I'd say there's a 90% chance that Connolly's running for Congress.

Maybe I am misreading, is that what you are saying?  Or are you saying that he did a poor job of managing Fairfax's budget?  Or is that Fairfax is in a dire position and the county needs Gerry more than the people of VA's 11th?

Just seeking clarification, thanks!

I'm simply saying that Connolly was Chairman for better or worse.  He asked for another term, presumably based on the notion that he was the best person for the job, or at least better than Baise.  The County faces enormous challenges.

I don't see where Connolly offers anything on the issues vastly different from Byrne.  If Tom Davis retires, as seems more likely, given the reports at NLS that some staffers have quit and some are actively looking for other jobs, Connolly couldn't even argue that the Dems must nominate him, because only he could beat Davis.

If Connolly wants to argue that he's just so great he must run for VA-11, how can he justify not applying his greatness to being Chairman for another term, particularly given the challenges facing the County now and in the near future?

He may have supporters.  He may be able to raise a lot of money.  He may have no qualms about aggressively going after Byrne.  He may be able to beat Byrne in a long, expensive, and nasty primary.  And, he may be able to win the general election.  But, at what cost?

It's just my opinion, but I think Connolly ought to balance his arrogance (and we all have some) against his decency (and I assume he has some).  It's unfortunate for his ambition to be a Congressman that the timing has worked out this way and that a strong candidate has already entered, but being Chairman again, especially because he asked for it and because the County needs an effective Chairman now, ought to be fulfilling enough.

That should be in your main diary.  Thanks!

My main diary was written to provoke discussion.  My hopes were to generate a pro-Byrne groundswell to maximize the decibel level to convince Connolly not to run for VA-11.  If I weren't so lazy, I'd organize a petition like the one that was done about the abusive driver fees.  I assumed the risk that more fair minded readers like you would challenge my implicit criticism of Connolly.  In all my pro-Byrne, anti-Connolly blogging and commenting, I keep trying to elicit pro-Connolly sentiment.  I'm not having much luck, but given the blogs in which I hang out, I shouldn't be surprised.

I love Leslie Byrne.  I gave her money for her run for Lt. Governor, and I'll give her more for this one.  I am behind her 100% on this run.

And since I'm not a Fairfax resident, I doubt I can dissuade Chairman Connolly from running.  I don't see why he would want to give up that sweet job of running Fairfax County though.  He wouldn't have as much power or authority as a US Rep.  

Let the schlub stay where he is.  If he's tired of his job, let him resign.  No promotion for a bossy mouse.