College Republican Federation of Virginia

The Sorensen Institute’s gala honoring Senator John Warner last night in Arlington was a star packed spectacle of Virginia politics.  All of Virginia’s living governors attended: Kaine, Warner, Gilmore, Allen, Wilder, Baliles, Robb, and Holton.  Other notables I saw included Chairman Hager, Rep. Wittman, Del. Moran, Sen. Deeds, and a host of candidates seeking office.   

 I sat at a table provided by big time Democratic donor Suzann Matthews.  CRFV Treasurer Rebekah Blackwell and other College Leaders Program fellows joined me.  Fmr. Republican Delegate of 32 years, James Dillard, sat next to me.

 I did not see Sen. Cuccinelli or John Brownlee, but Paul Harris was working the room.  I spoke to him for a minute and he indicated he was close to a decision.  I expect him to jump into the race soon.

 My favorite moment was Douglas Wilder reaching up to the much taller Mark Warner and fixing his collar after the two talked for several minutes in the corner of the room. 

The event itself was by far the best political event I have ever attended.  I will honestly say the best speech of the night came from Gov. Kaine.  He spoke about the need to recruit the best of the best, especially as the obstacles for running for office are getting more difficult. 

The funniest speech goes to Sen. Warner - Holton didn’t just hit me on the ass with the paddle, he broke it over my ass – OR better yet — Godwin had a different idea of a TV spot, instead of talking we were just going to walk in a circle and I was supposed to just nod my head . . . the entire time we walked in a circle he said over and over again, all roads lead to Richmond, to my doorstep . . . that ad won me the election! 

 I will post video from the gala later.