Posted on 08/19/2003 4:02:52 AM PDT by chambley1
Less than two weeks after announcing his candidacy, Arlington County Board member Jay Fisette said Monday he will not challenge U.S. Rep. James P. Moran in the 2004 Democratic primary race for the 8th District.
After filing to run Aug. 6 and proclaiming the district needs a change in leadership, Fisette said he realized now is not the time to pursue the office.
``It became increasingly clear that this year's intra-party campaign will serve primarily as a referendum on the incumbent," Fisette said in a statement Monday.
Fisette also said it would have been difficult to run a positive campaign against Moran, who has represented the 8th District for seven terms.
``Despite our differences, I have no personal animus toward the incumbent," he added in the statement. Fisette, who has served on the County Board since 1997, doesn't plan to endorse any candidates in the 8th District race.
Moran said it would have been difficult to oppose Fisette during the campaign because they agree on so many issues.
``It's more difficult to get the competitive juices going when you know and respect your opponent," Moran said. ``Jay and I have many common interests. In fact I hardly know of any issues on which we disagree."
While Fisette's decision to withdraw makes the campaign less complicated for the congressman, it still is going to be a competitive race, said Dan Drummond, Moran's spokesman. Moran has not officially filed his candidacy.
In the past Moran typically has won re-election with at least 60 percent of the vote, but is considered vulnerable in 2004 because of comments made earlier this year that suggested the influence of Jewish leaders was pushing the country into war with Iraq.
Although Moran apologized for his statements, some political observers say he will face a tough re-election.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Katherine K. Hanley is challenging Moran in the Democratic primary, along with lawyer and political newcomer Andrew M. Rosenberg of Alexandria.
``I think Jay Fisette is an experienced and dedicated public official and I respect his decision, just as I respected his decision to enter the race," Hanley said. ``I think the election is a long way away and it's difficult to speculate what the effects will be."
State senator and former congresswoman Leslie L. Byrne, D-Falls Church, and lawyer Jeremy Bash might also challenge Moran in the June primary.
Republicans Lisa Marie Cheney, Robb Rourke, Melissa Martin and Michael Riccardi have announced their candidacies. At least five other potential GOP candidates are considering a run.
Moran already has hired a well-known campaign manager to lead his re-election effort next year.
Having Moran on the ticket is like having a slightly seedier version of Teddy Kennedy to vote for.
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