Road to A Blue November Reached Forsyth County Last Night

Saturday night’s “Road to a Blue November” Gala, part of the what was the Forsyth County Democratic party’s “largest and most successful fundraiser in years” in the words of organizer Harold Kennedy, featured keynote speeches from gubernatorial candidates Richard Moore and Beverly Perdue, but the energetic crowd of more than 400 local party members, assorted office holders, and office seekers of all stripes that filled the Embassy Suites ballroom in downtown Winston-Salem seemed most excited about the prospects of sweeping success in November. The Forsyth County Democrats are, in the words made famous by Barack Obama, "Fired up and ready to go!"

Read more for quotes from participants, speeches, and other signs along the "Road to a Blue November."

Kennedy, county party chair from 2005-2007, noted that, “There has been more interest in and excitement for Democrats in all races, we have more people volunteering, and have raised more money.” Two of those volunteers, Pete and Ann Weigl of Pfafftown, were attending their first such event. Pete Weigl, a Wake Forest biology professor, explained that they decided to come because of “a dedication to seeing things change” and that, “I am more and more impressed by the diversity of the party.” The current party chair, Fleming El-Amin said the event showed “we are ready to help change the landscape” of local and state politics.

The most enthusiastic applause of the night came when Roy Carter, vying for Virginia Foxx’s fifth district Congressional seat, was introduced. Asked before the event what it meant to him, he said, “It’s about the excitement, energy, and enthusiasm and the opportunity to meet so many wonderful Democrats. No other event so far has been as important, especially because of the dedication of these people.” The crowd did not disappoint.

Local office holders shared what seemed to be a clear consensus view. Winston-Salem council member and Lt. Governor candidate Dan Besse said the event raises critical funds and charges up the activist core. Mayor Allen Joines said that the event’s significance was “the opportunity as a party not only to hear from candidates, but also to get us energized for a successful campaign.” Elisabeth Motsinger, Forsyth County Board of Education member, highlighted “being together with Democrats.”

The composition of the crowd bore out the testimony of these attendees. In addition to the scores of office holders and office seekers, multiracial crowd included both young and old, attorneys, labor leaders, teachers, doctors and hundreds of local precinct workers.

The first of the two keynote speakers, North Carolina Treasurer Richard Moore, noted his local ties as Wake Forest alum where he met his wife of 25 years. After emphasizing the “bedrock economic issues that allow families to move in a positive direction” and touting his management of the budget, he said we agree on the issues but that “the real difference is how the next governor approaches” the problems. He then seemed to attack Lt. Governor Perdue, as one of his online ads does, saying we need to “build roads where they are needed, not where they are political interests” put them.

For her part, Beverly Perdue emphasized party unity and hard work. She said, “It’s time for a little red meat: Isn’t it a great time to be a Democrat? It’s past time for the Bush administration to go back to Texas.” She said the Republicans are the “party of the status quo and ‘no, no, no’ while we are the party that sits down, gets to work, and gets things done.” Forher, she said, “Hard work is a way of life,” and she ended with, “Working together anything is possible.”

Both candidates said education was their top priority, followed closely by health care and economic growth. Perdue emphasized the potential of a “green economy that will be gold in North Carolina” and also touted her role in keeping military bases and the accompanying jobs in North Carolina.

In addition to the keynote speakers many other candidates were working the room, meeting as many attendees as they could. U.S. Senate candidate Jim Neal had a highly visible presence with signs along the street and a staffed, well marked table. His primary opponent, Kay Hagan was there as were many other candidates as listed at the Forsyth County Party Website.