(Cross-posted at Blue Virginia).

Remember 2008?

Remember how we won?

We won that election - and we changed this country - because we had good ideas, to be sure, but there was another reason.

Sweat Equity. We worked our butts off.

We made thousands of phone calls and we knocked on doors until our knuckles bled. We harnessed the power of the internet to spread our message far and wide. It wasn't always easy, but we were working with great people, and we were motivated by the tremendous conviction of our cause.

If we're going to win again this November, if we're going to deliver on the promise of change, we're going to need to harness that same action-oriented politics once more. I know that it can be difficult in today's climate to find that energy again. But we have to - if we don't find it within ourselves to work hard on every single one of the next 77 days, America will pay a tremendous price.

Hard work. Accountability. Accessibility. Leadership. Those are the watch words of our campaign for the 10th District. While Frank Wolf is dodging the tough issues and voting against growing jobs and reducing the deficit, I'm going to pound the pavement, talking about how we can promote economic recovery and grow the next generation of new jobs.

In early September, I am going to walk from one end of the 10th District to the other. We'll start in Gore on the 3rd, walking east until we reach McLean on the 8th. 6 Days. 13 Towns. 80 miles. I'll be listening to voters, visiting small businesses, and sharing our vision for Virginia every step along the way.

We're going to win in November by going to voters with good ideas, hard work, and an honest handshake.

This walk, in addition to the ten town halls I'm holding, is part of my commitment to accessible and accountable leadership.

I hope you'll take a look at this page, which lays out the route of our walk. We'll host events every evening. As the schedule develops, the page will be updated with the most current information.

Virginia can't afford a Congressman who blocks job growth, gives tax breaks to oil companies instead of investing in renewable energy technologies, and stands in the way of Wall Street reform. For my part, I'm going to walk across the district, talking - and listening - to as many people as possible. I need your help, too. I hope you'll continue to use your eloquence and your creativity to mobilize the vote and to win the war of ideas. I hope you'll sign up to volunteer. Together, as Governor Kaine says, we can keep Virginia moving forward.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
22 July 2010

patrick@jeffbarnettforcongress.com
 
Barnett Campaign Will Hold Ten Town Hall Meetings

McLean, VA -- Jeff Barnett, Democratic Nominee for Congress in Virginia’s 10th District, announced that he will hold ten town hall meetings across the District.

“Frank Wolf has agreed to one debate and one forum, but that’s not nearly enough. That’s why I’m putting together ten town hall meetings. 10th District residents deserve the opportunity to question their candidates on the issues they are most concerned about and to hear opposing views” said Jeff Barnett. “It’s disappointing that Frank Wolf is ducking the tough issues by refusing to debate me in more than one place, but these town hall meetings will allow voters to hear from at least one of their candidates directly,” Barnett continued. “I look forward to an open exchange of ideas about our future.” 

The schedule for the town hall meetings is as follows:

Chantilly: Monday, August 9 from 7:00-8:30PM at Chantilly Regional Library

McLean: Wednesday, August 11 from 7:00-8:30 at McLean Community Center

Great Falls: Tuesday, August 17 from 7:00-8:30 at Great Falls Library

Manassas Park: Monday, August 23 from 7:00-8:30 at the Manassas Park Community Center

Ashburn: Tuesday, August 24 from 7:00-8:30 at Ashburn Library

Leesburg: Wednesday, August 25 from 7:00-8:30 at Thomas Balch Library

Front Royal: Thursday, August 26 from 6:00-7:30 at Samuels Library

Winchester: Monday, August 30 from 7:00-8:30 at the Public Safety Building on Coverstone Drive

Warrenton: Wednesday, September 1 from 7:00-8:30 at the Warrenton-Fauquier Visitors Center

Herndon: Thursday, September 2 from 7:00-8:30 at the Herndon Fortnightly Library

“There is a stark contrast between the two candidates in this race,” said Marc Abanto, Jeff Barnett’s Campaign Manager. “Unlike his opponent, Jeff Barnett embraces the challenge of debating policy proposals. He is more than willing to talk to voters across the political spectrum. These town hall meetings will demonstrate Jeff’s command of the issues and prove the strength of Jeff’s approach to addressing the problems of the 10th District and of our nation.”

In case you missed it, here's a blog post Jeff penned last Friday over at Blue Virginia

Yesterday was a great day for our Country.

Two years after reckless speculation and inadequate regulation nearly destroyed our economy, Congress took action to make sure it will never happen again. Consumers have the strongest protections ever, and taxpayers will never again be asked to bail out banks that are "too big to fail."

Yesterday, B.P. also completed a promising first test of the well cap. For the first time since April, oil appears to have stopped flowing into the Gulf. I join millions of Americans in hoping that the drilling of the secondary well is successful and that relief from this disaster is permanent.

McLEAN, VA – Jeff Barnett, Democratic Nominee for Congress in Virginia’s 10th District, has challenged Rep. Frank Wolf (R, VA-10) to a rigorous series of debates, the Barnett campaign said. (See a copy of the full letter here)
 
“Mr. Wolf and I have fundamental disagreements on how to prioritize and resolve the problems facing the 10th District and our Nation,” Barnett said. “We owe the voters an open and complete discussion of our differences. Virginians should not have to rely on 30-second commercials, glossy campaign mailers, and packaged sound bites to learn about our campaigns. Voters deserve more. Voters deserve to hear our ideas directly.”
 

McLEAN, VA – Jeff Barnett, Democratic Nominee for Congress in Virginia’s 10th District, praised the House of Representatives for passing the much-needed Wall Street Reform Bill (H.R. 4173 – The Restoring American Financial Stability Act).

“We all remember the financial crisis of 2008. We remember the uncertainty and the fear. We watched in horror as millions lost their jobs, and we saw trillions of dollars in wealth evaporate into thin air. Then, we waited in frustration as political gridlock prevented Congress from addressing the real causes of the collapse. That wait is finally coming to an end. Last night, as the House of Representatives took a significant step towards preventing another financial crisis, Frank Wolf took a step backwards.”

McLEAN, VA – Jeff Barnett, Democratic Nominee for Congress in Virginia’s 10th District, has praised President Barack Obama’s decision to replace General Stanley McChrystal with General David Petraeus as Commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and U.S. Forces, Afghanistan (USFOR-A).
 
“I am proud of the way President Obama handled this situation. He acted swiftly and decisively, and he put the success of our mission ahead of politics. That’s the kind of pragmatic leadership that I will bring to Washington when I am elected this November.”
 

For Immediate Release   

McLEAN, VA – Jeff Barnett, Democratic Nominee for Congress in Virginia’s 10th District, released the following statement this morning. “I was very saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Robert C. Byrd. The late Senator was a towering figure in the American political landscape, a true statesman. His learning, his passion, and the depth of his institutional memory are irreplaceable.”
 
“Even as we mourn the passing of Senator Byrd, we look with hope to the future he helped create,” Barnett said. “Today’s America is a better place because of his 51 years of service. All public figures should work towards achieving some small portion of those virtues that shone brightest in the late Senator: a proud commitment to the independence of the legislature, and a tireless dedication to advancing the interests of the millions of people who gave him their vote – and their trust – over the decades.”
 
“I encourage all Virginians to direct their condolences to 311 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC  20510. As soon as I receive information about memorial arrangements, I will make it available online.” 

In an important editorial this week, the Loudoun Times-Mirror called for a dignified and respectful campaign that focuses on matters of importance to the 10th District, and warned that the incumbent cannot consider his seat secure at a time when so many voters are looking for a change. The paper's editorial board challenged both candidates to make frequent joint appearances, stressing the importance of giving voters a chance to hear a good discussion of the issues. I couldn't agree more - I am looking forward to a rigorous and open exchange of ideas with Mr. Wolf. Read the full article here.