Perriello-Goode Race Takes Shape
Tom Perriello has secured the Democratic nomination to challenge U.S. Rep. Virgil Goode (R-Va.), whose district stretches from Charlottesville to Danville, in the fall election.
Perriello gets the nomination because no other Democrat met yesterday's filing deadline to enter the race. In January, Democrat David Shreve of Charlottesville withdrew from the race.
"I'm thrilled to lock up the nomination this early and to see such an overwhelming response from Democrats, Republicans and independents to our positive agenda for moving our communities forward together," Perriello said.
Goode, first elected in 1996, has deep roots in the traditionally conservative 5th congressional district, easily winning reelection. But Perriello could prove to be a formidable challenger. Perriello, a lawyer, raised $263,665 last year, compared to Goode's $152,863. Perrielo has already opened campaign offices in Franklin County and Charlottesville and will be opening a third office in Danville soon.
By Tim Craig |
March 4, 2008; 11:14 AM ET
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Election 2008/Congress
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Posted by: Dan | March 4, 2008 12:26 PM
It's a relief to see Virginia moving toward the progressive side of the political spectrum. For too long, the good-old-boy model of backward politics has dominated the rural portions of the state, and held Virginia back as a whole. But with candidates like Perriello having a decent shot at representing Virginia on a national level, it helps bring the state more in line with its mid-Atlantic neighbors.
Posted by: Patrick | March 4, 2008 12:34 PM
Goode is on the run. This district is in play. I hear the DCCC is taking a strong look at it.
Posted by: jsalt | March 4, 2008 2:27 PM
never vote for a lawyer
Posted by: Anonymous | March 5, 2008 5:55 PM
They're both lawyers.
Posted by: Anonymous | March 6, 2008 10:02 PM
This guy running against Goode is going to get absolutely thrashed big time. Come on now folks lets get off the koolaide, just take a look at Perriello's website. Typical progressive liberal from C-ville. This just won't play in the rest of the area. Virgil is a good ole boy very popular with many local dems outside of c-ville and republicans who is going to crush this guy. I don't care how much this guy raises, the district just does not fit for a far lefty. The same people that are pushing this guy pushed Feder in the 10th district back in 2006 and she got absolutely plastered. The DCCC is not spending any money this year on Virginia with the exception of maybe the 11th.
I can only think of ONE DEMOCRAT who could possibly win this district and I am certain he would never challenge Goode.
Posted by: Anonymous | March 8, 2008 12:19 AM
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One step forward for the Virginia 5th. Replacing a corporate Congressman with a common-good visionary like Tom will benefit the entire district.