Alexandria GOP Not Conceding Moran's Seat

Northern Virginia Republicans are dumping surprising resources into Tuesday's special election to replace former delegate Brian J. Moran (D), who stepped down last month to focus on his bid for governor.

Given the strong Democratic tilt of Alexandria, Democratic nominee Charnielle Herring is heavily favored to defeat Republican Joseph Murray. But Murray appears to be remaining competitive with Herring in the money race in the final days of the election.

As of Jan. 2, Herring reported she had $13,365 in the bank. Murray, however, received an influx of support last week from Alexandria Republicans, according to campaign finance reports.

On Tuesday, Murray reported a $6,200 in-kind donation from the Alexandria Republican City Committee. On Friday, Murray reported he's also received $10,000 from Chris Marston, the chairman of the Alexandria Republican Committee. The Fund for America Opportunity, a Washington-based political action committee, also gave Murray $2,000 last week.

Murray's late-money frustrates Alexandria Democratic officials.

Under Virginia law, House candidates have to report all donations of $1,000 or more within one business day during the final hours of an election. But it took several days for Murray's donations to be uploaded onto the State Board of Elections website, which Democrats say put Herring at a disadvantage.

Herring received four large contributions during the last week. Moran gave her $3,300 from his gubernatorial account. House Minority Leader Ward L. Armstrong (D-Henry) contributed $1,500. Del. Kris Amundson (D-Fairfax) contributed $1,000, as did Alexandria-based Virginia Imports LTD.