Democrat Dennis Findley announced Feb. 25 that he was dropping out of the race for the 10th U.S. Congressional District.
In an e-mailed announcement, Findley, an architect from McLean, said a family matter forced him to end his campaign.
“A family matter has arisen that requires my undivided time and attention and thus this is not the right time for me to continue my pursuit of elective office,” he said in the statement. “While obviously disappointing, family always comes first and I have no regrets.”
The Democrat declined to elaborate.
Findley was one of four candidates vying for the Democratic nomination for the 10th U.S. Congressional District.
The district stretches across Northern Virginia from McLean in Fairfax, to Loudoun and west to Winchester.
Richard Anthony, Jeff Barnett and Juilan Modica still are in the running, according to Virginia’s 10th Congressional District Democratic Committee’s Web site.
Democrats will hold a primary in June to select the candidate who will go up against Republican incumbent Frank Wolf.
Wolf announced Feb. 19 his intent to run for a 16th term for U.S. Congress.
Mike Turner, chairman of the Loudoun County Democratic Committee, said he was sorry to see Findley leave the race, but still is encouraged by the choice of his party’s candidates this year.
“I’m still real pleased with the field we have out there,” Turner said.
The chairman said he believes Democrats have a good chance of unseating Wolf.
Findley, who was appointed to the Virginia Board of People with Disabilities by former Gov. Tim Kaine, said although he had dropped out of the race, he plans to continue to be involved in the Democratic Party.
He has not ruled out a second run for office in the future.
“People have gotten my message and have encouraged me to run again when the time is right,” Findley said. “The response has been quite positive.”
I hope Mr. Wolf Will continue to serve. He has done an outstanding job. He is fighting to save what’s I see as an attempt to change the course of this Country.
As a Republican even I think its time for Wolf to step aside and open the contest to some who can offer energetic ideas. Wolf’s last two big ideas have been total flops: The Iraq Study Group turned into a “bash George Bush” party and greatly harmed the country’s effort in Iraq. Thank goodness Bush just tossed the ridiculous ideas out the window and pursued the surge which of course has led to victory. Wolf’s new idea of the deficit reduction panel is a farce as well. It’s an excuse for our elected officials (Wolf included) to hide from their responsibility and even worse, these commissions always recommend tax increases. Its also upsetting as a Republican to watch Wolf feed at the earmark trough. It’s also tiresome to read about how much he brings home to the district. If he wants to do that he should move to Chicago and run for Alderman. As someone with the seniority he has he should be more a national voice for tax cuts, and reduction in government spending. Leave the Metro cesspool and transportation issues where they belong - with the state.
In 1980, Frank Wolf pledged to support term limits in the U.S. Congress and promised that he would not serve for more than 12 years if elected. So much for keeping his promises.
I think Alby and other Frank Wolf supporters will find out this year to their chagrin that their flawed Congressman is like a long-standing champion prize fighter who suddenly faces a serious challenger and finds out too late that he is out of shape.
Nobody is going to unseat Wolf. In the last 2 elections, that Profession from Georgetown didn’t even come close. If I remember, she got fewer votes in the 2nd election than the 1st election.
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