Governor Tim Kaine has taken sides in the Democratic race in the 11th District:
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine has endorsed Democratic congressional candidate Gerald E. Connolly in Northern Virginia’s 11th District, an increasingly blue-leaning territory where Democrats are betting heavily on gaining a seat now that Republican Rep. Tom Davis is retiring.
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.
Support from a popular sitting governor is seen as an advantage for Connolly against former representative Leslie L. Byrne, former Navy pilot Douglas J. Denneny and physical therapist Lori P. Alexander. Such an endorsement, although not unprecedented in a primary, also speaks to Kaine’s assertive style as a party leader who is willing to take sides in Democratic contests. Kaine endorsed U.S. Sen. Barack Obama for president more than a year ago.
This may be enough to put Connolly over the top.
May 21st, 2008 at 3:53 pm
I’ve been trying to get info out of Fimian (the Rep. candidate) about his policies… but info is excessively hard to come by.
His website has all of one paragraph about what he believes in (lower taxes), but nothing about priorities, about things he plans to do, or anything. Pathetic, so far.