Tom Perriello was one of the candidates I most wanted to win...but who was definitely a long shot. I figured it was a case of someone I HAD to support because he was so good, but I'd probably lose.

Why did I like him so much? His diplomatic experience was superb and I figure we need some of that right about now. You can read about the context of his diplomatic experience with regards to Sierra Leone in my book review of a book about the Sierra Leone civil war.

Well, with the recount all done, it is now official: Tom Perriello won the Congressional race for the VA-5 district. He won by about 750 votes. Yet ANOTHER example of how EVERY SINGLE VOTE COUNTS, and why YOU should be active in your local politics. You matter!

Here is Tom's comments on officially winning:
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Virginia continues to be a key state in setting the political tone in America. I have believed since 2004 that Virginia is a state that can be slowly turned blue. The elections of 2005 and 2006 support my belief. This year the trend continues as we may well easily win the VA Senate race, and Barack Obama is consistently well ahead of McCain in this once safe-red state. But the House races also interest me, both because of our chances of winning a few, but also because the Dem candidates seem to be a particularly good bunch. I think we have a shot at winning VA-11, VA-10 and VA-2, and, with a little more effort, maybe even VA-5. And in each case the Democratic Candidate offers experience that America definitely needs after 8 years of Bush mismanagement. Let me give you a rundown of these four candidates. For all of them you can help by donating through my Virginia Act Blue Site or by volunteering through their websites.
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I have been pushing phone banking efforts that anyone can do from their home. In some cases I am pushing efforts for key House or Senate races because getting the vote out there will also help Obama. Let me reiterate some of these.

NORTH CAROLINA:

First off, on Daily Kos there is an effort to do virtual phone banks to voters in North Carolina on behalf of the Obama campaign. Virtual phone banking can be done by anyone in any place from their own home and was an extremely successful strategy in winning Congressional races in 2006. This strategy basically brings Americans together one-on-one by phone. To join in, please email kim (dot) yaman (at) gmail (dot) com and ask how. You can also read about it here. North Carolina could well be the decisive state this year.
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Virginia continues to be a key state in setting the political tone in America. I have believed since 2004 that Virginia is a state that can be slowly turned blue. The elections of 2005 and 2006 support my belief. This year the trend continues as we may well easily win the VA Senate race, and Barack Obama is consistently tied with McCain in this once safe-red state. But the House races also interest me, both because of our chances of winning a few, but also because the Dem candidates seem to be a particularly good bunch. I think we have a shot at winning VA-11, VA-10 and VA-2, and, with a little more effort, maybe even VA-5. And in each case the Democratic Candidate offers experience that America definitely needs after 8 years of Bush mismanagement. Let me give you a rundown of these four candidates. For all of them you can help by donating through my Virginia Act Blue Site or by volunteering through their websites.
 more this way»

Meet, Greet, and Eat at Mildred’s Meals (Kenbridge-Lunenburg County)
When: Tue Apr 15 07:30 – Tue Apr 15 08:30
Where: 109 E 5th Ave., Kenbridge, VA 23944

Tom Perriello, candidate for Congress in the VA-5 district, has worked with child soldiers, amputees, and local pro-democracy groups in Sierra Leone played a significant role in the peace and reconciliation process that ended twelve years of violence in that country. He then became Special Advisor and spokesperson for the International Prosecutor during the showdown that forced Liberian dictator Charles Taylor from power without firing a shot. After this success, Tom served as a national security analyst for the Century Foundation. He has worked inside Darfur and twice in Afghanistan. This is the kind of leadership we need in Congress!

Tom Perriello will be meeting the voters of the 5th District at Mildred's Meals in Kenbridge the morning of April 15th in Lunenburg County. All are welcome to come out to meet Tom!