REPUBLICANS ON THE MARCH AT THE DALE CITY PARADE

Friendly political rivalry is the essence of democracy.  So it is appropriate that in addition to firetrucks, church groups, school bands and acrobats, we have political candidates and elected officials on parade on the 4th of July.  

I arrived a bit late at the booth area, a parking lot near the Comcast Building on Dale Boulevard.  The Republicans had their booth already set up.  Except for a little concern about the weather, people were relaxed and chatting.  Just as a candidate is expected to do, Keith Fimian was shaking hands and introducing himself to folks.  Unfortunately, even the best candidates cannot be in two places at the same time.  Since this year Fairfax scheduled its parade at the same time as Dale City’s, Jim Gilmore marched in the Dale City Parade and Fimian left to march in Fairfax.

Since I was manning the Republican booth, I remained in the booth area.  As it turned out, this was a good place to be.  There were nice people working with me, and there were also nice people coming by to get bumper stickers, campaign literature, flag pins (like the one Barack Obama does not seem to want to wear), and candy.  On either side of our booth there was also plenty to eat and drink.  Disciples from Prince of Peace Methodist Church filled the air with aroma of roasting hot dogs.  Latter, the Outback Steak House set up added still more pleasant odors.  In addition, I had the opportunity to see the parade.  After marching past the reviewing stand, the parade turned quite conveniently down Gemini Way.

As Inside NoVA reports briefly here, the weather cooperated and parade came off well.  Plenty of people from both political parties turned out.  Charles Colgan, of course, led the parade as the Grand Marshall.  The remaining Democrats also marched near the front of the parade.  Both Gerry Connolly and Mark Warner had contingents, and Warner was there shaking hands.  In addition, elected notables such as Paul Nichols and Frank Principi had small floats.   Oddly, however, relatively few Barack Obama signs were in evidence.

In the middle of the parade, the Republicans starting arriving.  The first Republican ”floats” I saw were those of Marty Nohe and Julie Lucas.  Lucas had such a surprisingly large contingent I wonder if she is planning another run for delegate. 

Shortly thereafter the Republican candidate contingent arrived carrying John McCain, Jim Gilmore, and Keith Fimian signs.  Fimian’s “float” featured a bright blue dirigible as big as the pickup it was above.  Undoubtedly, it garnered plenty of attention.  Gilmore arrived at the end of this group, and he had a good time shaking people’s hands.  He had more than a few locals with him introducing him to folks.  I understand Scott Lingamfelter also intended to march in the parade.  Unfortunately, I had to return to Gainesville before he arrived. 

As this report indicates (here), Gilmore is pressing ahead for victory.   Republicans have a choice.  They can either get behind him or let Mark Warner win by default.  Gilmore has an issue.  He is pressing for a solution for the high cost of energy.  He is gaining volunteers on the ground.  Where Gilmore’s opponent currently has the biggest advantage is in well-heeled donors (see here).  Hopefully, with the passage of time, that advantage will ebb.