VA-08

I hope you read VA-08 resident Pachacutec's very detailed rundown of the candidates running in his northern Virginia district. Although he found more than one well-qualified candidate, he came to the conclusion that Patrick Hope was the best candidate overall and the best candidate to beat the heavily financed conservative Establishment Democrat, Don Beyer. That was back in April. Today marked 3 weeks out from the election and the race has had time to develop.

-by PachacutecAnd with that title, I come as a guest writer to launch DWT into the brave new world of explainer blogging. Howie's a long time friend, and asked me to write up the candidates.

On January 15, when Jim Moran announced his retirement after serving 12 terms as the congressman from Virginia's 8th congressional district (Arlington and Fairfax counties, Falls Church and Alexandria), he was giving up a solidly blue seat. The PVI is D+16 and Obama took the district with 68% both in 2008 and 2012. Moran himself was reelected in 2012 with 65%. In other words, whoever wins the Democratic primary on June 10, will be the next congressmember from Virginia.

Mark Levine, former Chief Legislative Counsel to Democratic Congressman Barney Frank, is currently running for Congress himself to represent the 8th Congressional District of Virginia.

Virginia food stamp slashers George Allen and Don BeyerWhen Jim Moran announced his retirement in January, first politician out-of-the-box declaring an intention to run was multimillionaire car dealer and ex-Lieutenant Governor Don Beyer. It's almost as though he knew and was prepared. He's certainly the Establishment choice for the progressive D+16 Arlington and Fairfax counties suburban DC district (Obama 68% in 2008 ands 2012).

I had a long talk about the crucial issues facing the country with Arlington, Virginia Delegate Patrick Hope. His vision is progressive and his temperament matches his vision. He'd make a great addition to the Congressional Progressive Caucus. I asked him to introduce himself to DWT readers. He just sent this today:Thank you for this opportunity to write a guest post on Down With Tyranny.

There are two congressional retirements at the end of this term in Virginia, Jim Moran and Frank Wolf. Wolf's district leans Democratic but still has a PVI of R+2. In 2008 Obama beat McCain 51-48%. In 2012, Romney squeaked by Obama 50-49% The DCCC and testate Democratic Party see the seat as a good pick up opportunity. Due east-- and meeting along Dolley Madison Blvd and Chain Bridge Road in McLean-- is a VA-08, Moran's much bluer seat. The PVI is a healthy D+16.