The lightning-fast campaign for Virginia’s sprawling First Congressional District is coming down to the wire before Tuesday’s election as three candidates seek to replace the late Rep. Jo Ann Davis, R-Virginia.
Republican Del. Rob Wittman is placing his more than 20 years in various local and state offices against the military experience of Democratic Iraq war veteran Phil Forgit and independent Army reservist Lucky Narain. The Republican-leaning First District spreads from Hampton Roads up to southern Prince William County.
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All three are running against politics as usual, including the only candidate with political experience.
“I think folks are frustrated with what’s going on in Washington,” where lawmakers talk about problems but don’t solve them, Wittman said. “We bring to the table a wealth of experience in local government and state government and a record of getting things done.”
His campaign, which raised more money in one day than Forgit has all campaign, has turned to Washington-area radio and television spots to publicize the special election.
But promising a lean, mean campaign, Forgit said, “I’m a Virginia Democrat, so I’m fiscally conservative.”
The campaign is winning support from people drawn to his public service as a schoolteacher and a veteran, Forgit said.
“I am interested in being a voice for veterans,” who want to resolve the Iraq war quickly, Forgit said. “I don’t think there is a real commitment to eventually wind this down and end it.”
Both parties have called on high-profile leaders to pitch their candidates, with U.S. Sen. James Webb and Gov. Tim Kaine backing Forgit, and leading congressional Republicans Rep. John Boehner of Ohio and Rep. Eric Cantor of Virginia stumping for Wittman.
Narain is trying to show that voters are not satisfied with the political parties and want another voice.
“There are a lot of people frustrated with the bickering back and forth and the lack of clarity with the vision they have for the nation,” Narain said. “There’s a general lack of confidence with members in Congress right now.”
