Archive for May, 2005
Another weekend down, and Team Englin continues to defy expectations with a growing grassroots army of committed Democratic activists.
“With the Memorial Day holiday, I expected a slow weekend in terms of volunteers,” said David. “As it turns out, we had another one of our best weekends yet, with more than two dozen people out knocking on doors and talking with voters about my progressive agenda for the future.”
David is proving that he is the only candidate in the race for the 45th with the vision and the energy to build the grassroots and build the Democratic Party to take Virginia.
“This is how we’re eventually going to win back Virginia and deliver on progressive legislation,” said David. “If we can turn out this many new, committed grassroots activists to fight for a progressive future on a beautiful three-day weekend, imagine what we’ll be able to do for Tim Kaine, Dana Lawhorne, Greg Werkheiser, Bruce Roemmelt, and other terrific Democratic candidates between now and November.”
With GOTV Weekend quickly approaching, be sure to let Mara know when you can volunteer for the Final Four at volunteer@davidenglin.org or 703-549-3203.
This Memorial Day let us pause to honor and remember the people who have given their lives in service to our country. We live at a time when, for many of us, fallen soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines are not distant strangers but friends, neighbors, and family members. Personally, I recall Dennis Rando, Dave Weber, and Mark Dostal among the friends and colleagues killed in the line of duty during our Air Force service together. We should honor their sacrifices by pledging to do better by the veterans still with us and by the men and women who still serve and their families.
Virginia has the fifth largest per-capita population of military veterans, but we have only one veterans care center and too few caseworkers to serve the needs of our 780,000 veterans. Between America’s ongoing military commitments and the Bush administration’s continued mismanagement of our National Guard and Reserve force, thousands of Virginians have been pulled from their civilian lives far in excess of anything they could have prepared for, putting great personal and financial strain on families who suddenly find themselves living on military pay. The men and women who volunteer to risk their safety to defend ours have a right to be treated well and fairly. We need more caseworkers and better access to health care services for military veterans. We also need incentives for employers who continue to provide benefits to the families of Guard and Reserve employees while they are serving on active duty. Let us honor those who serve with meaningful policies that make a difference to the lives of the comrades and families they leave behind.
Eighteen days until the polls close, and Campaign Central is a constant hive of activity. Team Englin volunteers have spent the week knocking on doors, making phone calls, and doing everything it takes to share David’s strong progressive message with the voters of the 45th District.
“I’ll never be able to say thank you enough to the amazing people working so hard for 
victory on June 14th,” said David. “Every evening when I come home from talking with voters at their doors
, I come home to a house packed with volunteers talking with their friends and neighbors about a progressive future. This is how we’re going to win this race and lay the foundation for a Democratic Virginia.”
With GOTV Weekend quickly approaching, be sure to let Mara know when you can volunteer for the Final Four at volunteer@davidenglin.org or 703-549-3203.
The National Association of Social Workers, Virginia Chapter, completed its endorsement process yesterday and named David as their choice to represent the 45th District in the Virginia House of Delegates.
“In a crowded field, David stands out for his direct and unwavering commitment to social justice and equal rights for all Virginians, and he will be a strong and effective advocate for the families and children of Alexandria, Fairfax, and Arlington,” said Debra Riggs, NASW-VA Executive Director.
“This endorsement is particularly meaningful to me because the NASW-VA shares my commitment to social justice and equal rights,” said David. “I am honored to have their support, and look forward to fighting side by side with them for a better Virginia.”
The NASW-VA is a chapter of the largest membership association of social workers in the world.
Team Englin gratefully acknowledges Eryn Kawecki, this week’s Volunteer of the Week. Eryn co-chairs, along with last week’s Volunteer of the Week Genevieve, the Freethinker’s Society at TC Williams. Eryn has been a huge help on the campaign – knocking on doors and making phone calls – on top of her heavy load at school. THANK YOU, Eryn! We really appreciate you and everything you do!
