Virginia Sen. Jim Webb, a rising star in the Democratic ranks who many speculated would be tapped as then-Sen. Barack Obama’s vice presidential nominee during the run-up to the election, will be speaking to Montana Democrats on March 21. He will be the keynote speaker at the annual Mansfield-Metcalf Celebration in Helena.
Here’s a press release from the Montana Democratic Party:
Helena, MT – Virginia Senator Jim Webb will visit Montana on Saturday, March 21, to address the Montana Democratic Party’s 2009 Mansfield Metcalf
Celebration. The annual dinner is the premier fundraiser for the Montana Democratic Party and brings together voters from across the state.Tickets are available for purchase through the Party’s website. Veterans can receive tickets to the event at a reduced cost by calling the Montana Democratic Headquarters at 406.442.9520. The event is expected to sell out.
Webb will join Governor Brian Schweitzer and U.S. Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester in addressing the annual gathering of thousands of Montana Democrats, who celebrate the enduring work and leadership of former Montana Senators Mike Mansfield and Lee Metcalf. Missoula Mayor John Engen will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
“For 30 years this event has provided an opportunity for Montanans to gather and celebrate the service our elected leaders like Mike Mansfield and Lee Metcalf give to Montana ,” said Montana Democratic Party Executive DirectorArt Noonan.
Senator Webb, who was invited by Senators Baucus and Tester, currently serves as the senior Senator from Virginia. He serves on the Senate Committees on Foreign Relations, Armed Services, Veterans’ Affairs, and the Joint Economic Committee. In February 2009, he was named chairman of the East Asia & Pacific Affairs subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
In his first term in office, Senator Jim Webb’s legislative priorities have been guided by three themes: reorienting America ‘s national security posture, promoting economic fairness, and increasing government accountability. He championed the enactment of a 21st century GI Bill for post-9/11 service
members, established an oversight commission to prevent wasteful and fraudulent spending in wartime contracting, and remains committed to developing a comprehensive national energy strategy.The theme of this year’s celebration “A Call to Service” recognizes the commitment Montanans have to serving our nation and our neighbors. This year’s event will include the opportunity to participate in a service project on Saturday before the dinner. Those interested in participating in the projects, can call Democratic Headquarters at 406-442-9520 or e-mail [email protected] for information.
The event opens at 5:00 p.m. at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall. The event will be followed by an after party at the fairgrounds with live music by the band “The Mighty Flick.”
For media planning purposes, more details will be released in the coming weeks.