Politics & Government

Don Beyer Wins Straw Poll Among Democrats Running in 8th District Primary

Lavern Chatman and Patrick Hope came in second and third place. Straw poll was held Saturday night at annual Mount Vernon Dems fundraiser.

Which Democrat is pulling ahead in the 8th congressional District primary race, for the seat of retiring Congressman Jim Moran? 

A straw poll was held Saturday night at the Mount Vernon District Democratic Committee's sixth annual Mardi Gras fundraiser; 10 of the 11 candidates (Bruce Shuttleworth couldn't make it) and their supporters gathered to have some fun, make some speeches and raise money for the party. It was held at the Don Beyer Volvo Alexandria showroom on Richmond Highway, where it's held each year. (The same Don Beyer who is running for Congress.). Anyone with a ticket could vote in the straw poll.

Here are the results of the straw poll, taken Saturday night:

1. Don Beyer: 105
2. Lavern Chatman: 83
3. Patrick Hope: 81
4. Mark Sickles: 51
5. Adam Ebbin: 42
6. Charniele Herring: 15
7. Bill Euille: 11
8. Alfonso Lopez: 11
9. Derek Hyra: 7
10. Mark Levine: 7
11. Bruce Shuttleworth: 3

“This is a wonderful way to kick off the 100 days countdown tomorrow,” said Beyer.  “It was great to see so many old friends here tonight and to meet so many new ones.”

Donald S. Beyer, Jr., 63, is the co-owner of several car dealerships and served as lieutenant governor for two terms before losing the 1997 race for governor. From 2009 to 2013, he served as U.S. ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Beyer and his wife Megan live in Alexandria.

The fundraiser Saturday night featured cajun and creole food as well as music by The Groove. 

The Democratic primary election is June 10.

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