Amy Gardner is out with a report that doesn’t really report much—just that Pat Herrity, who barely lost a county-wide special election to fill Rep. Gerry Connolly’s seat, may be seeking again to replace Connolly, this time in Congress. Ever since Herrity’s near-win, speculation about his future political career has run rampant in GOP circles (Herrity is preparing another run for County Chairman in 2011, though he hasn’t yet made up his mind). But I’m not sure that a run for Congress plays into that future, even if he would stand a good chance of knocking off Connolly.
The more interesting news from my standpoint is that he’s been approached numerous times to throw his name into the ring… as has Del. Tim Hugo, another GOP rising star that I think would be a great candidate (see my post from two years ago). Now, I like Keith Fimian and I think he did a good job as a first-time candidate in 2008 when the cards were obviously stacked against him. However, I believe primaries are good for the party, and I’m anxious to see if anyone actually does get in the race. Apparently, many in the party are anxious to see that as well.
UPDATE: TC here, wanted to disclose I am a supporter of Keith’s and am working with him this cycle. This past weekend we launched a new website design at http://www.keithfimian.com
![[Post to Twitter]](http://www.tooconservative.com/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/icons/tt-twitter.png){kind=icon}
Nov 18th by VA Blogger
He would be an excellent choice.
Michael
on November 18th, 2009Herrity would make this race very interesting. As a political junkie I would like to see him jump in just because it would be so much more fun to watch than a Connolly/Fimian rematch.
.
I think the better bet is that he runs for Fairfax County Chair in 2011 though.
Dan
on November 18th, 2009I hope Pat Herrity does run against Connolly. He runs a great race, he has long time experience and name recognition in this area, and he would make a great Congressman. Go, Pat, go.
Loudoun Watcher
on November 18th, 2009“Now, I like Keith Fimian and I think he did a good job as a first-time candidate in 2008 when the cards were obviously stacked against him. However, I believe primaries are good for the party.”
My thoughts exactly, VAB. I’m strongly leaning towards Fimian this time around, just because I think 2008 was a bit of a wash year, and he ran very hard in a tough environment for the GOP. But, we’ve got a great team of candidates, here, and a healthy debate is always welcome. Between Hugo, Herrity, Fimian, and whoever else wants to throw their hat in, you’ll get that.
edm
on November 18th, 2009Pat is easily the best candidate for the 11th. Though Keith ran well ahead of McCain in the 11th in 08, that is more that people hate Gerry that much rather than people liked Keith. Keith is a great person, but he simply does not have the skill to beat Boss Connolly. Pat Herrity for Congress.
Sullyistheheart
on November 18th, 2009Fimian did OK, but Hugo or Herrity would be much better choices.
Loudoun Insider
on November 18th, 2009Pat is well poised to beat Bulova if he runs. Connolly, on the other hand, is more entrenched. Fimian is a good candidate, and the same smears that worked last time are unlikely to have the same kind of pull in an election where he’s very near the top of the ticket.
.
Frankly, I don’t know if Pat wants to do something like this. I think Pat’s focus has always been on Fairfax and the statewide, rather than something federal.
.
If this does turn into a primary, it could be tough, given I like, respect and have supported both of these guys.
Brian S.
on November 18th, 2009[...] also mentioned Tim Hugo. Bloggers have been swarming over this news like vultures. Check here, and here [...]
I’d like to see some intelligent commentary on this issue. « Red NoVA
on November 18th, 2009I would very much like to see Pat Herrity on the ballot in 2010 as the Republican nominee for Congress. Pat offers a vast list of positive attributes a candidate should have:
1. Friendly and engaging
2. Understands the issues
3. Has managed a company’s finances
4. Has a base of support
Truth be told, Rep. Connolly is going to be difficult to take down in 2010, unless we have a candidate who has a base to draw from. As a sitting Supervisor, Mr. Herrity offers just that. Beyond my personal appreciation for Pat’s leadership and moreover his attitude as an Elected Official who gets things done, I know Pat would make a great candidate and a great Congressman.
David S.
on November 18th, 2009I would love to see Keith given another chance. He is a very promising candidate and a great guy, however his campaign wasn’t taken to the full potential. I would love to see Keith run again with a great staff.
maa
on November 18th, 2009YIPPPEEEE………….This is what I’ve been hoping to hear! I LOVE Pat Herrity and I believe he’s the only candidate with a good chance of beating Connelly. He’s got the name recognition and a MUCH better personality than Connelly.
Brian, do you honestly think a politician would rather run a county, or have job in Richmond, as opposed to being in the US CONGRESS?! PUHLEEZE. You’re not being rational.
BTW, I too like Keith Fimian. I just like Pat more and think he has a much better chance of beating Connelly, something I really, really, really, want to happen.
Lovettsville Lady
on November 18th, 2009To be fair, LL, I know a lot of people, both inside and outside of politics, who would have absolutely no interest in going to Congress. I may disagree with them, but I can’t say I blame them.
VA Blogger
on November 18th, 2009There are very rarely candidates that bring no major minuses to the table. Pat Herrity is one of those candidates. He has the business experience necessary to win in the 11th. He has the name id. He has the history. He is the perfect package. Now in Amy’s article she said Big Business has backed Gerry over the years. Yes this was true, when he was Chairman of the Board and ran a well-oiled machine in Fairfax. When he had direct control whether certain permits were processed while others were not. Without that bully pulpit, business deserts him in droves. Developers do not have the money to give to Gerry and thus Gerry is left up to Gerry to defend himself.
This brings the discussion back to Keith vs Pat. Keith would be a solid candidate in this particular scenario. He has the money to compete and could do well in the seat. Pat may not have the money but the Herrity Machine in Fairfax would rock Gerry’s world. Pat is the slam dunk, while Keith is the layup. All Keith does is bring money. Pat brings experience. Which one would you rather have lead you in Congress.
The answer is clear–Herrity 2010. Lets turn this fiscal train wreck around.
Sullyistheheart
on November 18th, 2009Lovettsville, yes, I honestly do believe that. Frankly, I would much rather be a delegate in Richmond or hold statewide office than be in Congress. There are plenty of other political professionals who I think would agree with me there. It’s a thankless job.
Brian S
on November 19th, 2009“I know a lot of people, both inside and outside of politics, who would have absolutely no interest in going to Congress.”
*
No kidding. Most people I know (all of whom would be excellent) couldn’t afford the pay cut.
Cato the Elder
on November 19th, 2009True, while in Congress they don’t make much. Then they can do what Tom Davis did, and make $1.5 million a year. Being a Congressman sure boosts a resume. Being a Congressman is a tad more glamorous than being state senator or Springfield Supervisor. Many politicians are interested in the limelight, the fame, having their name on the news, and in history. I realize that there are some politicians who don’t care about those things. I’m sure I’ve met one. Sometime. Somewhere. Frank Wolf probably comes the closest, he’s a real work horse, but I seriously doubt that he would prefer to be the Hunter Mill Supervisor or swap his job for one in the state senate.
Lovettsville Lady
on November 19th, 2009I just heard another candidate may get into the race. I heard Mark Johnson is looking at the race.
CliftonRep
on December 11th, 2009Pat Herrity got pasted for skipping 103 votes by Bulova. So he’s going to skip more meetings at taxpayer expense to run for Congress. His slogan can be same politician differet name. I’m so sick of the virginia establishment
Frank
on December 14th, 2009Herrity represents a group of republicans that absolutely ruined Fairfax County with a “plan” that allowed for it to go blue. Herrity has to be the least well read person I have ever met in a public office. He doesn’t have the speaking ability or the past to run for a federal office. He needs to learn his place and these old boy republicans like Tom Davis and Mike Thompson need to butt out of these races and know that nobody wants them ruining any more elections for their benefit. I mean think about it what has Pat Herrity ACTUALLY done on the Board of Supervisors…NOTHING not only that he lost the last election he ran in, that was also county-wide.
Freedom Fighter
on December 15th, 2009Keith Fimian is the right candidate for the 11th CD. He knows how to create jobs, he wants to serve all the citizens of the 11th, and he is a political outsider not raised in a political dynasty. Kieth makes Fairfax County relavent on the national stage by building coalitions throughout the 11th CD and to similiarly situated Districts throughout the country.
Pat is best suited to lead Fairfax County from the Chairman’s seat on the board of supervisors. That’s how he best serves the citizens of Fairfax County. Running for Congress is how he best serves himself and his Magistirial District political organization. He’s political machine is no different than Jerry Connelly’s. The 11th CD doesn’t want a Republican Party boss to replace the Democrates Party boss.
I challege you to support Keith Fimian, send him $20.10 to win in 2010
Brett M
on January 25th, 2010