U.S. Rep. James P. Moran greeted a crowd of more than 300 Democratic Party loyalists to cheers and the music of Bruce Springsteen in the Ballroom at the Mark Hilton in Alexandria.
Moran won re-election in Virginia’s Eighth District, defeating Lisa Marie Cheney by a margin of 62 percent to 34 percent, with Jim Hurysz, an independent candidate, garnering 3.4 percent of the vote.
“This is about much more than just an election: it’s about our values and who we are as Americans,” said Moran. “We need to let the rest of the world know that we understand what America is and must be as leaders of the world.
“We really have much to celebrate tonight. We really are going to forge a new future for our families and our children. We may not carry Virginia this year but with this record turn-out, I think people understand that the leadership is here in Northern Virginia,” he said.
Almost a hundred supporters of Lisa Marie Cheney gathered at the home of Nancy Dever Tuesday night to hear from their candidate. She was introduced by Dever, who said, "I am honored to have everyone here in our home. It's an honor and a privilege to introduce a woman who we've all gotten to know and respect."
"We didn't get him this time, but we will get him next time," Cheney said. "We will watch every move he makes and we're going to be waiting — in two years, Jim Moran will not have this seat."
Cheney thanked all her supporters, and especially campaign co-chairs Bernie Schulz and Eddie Page, Clark Unger, Chris Marston and Kelly Rogers. She thanked her family for their support — her husband, Cmdr. David Cheney, Matthew Joseph and Taylor, as well as her adopted mother, Katherine McKeown, birth mother, Sandy Wagner and mother-in-law, Lorraine Cheney.
David Cheney said that they planned to let the children miss school Wednesday, so that they could stay up and partake in the activities. He said that his wife would take a few days off to relax before returning to her consulting job and reconnecting with clients.
THE TURN-OUT was high with more than 65 percent of all registered voters casting votes in the Eighth District Congressional race, according to unofficial state election results.
“We were really pleased with the turn-out,” said Del. Brian Moran (D-45) the congressman’s younger brother. “I worked the polls and the lines were long all day.”
Some voters waited as long as two hours to cast votes in Arlington and Alexandria. “I stood in line for about an hour,” said Alexandria Councilman Paul Smedberg. “We are very pleased with the number of new voters who participated in this election and who seem to be truly energized.”
Moran hopes to turn the high turn-out into more participation in future elections. “We have a terrific governor and an amazing group of elected officials here in Northern Virginia,” he said. “The record number of voters bodes well for our recruiting more good candidates and taking Virginia in the next election. Thank you for your trust in me and for giving me the opportunity to continue to represent Virginia’s Eighth District,” he said.