Good afternoon, Richmond, Virginia

PB080015
Originally uploaded by Stunted Growth.

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Around 70 protestors held a vigil at the entrance to Richmond International Airport to demonstrate against President Bush's November 7 appearance for gubernatorial candidate Jerry Kilgore on the eve of Election Day. The rally was held in a private airplane hangar belonging to Dominion Power. Organizers expected a crowd of up to 10,000 Bush supporters to attend. Gates opened to ticket holders at 5 PM and closed at 7PM. Bush spoke at 8PM. The vigil lasted from 5-7:30 PM.

"The Virginia Antiwar Network (VAWN) is adamantly opposed to the Bush Administration’s actions in connection with the war in Iraq and cannot allow Bush’s presence in Richmond to go uncontested," said organzer Garrie Rouse."

"Also, please keep in mind that this was a protest action against Bush and the current administration’s illegal, immoral (and inherently un-American) policies/actions in the Middle East. This event was not intended to be a political rally for any candidate in the upcoming Virginia elections. The media may try to label our event as such and we want there to be no confusion regarding the purpose or focus of our protest.

"The Bush Administration is coming under increasing criticism and pressure. The opposition to the Iraq war is at an all time high, and Bush’s approval rating is at an all time low. Bush’s visit is not only intended to provide a boost for Kilgore, but to provide a boost for his standing as President as well. If he delivers the Commonwealth of Virginia to the Republicans, he demonstrates (at the national level) that he is still in the driver’s seat. As Virginians, we need to do our part to help prevent the Bush team from “climbing back in the saddle” and getting back to business as usual."