Virginia – 2nd District

Democrat Republican

Candidate Phil Kellam Thelma Drake

Funds On Hand $517,000 $708,000
Recent Poll 45% 42%
In 2004, Freshman Republican Thelma Drake replaced retiring Republican Ed Schrock with a modest 55%. This year she
faces a serious challenge from Phil Kellam, a well-known elected official from Virginia Beach. Since the beginning of the
year this race has gone from a safe Republican hold to a genuine battle. The Cook Political Report ranks this race a “Toss-
Up.”

The District
Surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay and the ocean,
the 2nd District is comprised of portions of Norfolk
and Hampton, and Virginia’s Eastern Shore, but the
majority of its population lives in Virginia Beach.
It includes beach communities and large numbers
of U.S. Navy personnel. In 2004, as it sent Drake to
Congress by a 30,000-vote margin, it also
supported Bush by a 40,000-vote margin. However,
it’s not impossible territory for Democrats; Tim
Kaine won this district in his successful 2005 race
for Governor.

About Phil Kellam

Kellam has deep local roots – his father was a judge, and the family’s tradition of public service is reflected in Virginia
Beach’s Kellam High School, named for the candidate’s uncle. Phil Kellam has won three elections as Virginia Beach
Commissioner of Revenue, focusing on improving efficiency and responsiveness in local government. In Congress, he
promises to stress “security, efficiency, opportunity, accountability and personal responsibility.” He’s also focusing on gas
prices, veterans’ benefits and ethics. www.philkellam.com

About Thelma Drake

A former member of the state House of delegates, Drake received substantial support from Washington’s Republican
establishment in her first race and in this cycle. An across-the-line conservative, Drake favors ending progressive taxation,
increasing offshore oil drilling, and Bush’s Social Security agenda. She votes 98% of the time with GOP leadership, and
she has been rewarded with fundraisers featuring Dick Cheney and Laura Bush. www.thelmadrake.com

Fundraising and Polling

Drake has raised $1.4 million this cycle, more than 60% of which is from party committees and PACs. She retains
$708,000 on hand. Kellam is a competitive fundraiser; he has brought in $730,000, of which more than 70% comes from
individuals. He retains $517,000 on hand. Kellam has significant polling momentum. He was behind in March but tied by
April, and in a July internal poll, Kellam actually led the incumbent 45-42.

Sources: www.washingtonpost.com, www.centerforpolitics.org, www.sbe.virginia.gov/cms, www.fec.gov

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