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| November 10, 2006 |
By this time you all know the outcome on Tuesday: we lost. It was a well run campaign and we did all we could to change the balance in the 5th Congressional District. Sure, we came in over 40%, but it left a long way to go.
At some point we will look closely at what we should have done better, but for now, know that we took the fight to Virgil Goode as it has never been done before. All of us Democrats who ran in Virginia helped bring out the vote for Jim Webb, and his victory is the key to Democratic control of the Senate. With the House also in Democratic hands, we can be glad that getting America back on track starts in January. I am sad that I will not play a part in that effort.
The efforts of thousands came together to make the campaign a success, no matter the outcome. I am grateful to all of you. Volunteers, donors, bumper sticker bearers - all were part of the campaign. Together, we have strengthened the Party in our District and this will contribute to Democratic victories starting in 2007.
My family and I will be forever grateful for your support and encouragement. Do not stop as there is much to do. Democracy is alive and well in America.
Sincerely,
Al
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| Saturday, November 4, 2006 |
Democrats across the district are full of energy as we enter the final push of the campaign. Al greeted volunteers in Bedford, Martinsville, and Danville before heading out to knock on doors in Danville and remind people to get out Tuesday and vote.
Earlier in the week Al attended a wide varity of events including a rally with Jim Webb and former Senator Max Cleland. He then laid a wreath at the veterans' memorial in Drakes Branch. Later in the week he stopped by Halifax for a Stew. He joined Governor Warner and Jim Webb in Martinsville, and stopped by the Goodyear picket line in Danville again. Friday he stopped by the studios of K92 in Roanoke where he jumped in the boxing ring with Zack Jackson. Zack put up a good fight, but Al's blue-gloved fists were too much for the radio DJ.
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| Sunday, October 29, 2006 |
Yesterday Al was endorsed by the Roanoke Times. They write, "Weed understands the military, having spent 42 years in the Army, including the special forces during tours in Panama and Vietnam. This lends him an insight that too few members of Congress possess. Few are veterans, and few have sons and daughters in today's military. Weed does..."
Al responded to the endorsement, "I'm honored to be recognized by the Roanoke Times. This campaign is about change for our district and for our region. Voters across the fifth district have been responding to the message, and I believe this endorsement is a reflection of that. |
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| Thursday, October 26, 2006 |
Al joined Democrats in Chatham on Wednesday to talk about a great opportunity for Pittsylvania. Unfortunatly, Mr. Goode - as usual - doesn't agree with Al. Jack White joined Al to talk about his work on a community center outside of Danville. He envisions a place where kids can go afterschool and have fun and stay productive.
Mr. White told the Danville Register and Bee that young people in his neighborhood, "need positive role models.” When Mr. White approached Mr. Goode for help he was just brushed off. Even though Mr. Goode has the ability to get an earmark that would make Mr. White's vision a reality, he claims he cannot help. |
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| Wednesday, October 26, 2006 |
This week Al Weed and Republican incumbent Virgil Goode met face to face to debate the issues for the first time since August. Monday they debated in front of a live television audience at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. The following night the pair met in Danville at the American Legion Memorial Post 325. Viewers of both debates left with a clear picture of how Al plans to help the citizens of the Fifth District.
Al faced the hard questions while Virgil danced around the issues. When asked to explain the hypocrisy of accepting tens of thousands of dollars from companies who employ illegal aliens while at the same time claiming to be against illegal immigration, Virgil ignored the question. After years of job loss in Southside, a huge federal debt, and the loss of over 2700 American soldiers in Iraq, the voters deserve someone who will address their concerns openly and honestly.
Read about the debate: Lynchburg News and Advance, Charlottesville Daily Progress, Roanoke Times, and Danville Register and Bee.
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| Sunday, October 22, 2006 |
Al joined many St. Paul's fans in cheering on the Tigers as they took on Bowie State Saturday. Democrats from across Brunswick County came to join Al before the game and support the team during.
Before the game began Al had a chance to address the crowd. "I know we are all here to see a football game, and honestly, a football field isn’t the best place for a guy in my position. I was in Army Special Forces for 42 years, but I think my days of running and hitting are over. Friends, this election is more important than many of us realize." |
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| Saturday, October 21, 2006 |
Thursday Al stopped by the headquarters of United Steelworkers Local 831 to talk with members and offer support of the current strike at Goodyear in Danville. The union has been on strike for two weeks now. The company is threatening to reduce wages and is unwilling to protect American jobs.
"Two weeks ago the good people of USW local 831 went on strike at Goodyear. They are standing up for an honest days pay for an honest days work, for a secure retirement, and for affordable healthcare. Most of all, they are standing up to free trade. I am proud to stand with them, and with all workers in Southside," Al told those gathered at the union hall.
A week earlier Al visited the picket line and called for Goodyear to meet the demands of the United Steel Workers. |
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| Tuesday, October 17, 2006 |
A group of committed Democrats from around the state converged on Farmville on Saturday, October 14, 2006 to canvass for Al Weed and Jim Webb. To get the group started, Stephen Davis, Al's campain manager, arrived with signs and materials to be used in the canvass operations. Timothy Puryear, Regional Field Manager for the area, also brought materials and packets of information for the canvass.
Mark Brooks, Chair of the Cumberland County Democratic Committee, was also present to help, and to be a local guide for our friends from Northern Virginia. Mark provided maps and information on that part of the Town of Farmville that is actually in Cumberland County. Then all of the group went to Farmville after lunch and helped by canvassing in the Town of Farmville adjacent to Longwood University.
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| Friday, October 13, 2006 |
“I thought I was running against Virgil Goode, but after this week, I’m not so sure. I’m out here meeting people and talking about my record, but where is he. But I don’t blame him. If I had his record, I would be hiding too,” Al said after three debating three different Republicans, none of whom are running for Congress.
Goode’s website made no mention of any campaign events, and he has been conspicuously absent from press reports. When asked by a reporter where he would be Tuesday evening during the Henry County forum, he refused to answer. In Henry County Tucker Watkins was representing the Republican party. Asked where Goode was that evening he said he didn't know becuase he didn't ask.
That’s just like Mr. Goode not asking Mitchell Wade if any money was illegal. Don’t ask don’t tell is a safe policy. Mr. Watkins knew just as well as the voters in Henry County that Mr. Goode had nothing to do that evening. He was just afraid to debate Al Weed.
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| Wednesday, October 11, 2006 |
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Sierra Club. In my life I have worked to protect and preserve the natural environment of our region, and look forward to continuing this work in Congress,” Weed told those gathered at a press conference this week.
Al was joined by John Cruickshank, chair of the Piedmont Group, Tom Olivier, Political Chair of Piedmont Group, and Al Fioretti a member of the Blue Ridge Group.
Al took the opportunity to talk about one critical environmental issue in central Virginia – development. Virgil Goode recently sponsored a bill that will allow developers to take disputes over local zoning ordinances straight to federal courts, resulting in massive lawsuits for local governments who wish to restrict inordinate growth.
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Records 1 to 10 of 114 |
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Podcast of 9/29 Talk with Cumberland H.S. Students
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Podcast of 03/13 Town hall meeting on Iraq war
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10/10 Goodyear Picket Line