With “retired Navy Commander and small business owner” Elaine Luria (D) launching her campaign for Virginia’s Second Congressional District as I write this, the number of Democrats vying to take on first-term Rep. Scott Taylor (R) is growing. So far, by my count, the following Democrats have either declared or are expected to declare shortly in VA-02. As far as I’m concerned, the candidate best able to defeat Taylor should get the nomination. We’ll see over the next few months who that Democrat might be.
Elaine Luria: A 20-year Navy veteran, “I am running for Congress to fight for the families of Hampton Roads. The core values of Security, Equality, and Prosperity will serve as my compass in representing the people of Virginia’s 2nd District.” Note that Luria is being endorsed today by State Sen. Lynwood Lewis and former VA-02 Democratic candidate Dave Belote.
Karen Mallard: “As a public school teacher Karen Mallard has spent her entire adult life fighting for Virginia’s children and now she’s ready to bring that tenacity and devotion to public service to Congress by repealing and replacing Republican incumbent Scott Taylor in Virginia’s 2nd congressional district.” For more on Karen Mallard from a supporter, see here.
Gary Hubbard: “Garry is a long-time small business owner, here in the Hampton Roads area. For over 31 years he ran Hubbard Brothers Construction, at times employing more then 70 employees. Born in the coal mines of Kentucky, Garry learned at an early age the meaning of hard work.”
Shaun Brown (I’m not 100% sure she’s still in the race following this news; also see that her website is down): “Shaun Brown is an economist, management consultant, small business owner and a champion for voters in Virginia who are tired of politics as usual.”
David Nygaard (rumored to be getting in the race soon): “David Nygaard Fine Jewelers is the premier custom design full service jeweler in Virginia Beach…In 2006, David was named the Virginia Business of the Year after successfully expanding his business from one to seven stores in just four years.” UPDATE: Looks like I was given bad info on this guy, as he was a prominent Cooch supporter in 2013! So much for him. UPDATE #2: Believe it or not…WTF? (“Jeweler David Nygaard announced that Friday he will be filing the paperwork to officially launch his candidacy for the Democratic nomination against Rep. Scott Taylor for Virginia’s 2nd District seat.”)
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