Democrats Choose Mosher to Run in Virginia’s 1st District Now Held by Wittman

Whoever wins tomorrow’s Republican Primary will face Democrat Norm Mosher in Virginia’s 1^st Congressional District.

Incumbent Rob Wittman, R, is facing fellow Republican Anthony Riedel in primary tomorrow. Wittman has held the postion for about 8 years, but Ridel says he can do a better job in Washington representing a sprawling district that spans from Prince William County in its northernmost reaches to Williamsburg to the east.

Over the weekend, the 1^st District Democratic Committee announced Norm Masher, of Irvington, Va. near Kilmarnock – a retired Navy captain with 26 years of service. He also previously served on Irvington’s Town Council.

Here’s more in a press release from Democrats:

“I’m running because I’m seeing how Congress is dysfunctional — it’s not working at all. Our families, our communities and our Commonwealth are paying the price. People need to be able to look forward to the future. This means economic security for all — good jobs, good roads and good schools,” said Mosher.

“When folks look up at Congress and see all the partisan wrangling and dirt throwing they lose faith. Why should people have any trust in our government if it’s not accountable? I want to restore people’s faith in America and the American Dream. Our challenges can be our opportunities to do things in new ways, in better ways — but first we have to learn to work together again — and that’s why I am standing here today. Through my life I’ve gained experience, knowledge and know-how on leading teams to meet overwhelming challenges. I’ve answered my country’s call for service before, and I’m answering it now.”

Norm retired from the Navy with the rank of Captain, after a 26 year career. During his career, he commanded ships in both the Atlantic and Pacific, and a squadron of destroyers in the Pacific. Mosher was an early volunteer to serve in Vietnam. Even before the arrival of American combat troops, he was sailing the Vietnam coasts and mouth of the Mekong River in wooden junks as an advisor to a paramilitary group. Later, the first ship he commanded was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for its performance in the coastal waters of Vietnam. For his service in this period, he was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat Distinguishing Device, the Bronze Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device, and the Air Medal.

Following retirement from the Navy, he became a Professional Staff Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee chaired by the highly respected Senator Sam Nunn.  Norm was responsible for analytical oversight of $25 billion of the Department of Defense budget for Research and Development, and Procurement for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Special Operations forces.

Polls for the Republican Primary in the 1^st District open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Click here to find out where you vote.

Whomever wins will face Mosher in the General Election on Nov. 4.