Tuesday, November 4, was an amazing day for the country.  It was an honor to be part of a campaign season where Mark Warner and Barack Obama took the national spotlight, and Sam Rasoul caught the imagination of so many in the region.  The larger campaigns got their deserved attention, and forced a slate of local city council candidates to pierce through that conversation and discuss local issues and priorities.

With help from hundreds of supporters, I am honored to have received enough votes to be one of the three elected city councilors.  If that weren’t special enough, this campaign received more votes than any of the seven other quality candidates - and did so by winning every Harrisonburg precinct.

I’m most excited that this resounding result helps legitimize the central message of our campaign: there is opportunity for more people to more meaningfully engage in shaping the future of Harrisonburg.  Moving forward, we all have a role to play in making this a reality.  While this was certainly a “Democratic Year”, I’m fully convinced that the core strengths and messages of this campaign transcend any party politics.  Smart growth, participatory democracy, and respectful listening are ideals shared by Harrisonburg residents regardless of party, creed, or any other aspect of the diversity that adds strength and vitality to our wonderful community.

I congratulate every candidate in the race.  One of the charms of Harrisonburg is the tight-knit community we have, which can unfortunately result in local elections that have respected friends and colleagues vying for the same few seats.  I know Mayor Eagle will join other candidates in continuing to meaningfully contribute to Harrisonburg.  Councilman Chenault’s accessibility, responsiveness, and thoughtfulness - not to mention his dedicated support of downtown revitalization, bicycle-pedestrian lanes, public safety and more - is a model for me moving forward.

Special congratulations go to Richard Baugh and Dave Wiens for also winning seats on council.  I look forward to working with them, Ted Byrd, and Carolyn Frank on the next council.

Lastly, I want to again thank each and every person who had a role in helping this campaign start from nothing in June, to end as top “vote-getter” five months later.  Mary Slade led the way to organize a stellar group of volunteers who helped with canvassing, house parties, websites, graphic design, videos, radio ads, fundraising, reporting, and so much more.  It was a community effort, and every conversation literally made a difference.

Your support is humbling and motivating.  I’m excited for what the future holds, and excited to partner with you.

Thank you,

Councilman-Elect Kai Degner

I congratulate every candidate in the race.  One of the charms of Harrisonburg is the tight-knit community we have, which can unfortunately result in local elections that have respected friends and colleagues vying for the same few seats.  I know Mayor Eagle will continue to meaningfully contribute to Harrisonburg.  Councilman Chenault’s accessibility, responsiveness, and thoughtfulness - not to mention his dedicated support of downtown revitalization, bicycle-pedestrian lanes, public safety and more - is a model for me moving forward.

Special congratulations go to Richard Baugh and Dave Wiens for also winning seats on council.  I look forward to working with them, Ted Byrd, and Carolyn Frank on the next council.

Lastly, thank you to everyone for their engaged support of my campaign.  The support was broad and dedicated, and there are hundreds of people who were advocating for this result.  Your involvement made a difference.  Your continued involvement now is necessary moving forward.

With your votes tomorrow, our campaign will be successful.  Please vote!

CHANGE WE NEED RALLY WITH BARACK OBAMA
James Madison University Convocation Center
Harrisonburg, VA
Media Pre-set: 12:00pm to 12:30pm EDT
Media Access/Doors Open: 3:15pm EDT
Program Begins: 5:15pm EDT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 25, 2008

Barack Obama to Hold Change We Need Rally in Harrisonburg Tuesday

RICHMOND, Va. - U.S. Sen. Barack Obama will hold a Change We Need rally Tuesday at James Madison University. It will be Obama’s ninth trip to the commonwealth since the end of the primary campaign.

In Harrisonburg, he will lay out his plans to jump start the economy, provide affordable health care to Virginians and make college more affordable and contrast his vision for America with John McCain’s plans for four more years of the same failed policies of the last eight.

This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, though, an RSVP is strongly encouraged.  To RSVP, please visit www.VA.barackobama.com.

Details of the event below:

TUES, OCT. 28, 2008

Harrisonburg, VA

CHANGE WE NEED RALLY WITH BARACK OBAMA

James Madison University

Convocation Center

Harrisonburg, VA 22807

Media Pre-set: 12:00 to 12:30PM (Equipment must be dropped at the site by 12:30PM; media will not have access to their equipment from 12:30 to 3:15PM)

Media Access: 3:15PM

Doors Open: 3:15 PM

Program Begins: 5:15 PM

Throw: 50ft

Cable Run: 500ft

Live truck parking: Lot B (Directed on site)

Media Parking: Lot B

Press Entrance: Gate A

Internet will not be available on site.

Workspace will be available on site.

The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required but an RSVP is strongly encouraged. To RSVP please visit www.VA.barackobama.com. Seating is limited, first come, first served.

Media Coverage: The event is open to the press. For credentials, please visit www.barackobama.com/mediarsvp.

For logistical and planning purposes only, please contact Nicole Lynch at 917-673-0652 or nlynch@obamaforamerica.com.

***For security reasons do not bring bags or umbrellas and please limit personal items.  No signs or banners allowed.***

A new website exists for Kai’s campaign! 
Visit www.WhyKai.com

Today’s Daily News-Record includes a front page story announcing our campaign has raised more funds than any other.  Also included is a story exploring the impact of the youth vote. 

Table taken from today’s front page