Bulova Seeks Chairman's Seat

Democrat Cites Budget Challenges in Bid to Replace Connolly

Fairfax County Supervisor Sharon S. Bulova, flanked by seven of her colleagues as well as county firefighters and a dozen state lawmakers, announced yesterday that she will seek the open seat of Chairman Gerald E. Connolly (D), who was elected to Congress last week.

Bulova (D-Braddock), who is vice chairman of the board, promised to keep the region's largest jurisdiction on the same path by protecting schools, public safety and the environment and emphasizing transportation. A soft-spoken lawmaker with a reputation for gentle consensus-building, neighborhood advocacy and deep knowledge of the county budget, Bulova said now is not the time to change course in Fairfax.

"Fairfax's successes have come because we have worked together to unite behind common goals and ideals," she said. "We have looked not for the liberal or the conservative priorities but the right priorities. As Fairfax County's chairman, I will work every day to better our community, to move us through these trying economic times to further our shared values and purpose."

Bulova is likely to receive a challenge from Supervisor Pat S. Herrity (R-Springfield), who is expected to announce his candidacy today. Herrity, the son of the late former board chairman John F. "Jack" Herrity, has been on the board less than a year and has been critical of county spending, contracting and housing policies.

Bulova, 60, made her announcement at the Backlick Road station of Virginia Railway Express, pointing to her role in founding and developing the commuter rail line. She also emphasized her leadership on budget issues, a critical topic as the county enters its worst budget cycle in a generation and confronts a shortfall of more than $500 million.

Bulova was first elected in 1987 to the Braddock District seat, which includes large stretches of suburban neighborhoods along Braddock Road, in Burke and around the southern flank of Fairfax City. For 16 of her 21 years on the board, she has served as chairman of the Budget Committee, a powerful post from which she has shaped county and school spending as well as program priorities.

It is unknown when a special election would occur to replace Connolly, who will probably resign in January, when he will be sworn in to Congress. A Circuit Court judge will set the election date after that, probably in February. A second special election is inevitable because both candidates are sitting supervisors, and whoever wins must be replaced.

The campaign will be quick and turnout will probably be low, as is usual for special elections. That means the candidate with the best organization and ability to turn out voters has as much of an advantage as the candidate whose ideas and ideology reflect those of the county's 1 million residents.

Bulova may have an advantage in both areas; not only has Fairfax been voting for Democrats in most recent elections -- including the victories by Connolly and President-elect Barack Obama Nov. 4 -- but she carries the support of all seven of her Democratic colleagues on the 10-member board. They have pledged to do all they can to help Bulova win.