Jay at Virginia Virtucon's thank you post reminds me that I must extend my sincere thanks to the men and women who took time from their political lives to attend the conference:
- LG Bill Bolling
- AG Bob McDonnell
- Sen. Creigh Deeds
- Del. Brian Moran
- Del. Kris Amundson
- Del. Bob Brink
Del. Tim Hugo would have joined us for the Friday meet 'n' greet and the Saturday session, but was struck down by a rather virulent case of the 'flu. I would ask my readers to join me in praying for his quick recovery.
We had many other speakers who offered their expertise and insights:
- Danae Jones, Communications Director, DPVA
- Shaun Kenney, Communications Director, RPV
- Don Luzzatto, Editorial Writer, Virginian-Pilot
- Hugh Lessig, Political Reporter, The Daily Press
- Dave Mastio, Editor, Blog Net News
- Kevin Grierson, Esq., Wilcox and Savage
- Jack Holt, Chief, New Media Operations, Office of the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs
Mr. Holt, in particular, was welcome because he alerted me to some excellent primary source material about the war in Iraq.
- DefenseLINK News
- Pentagon Channel
- DoD Video Clips
- Multi-National Force - Iraq (and they have a YouTube channel!)
These are all fantastic sites to check out for first-hand information that is available to the public.
Christopher Newport University, as I said before, was a wonderful host with beautiful and spacious facilities. McGuireWoods Consulting was a corporate sponsor, and we owe them a round of applause, too.
Some sad news, Scott White of Scott's Morning Brew was unable to make it due to a family emergency, and poor Anonymous is a Woman was dealing with an incredibly nasty root canal. I think Waldo was supposed to be there, too, but he apparently got claimed by problems with the construction of his new home. Lady and Gentlemen, please know that you were in our prayers and thoughts, and we all hope that everything calms down and comes to a good conclusion!
