CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Democratic Party announced Saturday that it has postponed its 2013 Jefferson-Jackson Dinner from Oct. 12 to Nov. 2 because of the federal government shutdown.
Democratic Party Chairman Larry Puccio said Sen. Jay Rockefeller, Sen. Joe Manchin and 3rd District Congressman Nick Rahall want to focus their efforts on what’s happening in Washington.
“We support our democratic statesmen as they work to overcome the political games of House republicans, and to restore critical government services,” Puccio said in a news release.
The dinner, when it does take place at the Charleston Civic Center, will honor Sen. Rockefeller who has announced he will not seek reelection next year. Vice President Joe Biden is scheduled to be on hand.
Rockefeller said the postponement is the right move for this time.
“My heart goes out to all West Virginians who are suffering or frustrated as a result of the federal government shut down. Reopening the government so our veterans, our miners, our seniors and our families can access the services they need and deserve is my number one priority,” Rockefeller said.