Democrats rally local supporters
Posted: October 8, 2012
The Winchester Star
WINCHESTER — Area Democrats gathered Saturday for a breakfast and candidate meet-and-greet geared toward getting the party faithful out to vote in the Nov. 6 election.
The more than hour-long event at Mount Carmel Baptist Church Family Life Center on Pleasant Valley Road featured several speakers, including Democrat Patrick Farris, who’s challenging Republican incumbent Elizabeth Minor for mayor of Winchester, and Kristin Cabral, who’s running against Republican Rep. Frank R. Wolf in the 10th Congressional District race.
Both talked about their platforms and stances on local and national issues.
“This is the only contested race for the entire City of Winchester,” Farris said. “It’s been important for me to get out to meet as many people as I can.”
Those gathered were reminded that Oct. 15 is the last day to register to vote in the upcoming election. They also were encouraged to volunteer, support candidates, and remind others of the importance of voting.
“Do you want to wake up on Nov. 7 thinking that you could have done something more?” asked Sam Dungan, field organizer for Virginia’s Democratic Party.
Organizing For America field organizer Scott Tippett especially got the crowd pumped for the upcoming election and repeated several times that there was only 31 days left in the presidential race between President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney.
“There are 31 days to make a difference,” Tippett said, and then pointed out that Al Gore lost to George W. Bush in Florida by only 537 votes. “These 31 days are a sprint to the finish line.”
Frederick County resident Linda Kelley said she attended Saturday’s event to support Obama and the community.
“It’s important to me because sometimes you feel as if you are just a voice in the wilderness,” she said, adding that seeing the turnout helps her feel less alone.
John Morrison, the event’s organizer, said there were 178 paid seats at the event and about a dozen guests.
“People need to get together to not feel alone and see that things are going to happen,” Morrison said of why he organized the gathering.
Donald Finley Sr. of Winchester said it was that comradery and support that led him to attend the breakfast.
“For me, it’s not about Republicans, it’s not about Democrats, it’s not about black, it’s not about white, it’s about everyone,” Finley said.
Several people on their way out stopped to sign up to volunteer for different campaigns and grabbed yard signs for candidates to show their support at home.
— Contact Melissa Boughton at mboughton@winchesterstar.com