There’s no reason, at this moment, to believe that a big name Democrat will swoop in within the next couple of weeks to challenge Rob Wittman now that Keith Hummel has suspended his campaign. I would argue that this is the toughest congressional district in Virginia for a Democrat to run in at this present time and Wittman’s incumbency, headstart, and financial advantages will naturally keep people away.
click on above picture to “embiggen”
A Sen. Edd Houck or a Del. Albert Pollard jumping in the race would definetly be nice, but very unlikely. Here’s some other Democrats from in the 1st CD who may one day step up and try and take on Wittman; if not in 2008, then hopefully sometime in the near future.
Pete Fields, former Stafford BOS member: Declined to run for re-election in 2007 to pursue other interests, but probably would have been able to win re-election fairly easily. Very, very impressive guy who has a future in local politics….if he wants one.
John McGlennon, James City Co. BOS Chairman: Democrats in the Williamsburg region really love him, and many hoped that he would run in the ‘07 special election.
Phil Forgit, Public School Teacher and Iraq War Vet: Lost to Wittman in last years special election by only a couple precentage points less than Shawn O’Donnell did against JoAnn Davis the previous year. His commitment as a Naval Reservist was one of the factors that led him to decline another run this year.
Carlos Del Toro, former Navy officer: Disappointing showing last year against Mark Cole in the 88th House District hasn’t stopped his rise to prominence among Virginia Dems…. He had a prominent role in Hillary Clinton’s Virginia primary campaign, was elected as a Delegate to the ‘08 DNC in Denver, and spoke at Barack Obama’s national campaign kick-off in Bristow.
Gen. David McGinnis (ret.), former National Guard Assoc. Chief of Staff: Pondered a run in the 2007 special election. Served in Kerry’s Veteran Steering Committee in 2004 and endorsed Obama for President this year.
Steve Wolfe, former King George Co. BOS Chairman: Back when he served on the King George Board, it was traditionally non-partisan. Popular in probably the reddest county in the Northern Neck.
Ted Hontz, former Navy Captain: Unfortunately he’s not interested. Came incredibly close to upsetting Forgit for the nomination last year. He’d have a huge base of support if he ever changed his mind.
Hap Connors, Spotsylvania Co. BOS Vice-Chairman: A rising political star in Spotsy (Sen. Houck’s heir-apparent?). Unfortunately, he runs as an Independent which helps only himself (FLS endorsed) while tarnishing the Democratic brand as a whole.
Sen. John Miller, 1st Senate District: Just elected to the State Senate last November. 2010 maybe? 2012?
Gen. Anthony Zinni (ret.), former CENTCOM Commander: See? I told you this was a wish list. He’s been mentioned as a possible VP candidate both this year and in 2004 sooooooo, this is the best possible never-gonna-happen scenario. But you can’t stop me from dreaming.
Filed under: Local Politics
Where does Anthony Zinni live?
I heard he lives (or lived?) in Williamsburg.
General Zinni is a Williamsburg resident, though I believe he has a second home in NOVA. He is a brilliant and principled man and was a strong supporter of Jim Webb’s race in 2006. It’s unfortunate that he has zero desire to run for office. He would be a terrific Congressman.
Oh, wasn’t aware that Zinni was living in Williamsburg. Thanks.
I’m a big fan of Zinni. I live in Williamsburg but had no idea he did. Go figure.