Keeping Up with Me

…because it doesn’t seem like I’ll have as much time to blog as I’d like (though some of my writings that aren’t totally campaign related will still be posted here as well).

To keep up with my exploratory efforts, you can follow me on Twitter (@DillardExp), or visit our ever-evolving site, dillardexploratory.ning.com, which is where I’ll be doing most of my writing. If you’d like to help with the effort or are part of the media, our general email is info@dillardexploratory.com.

Looking forward to hearing from you…and if you’re around the district, meeting you!

-Coby W. Dillard

Announcement of Dillard ‘10 Exploratory Committee

I’m happy to announce that I have formed an exploratory committee to begin work on a congressional run in 2010 in Virginia’s 3rd congressional district. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be talking with both community and political leaders in the district to get the ground-level truth on their problems and whether they feel their concerns are adequately addressed by their current representative. Next week, we’ll launch our social interaction site-dillardexploratory.ning.com-where people will be able to keep up with our work and express their thoughts on the direction and future of their district.

I take on this task with full knowledge of the electoral history of the 3rd district. The last Republican to run for this seat in 2004 lost by nearly a 2 to 1 margin. I have no illusions that a run for this seat will be an uphill battle and, ultimately, may not be successful. I believe, though, that the people of this district-from my childhood home of Richmond to Hampton Roads, where I now live-deserve a voice in Washington that works to serve all their interests and sometimes tells them the hard truths, rather than one who is no more than a reliable party-line vote. For them, I seek to be that voice.

-Coby W. Dillard

For Veterans’ Day

The call to serve.

It has no sound, yet I have heard it in the whispered retelling of honorable sacrifices made by those who have served before me.

The call to serve has no form, yet I have clearly seen it,
In the eyes of the men and women infinitely more courageous and more driven than most.

The call to serve has no weight, yet I have held it in my hands.
I will commit to carry it close to my heart, until my country is safe,and the anguish of those less fortunate has been soothed.

The call to serve, is at once invisible and always present, and for those who choose to answer the call, for their country, for their fellow man, for themselves,
It is the most powerful force on earth.

Happy Veterans’ Day to those, past and present, who answered the call.

-Coby W. Dillard

African-American Conservatives to Interview Newt Gingrich, Coby Dillard

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRLog (Press Release) – Nov 08, 2009 – While on tour with Al Sharpton and Arne Duncan, Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House, will be interviewed by African-American Conservatives. The official press release for the education tour can be found here: http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/08/08142009.html

Mr. Gingrich is a noted author and lecturer, best known as Speaker of the House under the Clinton Administration, and for his work on the Contract With America. Mr. Gingrich is a Distinguished Visiting Scholar and Professor at the National Defense University. He currently serves on several boards and committees including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation,Defense Policy Board, Terrorism Task Force for the Council on Foreign Relations, and Co-Chair of the National Commission for Quality Long-term Care.  He is an Editorial Board Member of the Johns Hopkins University journal, Biosecurity and Bioterrorism, and is an Advisory Board Member of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, and was recently named co-Chair of the UN Task Force, a bi-partisan Congressional effort to reform the United Nations.

Rounding out the hour will be Coby Dillard, fresh off the campaign trail for now Governor-Elect, Bob McDonnell. Mr. Dillard served as Coalitions Director for Mr. McDonnell in his outreach to Veteran and African-American communities. He is a Navy veteran having, served his country honorably for six years –  OIF in 2003 and GTMO in 2005. After a stint as a contractor and federal employee in our nation’s capitol, Mr. Dillard joined the McDonnell team in May of 2009, through the conclusion of the election cycle, culminating Mr. McDonnell’s successful bid for Governorship of Virginia.

The interviews will take place on Friday, November 13, 2009, at 1pm PST / 4pm EST on Blog Talk Radio:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/aacons

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Statement on Virginian-Pilot Story

Yesterday, the Virginian-Pilot’s political blog published a story that mentioned the possibility of my challenging Rep. Bobby Scott in 2010.

Having been directly involved in Bob McDonnell’s successful gubernatorial campaign since May, my efforts are now focused on assisting with his transition team if called to do so, and spending time with my family.

I defer any questions or further comments on my political future until a later time.

-Coby W. Dillard