Tomorrow Virginia is holding a primary to select general election candidates for its 11 congressional districts. I have been receiving mailings from both Democratic candidates for the 11th CD, Leslie Byrne and Gerry Connolly, along with endorsements from high profile officials within Virginia Democratic Circles, including Jim Webb and Tim Kaine.
Senator Webb just sent me an e-mail, stating in part:
I am proud to be part of this success. This year, I am working to keep it going by supporting candidates like my good friend, Leslie Byrne. Leslie is a longtime state legislator and former member of Congress, who is working to replace Tom Davis in Virginia's 11th Congressional District.
Leslie was one of my earliest supporters in 2006. She and I share certain fundamental beliefs -- that America's leaders must be accountable to its people, that our economic system must give everyone a fair shot at success, and that our foreign policy choices must be governed by thoughtful strategic goals. Like me, Leslie was an early warning voice against the war in Iraq.
Meanwhile, Governor Kaine has endorsed Gerry Connolly:
In a statement released yesterday, Kaine said that Connolly, who is chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, is the strongest candidate among the four competing in the June 10 primary. Kaine said Connolly has been a "partner" on a range of issues, including strengthening the economy, toughening environmental standards, fully funding schools and fighting for a Metrorail extension to Dulles International Airport.
"As a former elected local official, I appreciate Gerry's practical approach to problem-solving," said Kaine, a former mayor of Richmond.
The Washington Post has weighed in with an endorsement of Connolly:
[Davis'] departure set the stage for a spirited, at times venomous, primary campaign among four Democratic candidates, two of whom are experienced public figures: Gerald E. Connolly, chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and Leslie L. Byrne, whose political résumé includes stints in Virginia's House of Delegates and Senate, a post in the Clinton administration and, from 1993 to 1995, a term in the U.S. House representing the 11th District (she was defeated by Mr. Davis).
On the primary ballot on Tuesday, the clear choice is Mr. Connolly, who, as the senior elected official in Virginia's most populous jurisdiction, has been a nimble, energetic advocate for Fairfax County. A member of the county board for 13 years and a formidable civic activist before that, he has been a force in shaping policy in Northern Virginia and regionally. Mr. Connolly is not universally beloved; he can be thin-skinned and hardheaded. But there is no denying his dedication and effectiveness on a range of issues affecting the region, including climate change, transportation and affordable housing. Ms. Byrne has backing from unions and other progressive groups. But her sharp-elbow tactics have injected a toxic note into most of the campaigns she has run, raising doubt about her ability to work cooperatively on regional issues in Congress.
By the way, I just noticed the four candidates last names begin with A, B, C, and D (I alphabetized the poll). I guess our bench is not so deep to have an E candidate!