Washington Post; Keep An Eye On Glenn Nye

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/virginiapolitics/2008/06/convention_recap.html#more?hpid=topnews

3) Keep an eye on Glenn Nye. The Democratic candidate in the 2nd congressional district, Nye will face off against Rep. Thelma Drake (R-Va.).

Although only 33, Nye has built up an impressive resume, including serving as a diplomat in Iraq. At the convention, Nye's staff took him around for one-on-one meetings with the entire Richmond press corps, including reporters from the western part of the state who probably won't be writing many stories about his race.

Nye also gave a fiery speech that seemed to resonate with the delegates.

The 2nd District, which includes the Virginia Beach area and part of the Eastern Shore, leans Republican, especially in a presidential election year because there is an influx of military voters.

Drake was targeted for defeat in 2006, but she won reelection with 51 percent of the vote, despite the Democratic tide that year.

National Democrats are optimistic that Nye, who has so far raised $300,000, might be able to give Drake another stiff challenge this year.

The second district has a large African-American population, about 21 percent. And with Obama at the top of the ticket, Nye is hoping for a surge in Democratic turnout. Last year, Democrats picked up two House of Delegates and one state Senate seat in the Virginia Beach area.

"I know the Democratic voters are out there, but the question is can we get them to the polls," Nye said. "I think with Obama and Mark Warner, we will be able to do that."

Earlier this month, the Cook Political Report changed its rating for the Virginia's second district from "likely Republican" to "leans Republican," noting Nye's resume and the potential for a big Democratic turnout.