Moran, Murray Spar at Federation Debate

Arlington County Civic Federation members questioned the candidates running for the House of Representatives in the 8th District last night. The occasion was the federation’s annual Candidate Night Forum at the Virginia Hospital Center.

Candidates opened with statements about why they should be elected, then answered questions from Civic Federation delegates.

Republican challenger Patrick Murray, a retired Army colonel, and incumbent Jim Moran were accompanied by Jason Howell, an independent, and Janet Murphy, of the Independent Greens of Virginia.

The highest intensity of the evening came when Murray directed accusations at Moran. Murray even referred to Moran’s comments from an incident five years ago when Moran said the pro-Israel PAC, American Israel Public Affairs Committee, pushed the U.S. into war with Iraq. But he did not’t stop there.

“Some congressional members have benefited from privileged information for insider training. My opponent has done that,” Murray said. “He’s a pretty wealthy guy now.”

“I live with my son in an apartment,” Moran said. “My financial disclosure will show you that my assets are zero.”

In a district that is mostly blue, Murray’s accusations were not well received by the crowd; some members even booed him, which is not allowed.

Murray, who spent 24 years in the Army, professed worry about the $16 trillion debt and the political polarization of the nation.

As the questions cycled through the candidates in a specific order, Moran could not respond until several minutes later. Moran, a representative of the 8th district for 21 years, rose to the podium with loud applause.

Winking at someone in the audience, Moran said he was “proud of the fact that Arlington is one of the nicest places to live…in the country.”

Moran went on to talk about fixing the economy, getting money for the metro system, and being wary of the tea party’s extremism.

“They would have you think that the federal government is the enemy,” Moran said, at an enthusiastic pitch.

Independent Green, Janet Murphy opened and closed with statements about using green energy, not wasting money or materials, and bettering Arlington’s schools. Independent Greens are not a part of the national Green Party. The IG have in many passed elections, pushed for more rail throughout Virginia.

Howell, the independent has spent most of his career as an accountant.