The race in the 1st CD

The race for the seat in the 1st Congressional District, made necessary by the death of Rep. Jo Ann Davis, has heated up. The special election will be held December 11. With eleven announced candidates on the Republican side, I had planned to attend their convention (it is open to the public) because I figured it would be an interesting free-for-all to cover As it turns out, the Democratic convention will be held the same day and with the announcement by Shawn O’Donnell that he will not be running, combined with his request that the delegates come to the convention uncommitted, I expect there may be some serious activity there as well. As many as four candidates are expected on the Democratic side. Ah, if I could only clone myself

The Republican convention will be at Caroline High School (19155 Rogers Clark Blvd. Milford, VA), beginning at 1pm. The Democratic convention will be at Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel and Suites (105 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg VA) beginning at 2pm.

As I’ve said before, the 1st CD is a reliably Republican district, with Bush getting 60% in 2004, Kilgore 51% in 2005, and Allen 54% in 2006. The Democratic candidate will have an uphill battle here but the Republican candidate won’t be a complete shoo-in. As is normally the case in special elections, a lot will turn on GOTV.