There has been a significant amount of discussion recently about whether or not current Springfield Supervisor Elaine McConnell would seek reelection. Pat Herrity’s campaign, however, has now announced that McConnell will be a “special guest” at his campaign kickoff event. As a result, I believe it’s safe to say that she will not be seeking reelection. Herrity, who it was rumored would run even if McConnell didn’t retire, will now face Democratic Candidate Mike McClannahan for the honor of representing the Springfield District on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
McConnell’s exit from the race will have a clear impact on the campaign of both candidates because she was a moderate Republican who had the potential to win some crossover votes. Herrity, on the other hand, makes his home on the extreme Right and will not be as attractive to Independents and moderate Democrats. In other words, this move makes a Democratic pick up here even more likely.
Filed under: Virginia Politics
