Next week, Congressman Robert Hurt, R-5th District, may have some new competition in his race for reelection. Ret. Air Force Brig. Gen. John Douglass announced on Feb. 28 that he will be making a formal announcement on Tuesday about his decision whether or not to run as a Democrat in the 5th District.
Virginia’s new congressional map was drawn to protect incumbents, and it appears to be having the desired effect.
A retired general already running for U.S. Congress in Northern Virginia could end up taking on Rep. Robert Hurt instead due to a redistricting plan that shifts the challenger’s farm into the 5th District.
Congressman Robert Hurt is spending the week touring the 5 th District and talking to constituents. On Wednesday, he visited Danville and Southern Virginia Vehicle Motion Labs at Virginia International Raceway. Hurt said he prefers meeting with businesses and fifth district residents in one-on-one settings.
The payroll tax extension debate that has plagued Washington appears to be over, after Republicans dropped their demand that the extension be funded with matching spending cuts last week.