George,

Over 1.7 million dollars was raised [at the event] by Virginia Democrats for John Kerry's presidential campaign.

I was in the $1,000 room, where there were heaps of sushi, and where Kerry would eventually appear. Next door in the $25,000 room there were heaps of spanakopita, and face time with the candidate.

It was great to be a room full of the most beautiful Democrats in the state. A stream of pols warmed up the converted. Kerry appeared at the end with Governor Mark Warner. Kerry looked tired but smiling. He spoke for less than 10 minutes; the gist of his speech was hope for the future.

One thing he pointed out was Congress voted itself 100% health care with our tax money. Why shouldn't everyone have the same?

Within minutes of his departure the hotel staff began breaking down the room.

This was my first high-dollar fund raiser. It has made me curious about Republican fund raisers and what they do there.

Joan Schatzman (Electronic mail, July 18, 2004)