Well Phil Kellam had a similar background to McCabe and he was barely beaten in 2006. I wonder if this District would be harder to win in 2008, however, as it is quite Republican.
Actually, I always wondered why Kellam lost in 2006 when it was the kind of perfect storm situation for him with a Democrat like Webb beating Allen (though I'm assuming Webb lost here narrowly as well?). Thelma Drake had won by just 55%-45% in 2004 so I assumed she was vulnerable enough? Can anyone answer this question?
A story broke in fall about a past assault charge on a woman; I think the case was dismissed, it had something do with a car accident, but you do not want that kind of news coming out late in a campaign. Drake polled poorly earlier in the year but I don't believe that was a personal negative so much as her weak and recent hold on the seat. She's not from Va. Beach and stepped in late in 2004 against a third-tier Democrat so she'd never run a serious campaign district-wide.
I wouldn't say this guy represents the same background as Kellam, since Kellam was running on his family roots and experience in government financial affairs.
BTW, I suppose this means the Democrats' "Congressman McDreamy" strategy from 2006 has been retired.
The assault story almost certainly cost Kellam the election.
