Barbara, this is from a savvy politico - I had asked for info to help strategize this candiate's success. Very tough, all dem area, who won 70% of the votes. This is what I was told,edited to remove particular names / locals.
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Being a Republican is about as attractive as being a Democrat these days so he probably should arrive at his membership in the Republican party after he explores with us what his bedrock beliefs are and why he holds them. Step #1 is for CONSERV then is to tell us what he believes and I suggest that he do so in writing. What is his basic philosophy and what are the assumptions upon which it is based? A good place to start is by reading the Contract With America. The Fairfax County Resolves, The Virginia Declaration of Rights, The Declaration of Independence, The Preamble to the Constitution, The Bill of Rights and The Gettysburg Address are mandatory.

Having established a sound base he can then pick issues. He should not run against President Obama but he can run against some of his ideas/policies and against the Congress (e.g., Pelosi, Frank, Waxman, Dodd) as well as specific people who work for the Administration (e.g., the Secretary of the Treasury, the White House Chief of Staff). Then he can go after Mr. DEMOCRT but I strongly suggest that it be a debate based on reason, facts and analysis – take the high road, be seen to be taking the high road and be perceived as having taken the high road. But have a lot of OPPO research with some savvy folks who can craft responses to the low blows that Mr. DEMOCRT, the DNC and ACORN are sure to launch. CONSERV’s approach should then be “more in sorrow than in anger” and be based on evidence rather than allegation.

Don’t know how an R has a chance in this local but I suggest he spend a lot of time getting to know the town and letting the people there get to know him. Focus on the over 50 age group because that is where there is most likely to be dissatisfaction and have positive, prepared positions on the key issues that concern the group: health care, the deficit, national defense and transportation. Go to workers who belong to unions with a strong national defense message and a sensible transportation position delivered with reason. Be respectful of the President ALWAYS but point out issues on policies in a straight forward manner proposing a constructive way to resolve differences.

He should do his homework on the issues and mobilize Hill staffers who live in the district he is running in to draft position papers and to brief him. Then pull together small groups who have an interest in and knowledge of the key issues, develop a strategy with them and ask them to debate the issues with him.