Candidates

Thank you, Bill Fleming, for carrying the Democratic flag and for standing up for our values. We’re extremely proud of the courage and dignity with which you conducted yourself during your campaign. And we’re honored that you will continue to stand up for our values by serving on the Virginia Beach Democratic Committee’s Steering Committee.

Thanks also to the many volunteers who stood with Bill in what his campaign often called a match between David and Goliath. Bill’s opponent had a year long head start in getting his name and message out and spent three quarters of a million dollars doing it. Bill had you for three grueling weeks. And you were wonderful.

Clearly, we all wanted a different outcome yesterday. Let me echo what so many have said, as a committee we need to be able to provide our candidates with more support. Bill mentioned in his speech last night that we need to redouble our efforts. To that, I would add that we need more folks working with us and that we need to be sure we’re working smart.

With all of us working together, we can grow and strengthen the Party in Virginia Beach. We can increase our resources, expand our membership, professionalize our operations, and organize all the way down to a precinct level. We can improve our ability to communicate our Democratic values, improve the standing of our brand in the Beach, and grow strong and genuine roots throughout the City. These things we can do. And these things we must do. Because all of us know that elections have real consequences.

In order to grow and strengthen the Party, we need a great plan, and we need to work it. To that end, the Steering Committee has begun working to create a number of special events, including planning sessions, trainings, and Democratic mixers. Details on these events will be forthcoming.

And, again, thank you, Bill. We honor your service to the Party.

Susan Mariner
Chair, Virginia Beach Democratic Committee