Kellam officially enters the race

Here's some press coverage. From WVEC.com, which notes that Kellam mentions Drake by name:

It's official. Virginia Beach Commissioner of the Revenue Phil Kellam formally tossed his hat in the ring Monday to challenge Republican Rep. Thelma Drake in the 2nd District.

Democrat Kellam called for a return to civil campaigning and an end to negative politics of the past. Yet, when asked why voters should support him, he took a gentle jab at his Republican opponent.

"Thelma Drake is the incumbent and I want that job. I think I'm prepared and I think I'm better prepared to do that than Thelma Drake," he said.

From Virginian-Pilot, which notes that Kellam didn't mention Drake by name:

Democrat Philip J. Kellam kicked off his candidacy for Congress on Monday at four locations spanning the 2nd District, stressing the need for elected officials to work together.

Battling rain squalls and stiff winds, Kellam began the day in Hampton, then traveled to the Ocean View Fishing Pier in Norfolk, Town Center in Virginia Beach and the Barrier Islands Center on the Eastern Shore.

Kellam criticized partisan bickering in Congress and what he called the failure of Republican leadership. He never mentioned by name his Republican opponent, U.S. Rep. Thelma Drake.

Kellam is the Virginia Beach commissioner of the revenue.

He said the Republican Congress got its start in 1994, when the party created its Contract with America and promised to change things in Washington. "They have - for the worse," Kellam said.

To solve the nation's problems, including a growing budget deficit and the war in Iraq, Kellam said, "We are going to have to work together, and that is not happening right now."

Kellam said the region's port facilities and military presence are assets that must be protected by the state's congressional leaders. "We don't have that right now," he said.

At all four locations, Kellam told supporters that partisan bickering in Washington was hurting the nation and could be ended only through cooperation and a commitment to public service by those in power.

From the second article, sounds like Kellam is tracking the Warner/Kaine model of campaigning on bi-partisan results, probably a smart move when up against an ultra-partisan incumbent like Drake.

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