September 17, 2011

Food wasn't the only topic at the 23rd annual Albemarle Democratic Bar-B-Que. Politics seemed to be the the main dish for the democrats.

"This is a great day for Democrats to get together and talk about the fall campaigns and make sure we get ourselves jazzed up," said Delegate David Toscano (D-57th District).

Local political leaders sat down to eat with supporters Saturday, but not before talking about the challenges the party faces. Concerns are looming about the 2012 presidential election and the local Nov. 8 election.

"The bottom line is government that's closest to the people is the most important and has the most impact on your everyday lives. Local government is critically important," explained 25th District Senator Creigh Deeds.

Some say the local government is critically important, but it's the national front that often makes headlines. According to recent polls, 72 percent of people say President Obama is heading the country in the wrong direction. And only 23 percent are in favor of the President's path.

"I think nationally Democrats have a lot of work to do because we are in tough economy. Democrats control the United States Senate. We have a Democrat as a President," said Senator Deeds.

"Who's fighting on education and on jobs and on innovation? I think that is what you see in people like David [Toscano] and Senator Deeds and Edd Houck and others," said former 5th District Congressman Tom Perriello.

Democrats say there's a lot of work ahead for them.