The Duval County Democrats held their Jefferson-Jackson Dinner Friday, the 18th, at the Haskell Building in Jacksonville. It was heavily attended by dozens of Jacksonville's Democrats, who welcomed the chance to hear DNC Chairman Howard Dean speak. Dave, Pete and I attended the dinner and met a good number of Dave's supporters on the First Coast. We're hoping that will translate to lots of support and votes from voters on the Westside, in Orange Park, and on the Southside who are tired of a rubberstamp in Congress who tried to destroy the economic progress made at the Cecil Commerce Center.
Enough about the campaign however, onto the pictures (with descriptions)
Dave meets with Duval Democratic Chairwoman Linda Whipple and local businessman and attorney Wayne Hogan, a constant supporter of the Bruderly campaign.
Linda and all the volunteers combined to make the JJ Dinner an outstanding event. The location they picked was particularly nice, as partygoers were able to watch the sunset on the St. Johns River, as well as see the lights of the Main Street Bridge and Downtown Jax.
Dave with Wayne Hogan, Jacksonville businessman and attorney, one of Dave's most vocal supporters in Jacksonville. Hogan introduced Dave to the dozens gathered at the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner, before he spoke.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean arrives at the Haskell Building on Jacksonville's waterfront.
Dr. Dean was nice enough to talk to me for a few minutes along with Dave. It was obvious he had gone through an exhausting week, between the Democratic Kickoff Tuesday and all his travel the rest of the week, but he still had energy to speak with Dave and myself, give a great speech and motivate some good people in Jacksonville.
Dave Bruderly meets Chairman Dean as he arrives, welcoming him to North Florida and handing him a packet of information on the campaign that will bring the Sixth District back to the Democratic side.
Chairman Dean smiles as Jacksonville-area Democrats present him with a birthday card and sing "Happy Birthday". Chairman Dean turned 57 this past week and asked Jacksonville for a 58th birthday present next year, a Democratic Governor and some new Democratic Representatives.
A Dave Bruderly supporter listens intently as Chairman Dean speaks to the assembled partygoers. One of the best parts of Dean's speech was toward the end. After talking about the six major points Democrats are going to campaign on this year, and telling us "Together, America can do better," he said the following:
"I don't like to use the President's words, but I'm going to anyhow. Bring it on, Mr. President.
Bring it on, because Bill Nelson is going back to the Senate.
Bring it on, because Florida will have a Democratic Governor in 2006."
Finally, following Chairman Dean's speech to pump up area Democrats, Dave Bruderly continues to excite them, with his message of a New Voice, representing Real People.
That was about it, I met a lot of good people, as did Dave, and we know that in the heart of Red territory, there are some Florida Blues getting the job done. They will continue getting it done through 2006 and 2008. As I told some of Dave's supporters, Winston Churchill said it best when he asked President Roosevelt for the Lend-Lease act,
"Give us the tools, and we will finish the job."
Thanks to everyone who showed up and everyone who contributed to the campaign. If you would like to see Dave finish his job, click HERE to give him the tools!