Valley dems bound for Washington

By Bob Stuart

Published: November 11, 2008

A contingent of Shenandoah Valley Democrats plans to travel to Barack Obama’s inauguration in Washington, D.C.,  Jan. 20 whether they obtain tickets for the swearing-in ceremony or not.

Waynesboro Democratic Committee Chairman Chris Graham said Tuesday he is looking at all sources for inaugural tickets, but a group of Waynesboro, Staunton and Augusta County Democrats will make a bus trip regardless of whether tickets are secured.

“If we’re on the outer fringes, we are committed to doing it,’’ Graham said.

The group will rent a bus for the early-morning trip to Washington.

He estimates that if tickets can be obtained, about 50 area Democrats will make the trip.

And if not, he anticipates a core group of about 15 to 20 people will go to observe whatever they can along Pennsylvania Avenue.

“The Obama campaign is different than any campaign we have seen,’’ Graham said. “It’s part of a big massive movement. We were swept up by it.”

And whatever the logistics are on Inauguration Day, Graham said it’s a chance to be part of history.

“If you were given a chance to be at the March on Washington, would you complain about being at the back of it?’’ he said making reference to the historic civil rights march of 1963 that was highlighted by Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream’’ speech.

Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for Virginia U.S. Sen. Jim Webb said the demand for inauguration tickets will outstrip that office’s supply.

Webb Communications Director Jessica Smith said as of Monday, that office had received more than 15,000 ticket requests for the ceremony.

“If this year is consistent with years past, our office will likely receive about 500 tickets,’’ Smith said. “Space is limited and we have an extensive waiting list, but we will do our best to accommodate as many Virginians as possible.”

Smith said those interested can learn more by visiting http://www.webb.senate.gov for more details about the Obama Inaugural events.