Colonel William A. Phillips

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The 2008 congressional elections in Virginia were held on November 4, 2008 to determine who would represent the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States House of Representatives, coinciding with the presidential and senatorial elections. Representatives are elected for two-year terms; those elected served in the 111th Congress from January 3, 2009 until January 3, 2011. Primary elections were held on June 10, 2008.

Virginia has eleven seats in the House, apportioned according to the 2000 United States census. Democrats flipped the 2nd, 5th, and 11th districts, flipping their 3-8 deficit into a 6-5 majority. As of 2024, this is the last time that Democrats were elected to the 5th or 9th congressional districts. This is also the last time until 2018 that Democrats won the majority of House seats in Virginia.

Overview

United States House of Representatives elections in Virginia, 2008[2]
Party Votes Percentage Seats +/–
Democratic 1,852,788 53.01% 6 +3
Republican 1,590,687 45.51% 5 -3
Independent Greens 14,100 0.40% 0
Libertarian 5,265 0.15% 0
Independents/Write-ins 32,515 0.93% 0
Totals 3,495,355 100.00% 11

Match-up summary

District Incumbent 2008 Status Democratic Republican Independent Green Libertarian Other Party
1 Rob Wittman Re-election Bill Day Rob Wittman None Nathan Larson None
2 Thelma Drake Defeated Glenn Nye Thelma Drake None None None
3 Robert C. Scott Re-election Robert C. Scott None None None None
4 Randy Forbes Re-election Andrea Miller Randy Forbes None None None
5 Virgil Goode Defeated Tom Perriello Virgil Goode None None None
6 Bob Goodlatte Re-election Sam Rasoul Bob Goodlatte None None Janice Lee Allen
7 Eric Cantor Re-election Anita Hartke Eric Cantor None None None
8 Jim Moran Re-election Jim Moran Mark Ellmore J. Ron Fisher None None
9 Rick Boucher Re-election Rick Boucher None None None None
10 Frank Wolf Re-election Judy Feder Frank Wolf None None Neeraj Nigam
11 Thomas M. Davis Open Gerry Connolly Keith Fimian Joseph Oddo None None

District 1

The candidates appeared on Cathy Lewis's TV program, What Matters, on October 15.[3] The candidates held a spirited and well-attended[4] debate on October 22 in which differing opinions on health care and the economy played a central role. Wittman defended his vote against the bailout package, while Day said he would have voted for it, and Larson said that it would have been better for the economy if the banks had been allowed to fail. On Medicare, Wittman advocated restructuring the system, while Day argued for expanding it and Larson shocked the audience by calling for its abolition.[5][6] Wittman won the election.[7]

Incumbent Rob Wittman was the Republican nominee.[8] A Westmoreland County resident, former State Board of Health field director for the Division of Shellfish Sanitation and past member of the Virginia House of Delegates,[9] he has only held the seat since January 2008, having won the special election to succeed deceased Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis. He has taken up many of her causes, including the FairTax, veterans' interests and getting rid of the remainder of the ghost fleet stationed at the James River.[10][11][12] Like Davis, he is also introducing legislation to allow Virginia to regulate the importation of trash from other states.[13]

Bill Day was the Democratic nominee.[14] He previously ran for Virginia Delegate representing the 31st District, losing to Scott Lingamfelter[15] by a close margin of 45% to 55%.[16]

Day earned a bachelor's degree in construction from Arizona State University in 1974, an MBA from Harvard in 1983, and a master's degree in counseling from West Virginia State University in 1991. He used to live in Fauquier County where he worked as a mental health counselor. Day was very active in the community, and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in both Fauquier and Prince William County, and Mend A House in Prince William County. Day is an advocate of energy independence and renewable energy technologies.[17]

The Democratic Party of Virginia held its convention on May 17 in Williamsburg, Virginia and selected Keith Hummel, the only person running for the Democratic nomination at the time. Only four votes were cast to not nominate anyone.[18] A Westmoreland County physician and self-described "populist Democrat", Hummel also operates a farm and winery. The issues he was running on included enacting trade and tax policies to protect American jobs and American interests (rather than those of a few multinational corporations); using the military for defense rather than offensively; providing better health care and other benefits to veterans; and universal health care.[19]

Anarcho-capitalist Catlett resident Nathan Larson filed a declaration of candidacy on May 7, and was certified for the ballot on June 6. He was nominated by the Libertarian Party 1st Congressional District Convention on June 3[20][21] and endorsed by the Independent Greens of Virginia on June 12.[22] The main issues he was running on are free market roads and transit privatization,[23] which he proposed as the solution to DC Metropolitan area traffic congestion, recently ranked the second-worst in the country.[24] He supported auctioning off the Interstate Highway System and rail systems such as Amtrak to private investors.[25] Larson also sought to dissolve the U.S. military and establish a competitive market for defense services.[26] Prior to his campaign, Larson was a student senator and cannabis reform activist at George Mason University.[27][28]

US House election, 2008: Virginia District 1[29]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Robert J. Wittman 203,839 56.57
Democratic Bill S. Day 150,432 41.75
Libertarian Nathan D. Larson 5,265 1.46
Write-in Write-ins 756 0.21
Turnout 360,292 72.06
Republican hold Swing

District 2

Virginia's 2nd congressional district election, 2008
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Glenn Nye 141,857 52.40
Republican Thelma Drake (incumbent) 128,486 47.46
Write-ins 368 0.14
Total votes 270,711 100.00
Democratic gain from Republican

The District includes Virginia's two largest cities--Norfolk and Virginia Beach, and the Virginia portion of the Eastern Shore. Republican incumbent Thelma Drake lost to Democratic nominee Glenn Nye, a graduate of the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., who served as a diplomat in Eastern Europe, Kosovo and Macedonia, Singapore, Afghanistan, the West Bank, Gaza and Iraq.

In 2006, Drake survived a bid from Democrat Phil Kellam by only 51.27% to 48.45%.[30] In 2004, Drake received 55% of the vote in this Virginia Beach-based district, which was won by George W. Bush with 57% to 42% for John Kerry in 2004. But in 2005 Democratic Governor Tim Kaine won the district by 50% to 47%.[31] In 2006, Drake may have been hurt by the downfall of Republican U.S. Senator George Allen, who narrowly lost to Democrat Jim Webb, an ex-Republican and former Navy Secretary under Ronald Reagan. (Allen carried the district 51%–48%.[32])

Analysts: CQ Politics rated the seat "Leans Republican".[33] The Cook Political Report rated it "Republican Toss Up".[34] The Rothenberg Political Report rated it as "Toss-Up/Tilt Republican".[35] The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee considered Drake a "targeted Republican".[36]

District 3

Virginia's 3rd congressional district election, 2008
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Robert C. Scott (incumbent) 239,911 97.02
Write-ins 7,377 2.98
Total votes 247,288 100.00
Democratic hold

The District runs from Hampton Roads to Richmond. Democratic incumbent Robert C. Scott won unopposed. The Republican Party of Virginia did not listed any prospective opponent.[37]

Analysts: CQ Politics rates the seat "safe Democrat".[33]

History: Scott won re-election with 96% of the vote in 2006. That year Democrat Webb carried 68% of the district in his Senate race.[32] In 2005 Democrat Tim Kaine won the district by 71% to 27% in his gubernatorial race.[31]

District 4

Virginia's 4th congressional district election, 2008
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Randy Forbes (incumbent) 199,075 59.51
Democratic Andrea Miller 135,041 40.37
Write-ins 405 0.12
Total votes 334,521 100.00
Republican hold

The District lies in southeastern Virginia. Republican incumbent Randy Forbes won against Democratic nominee Andrea Miller (campaign website).

Analysts: CQ Politics rates the seat "safe Republican".[33]

History: Forbes won with 76% of the vote in 2006. That year Democrat Webb lost the district 45%–54% in his Senate race.[32] In 2005 Democrat Tim Kaine lost the district by 48.3% to 49.6% in his gubernatorial race.[31]

District 5

Virginia's 5th congressional district election, 2008
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Tom Perriello 158,810 50.09
Republican Virgil Goode (incumbent) 158,083 49.86
Write-ins 183 0.06
Total votes 317,076 100.00
Democratic gain from Republican

The District lies in southern and central Virginia. Democratic nominee Tom Perriello is the winner against Republican incumbent Virgil Goode.[38] A recount was conducted and Perriello was finally certified [39] as the winner by 727 of 316,893 votes on December 17, 2008.

Analysts: CQ Politics rated the seat "Leans Republican".[40] The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee considered Goode a "targeted Republican",[36] based partly on Perriello's early fundraising.[41] On August 1, the DCCC named Perriello as one of its Red to Blue candidates.[42]

History: Goode won re-election with 59% of the vote in 2006. That year Democrat Webb lost the district 45%–54% in his Senate race.[32] In 2005 Democrat Tim Kaine won the district by 49.6% to 48.4% in his gubernatorial race.[31] Goode originally won his seat as a Democrat in 1996, voted for President Clinton's impeachment in 1998, became an Independent in 2000, and then joined the Republican Party in 2002. He became the first Republican to represent the district since 1889.

District 6

Virginia's 6th congressional district election, 2008
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Bob Goodlatte (incumbent) 192,350 61.57
Democratic Sam Rasoul 114,367 36.61
Independent Janice Lee Allen 5,413 1.73
Write-ins 262 0.08
Total votes 312,392 100.00
Republican hold

The District lies in western Virginia. Republican incumbent Bob Goodlatte won against Democratic nominee Sam Rasoul (campaign website) and Independent Janice Lee Allen (campaign website Archived 2021-12-06 at the Wayback Machine).

Analysts: CQ Politics rates the seat "safe Republican".[33]

History: Goodlatte won with 75% of the vote in 2006. That year Democrat Webb lost the district 40%–58% in his Senate race.[32] In 2005 Democrat Tim Kaine lost the district by 44% to 53% in his gubernatorial race.[31]

District 7

The 7th District included western parts of Richmond, as well as its nearby suburbs in Henrico County, but otherwise is largely rural. CQ Politics rates the seat "Safe Republican".[33] The Cook Political Report rates it "Solid Republican".[43]

Incumbent Eric Cantor was the Republican nominee. He has held the seat since January 2001, having won in the U.S. House Elections of 2000 to succeed retiring Congressman Thomas J. Bliley, Jr. Cantor won the district in 2006 by 64% to 34%. Eric Cantor won the election, keeping this seat under Republican control.

Anita Hartke was the Democratic candidate. Mrs. Hartke, 48, is a resident of Amissville, Virginia in Culpeper County, though the town is primarily located in neighboring Rappahannock County. She is the daughter of the three-term US Senator from Indiana, Vance Hartke.[44] Her stated positions include improvements on the National Energy Policy by investing in alternative energy in order to reduce the use of foreign oil and fossil fuels. She believes that this would create more jobs that could not be outsourced while simultaneously fighting global warming. She also supports universal health care. Concerning the Iraq War, Hartke supports a gradual withdrawal of troops, stating that a brigade should be brought home every month. She supports reform of the controversial No Child Left Behind Act and increasing funding to the public school system. She also hopes to end student college loan rates in excess of 20%.[45]

Virginia's 7th congressional district election, 2008
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Eric Cantor (incumbent) 233,531 62.72
Democratic Anita Hartke 138,123 37.10
Write-ins 683 0.18
Total votes 372,337 100.00
Republican hold

District 8

Virginia's 8th congressional district election, 2008
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Jim Moran (incumbent) 222,986 67.94
Republican Mark Ellmore 97,425 29.68
Independent Greens J. Ron Fisher 6,829 2.08
Write-ins 957 0.29
Total votes 328,197 100.00
Democratic hold

The District lies in heavily suburban Northern Virginia. Democratic incumbent Jim Moran won against Republican nominee Mark Ellmore and Independent Green J. Ron Fisher.[46]

In the June 10, 2008, primary elections, Moran defeated Matthew T. Famiglietti, with 87% of the vote.[47] Ellmore won against Amit Singh, by 56% to 44%.[48]

Analysts: CQ Politics rates the seat "safe Democrat".[33]

History: Moran won by 66%–31% in 2006. That year Democrat Webb won the district 69%–30% in his Senate race.[32] In 2005 Democrat Tim Kaine won the district by 70% to 28% in his gubernatorial race.[31]

District 9

Virginia's 9th congressional district election, 2008
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Rick Boucher (incumbent) 207,306 97.07
Write-ins 6,264 2.93
Total votes 213,570 100.00
Democratic hold

The District covers much of Southwest Virginia. Democratic incumbent Rick Boucher won unopposed for re-election. The Republican Party of Virginia did not list any prospective opponent.[37]

Analysts: CQ Politics rates the seat "safe Democrat".[33]

History: Boucher won by 68%–32% in 2006. That year Democrat Webb lost the district 44%–55% in his Senate race.[32] In 2005 Democrat Tim Kaine lost the district by 43% to 55% in his gubernatorial race.[31]

District 10

Virginia's 10th congressional district election, 2008
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Frank Wolf (incumbent) 223,140 58.80
Democratic Judy Feder 147,357 38.83
Independent Neeraj Nigam 8,457 2.23
Write-ins 526 0.14
Total votes 379,480 100.00
Republican hold

The District lies in Northern and northwestern Virginia. It covers Loudoun, Prince William and parts of Fairfax and Fauquier counties, as well as Manassas.

Republican incumbent Frank Wolf won against Democratic nominee Judy Feder and Independent Neeraj Nigam[46] in the general election in November 2008. Feder defeated Mike R. Turner in the June 10, 2008, Democratic primary election by 62% to 38%.[47][49] On the same day, Wolf faced Vern McKinley in the Republican primary and won with 91% of the vote.[48]

Independent Neeraj Nigam also ran in 2006 and received 0.77%.[30]

Analysts: CQ Politics rates the seat "Republican favored".[33] The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee considers Wolf a "targeted Republican".[36] On August 1, the DCCC named Feder as one of its Red to Blue candidates.[42]

History: Wolf defeated Feder in 2006, 57% to 41%.[30] That year Democrat Webb won the district 50.0%–48.8% in his Senate race.[32] In 2005 Democrat Tim Kaine won the district by 50% to 46% in his gubernatorial race.[31] In 2004 George W. Bush won 55% of this district.

District 11

Virginia's 11th congressional district election, 2008
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Gerry Connolly 196,598 54.69
Republican Keith Fimian 154,758 43.05
Independent Greens Joseph Oddo 7,271 2.02
Write-ins 864 0.24
Total votes 359,491 100.00
Democratic gain from Republican

Democratic nominee Gerry Connolly, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, won against Republican nominee Keith Fimian, a former CPA, and Independent Green candidate Joseph Oddo in this open seat race.

Republican incumbent Thomas M. Davis announced his retirement on January 30, 2008. In 1994 Davis toppled one-term Democrat Leslie L. Byrne and rarely faced serious opposition in intervening years. However, his district, located in the wealthy Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC, has become increasingly Democratic over the years and will definitely be a top Democratic target. George W. Bush barely won this district with 50% to 49% for John Kerry, which includes part of Fairfax and Prince William counties, in 2004.

Fimian has personal wealth that he can draw upon.[50] So far he has self-financed $325,000 of his campaign funds.

Connolly won the June 10, 2008 primary with 58% of the vote, against Leslie L. Byrne (33%), Doug Denneny (6%), and Lori P. Alexander (3%).[47][51]

Oddo is certified for the ballot. He favors light rail as an alternative to HOT lanes.

Analysts: CQ Politics rates seat "Democrat Favored".[33] The Cook Political Report rates in "Likely Democratic".[34] The Rothenberg Political Report scores it "Lean Democratic".[52]

History: Davis won re-election 56%–44% in 2006. That year Democrat Webb won the district 55%–44% in his Senate race.[32] In 2005 Democrat Tim Kaine won the district by 56% to 42% in his gubernatorial race.[31]

See also

References

  1. ^ Official Results Archived 2010-02-08 at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^ "2008 Election Statistics". clerk.house.gov. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
  3. ^ Conversation with the Congressional Candidates, What Matters, October 15, 2008, archived from the original on August 11, 2020, retrieved June 16, 2020
  4. ^ "1st Congressional District Candidates' Sole 'Debate' Draws Full House". Archived from the original on December 2, 2010. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
  5. ^ http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/dp-local_firstdistrict-vg_1102nov02,0,3738147.story[permanent dead link]
  6. ^ Hat, The Flat. "Congressional debate touches on economy, health care | Flat Hat News". Archived from the original on November 23, 2020. Retrieved October 14, 2021.
  7. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on April 1, 2012. Retrieved July 21, 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  8. ^ "Rob Wittman for Congress". Archived from the original on June 19, 2008. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
  9. ^ http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/dp-local_housemoney_0617jun17,0,4378561.storyhe[permanent dead link]
  10. ^ "The Online Office of Congressman Rob Wittman - Ghost Fleet". Archived from the original on May 5, 2008. Retrieved May 11, 2008.
  11. ^ "The Online Office of Congressman Rob Wittman - Taxes & Economy". Archived from the original on May 5, 2008. Retrieved May 11, 2008.
  12. ^ "The Online Office of Congressman Rob Wittman - Veterans". Archived from the original on May 5, 2008. Retrieved May 11, 2008.
  13. ^ "Fredericksburg.com - Wittman's bill looks at out-of-state trash". Archived from the original on December 4, 2008. Retrieved June 14, 2008.
  14. ^ Bill Day Announcement Archived 2020-06-16 at the Wayback Machine Fred2Blue
  15. ^ Day for Delegate Archived 2008-04-15 at the Wayback Machine 2007 house of delegates campaign website
  16. ^ Virginia Public Access Project Archived 2014-02-02 at the Wayback Machine Virginia Public Access Project
  17. ^ Bill Day for Congress 2008 Archived 2008-08-22 at the Wayback Machine official campaign website
  18. ^ "Democratic Party of Virginia | Event | Meeting, 1st Congressional District Democratic Committee". Archived from the original on August 6, 2008. Retrieved May 11, 2008.
  19. ^ Hummel for Congress Archived 2008-07-05 at the Wayback Machine official campaign website
  20. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on June 4, 2008. Retrieved May 24, 2008.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  21. ^ "Virginia State Board of Elections : CandidatesList-Results". Archived from the original on August 6, 2008. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
  22. ^ "Third Party Watch » Blog Archive » Independent Greens congrats to Nathan Larson for making ballot for Congress".[permanent dead link]
  23. ^ "Voters Guide: Three Looking to Take Virginia's 1st District Seat in Congress|NewsChannel 8". Archived from the original on November 8, 2008. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
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  25. ^ "Transportation - Larson2008". Archived from the original on October 9, 2008. Retrieved June 27, 2008.
  26. ^ "Fauquier Times". Archived from the original on November 21, 2008. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
  27. ^ "LPVA - News". Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
  28. ^ "Grievance filed over marijuana bill". Archived from the original on June 29, 2008. Retrieved July 5, 2008.
  29. ^ "Virginia Elections Database » 2008 U.S. House General Election District 1". Virginia Elections Database. Archived from the original on June 14, 2021. Retrieved October 14, 2021.
  30. ^ a b c "General Election- November 6, 2006". Virginia State Board of Elections. Archived from the original on May 1, 2009. Retrieved May 18, 2008. Official results.
  31. ^ a b c d e f g h i "General Election- November 8, 2005". Virginia State Board of Elections. Archived from the original on May 1, 2007. Retrieved May 18, 2008. Official gubernatorial results by congressional district.
  32. ^ a b c d e f g h i "General Election- November 8, 2005". Virginia State Board of Elections. Archived from the original on October 7, 2008. Retrieved May 18, 2008. Official senatorial results by congressional district.
  33. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Balance of Power Scorecard: House". CQ Politics. Archived from the original on October 28, 2010. Retrieved August 26, 2008. Note, the percentages are incorrectly rounded.
  34. ^ a b "2008 Competitive House Race Chart". Cook Political Report. November 4, 2008. Archived from the original on December 9, 2008. Retrieved December 12, 2008.
  35. ^ 2008 House Ratings Archived 2008-11-06 at the Wayback Machine The Rothenberg Political Report, November 2, 2008
  36. ^ a b c "2008 Races Map: South". Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Archived from the original on March 18, 2008. Retrieved May 18, 2008.
  37. ^ a b "2008 Candidate Rosters". Republican Party of Virginia. Archived from the original on May 19, 2008. Retrieved May 18, 2008.
  38. ^ "Election Results". CBS News. Archived from the original on February 17, 2012.
  39. ^ "Perriello declared winner in 5th District recount". Daily Progress (Charlottesville, Va.). December 17, 2008. Archived from the original on January 26, 2009. Retrieved December 18, 2008.
  40. ^ Race to Watch: U.S. House, Virginia - 5th District Archived 2008-09-18 at the Wayback Machine CQ Politics
  41. ^ Reed, Ray (April 2, 2008). "National Democratic Party added Goode–Periello race to target list". The News & Advance. (via WSLS-TV). Archived from the original on December 10, 2008. Retrieved May 18, 2008.
  42. ^ a b Blake, Aaron (August 1, 2008). "DCCC adds six to Red to Blue". TheHill.com. Archived from the original on September 28, 2008. Retrieved August 1, 2008.
  43. ^ "2008 Competitive House Race Chart". Cook Political Report. Archived from the original on October 5, 2010. Retrieved August 26, 2008.
  44. ^ "Anitha Hartke for Congress". Archived from the original on August 25, 2008. Retrieved August 26, 2008.
  45. ^ "Anitha Hartke for Congress: Issues". Archived from the original on July 30, 2008. Retrieved August 26, 2008.
  46. ^ a b "Tuesday, November 04, 2008 General Elections: Candidates [House of Representatives]". Virginia State Board of Elections. Archived from the original on July 31, 2008. Retrieved July 20, 2008.
  47. ^ a b c 2008 June Democratic Primary Unofficial Results Archived 2008-06-11 at the Wayback Machine, Virginia State Board of Elections. Retrieved on 2008-06-11.
  48. ^ a b June Republican Primary Unofficial Results Archived 2008-06-11 at the Wayback Machine, Virginia State Board of Elections. Retrieved on 2008-06-11.
  49. ^ Connolly, Wolf, Moran Win Primaries Archived 2008-09-26 at the Wayback Machine, WRC, 2008-11-06.
  50. ^ Gardner, Amy (April 26, 2008). "Contenders Reach to the Left in House Race in Va". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on September 7, 2008. Retrieved May 19, 2008.
  51. ^ Connolly Wins Dem Nomination For Davis' Seat Archived 2008-09-22 at the Wayback Machine, CBS News, 2008-06-10.
  52. ^ "2008 House Ratings". Rothenberg Political Report. May 23, 2008. Archived from the original on June 11, 2008. Retrieved May 23, 2008.

External links