Northampton Congress

Who is running for Congress in Northampton County?

Beautiful Northampton County Virginia. Millions of American's pass through it every year as they come off the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel on their way North to Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and New York. It is part of Virginia's Eastern Shore and sustained primarily by fishing, agriculture, and the local hospital.

Politically, the Eastern Shore is a fairly conservative area, but many still vote Democratic because of the old Byrd Machine. In the last round of redistricting, the Eastern Shore was moved from the First Congressional District to the Second Congressional District in a move that perplexed many residents. The first district is geographically and economically much more similar when compared to Virginia Beach which thrive off tourism, the military, and service jobs.

As far as elections are concerned, Incumbent Congressman Nye has two tough challengers this year; Scott Rigell, a Republican and Kenny Golden, an Independent.

Kenny Golden is a retired Navy Captain, married to a retired Navy Commander, with a daughter who graduated from the Naval Academy and flew 29 combat missions over Iraq. He retired in 2004 after 31 years of active duty service including 4 at-sea commands, one of which was the largest amphibious task force the Korean War. Kenny was educated at Ferrum, UVA, Pepperdine, and Oxford University. He served 4 years at the Pentagon in legislative affairs and was the first head of the Policy and Plans Directorate at US Joint Forces Command.

Scott a multi-millionaire founder and CEO of the Freedom Automotive chain of dealerships. Mr. Rigell founded Trinity Church with fellow millionaire and Amerigroup founder Jeff McWaters. Many Republicans are opposed to him because of his $1,000 checks to Barack Obama and Mark Warner and $10,000 to the YES Campaign to raise the gas tax. To date Scott has given his campaign more than $1.5 million of his own personal fortune.

The outcome of this election will depend primarily on the candidates stances on military issues. One fifth of the nation's military power passes through or resides in the Second Congressional District. Over 40% of the economy in Hampton Roads relates to the military. Veterans make up a massive chunk of the electorate and Former Representative Thelma Drake lost to Glenn Nye after getting hammered for voting against the GI Bill. With the threat of aircraft carriers being redeployed to Florida and US Joint Forces Command closing, the district faces the loss of over 25,000 jobs.

This election will be a fun race to watch. Follow me on HubPages to get all the updates.