Is The Race On?
Gerald E. Connolly (D), chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, still hasn't moved past the "exploratory" phase of his bid for Congress. But his committee very proudly shared some early fundraising numbers to make the point that Connolly has the ability to run a well-financed campaign.
According to James Walkinshaw, who runs Connolly's exploratory committee, Connolly has raised $161,000 since the beginning of January, when he announced the formation of the committee to pursue a bid in the 11th Congressional District. By contrast, fellow Democrat Leslie L. Byrne will report at the end of the month that she raised $115,000 between the November elections and the new year, she said in an interview yesterday.
"That's in just three and a half weeks," Walkinshaw said.
Connolly has said he will announce soon whether to move on to a full-fledged campaign, thus choosing to face down Byrne in what is sure to be a heated primary race. Not coincidentally, U.S. Rep. Thomas M. Davis III (R-Va.), is expected to announce this week whether he will seek an eighth term or retire to pursue a career in the private sector.
Don't be shocked if Connolly says he's in right after Davis says he's out.
"Gerry will be making a decision and an announcement in the very near future," Walkinshaw said.
By Amy Gardner |
January 29, 2008; 12:55 PM ET
| Category:
Amy Gardner
,
Election 2008/Congress
,
Fairfax County Chairman's Race
,
Gerald E. Connolly
,
Leslie L. Byrne
,
Thomas M. Davis III
Previous: Will He or Won't He? |
Next: House Democrats Want Regular Talks With Republicans
Posted by: VA-11 voter | January 29, 2008 3:06 PM
VA-11, I second that.
Posted by: NoVa | January 29, 2008 5:02 PM
Justify that. Either of you.
Posted by: Hector | January 29, 2008 5:08 PM
Connolly said he was going to raise money and have polling done.
Geez, he wasn't kidding about raising money, he has left the other candidates in the dust in just 3 weeks.
I can't wait to see the polling numbers. Connolly is the best person to win this for the democrats. Let's hope he declares soon.
The Byrne camp is desperate for headlines and will have to continue going negative just like she did with her criticism of Gov. Kaine and his administration.
Posted by: VA 11 is right | January 29, 2008 5:36 PM
Connolly is doing the same thing Davis did to get elected-zoning for dollars. Developers know they have to deal with him as BOS Chair so they kick into in Congressional campaign. I'm surprised he hasn't raised more.
Posted by: Va.campaign worker | January 29, 2008 6:30 PM
Run Gerry Run!
Posted by: More Dems for Congress | January 29, 2008 7:19 PM
Amy, are you going to report Conelly's polling?
Posted by: PW Dem | January 29, 2008 7:46 PM
If Davis retires, the only hope that the GOP has of holding his seat is if the Democrats nominate Leslie Byrne. She is an old economy pol that was a disaster during her time in Congress.
Posted by: Fairfax | January 30, 2008 8:54 AM
There are two other candidates in this primary -- Iraq War veteran Doug Denneny and Mt. Vernon resident Lori Alexander.
I don't know enough about them yet, but I don't like the media feeding the vicious cycle of excluding candidates before they've had a chance to get started.
Posted by: NOVA Dem | January 30, 2008 10:16 AM
Yes, we need candidates like Lori and Doug. Turning to the past is a disaster.
Lori already had a run-in with the Byrne machine, and Lori showed her toughness. Run, Lori, Run!
Posted by: Run Lori Run | January 30, 2008 10:59 AM
Hector, Leslie is about Leslie.
What could have been more telling than how she announced. She did it on the day after last year's election. A day when a significant number of Democratic candidates should have had at least one full "day in the Sun" as a result of their hard work and victories.
Instead Leslie lessened their recognition by grabbing for headlines with her announcement. What would waiting one more day have cost her campaign? Absolutely nothing.
It was ego.
She's George H. W. Bush - always running, not ready to govern. If the title of Perennial Political Candidate was available, she'd give C. W. 'Levi" Levy and Alan Keyes a run for their money.
Connolly stands the best chance of taking the seat for the Democrats, if Rep. Davis does not run. The Republicans are lining up some interesting candidates.
Posted by: NoVA | January 30, 2008 12:41 PM
Davis should be recruited to run as a democrat
Posted by: Anonymous | January 30, 2008 6:06 PM
We've been waiting for the Connolly chicken express-it's pulling in the station now.
Posted by: campaign worker | January 30, 2008 9:17 PM
just another whitey
Posted by: Anonymous | February 3, 2008 4:14 PM
The comments to this entry are closed.
He gives the Dems the best shot at winning, by far.