An election was held on November 2, 2010, to determine who would represent Virginia's 11th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives during the 112th Congress. The seat that was contested is located in Northern Virginia, and includes most of Fairfax County, all of the city of Fairfax, and part of eastern Prince William County. Democrat Gerry Connolly first won the seat in 2008. The Republican nominee was Keith Fimian.Republicans tap Fimian, Hurt in Va. primaries for U.S. House
The result was too close to call immediately following the election. At the end of the day on November 2, Connolly led Fimian by only 487 votes, with canvassing and certification still to be completed. After canvassing was completed and results from two outstanding precincts and provisional ballots were counted, Connolly increased his lead to 921 votes (0.41%). Although Virginia election law allows the losing candidate to request a recount on November 22 if the margin is less than 1%, the recount is at the government's expense if the margin is less than 0.5%, and the Fimian campaign had alluded to the possibility of a recount in a statement, Fimian eventually conceded the race to Connolly on November 9. Connolly won by 981 votes, or 0.43%. (Washington Examiner)
Background
The 2010 race was a rematch of the 2008 race, when Connolly defeated Fimian 55% to 43%. Connolly was unopposed for the Democratic nomination.
Fimian faced a primary challenge from moderate Fairfax County Board of Supervisors member Pat Herrity. A bruising primary fight ensued and The Washington Post described the race as "one of the nastiest contests in the commonwealth," with each campaign accusing the other of negative campaigning. Fimian emerged victorious,Fimian Wins Republican Primary beating Herrity 56%-44%, with 35,890 votes cast.
The race was closely watched; it was considered a bellwether battleground district in the larger Republican mission to regain a majority in the House.Virginia Republicans reassess after Pat Herrity's 11th District primary loss The National Republican Congressional Committee picked Fimian for its Young Guns candidate training and support program. NRCC adds 16 top targetsGOP picks new crop of 2010 'guns'
Polling Poll Source Dates Administered Gerald Connolly (D) Keith Fimian (R) McLaughlin & Associates February 5–10, 2010 35% 40%
Fundraising Candidate (Party) Receipts Disbursements Cash On Hand Debt Gerry Connolly (D) $2,461,286 $2,435,016 $49,124 $0 Keith Fimian (R) $2,941,463 $2,785,586 $166,003 $358,137 David Dotson (L) $1,790 $390 $1,396 $100 Source: Federal Election CommissionFEC Reports 2010 VA-11
Candidates
Democratic nomination Gerry Connolly, freshman incumbent (unopposed)
Republican nomination Keith Fimian, businessman and 2008 Republican nominee Pat Herrity, member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
Results
Others on ballot Libertarian David L. Dotson, Independent Green David William Gillis Jr. Independent Christopher F. DeCarlo.
General election results
See also 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Virginia#District 11
References
External links VA 11 a Toss Up from Real Clear Politics Race ranking and details from CQ Politics Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets Official campaign sites Gerry Connolly for Congress Keith Fimian for Congress Pat Herrity for Congress