VA-11 and Transit

Dave Alpert reports that Gerry Connolly's your man in tomorrow's VA-11 Democratic Primary if you're interested in transportation and smart growth questions. Unfortunately, I think his opponent is more progressive on other issues so there's not necessarily a clear choice here.

Comments

If you want to get things done vote for Connolly. If you want theater vote for Byrne.

Posted by Eli Rabett | June 9, 2008 5:18 PM

Byrne is the progressive in the race. Connolly is a pro-business and development oriented Dem with ties to Iraq war contractors.

That's too bad about the transit stuff, but reading the post it's hardly convincing. It seems like Connolly might have a slightly higher emphasis on transit (which, all other things being equal, is important) but Alpert doesn't actually really have an issue where Connolly's and Byrne's stated preferences are significantly different.

Posted by Sam L | June 9, 2008 6:34 PM

After reading the anti-Connolly blog linked to in that article, I am currently leaning towards Byrne, especially because Iraq, Iran and foreign policy are my top issues (followed by education and then transportation). I guess if I was voting on local issues Connolly would probably be the best choice, but he just seems so toolish and I need to get more information about him. Does anyone have a pro-Connolly blog/website they could link me too? And an anti-Byrne one as well? This is the first election I've ever voted in where I'm genuinely undecided.

Posted by randomkid | June 9, 2008 6:41 PM

The object is to pick the candidate who can win in November. Ms. Byrne is a two time loser who lost this congressional seat to Tom Davis and then lost the lieutenant governors race last time around. Connelly has the best shot at winning in November.

Posted by SLC | June 9, 2008 7:02 PM

Byrne barely lost (by 1%) when she ran for lieutenant governor in 2005, but that was a statewide race, and she won the 11th District by then by nearly 10%.

Posted by KCinDC | June 9, 2008 8:10 PM

The person who can obviously win this seat in November is Doug Denneny:

http://www.dougforcongress.com/home.htm

Denneny is an honored Iraq vet with service in Congress. Check out his website and see if you don't think he's superior to Byrne and Connelly put together.

Posted by vorkosigan1 | June 9, 2008 9:08 PM

Byrne has run an exceedingly negative campaign which has been nothing but destructive to the Democratic base in the 11th. Connolly is the clear choice for the rational voter.

Posted by Matt | June 9, 2008 11:06 PM

If transportation is your issue, Connelly is not the person. Connolly supports open borders, unlimited immigration, and amnesty. The transportation situation in northern virginia will never improve with the roads filled with immigrants you live in extended families in a single family house, have a huge number of older cars clogging the streets.

Also, if education is your issue, Connolly is not your candidate. He has been consistent in supporting lower standards including lowering the standards at Thomas Jefferson High School for blacks and Hispanics but not for whites and Asians.

Posted by superdestroyer | June 10, 2008 9:35 AM

Byrne is always tough in primaries and Connolly has run a pretty bland campaign. Most of the party suport in the state is with Byrne which should give you an idea of who has the machine in place to win. Connolly has only himself to blame if he loses the primary.

Posted by Ben | June 10, 2008 4:57 PM