Glenn Nye has announced his candidacy for the 2nd Congressional district. The 2nd Congressional District covers the City of Virginia Beach, a portion of Norfolk, and the Eastern Shore. The seat is currently occupied by Republican Thelma Drake, the subject of an editorial in Thursday’s Virginian Pilot. The Pilot’s editorial board, even though they endorsed her in 2006, is not a fan:
Since Drake believes the primary problem has been the president’s inability to communicate, Second District voters might want to consider who, precisely, is having trouble listening.
As it turns out, one of the people I had a chance to chat with yesterday during my trip to the GA was the Republican chair of the 2nd. I asked if Drake will face a intraparty challenge this year, given the rumblings by Sheriff Paul Lanteigne last cycle. He said that they are not anticipating such a challenge.
Nye may have competition for the Democratic nomination. Although time is getting quite short (the filing deadline is April 11), there remains a possibility that others, including Finance Secretary and former 2nd district candidate Jody Wagner, may enter the race.
From the press releas:
Glenn Nye, a foreign affairs expert and former diplomat, announced today that he is running
for Congress as a Democrat in Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District. Nye will bring his understanding of foreign policy and ability to broker compromise to Washington, and will be a true leader for his community.
“I worked side by side with our soldiers who are doing heroic work, but I believe there is no military solution to the war in Iraq. It’s time we get our soldiers out of the line of fire through a safe and secure withdrawal. Economically, we can help the Iraqis to help themselves, but it’s time for the Iraqi government to take the lead so we can spend American money on American priorities.”
Glenn Nye has spent his adult life answering the call to serve in conflict zones around the world as a U.S. diplomat and economic development expert, serving over the past decade with the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Coming from a family with deep Virginia roots and a strong history of service to country in the armed forces, Nye has devoted his career to advancing American interests and values around the world.
“Virginians deserve a real leader who will take a strong, independent stand for their priorities – and that’s what we’re missing in Congress right now,” Nye continued. “It’s time for real investments in America, and serious steps to get the economy back on track, take better care of our veterans, promote affordable and accessible healthcare, and achieve energy independence.”
Nye grew up in Norfolk, Virginia and is a graduate of the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. He recently returned home to Hampton Roads from Iraq, where he advised a USAID program, working closely with military colleagues to stabilize Iraqi neighborhoods by creating employment for over 70,000 Iraqis. In 2001, Nye received the State Department’s Superior Honor Award for organizing the rescue of American citizens caught behind insurgent lines in Macedonia.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
Come on, I think Troy Farlow should run again for the Second District!
Jody made it clear to a small group of Dems in Richmond this week that she is NOT running for Congress, so I was told. She says she has no interest in a Congressional race at this time and has other plans, including helping the Governor through the current fiscal problems. Many are still encouraging her to run statewide, especially since Congress is out of the question at this point.
Word also has it in Richmond that Henry Light is reconsidering his earlier decision and MIGHT be persuaded to run. Still some buzz going around about Meyera Oberndorf is being asked to run also.
Glenn is very well-positioned to deliver a resounding victory for Drake in 2008. He’s unemployed, he’s lied about his resume (he’s never been a diplomat!), has no connection to the district as an adult, has no record of service in this community, is single and childless and no one in Virginia Beach (save for the glamour liberati) knows who he is. He’s the perfect Democrat candidate.
Negotiating the release of hostages does not make one a diplomat? How about organizing economic relief on the West Bank.
You are right, definitely not as qualified as a realtor.