Take Your Pick: Long List of Potential Candidates to Replace Moran

By Drew Hansen

U.S. Rep. Jim Moran’s announcement Wednesday that he will not seek re-election immediately opened talk of a crowded and potentially heated battle to replace the longtime House member.

The 8th District is considered a Democratic stronghold; it gave President Obama 68 percent of the vote in 2012 and Republicans are unlikely to field a prime candidate given the district’s makeup, according to The Washington Post.

But it is likely a wide array of Northern Virginia Democrats will throw their names into the primary race.

State Sen. Adam Ebbin said Wednesday he would give consideration to running.

"With the 2014 legislative session just beginning, I am working hard every day for the people of the 30th Senate District. I am honored that people think I'd make a good Congressman, and I will give it the serious consideration it deserves,” Ebbin said. “I hope to have more to say about this in the future."

Ben Pershing of The Washington Post tweeted that a bevy of Democrats have also confirmed they are considering a run, including former Alexandria mayor Kerry Donley, current Mayor Bill Euille, Del. Charniele Herring (also chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia), Del. Patrick Hope, Del. Alfonso Lopez and Fairfax County Supervisor Jeff McKay.

State Sen. Barbara Favola has said she is not considering a run for congress.  

The editors of Blue Virginia and Not Larry Sabato, two local political blogs, have also cited former U.S. Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra, Del. Rob Krupicka, Moran’s former primary opponent Bruce Shuttleworth, Del. Scott Surovell and Arlington County Board member Walter Tejada as potential Democratic candidates.  

Former congressional aide Micah Edmund announced he was exploring a GOP bid prior to Moran’s announcement.   

Tell us: Who do you think would make a good candidate? Are there any of the suggested candidates that stand out to you? Let us know in the comments below.