Out gay man enters Virginia congressional race

A gay county official has joined a growing field of candidates to challenge embattled Democratic congressman Jim Moran, who commented earlier this year that Jewish leaders' influence was pushing the country into war with Iraq. Moran, a seven-term incumbent, has since apologized for his comments, but the political fallout has continued. "There is no question that there is a strong and deep sense among people looking for change and a new voice in the district," said Jay Fisette, who filed Wednesday to run for Congress. If elected, Fisette would become the first openly gay congressman in the South. Fisette is a member of the Arlington County board. He was board chairman in 2001, when the county was hailed for the way it responded to the September 11 terrorist attack on the Pentagon. Fairfax County board of supervisors chairman Katherine Hanley is also challenging Moran, as is Alexandria lawyer Andrew Rosenberg, who has never held elective office.