CQ Politics Changes rating in VA-11 to "Leans Democratic"

By: James Martin
Published On: 6/12/2008 11:02:40 AM

Only one other Republican held seat in the nation is rated as a higher pick-up opportunity (Democrat Favored) for Democrats:
CQ Politics is making this change primarily for two reasons. One is a political environment, both nationally and locally within the 11th District, which is trending more Democratic than Republican. The other is that political veteran Connolly has a significant early advantage over Fimian in name recognition among district voters.

That said, Fimian is a multi-millionaire who has proved that he will spend whatever it takes to get elected:

Fimian has been less visible than Connolly on the campaign trail thus far because he didn't face a primary opponent. But that did allow Fimian to build one of the largest treasuries of any non-incumbent Republican candidate for Congress. As of May 21, Fimian reported $957,000 in receipts - including $325,000 in loans from his personal accounts - and $767,000 in cash-on-hand. He hasn't yet tapped political action committees (PACs) for much funding, though he could now that the competitive general election campaign can begin in earnest.

Make sure to check out GerryConnolly.com to get a bumper sticker, volunteer, and contribute to turn Virginia's 11th blue!!!

Comments



Only Problem (Lee Diamond - 6/12/2008 10:00:39 PM)
Unfortunately, there is no Democrat running in this race.  There is a conservative Republican from what I can tell looking at his scanty, minimal website and someone else who cares more about lining his pockets and his campaign coffers and about power of course than  he does about transportation, pollution, war and peace or any of the other issues Democrats care about.  Whenever the facts are inconvenient the purchaser of the Democratic nomination lies about his own record or the record of his opponent.  The concept of public servant is foreign to him.

Frankly, the Democrats will have a strong majority in the next Congress.  What is in the interest of the citizens of this district is to make a lot of noise now so there will be an opportunity in two years to elect a Democrat.  The handoff from Tom Davis to his successor is an inside play you had no part of.  It is your country and you have a right to have a representative in Congress.  This is not democracy.

Virginia needs a fair reapportionment.  I say to Andrew Hurst and all the other people who played a less than constructive role in 2008 as well as to the Leslie Byrne supporters that I hope you will support  a massive campaign to push for congressional districts based on communities of interest as opposed to incumbent protection.  As the Democrats gain power back in Virginia, this is a reform that will enable Va to move boldly into the future.