The count is finished and Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-VA) has won re-election!
Connolly reiterated his "deep gratitude" Friday to voters in the district. His campaign manager, James Walkinshaw, said in a statement: "The results of the official canvasses by the electoral boards in the three jurisdictions of the 11th CD make it crystal clear that Gerry Connolly has won reelection to a second-term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Regardless of the rhetoric emanating from the losing candidate's campaign, the election is over and Connolly is the winner."
Source ~ Washington Post
Of course, it’s not really over ‘til two-time loser Keith Fimian squeals, but, as Mr. Walkinshaw also pointed out a few hours ago: "It is Mr. Fimian's prerogative to seek a recount, but, quite frankly, it would be a waste of taxpayer dollars."
The VA-11 is not my district, but I canvassed for Gerry Connolly because (a) I believe in Democrats, (b) Gerry Connolly voted for the health care bill and (c) Keith Fimian is a very dangerous radically anti-choice wingnut. America's worst Attorney General, Ken Cuccinelli, endorsed him.
No, thank you.
We’ve got a lot of work to do here in Virginia before 2012. A LOT.
Here in Northern Virginia, we will begin next week, at the home of great progressive (and, thankfully, my Delegate) David Englin, who said this Wednesday:
Tuesday’s results — where so many “safe” incumbents met defeat — should serve as a reminder that we must constantly reach out and engage our friends and neighbors, empower people to get involved and make change, and never be afraid to stand up for what we believe and to make the case for the responsible, progressive policies that continue to move our country forward, even through difficult times. That is the example set by Rep. Tom Perriello, who had the courage of his convictions and fell just 3 points shy of winning reelection in a historically Republican district that by rights he should have lost by 15 points. Other Democrats in less Republican districts pandered to conservatives, disavowed our progressive values, and lost by far greater margins. I’m proud that our Team Englin volunteers stood up for Tom, and I know we have not seen the last of his service.
When I first ran for office five years ago, I argued that being a solid Democratic vote is not enough — leaders in strong Democratic areas like ours have an extra obligation to stand up and fight for our Democratic values — we have a duty not simply to be progressive votes, but to be progressive champions. That is as true today as it was then, and it remains my pledge to the people of the 45th District.
Any wonder why I will be doing everything I can to get him re-elected?
It starts NOW.