Greater Falls Church School Bulletin Board

"I am blessed to represent one of the most progressive, caring communities in the nation if not the world," Rep. Jim Moran told a lively crowd of over 100 gathered in Alexandria to help him kick off his campaign for re-election to a seventh term in the U.S. Congress.

"What motivates me is a very intense determination to take our country back from the privileged, selfish, narrow minded and mean-spirited, and give it back to our children," Moran said in a impassioned speech that was met with a standing ovation.

"I am inspired by a vision of the best," he said. "We must focus on goals that lift us above our petty differences." Moran, who represents the 8th District of Virginia that includes the City of Falls Church, called for a united Democratic Party effort to elect Sen. John Kerry to the U.S. presidency in November.

He called what President Bush has done "to turn a $5.6 trillion surplus into a $4.5 trillion deficit" both "unbelievable" and "unfair to our grandchildren."

Moran was preceded at the campaign rally by a number of public officials and other supporters of his candidacy. "He's strong because he fights for the right reasons," said one. "He's our congressman. He's our fighter. Let's put him in for another round," exclaimed another. Also present with Moran were his two children, Patrick and Dorothy.

Among the dignitaries present were State Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple, whose 31st District includes the City of Falls Church, and Falls Church Mayor Dan Gardner.

Moran will run in the Democratic primary on June 6 against one opponent, Andy Rosenberg of Arlington.