One of the reasons that Tom Davis was able to have success in a Northern Virginia district is that he was able to convince a lot of people that he was actually a moderate. Since the district is leaning Democratic, any Republican would have to promote a moderate agenda to have any hope of running a successful campaign. It appears as though Keith Fimian hasn't gotten that memo because he's out promoting himself as "more conservative" than Tom Davis. In a recent appearance on Mark Plotkin's Politics Program, Keith wasn't even able to give an example of something that makes him a moderate without being prompted.
"Keith Fimian is conservative - don't take our word for it, he said so himself. Fimian admitted that he does not hold the kind of moderate, commonsense views the voters of Virginia's 11th District are looking for," said Kyra Jennings, Southern Regional Press Secretary at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. "Keith Fimian is too extreme to get the job done for the district and has now shown by his actions and by his words that he is out of line with the priorities of Northern Virginia."Now I'll give him this, at least he was an honest enough guy to admit that he's actually more conservative than Tom Davis. While he's out on the campaign trail I hope he sticks with that message though because that type of political philosophy simply doesn't mess well with the 11th Congressional District. If he's going to continue alienating himself from the vast majority of voters, then it looks like Gerry's poll numbers will prove to be fairly accurate.Fimian has already demonstrated his extreme views with his close ties to anti-choice leader Tom Monaghan, his attendance at Virginia's right wing "Tuesday Morning Group" along with Gun Owners of America executive director Larry Pratt, and his support from extreme right wing groups such as the National Conservative Campaign Fund. [FEC report, 7/15/08]