Gerry Connolly, left, and Keith Fimian
Republican: Keith Fimian (Businessman)
Democrat: Gerry Connolly (Chair, Fairfax Board of Supervisors)
When moderate Republican Congressman Tom Davis announced he would not seek re-election in January to represent northern Virginia in Congress, both parties jumped in to capture the seat. The Democrats have nominated Gerry Connolly, chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, after a bruising primary. The Republican candidate, businessman Keith Fimian, is new to politics, but has almost three times as much cash on hand as Connolly. Local Democrats are highly excited at the prospect of a takeover. But while Connolly plans to tout his long years of experience in local government, Fimian hopes to turn that against him by running as an "outsider."
2004 Presidential Vote: Bush 50%, Kerry 49%
-James Downie and Marti Covington/Washington