Third Congressional District (VA-3): The Basics

The Third Congressional District in Virginia (VA-3) is the proud home of Congressman Bobby Scott, who endorsed Howard Dean in December 2003 and worked so hard with us throughout our campaign in Virginia.

The 3rd District is one of the most strangely configured Congressional districts in the country, encompassing the largely urban areas of Richmond, Newport News, Portsmouth, Norfolk, and Hampton City as well as parts of Henrico County and New Kent, Charles City, Prince George, and Surry counties.

Voter turnout for the Democratic Presidential primary in CD-3 was 11.92%, the second highest turnout in the state. Dean carried 4.66% of the vote in CD-3. He ran strongest in Newport News City (5.0%), Norfolk City (5.2%), and Richmond City (6.1%).

In 2002, Bobby Scott faced no Republican challenger and won re-election with 96% of the vote. This year, he faces Republican Winsome Sears, who in 2001 became the first black female Republican to be elected to the Virginia General Assembly, defeating a Democratic incumbent. She resigned her seat in the assembly last year.

Though many people believe that Bobby Scott has a safe seat, we all know that fighting any Republican challenger is hard work. Bobby Scott stood with us through thick and thin during and after the primary season.

What can Dean Democrats throughout Virginia do to support Bobby Scott in his re-election bid? Please use the comments area to disscuss.

Comments

[kathy in virginia]

I've been blogging for so long as "kathy in virginia" I can't stop, even though it might be more helpful now to say "kathy in richmond."

Anyway, I never knew what a great rep Boby Scott was until this year. So many times recently I've seen a message on the DFA blog that says "go write your reps and ask them to support bill X" and when I go check Bobby Scott's webpage, he's already signed on to support whatever it is. The first time that happened was the bill about paper trails for electronic voting. So I'm doing whatever I can to support him, and I am SO GLAD I live in his district, even if it means I won't have the pleasure of voting against Eric Cantor (please, please, somebody run against him.)

[rich kolker]

Bobby Scott did more than contribute his name to Howard Dean in Virginia. He contributed his time, attending staff meetings many weeks and staying with us through the good and the bad.

He deserves our support in any way we can help.

[lindab]

Bobby Scott is one of the hardest working people I know, always for the adverage person.
The lady he is running against doesn't ever live in N.N. Her family is in Winchester and she commutes there every week. She took an aparment in N.N. to please the Rep. party so the would have an African American running against Bobby. We love Bobby Scott and he will win in a landslide.

[Robin]

The Richmond area Democracy for America group, meeting 1st Wednesdays at Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hosp., 2+ blocks south of the intersection of Broad and Libbie (7:20-7:30 p.m., is backing Bobby Scott.

I'm trying to organize door-to-door canvassing in East Henrico, particularly Sullivans precinct, Varina District Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons (when it's not too hot)to:

1. extend invitations to join the Henrico Democratic Party, for those who might be interested

2. give a plug for Bobby

3. "ID" voters

4. register the unregistered

5. identify potential precinct workers

If you can help, e-mail me!

This precinct votes 70-80% Democratic, but is underrepresented in the Party structure. A vote for Bobby is ALSO probably a vote for Kerry, so let's get those Bobby Scott votes identified and to the polls on 11/2.

E-mail Robin to volunteer....specify dates (Saturdays-Sundays), or even the 7-9 p.m. period on weekdays. Patriot451@aol.com

[Robin]

I'm not getting many volunteers to canvass for Bobby and register voters. Do you guys think this is a crucial election OR NOT?

Do democrats Walk the Walk? Or do they only Talk the Talk?

I hear people talking about how important this is, but they're not DOING anything. George Bush's campaign just contacted tens of thousands of churches in America asking for help to reach all their congregations. Are we going to let them get away with that?

Looks like maybe we are....and that saddens me.

[rebelkate]

I recently submitted Bobby to MoveOn.org. They are looking for local candidates to endorse, and soliciting information on local candidates from the members. I think the deadline to be in the first round of candidates is passed - but you can still go and nominate Bobby too!

http://www.moveon.org/pac/news/nominate.html

I'm sorry you had trouble getting people to canvass for Bobby - I hope you go to the Kerry Meetup this week and ask for more volunteers there. I know its always frustrating to find volunteers to do anything beyond sitting at home and complaining, but keep at it.

[Wesley Patrick Schoonmaker Jr.]

Dear Mr. Scott,

I am writting you too inform you so as you might inform the president of a old world war two statigy of keeping fouren nationals in U.S. who have relitive in the notions the U.S. is currently at war with.

During world war two Japaines nationals were detained in U.S. Today because this stratigy has not been implimented nucliar matirial cappable of fission from inplact or naturaly as occured in the Rusian tundra in nineteen eighteen is now in terrorest hands in the untied states C.N.N.

Should America Close the Borders for all international transit until through background check can be made of citizzen' and buissness-men's communications with all persons over seas then america could be safe from any atack from within.

Respecfully,

Wesley Patrick Schoonmaker Jr.