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Interests Birding Archives Community Rogues' Gallery Signs of the Times
Interests Birding Archives Community Rogues' Gallery Signs of the Times
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In The News
On March 7, 1998 "Ken Plum, a member of the House of Delegates
from Reston (Fairfax Co.), was chosen to chair the Virginia Democratic
Party by the members of the State Central Committee. The vote was 98 -
Plum, 78 - Geroe (a Virginia Beach leader), 10 - Wiley (a Baliles appointee
and finance professional from Richmond) and 1 for a LaRouche-endorsed candidate.
Two other nominees, Del. Donald McEachin from Richmond and Freddy Parker,
treasurer of Washington County, removed their names
from the balloting. Plum, a high technology expert, former educator,
and long-time supporter of reproductive choice, was the only candidate
to win support in all 11 congressional districts of the state" (Carolyn
Corry, 1998).
Upon his election as party chairman, Kenneth R. Plum(D-Fairfax), "promptly pledged to concentrate on three central goals: sharpening the Democratic message at a time when Republicans enjoy enormous momentum across Virginia, redoubling the party's efforts to raise money, and rebuilding a demoralized activist base" (R.H. Melton, The Washington Post, March 8, 1998).
"'Rebuilding a party happens by deliberate plan -- nitty-gritty, shoe-leather, door-to-door,' he added. 'People are much more compassionate and caring than we give them credit for. Some pretty mean-spirited people have gotten elected recently. We will get our message out'" (R.H. Melton, The Washington Post, March 8, 1998).
"Not a moment too soon, several senior Democrats said today. 'The party needs to be on the offensive,' said former U.S. Senate candidate Mark R. Warner ... 'We need to set the agenda instead of respond to an agenda,' Warner said" (R.H. Melton, The Washington Post, March 8, 1998).