Doug Denneny Gets Big Name Backer

Doug Denneny , retired Naval commander, is getting some high-powered support for his bid for the Democratic nomination for Congress in the 11th district.

U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Murphy, an Iraq war veteran and retired WestPoint professor, will headline a fundraiser for Denneny Tuesday in Vienna.

Murphy (D-Pa) is considered a rising star in the Democratic Party after he unseated Republican Mike Fitzpatrick last year. Murphy is the only Iraq war veteran to serve in Congress.

Denneny is also an Iraq war veteran. According to Denneny's biography, he led the first strike of non-stealth aircraft over Baghdad. He also served in Somalia and Afghanistan.

Denneny is calling for an immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, the same issue Murphy campaigned on in 2006.

Former U.S. Rep. Leslie Byrne is also seeking the Democratic nomination in the 11th. Fairfax County Executive Gerald E. Connolly is also mentioned as a possible candidate, especially if incumbent Rep. Thomas M. Davis III (R-Fairfax) decides not to seek reelection.