Former GOP Congressman Virgil H. Goode Jr. filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission yesterday so he can raise money for a possible rematch with U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello next year (D-Va.), according to FEC records.

Perriello, a rising star in the Virginia Democratic Party, narrowly defeated Goode in November. Perriello represents the culturally conservative 5th congressional district, which stretches from Charlottesville to Danville.

Given its traditional Republican leanings in federal races, Perriello is expected to be a top target for Republicans next year. A few days after he took office in January, conservative interest groups began airing television ads in his district trying to connect him to President Obama's policies.

Goode's decision to file with the FEC was first reported today in The Hill newspaper, which covers Capitol Hill. Although he can now legally raise money, Goode has yet to state publicly whether he plans to run again.

By Tim Craig  |  March 12, 2009; 3:29 PM ET
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