Retired Army Colonel Seeks Rematch with Rep. Jim Moran for 8th District

Retired Army Col. Jay Patrick Murray of Alexandria announced last week that he plans to run for Congress, seeking Virginia's 8th District seat, currently held by 11-term member, Rep. Jim Moran (D). The 8th District includes parts of Fairfax County, the City of Alexandria and Arlington County.

Murray beat Matthew Berry 52 percent to 48 percent in a squeaker primary in June 2010 to become the Republican nominee against Moran last year. He . Moran won with 63 percent of the vote; he spent $1.3 million on his race, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Murray spent about $443,000, including $41,000 of his own money, according to center figures. Moran currently has more than $500,000 cash on hand in campaign coffers. Murray is seeking donations.

Murray filed his statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission on Nov. 1; last year, he filed in December. His principal campaign committee is the same: Americans for Murray. His statement of candidacy lists his address on John Carlyle Street, in the Carlyle District near Old Town, Alexandria. No paperwork for Berry is currently on file. Moran has yet to file a statement of candidacy, but he has filed in December the past four elections.

The election, which will include the presidential and U.S. Senate race for Sen. Jim Webb's seat on the ballot, is set for Nov. 6, 2012.

Murray made his announcement on his Web site and in an e-mail to supporters. The following is the complete message:

Today I’m announcing my candidacy for US Congress in the 8th Congressional District of Virginia. This decision to run for a second time took much soul-searching, thought and prayer. Campaigns are a crucible, but, just as with my military service, this is a matter of duty for me.  If I thought our nation was on the right track, that we had leaders who were governing with the Constitution and our children in mind, that we were secure and prosperous, then I would happily pursue other goals.

But we are not on the right track, and I’m willing to bet that you agree with me. In fact, our nation is losing its way, largely because of bad decisions made in Washington, DC. With $15 trillion in federal debt, we are handing our kids and grandkids a bill they can’t pay, yet out-of-control spending continues unabated. The only thing being cut is Defense, which is one of the few things that, in accordance with our Constitution, we should be ensuring for. The economy is stagnant. Unemployment is soaring. Meanwhile my opponent Jim Moran, who likes to call Republicans the “Taliban,” is focused on keeping just one job: his own. And here in Northern Virginia our traffic debacle has somehow gotten worse, especially with the mammoth new Mark Center building (supported by Moran) opening for business on I-395.

Hyper-partisanship. Traffic Gridlock. Out-of-control spending. Or as I prefer to call it:

“Jim Moran’s playbook.”

When I joined the Army some 26 years ago I took an oath to support and defend the Constitution - there is no statute of limitations on that oath. So I told myself that I could sit around and complain about it or I could roll up my sleeves and try to fix the problems and find a way back to who we are. And that’s what I intend to do.

Winning will not be easy. I am a decided underdog in a tough Congressional District running against a career politician who is very good at bullying, intimidation and self preservation. That’s the bad news.

On the flip side, there is much to be optimistic about. In 2010 when I ran, I started at ground zero, freshly out of the Army with no campaign experience, no name recognition and only a handful of supporters. Well, I’m very proud of what we accomplished; over 72,000 people voted for me, we raised a substantial amount of money, and we had legions of energetic volunteers out knocking doors, making phone calls, putting out signs and stuffing envelopes. Now we have that firm foundation to stand upon, and redistricting should also help our side. Combine all of that with Party backing and a dynamic, professional campaign team with national experience and a solid record of winning difficult races in tough Districts and we are light years ahead of where we were last time.

A lot has happened since the 2010 election, including the loss of my mom, Flora Murray. She was the voice in my head, my motivation and my biggest supporter. To run again, I very much need your prayers and your energy. And yes, I need your financial support as well. The nature of this business is that without a substantial campaign war chest to get the word out about Jim Moran it will be difficult to win. You can go to my website to make a secure contribution:

Thank-you! Elections have consequences and no election, before or after, will have the importance of 2012. I’m honored to be a part of it, and with your help I am going to win. Let’s fix our problems together and ensure that the American Dream remains alive for our kids and grandkids.

Honor and courage!

Patrick Murray

Paid for and authorized by Americans for Murray