Pat Edmonson’s foray as a candidate into the spotlight of statewide Democratic politics at this weekends Jefferson-Jackson Dinner and associated events should give her campaign a significant boost. Edmonson’s uncompromising dedication to progressive politics and improving the quality of life for people in Virginia, and her fearlessness to speak about the issues important to her without regard any worries whether Virginia is ready for a a true progressive as Lt. Governor, made her a standout among the crowd of candidates for that office.

At the meeting of the Virginia Democratic Central Committee, Edmonson asked those in attendance what it meant to be a Democrat and a progressive. She spoke of how she was tired of Democrats abandoning their values, and how she would not run from them. She called for Democrats to be Democrats and for them to act on their progressive values and get involved. She called on Democrats to stand up for the rights of minorities, for the reformation of Virginia’s justice system, and against offshore drilling. Near the close of her address, Edmonson declared that, “it’s time to return commonsense to the commonwealth.”

At a meeting of the Black Caucus, Edmonson spoke about the serious issues she has seen as a member of the school board of Virginia Beach City Public Schools, and how she has consistently been a voice for those who are unseen and unheard, and a defender of those who are defenseless. In expanding what she said about reforming Virginia’s justice system, Edmonson lamented about how there are far too many young African American males incarcerated. In sharing her views and personal accounts of what she has seen as a public servant, and why she is running for Lt. Governor, Edmonson was a forceful presence. She argued that she knew what the situation looked like on the ground, the struggles of those who are easily ignored by those in power. After the meeting of the Black Caucus, Edmonson was stopped by a woman who had been in the meeting. She was wearing a campaign sticker from another candidate for Lt. Governor, but she let Edmonson know that what she had spoke about during the meeting was exactly what she wanted the candidates to be focusing on.

Not only does Pat Edmonson talk the talk, but she genuinely walks the walk. Putting her time and energy where her mouth is, Edmonson regularly makes time to serve in homeless shelters and soup kitchens as a volunteer to serve those in need. Paul Galley, Edmonson’s campaign manager, shared that they often make time during their travels around the state to serve meals to the hungry. While sometimes this has caused meetings to be canceled or rescheduled, serving those who need help the most is a priority for Edmonson.

Her commitment to those in need is the reason why Pat Edmonson was not present at the Jefferson-Jackson dinner. Instead, she and members of her campaign staff were at a soup kitchen nearby serving a meal to others. In their places at the campaign’s table, they invited the executive director of HomeAgain, a shelter providing services to Richmond’s homeless; two volunteers with the shelter; and three homeless clients of HomeAgain. For these people, the opportunity to attend an event such as the Jefferson-Jackson dinner, where each tickets were $175 each, and hear from speakers such as Bill Clinton, Tim Kaine, Senators Webb and Warner, and other Virginia leaders, would not have been normally possible.

Sitting at the table and talking with these people provided a necessary perspective on the event, and on the lives of those who are struggling in Virginia, and throughout the nation. For example, the price of one ticket to the Jefferson-Jackson dinner is equal to the shelters budget to feel all of their clients for one month. $175 is all the money the shelter has to feed those it serves. While they are able to make due with this, and through food donations from people and organizations, the contrast is striking. The experience of attending the Jefferson-Jackson dinner is far from reality for a large segment of our citizens.

Often, during the speeches of candidates and leaders, the struggles of the people were mentioned. On a few occasions, I glanced over at the guests from the shelter and saw an intensity in their eyes. It seemed a mixture of hope for better days mixed with the the anxiety of the present. For our table, the struggle of the people was not just a political talking point, it was reality. I sat at the table with the people that were being talked about. Those that had lost their jobs, and their homes. Those who have struggled to feed themselves and their families. If all in the room of 3,000 people had been sitting at that table, we all would have walked away understanding that serving those in need, and providing opportunities for those reaching up, is a progressive value that we as Democrats need to ensure we never ignore.

It’s because Pat Edmonson does not ignore these values, and will stand firmly behind them, that I support her campaign to become the  Democratic nominee and next Lt. Governor of Virginia.

Related posts:

1. Pat Edmonson on The Inside Scoop
2. Edmonson reaches out to GLBT community
3. Peter Schmidt: The Bipartisan Progressive