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Perriello, minus Warner, campaigns Sunday at SML

Fifth District Democratic candidate Tom Perriello said he probably wouldn't be running for public office if it weren't for former Va. Gov. Mark Warner.

"I loved what I was doing in the non-profit sector," Perriello told a group of SML Democrats Sunday afternoon at a "Meet & Greet" event held at a residence at The Boardwalk.

Perriello had hoped to make those comments with Warner standing by his side, however, Warner was unable to attend the event after injuring his leg last week in a pick-up basketball game.

The candidate called Warner the "shining exception" to politicians of recent years who seem to only practice party partisanship.

Perriello readily admits he is modeling himself and his campaign after the popular former governor. He said Warner restored the idea of "servant leadership" and showed how to get positive results by working with both political parties.

Campaigning with Warner, who is currently running for the U.S. Senate and will be the keynote speaker at the upcoming National Democratic Convention, "is like being with the Beatles," Perriello joked.

Perriello claimed victory in a recent debate with incumbent Rep. Virgil Goode of Rocky Mount.

"I believe I can do more for Southside," Perriello told supporters.