Politics & Government

Kaine Highlights Democratic Event in Dale City

Former Va. Governor spoke on Saturday at the Prince William County Democratic Committee's annual Jefferson Jackson Dinner.

Former Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, a national figure who recently stepped down as chairman of the Democratic National Committee to run for U.S. Senate, was in Dale City Saturday evening to address Prince William County Democrats.

Kaine highlighted the Prince William County Democratic Committee's 32nd Annual Jefferson Jackson Dinner Gala, held at in Dale City. The event was a chance for local Democrats to hear from party leaders and candidates as well as to raise money for upcoming campaigns.

Kaine's speech focused on the economy, fiscal responsibility, and a civil political discourse. Kaine said in those three areas, Virginia has lessons that can be applied to national issues.

Find out what's happening in Dale Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Kaine said Virginia has fared better than most of the country during the economic recession, and attributed that to the state's investment in education. "Education helps because it means that people's skill level and their horizons get brighter and brighter and brighter," he said. "Going into the Senate, I'll carry that Virginia message that it was only when we decided to really become educational investors that we started to move."

He also stressed that Prince William County is an important strategic location in upcoming elections, particularly for Democrats trying to win a largely Republican-leaning area. He referred to a speech he gave at the same dinner several years ago when he was the state lieutenant governor. "I told you that Prince William was like Concord, Mass., that you were going to fire the shot heard round the world here in Prince William," he said, citing his election to governor and following Democratic successes in the county as evidence that his prediction had come true.

Find out what's happening in Dale Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The event also featured several Democratic elected officials including Rep. Gerry Connolly, State Del. Luke Torian and Prince William County Neabsco District Supervisor John Jenkins. Democratic Party of Virginia Chair Brian Moran also spoke at the event.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here