Virginia Republicans jockeying to take on Democratic members of Congress are entering the final stretch before the June primary, in an increasingly heated contest that will determine which wing of the GOP carries its party’s standard in November.
Like elsewhere in the United States, Virginia’s Republican primaries have pitted establishment figures against newcomers representing the Tea Party vein of conservatism.
In the state’s three most contested Democratic seats, a total 15 GOP challengers are on the ballot for June 8. Seven are in the 5th District hoping to take on Rep. Tom Perriello, who is considered one of the most vulnerable Democrats in the country.
The races have turned especially bitter in two of the districts. In the 11th, businessman Keith Fimian has diverted much of his attention from Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly to hitting opponent Pat Herrity, the perceived front-runner, for his tax votes as a Fairfax County supervisor. In the 2nd District, favorite Scott Rigell, an auto dealer, is under fire from the right for accepting reimbursements from the Obama administration under the “Cash for Clunkers” program.
Adding to the tension is the smattering of endorsements from statewide Republican leaders. Gov. Bob McDonnell has endorsed Rigell over five other candidates. Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli is backing Fimian.
The Republican Party of Virginia said the escalating rancor is prompted by GOP enthusiasm as the state approaches a midterm election expected to be rough on incumbent Democrats.
“This happens when the level of passion grows that high,” said spokesman Garren Shipley. “Our candidates are really enthused, and they’re chomping at the bit to take a crack at [2nd District Rep.] Glenn Nye or Gerry Connolly. It’s not surprising.”
Republicans are overstating their advantage in November, said former 11th District Rep. Leslie Byrne, a Democrat. She said the feud between Herrity and Fimian isn’t going to matter much, considering the Washington suburbs’ long shift toward the Democratic Party.
“Considering the voting patterns, it would be a monumental upset,” Byrne said.
