Just got back from the Richmond Marriott where various party meetings are in full swing.  Both Senators Obama and Clinton will be here tonight for our annual "JJ dinner."

In my life, I've been to literally hundreds (thousands?) of political dinners.  I can't remember one that is more highly anticipated than this one.  We are expecting over 5,000 at the VCU Siegel Center in downtown Richmond.  These are folks from all over the Commonwealth -- it's great to see so many friends. 

Three years ago, when I was running for Lt Govrnor, I attended the JJ dinner as a statewide candidate.  It was in the middle of the legislative session and I had been traveling every night to speak at various localities.  Of course, I had to be shaking hands at the JJ.

I was dead-tired and running a high temperature that night.   To make matters worse, U.S. Senator Joe Biden gave a long and somewhat tedious speech.  I remember being desperate to get home.

What I'm trying to say is ....

It's great to be a spectator and not a candidate!