With no statewide race on the ballot in November and no president or former president on the speaking card, there were fewer attendees at this year's annual dinner than at past events. But because of an unexpected quirk in the schedule, the dinner took place the on the eve of Sunday's final showdown vote in the House of Representatives, and the participants had an air of defiant excitement.

Response was far more tepid from Rep. Glenn Nye, whose office released a statement indicating he will vote "no," even as he delivered a six-minute speech in which he did not mention the topic. As he left the stage, he was greeted by a few calls from the audience to "pass health care now!"

There was the usual assortment of congressional and possibly future statewide candidates on hand to mix and mingle. During his remarks, U.S. Sen. Mark Warner led the 1,100 person crowd in a round of muted applause for last year's defeated once -- and in some cases possibly future -- statewide candidates, all of whom were present: Steve Shannon, Jody Wagner, Terry McAuliffe, Brian Moran and Creigh Deeds.