Wulsin fundraiser not a total bust

Democrat Victoria Wulsin was in Washington yesterday, as we mentioned earlier. And she held two fundraisers – in addition to meetings with folks all over town, including Democratic Party head Howard Dean.

And, yes, the Enquirer’s Washington bureau of one did swing by the event at Tortilla Coast, a restaurant that may not be at the caliber of Cincinnati’s former four-star eaterie Maisonette – or Washington’s new hot spot for Mexican food, Rosa Mexicana – but it’s far from being a “dive bar.” Put it this way: It’s no Common Share, Dan's, Harry's... all bigger dives in DC. And dipping into Cincinnati's dive scene, it's no Head First Sports Cafe either. Plus, the food is pretty good.

That said, here’s what we saw:

Wulsin was chatting with Rep. Jan Schakowski, D-Ill., and a couple other people, including someone she identified as a high school friend, when we walked in. There were about three other people in the far end of the basement room munching on finger food. A table with a big bowl of chips and some salsa was at the other end. Another table held cold beer and margaritas.

After a few minutes, an excited Wulsin came over to introduce herself and we got a second to chat. That's when Schakowski, one of 11 House Democrats who hosted the event, said goodbye to Wulsin. “I can’t wait to be your colleague,” Wulsin exclaimed, shaking Schakowski’s hand.

Wulsin described how she didn’t get as much attention during the primary election, but now, everything’s changed.

“It’s so exciting. My poll numbers are good, the money is coming in, the tide is turning,” she said, adding that it’s a shame that her opponent, Republican Rep. Jean Schmidt, has so far successfully eluded debating her.

“I think she’ll be shamed into debating me,” Wulsin said. “I think people want to hear from her.”
Asked if she is getting the sense that the party is ready to back her, Wulsin said: “The buzz is just beginning here. As people get to know me, they realize that Im not just an anti-Schmidt candidate, I’m a credible candidate.”

Then this: “I really think this race is mine to lose!”

At about that time, the chief of staff for Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, walked in to tell Wulsin that the congressman was on his way. He arrived shortly thereafter.