Update from the NC JJ Dinner April 29th, 2006

North Carolina-Our first major event was a smashing success. Thanks to the work of Andrew Bates and Jennifer Gregory; they had fun at a traditional NC Barbecue while seeking signatures. On Friday night we were in Charlotte with Governor Howard Dean, Chairperson of the Democratic Party along with several Congresspersons from North Carolina along with over 650 happy democrats. Two of the Congresspersons told me directly that they were excited about the possibility of Governor Warner running for President.

The Mecklenburg County Democratic Party had well over 650 people at the event and although we started a little slow in getting signatures things got better as Andrew & Jennifer began asking for signatures. As one of the Coordinators for the Governor Dean event; I was busy helping out with the event while Andrew and Jennifer circulated the petitions at the Friday night event.

Saturday Night was the JJ Dinner in Raleigh, NC and Governor Mark Warner had a hospitality Suite where people came by and looked at the DVD had a drink and some food and of course signed the petition. Andrew worked downstairs and asked people to sign the petition as they entered the Ballroom at the North Hilton Hotel in Raleigh. I remained in the room and I had a chance to meet with people who did not go to the dinner and get them interested in the Governors Campaign.

I had several people sign the petition and they told me we need someone from outside Washington and someone who is not a Senator to run for President from the Democratic Party. I told everyone why this type of campaign and I responded by telling them that the Governor needs to know that he has support from the general public. I went on to say that we need to tell Governor Warner that he is wanted and needed by the party. I am happy to report that several people signed the petition realizing that all the announced or close to announcing candidates are all Senators. They will be running on the same issues because they have all served in the Senate and they carry the same baggage as Senator John McCain good and bad votes.

Individuals who signed the petition in North Carolina were currently sitting State House and Senate Members who are still in office and are seeking re-election. What was impressive is that they signed the petition even though they all knew that former NC Senator John Edwards is looking to run.

Signatures on the petition are very impressive and will at some point bring the Draft Campaign a lot of positive publicity in the futures. They signers ranged from former Candidates for Governor in NC, The former Secretary of State, the former NC Attorney General, and a former US Senatorial candidate along with other distinguish democrats from all across NC. It is an excellent start for the NC petitions. Next week we will be in uptown Charlotte the special Wachovia Golf Tournament event the following week the NC Draft committee will be at the NC Seafood Festival in eastern NC. That will be followed by two weeks asking the NASCAR fans to sign the Draft Governor Mark Warner to be our President in 2008.

The hospitality room was a great success we got great coverage in the hotel the Hilton helped us put up the signs even providing us with an easel in the lobby with a big poster sign. They also but the information on their in house video activities lists shown in the lobby and in each room. That led to three Republicans signing the petition. I am going to reserve a room for the fall dinner scheduled for Ashville they are trying to get Governor Warner as their guest speaker. Things are taking off in North Carolina.


Lloyd Scher
NC Director
Draft Mark Warner

Thanks to our team in NC for a job well done!


Photos: (click to enlarge)
# 1: NC Draft Chairman Lloyd Scher (left) with Bill Porter
#2: Forner NC Secretary of State Rufus Edminsten Signs the Petition
#3: Draft Volunteer Andrew Bates Seeking Signatures Urging Gov. Warner to Run
#4 Veggie Tray in Hospitality Suite-Gov. Warner's Video Playing