Democrats in Virginia’s Eighth Congressional District will vote Tuesday in a primary to select their nominee for the fall elections. Veteran incumbent Congressman Jim Moran faces a challenge by Andy Rosenberg, a young corporate attorney who is making his first run for public office. Boundaries of the 8th District changed after the 2000 Census, resulting in about half of Mason District’s precincts being redrawn from the 11th into the 8th. Precincts now with Falls Church addresses in the Eighth District include Baileys, Glen Forest, Skyline, Walnut Hill I, Westlawn, Whittier, and Willston.
If you compare the candidates on the issues, you will find little difference. Both endorse basic Democratic ideals: education, affordable health care, good jobs, and repro-ductive rights. So what other distinctions help a voter select a nominee? Experience counts! Serving in Congress should not be on-the-job training. I believe a significant community resume is essential in order to understand and ably serve constituent needs. Jim Moran has the experience and the resume; his opponent does not.
Jim Moran has spent the past quarter-century in public service. Prior to becoming Mayor of Alexandria, Jim served on the City Council and was vice-mayor. He was elected to Congress in 1990, and has been re-elected in each succeeding campaign. He consistently has worked to make sure that 8th District residents have access to good health care, clean air and water, and a sound education. Jim’s leadership on environmental issues goes beyond the 8th District. Due to his efforts, local governments in our region now have more resources to help identify and preserve green space. Jim worked with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) to develop a regional map of parks and greenways that will help local elected officials, land use planners, and residents prepare for future needs on both sides of the Potomac.
Jim Moran serves on the House Appropriation and Budget Committees, chief “money” committees that rely on a member’s seniority and experience. Defense technology dollars, METRO funding, additional federal monies for gang interdiction, and increased aid to emergency responders to prepare for potential terrorist attacks are just some of the areas that Jim’s vital work garners for the 8th District. It takes years to develop that kind of expertise. Jim Moran has it; Andy Rosenberg does not.
I have known Jim Moran for many years and have found him to be accessible and responsive to the needs of Mason District. His passion for public service, for children’s needs, for the environment, and for education is well-known. I hope you will consider Jim Moran when you vote in the Democratic Primary on Tuesday, June 8. You may vote at your regular polling place from 6:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.