Chris Cillizza: Virginia's 11th CD race will be "primary for the ages"

By: Lowell
Published On: 2/15/2008 3:53:35 PM

With Tom Davis' retirement announcement, the Virginia 11th CD moves up to one of the top-tier congressional races in the country.  As Chris Cillizza says, this will be a "primary for the ages."

3. Virginia's 11th district: The long wait to see what the future held for Rep. Tom Davis (R) is over. Late last month Davis announced he would leave this northern Virginia seat, a decision that creates another major target for Democrats. The district went only narrowly for President Bush in 2004 and demographic changes in the state over the last few years seem to suggest the area is growing more and more Democratic. Democrats seem headed for a primary for the ages with state Sen. Leslie Bryne, who held the seat from 1992 to 1994, preparing to face off against Gerry Connolly, chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. In an attempt to preserve their chances of holding the seat, Republicans -- including Davis -- are uniting behind businessman Keith Fimian, who had already raised $700,000 by the end of 2007, a total that included a $327,000 personal loan. (Previous ranking: N/A)

Comments



Leslie has so earned this. (Jack Landers - 2/15/2008 4:16:20 PM)
It's not my district so I don't really have a vote, but Leslie Byrne has really earned this. She's as tough as they come and never gave up hope after her 1994 loss. She wasn't too proud to run for State Senate after having been in Congress, which speaks of good character. And coming within 2 points of winning Lt. Governor was way ahead of most expectations for that race in 2005.

I hope Leslie wins this. I've got nothing against Gerry Connolly. I just think that Leslie is a serious scrapper and has the kind of tenacity that should be rewarded.  



Totally agree (Ben - 2/15/2008 5:02:29 PM)
One thing, she actually lost LG by 1.15%, so I call it one point.  :-)


Byrne and Connolly are tough competitors, but... (Kindler - 2/16/2008 6:43:17 PM)
...I wouldn't count out Denneny yet.  He's been endorsed by two sitting members of Congress, has an interesting military background and is a new face at a time when a lot of people are looking for just that.

If Leslie and Gerry spend the campaign beating the living crap out of each other, while Doug stays positive, he may actually be able to sneak through in a 3-person race.