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August 20, 2008Southern Political Report

Democrats Eye Gains in Virginia Congressional Races
In a political year in which once-solidly Republican Virginia has become the South’s top battleground state between John McCain and Barack Obama, Old Dominion Democrats, as well as those in Washington, DC, are hoping to gain one or possibly more new congressional seats. The latest presidential poll in Virginia, taken by InsiderAdvantage/

Poll Position, showed Obama and McCain with 43% each -- in a state that hasn’t gone for the Democratic presidential nominee since 1964. Moreover, voter registration for young people and for African Americans have been increasing at a fast pace, and in the party primaries earlier this year, more voters chose to participate in the Democratic contests than in the Republican ones.

Larry Sabato, Director of the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics, tells SPR that the 11th District is the Democrats’ “most likely pickup.” He adds, however, “If things really tilt Democratic, there could be a surprise in the 2nd or the 5th.”

Here, in order of the Democrats’ chances, are details on the four Republican districts in Virginia that are host to competitive congressional races.

11th District (Fairfax County, etc.)

Gerry Connolly (D), chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Commissioners, is the favorite to defeat wealthy businessman (property inspection) Keith Fimian (R) for this open seat being vacated by influential US Rep.

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