Monday, June 9, 2008

A Divided Northern Virginia: Good for Republicans?

Hey Everyone!

I run a blog series called "It sucks to be a Democrat Sometimes" on the GMU CR blog. I thought I'd try it out here. Let me know what you think.

Anyways, It sucks to be a Democrat sometimes. I mean the chance of having a divided party in November against the unified GOP? That's not good. No, I'm not talking about the Obama-Hillary wars, I'm talking about the Congressional battles of Northern Virginia, especially the 11th district, where two Democrats are fighting it out. Fairfax Board of Supervisors Chairman Gerry Connelly and Former Congresswoman Leslie Bryne are facing a tough, divided party. On one hand, Governor Tim Kaine has endorsed Connelly, while Senator Jim Webb has endorsed Leslie Bryne. A divided party is good news to Republican Kieth Fimman,  who is hoping to succeed retiring Republican Tom Davis.

Now some background: Bryne, who lost in a re-election bid for a 2nd term (to Tom Davis) is a pro-abortion Catholic, who believes that the district has missed her. Connelly, the perfect example of corruption has been the brainchild of massive tax hikes on Fairfax residents. What do Democrats want? The party is roughly split 50-50, with a few leaning to the minor, lesser know Democrats. 

In the 8th District, Jim Moran faces Matthew T. Famiglietti in a primary challenge. While Moran will probably win by a landslide, this is good news for Republicans. Democrats in the 8th are tired of Moran's pork-barrel spending tactics to get re-elected. Plus, his anti-semitism is not something Democrats want to advertise, especially with Obama not doing so well among Jewish-Americans.

In conclusion, it sucks to be a Democrat sometimes in Northern VA, as a divided party will never win.  CBS News Senior Political Correspondent Jeff Greenfield said, "I've tried to find a time where a divided party wins in November...I'm still looking."

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