With Hawiian leis, party snacks and enthusiastic volunteers, the Springfield Commerce Street 2011 Democratic Coordinated Campaign Headquarters officially opened on Sunday.

The festivities began with a kick-off rally and ended with a neighborhood canvass for Virginia Senator George Barker and phone bank with Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova.

Lee District officials, candidates, and special guests U.S. Rep. Jim Moran, Rep. Gerry Connolly and Democratic Party of Virginia Chairman Brian Moran welcomed and gave praise to the campaign volunteers who turned out to participate.

“We have great candidates standing up here, but our ability to get elected and re-elected is in the hands of the people in this room… the volunteers who do the work to make sure we get our message out," said Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay, who is also running for re-election. 

Chairman Sharon Bulova waved enthusiastically to the crowd gathered in the office. “I think that our kick-off here today is a real sign of how we are coming together, and are going to be coming together as Democrats,” she said. “As Democratic challengers, as Democratic incumbents… we’re sharing space, we’re sharing resources and this is going to be a great year!”

Congressman Gerry Connolly spoke highly of the candidates and endorsed Barker, Bulova and McKay. “We have a first class team we’re building this year in the elections of 2011,” he said. “I have every confidence that you’re going to see some positive results this November. Not by accident, but because of the quality of these candidates and the campaign they are going to run.”

Brian Moran, brother of Rep. Jim Moran and Chairman of the Democratic Party of Virginia, spoke of the dedication the volunteers are offering months before the election. “As a football player in school, my father drilled into me the belief that is very applicable to politics… that football games are not won on the playing fields of November, but on the practice fields of August,” he said. “So as I see you fanning yourself… it’s hot weather and you’re about to go out and canvass and knock on doors and bring that democratic message to the voters of Lee District, think of that.

"You can’t wait until November 8… these men and women will be elected because of your work this afternoon and [in] the summer of 2011.”

For those who wish to volunteer for the campaign, the headquarters is located at 6326 Commerce Street in Springfield, across the street from Mike’s American Grill and Amherst Avenue. You can also call (703) 663-8001

Office Hours are:

10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Monday-Thursday.

10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Friday-Sunday.