For Immediate Release
March 10, 2008

Lake Research Poll Shows Connolly with Strong Lead in VA-11 Democratic Primary

The Gerry Connolly for Congress campaign released a poll today showing Chairman Connolly with a commanding 23-point lead in the Democratic primary in Virginia's 11th district.  The poll, performed by Lake Research Partners, confirms Connolly as the front-runner in the race.

"We're thrilled with these numbers," said James Walkinshaw, Connolly's campaign manager.  "But we know there's a lot of work left to do.  Chairman Connolly has a record of getting results and voters recognize that."

Connolly's 23-point lead is reflected in an initial head-to-head ballot question and is not a result of voters hearing positive or negative messaging on either candidate.  It's a reflection of where the race stands based on the information voters have today.

When voters receive positive profiles of Connolly and Byrne, Connolly builds on his strength and garners 51% of the vote, expanding his lead to 26 points.

"We're especially happy with these numbers in light of the fact that we didn't test any negative messages against Mrs. Byrne," said Walkinshaw.  "In fact, we gave her a glowing profile.  This is an accurate, unvarnished view of the race."

Connolly was first elected to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 1995. In 2003, he was elected Chairman of the Board.  Prior to serving in elected office, Connolly spent ten years with the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he managed committee oversight of international economic issues, international narcotics control and United Nations and Middle East policies.  He received a B.A. in Literature from Maryknoll College and an M.A. in Public Administration from Harvard University in 1979.

(full text of polling memo below)

For Immediate Release
March 21, 2008

Fairfax, Prince William, International Firefighters Endorse Gerry Connolly for Congress

Fairfax, VA -- The Gerry Connolly for Congress campaign announced today that Connolly has received the endorsement of the Fairfax County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics (Local 2068), the Prince William Professional Fire Fighters (Local 2598) and the International Association of Fire Fighters.

"I'm so proud to have the support of the firefighters in this race," said Connolly.  "I've had their endorsement in all five of my previous elections and, with their help, won each time.  I'm looking forward to working with them to win this campaign as well."

"This is about a relationship," said John Niemiec, President of the Fairfax County Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics.  "Gerry has stood with us for thirteen years and we're proud to stand with him now."

Niemiec cited Connolly's work to establish a wellness center for firefighters in Fairfax County as just one example of Connolly's leadership.

"Our wellness center has saved lives and improved our ability to protect the citizens of this county," he said.  "Gerry was a leader in that effort."

Connolly was first elected to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 1995. In 2003, he was elected Chairman of the Board.  Prior to serving in elected office, Connolly spent ten years with the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he managed committee oversight of international economic issues, international narcotics control and United Nations and Middle East policies.  He received a B.A. in Literature from Maryknoll College and an M.A. in Public Administration from Harvard University in 1979.

For Immediate Release
March 26, 2008

Chairman Gerry Connolly Endorsed by Twenty-Nine Local Elected Officials

Fairfax, VA -- The Gerry Connolly for Congress campaign announced today that Chairman Connolly has been endorsed by twenty-nine local elected officials from across the 11th district and Northern Virginia.  Connolly was endorsed by officials in every jurisdiction in Northern Virginia.

"This is an overwhelming list that shows Chairman Connolly's broad support across the district and the region," said James Walkinshaw, Connolly's campaign manager.  "The next member of Congress from the 11th district will need to have positive, constructive relationships with other leaders and Chairman Connolly does."

"I'm humbled to have such support from my colleagues across the region," Connolly said.  "It's a real testament to the momentum building behind this campaign."

Connolly was first elected to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 1995. In 2003, he was elected Chairman of the Board.  Prior to serving in elected office, Connolly spent ten years with the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he managed committee oversight of international economic issues, international narcotics control and United Nations and Middle East policies.  He received a B.A. in Literature from Maryknoll College and an M.A. in Public Administration from Harvard University in 1979.

List of endorsements below.

For Immediate Release
March 27, 2008

Chairman Connolly Announces Endorsements from Seven Members of Virginia House of Delegates

Fairfax, VA -- The Gerry Connolly for Congress campaign announced today that Chairman Connolly has been been endorsed by seven area members of the Virginia House of Delegates. 

"We're thrilled to have the support of so many Democratic members of the House of Delegates," said James Walkinshaw, Connolly's campaign manager.  "These endorsements are a huge boost to our campaign."

"As Chairman, I've been proud to work with these fine men and women to get results for Northern Virginia," said Connolly.  "I hope to do the same as a member of Congress."

Connolly was first elected to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 1995. In 2003, he was elected Chairman of the Board.  Prior to serving in elected office, Connolly spent ten years with the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he managed committee oversight of international economic issues, international narcotics control and United Nations and Middle East policies.  He received a B.A. in Literature from Maryknoll College and an M.A. in Public Administration from Harvard University in 1979.

List of endorsements below.

Ken Plum -- 36^th District
Jim Scott -- 53^rd District
David Bulova -- 37^th District
Vivian Watts -- 39^th District
Dave Marsden -- 41^st District
Chuck Caputo -- 67^th District
Paul Nichols -- 51^st District

For Immediate Release
March 31, 2008

Connolly Endorsed by Four Virginia State Senators, Including Majority Leader Saslaw

Fairfax, VA -- The Gerry Connolly for Congress campaign announced today that Chairman Connolly has been endorsed by four prominent members of the Virginia State Senate, including Senate Majority Leader Richard Saslaw.

Virginia State Senators George Barker (D-39), Janet Howell (D-32), Patsy Ticer (D-30) and Richard Saslaw (D-35) are all supporting Chairman Connolly in his campaign for Congress in Virginia's 11th Congressional District.

"Gerry Connolly has been a passionate advocate for the needs and interests of Northern Virginia," said Majority Leader Saslaw.  "I've worked closely with him as Chairman and I look forward to doing the same when he's in Congress.  I hope all Democrats will join me in supporting him on June 10."

"Gerry Connolly has shown great leadership on the Board of Supervisors, building a consensus for bold initiatives on affordable housing, stormwater management, and the Cool Counties program," said Senator George Barker.  "We need his visionary leadership representing us in Congress. I urge all Democrats to support Gerry Connolly on June 10 and November 4."

Connolly was first elected to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 1995. In 2003, he was elected Chairman of the Board.  Prior to serving in elected office, Connolly spent ten years with the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he managed committee oversight of international economic issues, international narcotics control and United Nations and Middle East policies.  He received a B.A. in Literature from Maryknoll College and an M.A. in Public Administration from Harvard University in 1979.

For Immediate Release
April 9, 2008

Lake Research Poll Shows Gerry Connolly with 20-Point Lead in VA-11 Democratic Primary

Fairfax, VA -- The Gerry Connolly for Congress campaign released a new poll today showing Chairman Connolly with a 20-point lead in the Democratic primary in Virginia's 11th Congressional District.  The poll, performed by Lake Research Partners, reconfirms Connolly's status as the front-runner in the race and corroborates an earlier poll released in March.

"The dynamic of this race hasn't changed," said James Walkinshaw, Connolly's campaign manager.  "Chairman Connolly's lead is large, it has depth and breadth, and he's on his way to winning this nomination."

Like the results released in early March, this 20-point lead is reflected in an initial head-to-head ballot question and is not affected by candidate profiles or negative messaging.  It is an accurate reflection of where the race stands today.

Connolly was first elected to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 1995. In 2003, he was elected Chairman of the Board.  Prior to serving in elected office, Connolly spent ten years with the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he managed committee oversight of international economic issues, international narcotics control and United Nations and Middle East policies.  He received a B.A. in Literature from Maryknoll College and an M.A. in Public Administration from Harvard University in 1979.

(full text of polling memo below)

For Immediate Release
April 14, 2008

Fairfax County Chairman Gerry Connolly Raises $500,000 in First Quarter, Has $424,000 On Hand

Fairfax, VA -- The Gerry Connolly for Congress campaign announced today that it raised over $500,000 during the first quarter of 2008 and has $424,000 remaining on hand.

More than 90% of Connolly's nearly 1000 contributions came from individuals and 85% of those individuals reside in Northern Virginia. 

"We've been amazed at the tremendous outpouring of support," said James Walkinshaw, Connolly's campaign manager.  "Hundreds and hundreds of Northern Virginians are contributing to this campaign and joining our effort.  It's absolutely clear that Chairman Connolly's support in the district is far greater than any of our opponents."

Connolly was first elected to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 1995. In 2003, he was elected Chairman of the Board.  Prior to serving in elected office, Connolly spent ten years with the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he managed committee oversight of international economic issues, international narcotics control and United Nations and Middle East policies.  He received a B.A. in Literature from Maryknoll College and an M.A. in Public Administration from Harvard University in 1979.

(See below for detailed fundraising statistics)

For Immediate Release
April 28, 2008

Unions Cite Connolly's Record of Getting Real Results for Working People

Fairfax, VA -- The Service Employees International Union and the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 400 announced recently that they are endorsing Gerry Connolly, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, in the Democratic Primary for Virginia's 11th Congressional District.  UFCW Local 400 is one of the area's largest and most active labor unions, representing more than 40,000 workers in the region and 10,000 in Northern Virginia.  SEIU is the nation's fastest-growing union, with more than 1.9 million members working in hospital systems, long-term care facilities, property services and public services.

"I am incredibly proud and humbled to receive these endorsements from UFCW and SEIU -- unions with a growing presence and active membership here in Northern Virginia," said Connolly.  "As Chairman, I've stood with working people by passing a living wage, investing in affordable housing and speaking out against anti-immigrant rhetoric and measures.  The working men and women of UFCW Local 400 and SEIU deserve a Representative with a real record of getting results on tough issues that matter.  In Congress, I promise to fight for fair wages, better benefits and dignity for all working people."

"Gerry Connolly is a man we know and trust," said Jim Lowthers,  President of UFCW Local 400.  "We've worked with him on a number of important initiatives and he's always come through for us.  He cares about working people and knows how to get things done.  That's exactly what we need in Congress and that's why UFCW Local 400 will be supporting him 100% in his race for Congress."

"These endorsements cement Chairman Connolly's position as the progressive choice for change in this race," said James Walkinshaw, Connolly's campaign manager.

Recently, UFCW and SEIU supported Donna Edwards (D-MD) in a Democratic primary against Congressman Al Wynn.  Together, SEIU and UFCW launched an aggressive field operation on her behalf and she went on to win with 60% of the vote.  Both SEIU and UFCW were also active in last year's elections for Virginia State Senate, House of Delegates and local offices.