Yesterday afternoon, after church, I took a right turn on Main Street and headed west.  About 57 miles to be precise, straight out Rte. 50 through the heart of horse country to the City of Winchester.

The occasion was the annual fundraiser for the Winchester Democrats, who are running three candidates for Mayor and Council in local elections this fall.  Having met many of the locals in 2005, I was asked to return and speak. 

Winchester is a place with tremendous history.  It sits at the north end of the Shenandoah Valley and was the site of some of the fiercest fights of the Civil War, victories for the Confederates (led by Stonewall Jackson) followed by victories for the Union (led by Fighting Phil Sheridan).

It was also the political center of Virginia in the 20th century.  Both Harry Byrd and his son Harry Jr., the face of conservative Virginia politics for nearly 60 years, began their careers in Winchester's State Senate seat.

Lately, Winchester is becoming a battleground again.  In last year's Senate race, Democrat Karen Schultz won the precincts around the city in a very close loss to Republican Jill Holtzman Vogel.  Like many areas in the rural south, the two-party system is again alive and well.

Of course, the breeding ground for successful legislative campaigns are successful local campaigns.  This year Tim Coyne looks to be the Dem candidate for Mayor, a fact he announced at the gathering.  Improving Winchester's economy and education system are his priorities.  Improved relations with neighboring Frederick County and possible reunification is another major issue. 

Bottom line:  It was a gorgeous day to be in the Valley.