The first opportunity for voters to question the 10 candidates on the ballot in the 8th Congressional District Democratic primary will be at a forum Saturday, April 12 sponsored by the Mount Vernon District Democratic Committee. The primary is June 10.
George Burke, the Virginia Democratic Party's 11th Congressional District chair, will moderate the forum
The forum is free and open to the public, from 4-6 p.m., April 12, at the Mount Vernon High School Little Theater, 8515 Old Mount Vernon Road.
The format will include questions concerning 8th District, national, and international issues, as well as on candidate interests and effectiveness. Some questions will be in a “rapid-fire” format while others will allow up to one-minute answers. Questions will also be taken from the audience.
The seat is open because long-time US. Rep. James Moran (D) announced his retirement.
Candidates include former Virginia lieutenant governor Don Beyer; former Northern Virginia Urban League president Lavern Chatman; state Sen. Adam Ebbin; Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille; state Del. Charniele Herring; state Del. Patrick Hope; Satish Korpe, director of the Democratic Business Council of Northern Virginia; radio talk-show host Mark Levine; Virginia Tech professor Derek Hyra, and former Navy pilot Bruce Shuttleworth.