Alexandria native and Republican Mark Ellmore will take on 18-year incumbent Jim Moran in the upcoming general election Nov. 4.
Moran has represented Virgina’s 8th congressional district — which spans Alexandria, Arlington and Reston — since 1991. The district traditionally leans Democratic, having give Moran nearly 60 percent of the vote in 2004.
Moran is considered to be one of the more socially liberal members of the U.S. Congress. Earlier this year, he joined the congressional Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender caucus to advocate for the rights of same sex couples. He also has been a strong opponent of the War in Iraq since its outset, having voted against its original authorization.
Ellmore advocates lower taxes and has come out in favor of putting a fence along the U.S./Mexican border to help deal with the issue of illegal immigration. Ellmore said the United States should open more of its land and offshore area up to drilling for oil. He also supports using more nuclear power plants and "clean" coal technologies to provide more energy.
For more information on the candidates, visit their Web sites – www.markellmore08.com and www.jimmoran.org.