It is about time we updated the score on this heated race for the Republican nomination in the 11^th Congressional District of Virginia between Pat Herrity and Keith Fimian.  This race appears to have tightened up.

Keith Fimian, having already run for this seat in 2008 and campaigning for it throughout 2009, had a considerable head start.  This head start would appear to many, an insurmountable obstacle, especially for one announcing their entry in January of 2010, as was the case for Pat Herrity.  Right out of the box, Keith Fimian scored a quick point by blasting Herrity’s endorsement-laden candidacy announcement (go here for a more “serious” discussion).  Hoping to capitalize on perceived animosity toward political insiders, Fimian quickly went to work to immediately cast Herrity as the race’s political insider. However, there were still plenty of campaign opportunities throughout the snow-ladled month of February, en route to the June 8, 2010 Congressional primary.

Despite some criticism, within two weeks of his campaign announcement, Herrity put up his issues.  Of course, in contrast to Fimian’s issues, no major differences are apparent.

Since January, Herrity has successfully defined himself as the experienced candidate.  With both candidates trekking through the Prince William and Fairfax Republican meeting circuit, Herrity has made one thing clear: he is the one with experience.  Currently holding the seat of Springfield Supervisor on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Herrity has undisputedly taken on the role of leader of the growing local Republican Party in Fairfax (to which the endorsements of his fellow supervisors attests).

Fimian has made his business experience abundantly clear and, in that respect, has therelative  edge over Herrity, who also possesses significant business experience.  At the same time, Fimian has a credible amount of political experience, while Herrity maintains the relative edge.  Since this is a political contest, Herrity has a perceived advantage when it comes to experience.

What kind of advantage does  this experience give Herrity?  Who is to say?  For instance, how does this experience answer the questions posted by Mason Conservative?  Will it be the experienced double-talk that we hear from so many experienced politicians, or will it be an earnest profession and application of principles?  In the coming months, there will be plenty of opportunities to see.