believe is the most important issue that passed one of your committees of choice during the 2009 General Assembly Session? (You can use the list of House and Senate Committees to see legislation that was "Reported Out" of committee )
What is the most important issue facing Virginia in the 2010 General Assembly?
Briefly tell us more about yourself: Where you're from, your interest in politics, etc.
How would participation in the Fellowship Program help you achieve your goals for the future?
Please provide 3 political/professional/scholastic references
Are you an active member of a Virginia Young Democrats Chapter? If so, which one?
What is your availability January 12 - March 13? (Do you have any planned vacations? Are you available Monday/Wednesday/Fridays, or Tuesday/Thursdays? Etc.)

A lot to be Thankful for

VirginiaYoungDemocrats — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:18:45 GMT

It's not easy to pick up and dust off after a tough fall. This election was a tough one for Democrats in Virginia. In spite of an unprecedented effort by the Virginia Young Democrats and Democrats all over the Commonwealth, we lost. Even with this loss, however, we have a lot to be thankful for:

Virginia Young Democrats Make Huge Impact on Election
In spite of a tough environment, you and our 10,000 members across Virginia made 135,300 voter contacts. This HUGE number played a significant role in some of our victories in the House of Delegates races. You can read about our 2009 Election work here.

Health Insurance Reform
Over the summer and into the fall, Young Democrats in Virginia and across the country wrote letters and made phone calls to their members of Congress in support of Health Insurance Reform. We know that it is our generation, our friends and our siblings, that suffers under the high costs of the current health insurance system. It is wrong to make young people choose between paying for health insurance and paying for rent. It is wrong to expect young people to pay extraordinarily high premiums when they could be paying off college debt or saving up to buy their first home. Earlier this month, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass health insurance reform. Just this weekend, the U.S. Senate voted to allow debate to move forward. Senators Webb and Warner both voted to move forward on debate of the bill. You can call them now to tell them why you support Health Insurance Reform, or you can use the AFL-CIO's Action Center to send them an email.
Special Senate Election
We have the chance to send one more Democrat to the General Assembly this year. After a Democratic Caucus on December 3rd, VAYD will be hiring two organizers to work on the campaign of the Democratic Nominee! The 37th Senate District consists of a wide swath of southern Fairfax County. Will you be in NOVA during the month of December? If you want to help us rebound from this tough year and elect another Democrat to the state senate, email 37SenateOrganizers@vayd.org!

Paid Legislative Fellowships
Have you ever wanted to see the policy process from the inside? The Virginia Young Democrats has teamed up with the House and Senate Democratic Caucuses in the General Assembly to offer paid Fellowships for the Spring 2010 term. The application deadline for this program is December 10th, and is perfect for a Richmond, Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, or Williamsburg area student looking for a two- to three-day per week fellowship. For more information on this exciting program, visit www.vayd.org/2010LegislativeFellows.

VAYD on Facebook and Twitter!
Catching up on facebook and twitter over the holidays? Be sure to become a fan of the Virginia Young Democrats on our new Facebook fan page and follow us on Twitter!

Commonwealth Club
2010 will be another banner year for the Virginia Young Democrats - but only if we have the financial support to make our organization as robust as it can be. Our Commonwealth Club is made up of people who give to our organization in small recurring monthly donations. These small monthly contributions allow us to count on your donation every month so that we may budget accordingly. Giving just $10 per month allows us to pay for the meal at one of our upcoming Spring Trainings. Giving $20 per month allows us to pay for one of our legislative fellows for five weeks. Commonwealth Club members get special email updates, exclusive invites to Commonwealth Club receptions, and more! Join our Commonwealth Club today!

Call for Executive Board Meeting
Board President Sean Holihan has called an Executive Board Meeting for Saturday, December 5th. The meeting will take place immediately following the Democratic Party's State Central Committee Meeting in Staunton at approximately 2pm. The meeting will take place in the Shenandoah Ballroom of the Stonewall Jackson Hotel at 24 S. Market Street. If you have any questions, please email toby.quaranta@vayd.org.

Getting Ready for 2010

VirginiaYoungDemocrats — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:32:52 GMT

With Election 2009 behind us, VAYD is already getting ready for 2010. This weekend, a group of members of VAYD's executive board met in Arlington at the ACDC Headquarters to go over plans for the coming year. First on our agenda: Legislative Fellows for the House and Senate Democratic Caucus, and (building on our work in NOVA this past cycle) organizers for the Special Senate election in Fairfax.

There's more...
Last year, VAYD provided a stipend for legislative fellows to work for Democratic committee staffs in the House of Delegates. This year, we'll be expanding the program to include Senate committees as well. Check our homepage this week for more information on the program!

Building on our successful work in Northern Virginia this cycle, VAYD will be hiring one or two organizers for the special Senate election to replace (I can't believe I have to say this name for the next four years) AG-elect Ken Cuccinelli. Check our homepage this week for more information on the program!

Virginia Young Democrats: Election 2009

VirginiaYoungDemocrats — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:19:36 GMT

The Virginia Young Democrats hired 12 full-time organizers for the critical 2009 Gubernatorial and State Legislative elections. Our organizers had two, simultaneous goals: get large numbers of volunteers incorporated into the campaigns, and identify new members and volunteers as a way to build our membership for future elections.

By The Numbers
12 full-time paid organizers
700 Staff Hours
Thousands of Volunteer Hours
135,300 Voter Contacts

"In every targeted race across the Commonwealth, the Virginia Young Democrats had a presence and they made a difference," said Delegate Ken Plum, chair of the House Democratic Caucus. "With our key Delegates races often being decided by less than a thousand votes, the work of these Young Democrats makes a big impact." The Virginia Young Democrats made a huge impact statewide.

The Pictures

Our Efforts By Region
Virginia Beach
Newport News
Southside, the Valley, Central, and Southwest Virginia
Northern Virginia
Election Results

Governor
Voter Contacts by VAYD: 135,300
Creigh Deeds (D): 818,876
Bob McDonnell (R): 1,163,499
Vote Difference: -344,623
Precincts Reporting: 2,516 of 2,516

Lt. Governor
Voter Contacts by VAYD: 135,300
Jody Wagner (D): 850,072
Bill Bowling (R): 1,106,648
Vote Difference: -256,576
Precincts Reporting: 2,516 of 2,516

Attorney General
Voter Contacts by VAYD: 135,300
Steve Shannon (D): 828,668
Ken Cuccinelli (R): 1,123,991
Vote Difference: -295,323
Precincts Reporting: 2,516 of 2,516

House of Delegates - 6th District
Voter Contacts by VAYD: 2,400
Dr. Carole Pratt (D): 6,331
Delegate Anne Crockett-Stark (R): 11,889
Vote Difference: -5,558
Precincts Reporting: 35 of 35

House of Delegates - 7th District
Voter Contacts by VAYD: 5,500
Peggy Frank (D): 6,669
Delegate Dave Nutter (R): 10,059
Vote Difference: -3,390
Precincts Reporting: 23 of 23

House of Delegates - 13th District
Voter Contacts by VAYD: 9,550
Major John Bell (D): 14,472
Delegate Bob Marshall (R): 22,982
Vote Difference: -8,510
Precincts Reporting: 37 of 37

House of Delegates - 14th District
Voter Contacts by VAYD: 500
Seward Anderson (D): 5,755
Delegate Dan Marshall (R): 10,313
Vote Difference: -4,558
Precincts Reporting: 30 of 30

House of Delegates - 17th District
Voter Contacts by VAYD: 800
Councilwoman Gwen Mason (D): 8,573
Bill Cleveland (R): 14,004
Vote Difference: -5,431
Precincts Reporting: 30 of 30

House of Delegates - 21st District
Voter Contacts by VAYD: 9,800
Delegate Bobby Mathieson (D): 7,654
Councilman Rob Villanueva (R): 7,670
Vote Difference: -16
Precincts Reporting: 16 of 16

House of Delegates - 23rd District
Voter Contacts by VAYD: 400
Delegate Shannon Valentine (D): 10,604
Councilman Scott Garrett (R): 10,813
Vote Difference: -209
Precincts Reporting: 22 of 22

House of Delegates - 34th District
Voter Contacts by VAYD: 5,300
Delegate Margi Vanderhye (D): 12,214
Barbara Comstock (R): 12,636
Vote Difference: -422
Precincts Reporting: 20 of 20

House of Delegates - 35th District
Voter Contacts by VAYD: 1,000
Mark Keam (D): 12,606
James Hyland (R): 12,252
Vote Difference: -354
Precincts Reporting: 19 of 19

House of Delegates - 42nd District
Voter Contacts by VAYD: 3,800
Greg Werkheiser (D): 9,006
Delegate Dave Albo (R): 11,767
Vote Difference: -2,761
Precincts Reporting: 17 of 17

House of Delegates - 52nd District
Voter Contacts by VAYD: 400
Reverend Dr. Luke Torian (D): 8,267
Councilman Rafael Lopez (R): 7,616
Vote Difference: +651
Precincts Reporting: 19 of 19

House of Delegates - 58th District
Voter Contacts by VAYD: 4,950
Cynthia Neff (D): 8,948
Delegate Rob Bell (R): 18,402
Vote Difference: -9,454
Precincts Reporting: 27 of 27

House of Delegates - 64th District
Voter Contacts by VAYD: 1,000
Delegate Bill Barlow (D): 13,165
Councilman Stan Clark (R): 12,134
Vote Difference: 1,031
Precincts Reporting: 35 of 35

House of Delegates - 83rd District
Voter Contacts by VAYD: 6,750
Delegate Joe Bouchard (D): 6,346
Chris Stolle (R): 9,345
Vote Difference: -2,999
Precincts Reporting: 17 of 17

House of Delegates - 86th District
Voter Contacts by VAYD: 10,050
Supervisor Stevens Miller (D): 7,054
Delegate Tom Rust (R): 8,256
Vote Difference: -1,202
Precincts Reporting: 19 of 19

House of Delegates - 93rd District
Voter Contacts by VAYD: 14,250
Robin Abbott (D): 7,631
Delegate Phil Hamilton (R): 6,451
Vote Difference: +1,180
Precincts Reporting: 15 of 15

Total Voter Contacts for House of Delegates Candidates: 76,450

Stafford County Board of Supervisors - Garrisonville District
Voter Contacts by VAYD: 800
Laura Sellers (D): 1,079
Supervisor Mark Dudenhefer (R): 1,835
Vote Difference: -756
Precincts Reporting: 4 of 4

Virginia Young Democrats Congratulate United States House of Representatives on Historic Vote

VirginiaYoungDemocrats — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:42:28 GMT

Virginia Young Democrats Congratulate United States House of Representatives, Congressmen Moran, Scott, Connolly, and Perriello for Historic Vote
American People, Young Generation to Benefit from Access to Affordable Healthcare and Long-Term Savings

Washington, D.C. - The Virginia Young Democrats (VAYD) are excited to congratulate the United States House of Representatives and Virginia Congressmen Moran, Scott, Connolly, and Perriello for their votes in support of H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act.

"We applaud the House's vote to pass health care reform in a way that reduces our deficit and ensures choice, access, and affordability in our health care system," said Antonio M. Elias, Vice President for Issues of the Virginia Young Democrats. "We are especially proud of Congressmen Moran, Scott, Connolly, and Perriello for their vision and their vote."

The Virginia Young Democrats are a statewide organization for Democrats under the age of 36. With 51 chapters and 10,000 members, the Virginia Young Democrats are the premiere volunteer organization for Democrats in the commonwealth. This year, the Virginia Young Democrats have hired 12 organizers to work on the statewide races and in key legislative districts. The Virginia Young Democrats made over 135,000 voter contacts in the 2009 election cycle.

###

Semi-Frequent VAYD Photo of the Day

VirginiaYoungDemocrats — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:03:30 GMT

Delegate Moran and Mike Signer rallying the troops in Arlington.

"Hey VAYD, Where Ya' At This Weekend?"

VirginiaYoungDemocrats — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:41:49 GMT

It's a regular text that goes out to VAYD's Organizers, Chapter Leaders, and Volunteers - just a check-in to make sure that Young Dems know that the work they do is important. I thought that I would post some of the responses!

Antonio Elias and Hannah Wiegard, the couple that loves to canvass, sent this text back:

More canvassers than turf at the Deeds-Abbott office. One guy hadn't volunteered since JFK. Then fun rally at WM - Jody got us fired up!

Kathleen Newbauld, president of the Young Democrats at Virginia Tech:

Kate Farr, VAYD Organizer and all-around Rock Star, sent in this from Virginia Beach, where 45 YDs came out to canvass for Joe and Bobby:

.
Here are some of the GW Dems and local young dems who came out to canvass today in the 21st and 83rd. The vans worked wonderfully!

Rod Snyder, Vice President of the Young Democrats of America, got some of his crew out canvassing in Loudoun County:

The weather interrupted our work, but we're back out now. 600 doors today. More tomorrow!

From Gonzo of the VCUYD's:

THE VCUYD's were in Danville, VA canvassing for Creigh Deeds and HoD candidate Seward Anderson. Not only did we canvass but we also phone banked when the weather was less than cooperative! Props to our awesome chapter President Jonathan Ward.

Gonz at the Deeds-Anderson office

Dan Kinkler is a VAYD organizer and is working as the Field Director for the Dr. Carole Pratt for Delegate Campaign. Not much for words, he sent in this picture that unfortunately is not uploading to Blue Commonwealth.

Jim McBride, our NOVA Organizer, had this to say:

Weather definitely pushed people away. Still had 19 out in Arlington. More are committed for Sunday.

Frank Anderson, co-president of the GMU Young Democrats, had a similar experience to Jim.

Had a handful. Have 9 signed up for Sunday. Hope for good Weather.

I like to canvass as often as I can, and as I love Delegate Vanderhye, I did a pack of 61 doors for her and Deeds/Wagner/Shannon in lovely McLean. It was beautiful - and by beautiful I mean rainy - but was glad to have been part of the 13 YDs that hit about 600 doors for Margi and the statewide.

Looks like VAYD will hit another 8,000 - 10,000 doors this weekend. Some of it is GOTV for just Deeds/Wagner/Shannon, a lot of it is targeted to hit Statewide and local Delegates races. Thanks, everyone for the support!

Congressman Perriello rallies the Young Democrats

VirginiaYoungDemocrats — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:28:30 GMT

Congressman Perriello (D-Awesome) came out and rallied the Young Democrats at the Arlington County Democratic Headquarters. With over 30 phone bankers, the Virginia Young Democrats added almost 2,000 voter contacts to their total!

Rep. Perriello rallies the troops

There's More...
Rep. Perriello gets photos with the crew

Our Events
Weekend of the 24th
Blue Dominion Club / Hill Staff Invade McLean!
Saturday October 24th, 10:00am
7600 Colshire Drive, Suite 400
McLean, VA 22102
Toby Quaranta - toby.quaranta@vayd.org

Rally with Labor at Annandale Parade
Saturday October 24th, 10:00am
Annandale, VA

Danville Invasion
Saturday October 24th
Jon Ward - jnthn.ward@gmail.com

West Virginia & Virginia Young Democrats Invade Prince William!
Saturday October 24th, 10:00am
Prince William County, Virginia
David Levine - Organizer13@vayd.org
Or Sign-Up at http://spreadsheets.google.com...

Hampton Roads Invasion
(Coinciding with a HUGE invasion of College Dems from DC and NY)
Saturday October 24th, 10:00am
5101 Cleveland St.
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Katie Farr & Mary-Kate Aylward Organizer21@vayd.org, Organizer83@vayd.org

Southwest Invasion
Saturday October 24th, 10:00am
Christiansburg, VA
Maggie Thorton rural_chair@vayd.org

Arlington Saturday Canvass
ACDC Headquarters
Saturday, October 24th, 10:00am and 2:00pm
Kip Malinosky KipMalinosky@gmail.com

George Mason Saturday Canvass
Saturday, October 24th
George Mason Fairfax Campus
Frank Anderson frankoanderson@hotmail.com

Chantilly Mini-Invasion
Saturday, October 24th, 10:00am
Chantilly, VA
Jim McBride - OrganizerNOVA@vayd.org

Woodbridge Mini-Invasion
Saturday, October 24th, 10:00am
Woodbridge, VA
Jim McBride - OrganizerNOVA@vayd.org

What We've Done So Far, What We've Got Coming Up!

VirginiaYoungDemocrats — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 14:31:09 GMT

What we've done so far, What we've got coming up!
30,000 Doors Down, 30,000 to go

What an election year! It has been a weird electoral season - an influx of cash and energy for Republicans, Olympia Snowe becoming a friend (or is she?), and a volunteer base that is exhausted from last year's election work - but we're still kickin' butt! This year, the Virginia Young Democrats set out to hire organizers to supplement the field programs of the campaigns. We have also worked hard to set up regional invasions to boost the voter contact being done by our organizers and the campaigns. Between the work being done by our chapters, the work being done by our organizers, and the work done through our regional invasions, and the Virginia Young Democrats have hit 30,000 doors across the state. Not a bad number, and about half-way to where we want to be. Below is more information on what we've done so far, and what we're doing to hit those remaining, critical 30,000 doors for our statewide and delegate candidates.

Invasions

Nothing sings to Young Democrats like an invasion. Young Dems get excited when they meet other Young Dems. We get excited by large groups. By putting people in areas that overlap with targeted House districts, Invasions are a great way to excite our volunteers and connect our people to the campaigns in a savvy, exciting way. Our invasions in Newport News, Hampton Roads, Albemarle, Charlottesville, Richmond, McLean, Blacksburg, Stafford, South Riding, and Lynchburg are only the invasions we've done up and to this point! Check out our VAYD Invasions below.
Organizers

In 2008, President Barack Obama invested in Young People like never before. Most every targeted state had a staff person dedicated completely to getting Young Democrats and other young people out to volunteer and vote for President's campaign. This year, Virginia Young Democrats have had full-time organizers all over the state, including in 9 competitive House Districts, to make sure that we are getting Young Democrats into the campaign structure that already exists.

How We're Going to Hit 30,000 Voters in the next 19 Days

VAYD will be bringing on at least two more organizers for GOTV to help in targeted regions in need. Our organizers are all across the commonwealth: South Riding, Virginia Beach (Two of 'em!), Newport News, Wytheville (our organizer is actually the Field Director for Carole Pratt's campaign), Albemarle, Springfield, and Arlington. These talented Virginia Young Democrats have been making an average of 75 voter contacts per day, and will be increasing that pace as we head towards the election. We're pumped that this program has been successful, and are looking to take lessons from this year and implement a similar program next year!

Also, we'll be asking our clubs to drum out members for some pretty key regional invasions coming up. You can see the whole list on the VAYD website, or check it out below.

Weekend of the 17th
Michigan and Virginia Young Democrats Invade Herndon!
Saturday October 17th, 9:30am
300 Sterling Park Shopping Mall
Sterling, VA 20164-3206
Toby Quaranta - toby.quaranta@vayd.org

Springfield Invasion
Saturday October 17th, 10:00am
8412 Old Keene Mill Road
Springfield, VA 22152
Jim McBride - OrganizerNOVA@vayd.org

Homecoming Rally with Governor Kaine, Senator Deeds, and Jody Wagner!
University of Mary Washington
Saturday October 17th, 4:00pm
Jon Shields - jshields@umw.edu

Roanoke Invasion
Saturday October 17th
Lauren Laskey - lauren.laskey@gmail.com

North Stafford Canvass
Sunday October 18th
Jon Shields - jshields@umw.edu

Arlington Sunday Canvass
Sunday October 18th
ACDC Headquarters
2009 N. 14th Street, Suite 612
Arlington, VA 22201
Jim McBride - OrganizerNOVA@vayd.org

Herndon Sunday Canvass
Sunday October 18th, 9:30am
300 Sterling Park Shopping Mall
Sterling, VA 20164-3206
Toby Quaranta - toby.quaranta@vayd.org

Weekly Events
Mondays - Arlington Phone Bank
Wednesdays - Alexandria Canvass
Thursdays - Arlington Canvass
Contact Jim McBride - OrganizerNOVA@vayd.org

Weekend of the 24th
Blue Dominion Club / Hill Staff Invade McLean!
Saturday October 24th, 10:00am
7600 Colshire Drive, Suite 400
McLean, VA 22102
Toby Quaranta - toby.quaranta@vayd.org

Rally with Labor at Annandale Parade
Saturday October 24th, 10:00am
Annandale, VA
Danville Invasion
Saturday October 24th
Jon Ward - jnthn.ward@gmail.com

West Virginia & Virginia Young Democrats Invade Prince William!
Saturday October 24th, 10:00am
Prince William County, Virginia
David Levine - Organizer13@vayd.org

Southwest Invasion
Saturday October 24th, 10:00am
Christiansburg, VA
Maggie Thorton rural_chair@vayd.org

Chantilly Mini-Invasion
Saturday, October 24th, 10:00am
Chantilly, VA
Jim McBride - OrganizerNOVA@vayd.org

Woodbridge Mini-Invasion
Saturday, October 24th, 10:00am
Woodbridge, VA
Jim McBride - OrganizerNOVA@vayd.org

Danville Invasion Part 2!
Sunday October 25th
Jon Ward - jnthn.ward@gmail.com

West Virginia & Virginia Young Democrats Invade Prince William Part 2!
Sunday October 25th 10:00am
Prince William County, Virginia
David Levine - Organizer13@vayd.org

Southwest Invasion Part 2
Sunday October 25th 10:00am
Christiansburg, VA
Maggie Thorton rural_chair@vayd.org

Hampton Roads Invasion, Part 2!
Sunday October 25th 10:00am
5101 Cleveland St.
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Katie Farr & Mary-Kate Aylward Organizer21@vayd.org, Organizer83@vayd.org

Arlington Sunday Canvass
Sunday October 25th
ACDC Headquarters
2009 N. 14th Street, Suite 612
Arlington, VA 22201
Jim McBride - OrganizerNOVA@vayd.org

Weekend of October 31st
MOST VAYD CHAPTERS WILL BE STICKING CLOSE TO HOME FOR GOTV CANVASSES

DC and Maryland Young Democrats Invade Herndon and McLean
Saturday October 31st
Herndon and McLean, VA

DC Phone Bank
DNC Headquarters
Sunday November 1st, Monday November 2nd and Tuesday November 3rd.

Deeds at JMU and SU, UVA

VirginiaYoungDemocrats — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:12:15 GMT

Senator Deeds has been all over the state in his quest for the Governor's mansion. Today, the Senator was touring schools in Harrisonburg and Winchester. As Governor, he will institute the Virginia Forward scholarship to assist students with tuition who commit two years of public service to the Commonwealth. The information is below.

CHARLOTTESVILLE - CONVERSATION WITH STUDENTS. Sen. Deeds will join a group of students and faculty from the University of Virginia to discuss his plans to increase access to higher education. Deeds' plan will create 70,000 new degrees over the next 10 years.
When: 1:45 PM
Where:
The Curry School of Education
Ruffner Hall - G004C
405 South Emmet Street

12,000 Door Weekend for VAYD

VirginiaYoungDemocrats — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 05:26:02 GMT

What a weekend!!! About 150 Young Democrats came out to canvass and knock on doors with their local YD chapters, filling nearly 200 shifts for local Delegates and the Statewide Democratic Slate. This weekend's canvassing resulted in 12,000 doors knocked!!!

In Hampton Roads, local VAYD chapters and a coalition of D.C. College Democrats launched their first joint campaign invasion of the 2009 election year. Forty-two D.C. College Democrats traveled to Hampton Roads where they were joined by local Virginia Young Democrats to canvass for Robin Abbott, Del. Bobby Mathieson , and the statewide slate of Democratic candidates. Over 10,000 doors were knocked throughout the course of the weekend in Hampton Roads alone. Check out the picture of Governor Kaine, Robin Abbott, and some of the 78 Young Dems who came out to canvass!

North of Fredericksburg, in Stafford County, Young Democrats from the University of Mary Washington knocked on doors for a local Young Democrat running for Stafford County Board of Supervisors, Laura Sellers. The UMW Young Democrats brought out twenty-four (24) door-knockers for the early morning canvass. The effort helped knock on hundreds of doors for the Sellers and Deeds campaigns.

In Richmond, the VCU Young Democrats got out into the field for local House of Delegates candidate Tom Shields and the statewide slate. In Blacksburg, Young Democrats canvassed, registering, ID'ing, and persuading voters in key precincts. Jody Wagner, candidate for Lt. Governor, will be visiting Virginia Tech today to boost the clubs' registration efforts. In Charlottesville, the JMU Young Democrats teamed up with local YDs to knock on doors for local Delegate candidate Cynthia Neff and for local favorite Creigh Deeds. The 9 traveling Duke-Dogs added an extra three hundred doors in Greene County to the weekend's total door count.