A smiling Meredith Richards greeted throngs of Democratic supporters at the Flower Market on Second Street last night to celebrate gaining 36 percent of the popular vote in the 5th District Congressional race -- a 5 percent increase over Republican Virgil Goode's 2000 challenger, Democrat John Boyd, who had 31 percent.
"Over the past six months, we opened some eyes, and we changed some minds -- just not enough," said Richards, flanked by her husband and son. "We have nothing to be ashamed of and everything to be proud of. We made the impossible possible and though we fell short, we did so nobly."
As the crowd chanted, "04," Richards concluded by saying, "I will continue to fight for good jobs now."
Richards made clear that she will making another run for the 5th District seat.
Following her public statement, Richards told the press that she is "seriously considering" a re-match against Goode in 2004. Next time, Richards said, she will start campaigning and fundraising sooner. Goode raised $631,416 for his campaign, while Richards raised $169,466 for hers, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.
The majority of Goode's contributions came from corporations such as Philip Morris, while Richards' came from labor unions, such as the AFL-CIO.
Supporters throughout the evening praised her compassion and friendly presence.
"She's one of us. She's so open and accessible," longtime friend Isis Ringrose said.
Richards led her campaign with a distinctly personal touch, poll worker Felice Boling-Key said.
"She goes into the neighborhoods of Charlottesville," Key said. "I can bring her to my house. Virgil wants people to come to him."
Several supporters said they thought Goode was lacking in policy as well as personal outreach.
Former Charlottesville Mayor David Toscano said Goode's two-term tenure has resulted in little economic or technological growth.
"To the extent you could argue he could bring home the bacon, he hasn't been bringing it home," Toscano said.
But Richards, Toscano said, has a solid record of encouraging the growth of high tech industries from her six years on Charlottesville City Council.
State Del. Mitch Van Yahres, D-Charlottesville, said that both candidates are charismatic and amiable, but that Richards would have added a tenacious vigor to her job.
Goode is "a charming good old boy. He's a hell of a nice guy," Van Yahres said. "Richards has so much damn energy, and she's smart. Meredith would bring a vision that Virgil can't or won't do."
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