A Democrat vying for U.S. Rep. Tom Davis’ spot in congress says party heavyweights — including 2004 vice-presidential candidate John Edwards — have agreed to aid his campaign.
Andrew Hurst, a political newcomer considered by analysts to be a long shot to win the 11th District seat, also has the backing of Gov. Tim Kaine and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Gerald Connolly, both Democrats. Representatives of both officials confirmed their support of Hurst.
“You’d be hard-pressed to find a Democrat who doesn’t endorse me,” Hurst told The Examiner Tuesday.
NeitherEdwards nor anyone who could speak for him could be reached for comment. Hurst said the former North Carolina senator agreed to appear at a private fundraiser on Sept. 26.
The endorsements are a new sign of support for a campaign essentially written off by political analysts. Connolly, who heads a 10-member board setting policy for Virginia’s largest local government, is among the most visible political figures in Fairfax County. Kaine is the most powerful Democrat in the state, which is otherwise dominated by the GOP.
“It’s no big surprise that Democratic elected officials are endorsing a Democratic candidate for Congress. Tom enjoys support in his district from Republicans and Democrats alike,” said Davis’ campaign manager, Nick Meads.
Despite the support, however, Hurst still has a tough road ahead of him. He faces a dramatic gap in fundraising against an entrenched incumbent who has raised about $2 million for his re-election.
Davis was first elected in 1994 to represent the district, which encompasses parts of Fairfax and Prince William counties.
“That district will be highly competitive when Davis leaves it, and not until,” said University of Virginia professor and state politics guru Larry Sabato on Monday.
Hurst has repeatedly attacked his opponent for a purported access scandal involving the congressman’s wife’s employment with technology consultant ICG. He is calling on Davis to step down as chairman of the Committee on Government Reform. Meads, on Monday said the relationship was vetted by a bipartisan ethics committee, and said “We’re going to resist [Hurst’s] efforts to bring this campaign into the gutter.”
