The Democrats have a race in the 1st District.

Edward B. "Ted" Hontz is the newest Democrat running for Congress in the 1st District. His entry makes it a two-way race (so far) between himself and Williamsburg's Philip Forgit.

The Fredericksburg-area resident is a decorated war veteran and a businessman. He's been active in the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Stafford County Economic Development Authority.

He was also involved, through the chamber, in fighting the proposed downsizing of the U.S. Naval base at Dahlgren.

A former Navy captain who spent 28 years serving his country, he is currently the vice president in charge of Navy operations at Basic Commerce and Industries Inc. in Dahlgren, where he is an expert in ship combat systems.

His web site is  www.tedhontz.com.

The Dems will nominate their candidate at a party convention in Williamsburg on Nov. 10. The winner will face the Republican nominee, and there's no telling who that will be. The GOP has 11 candidates in the field so far, and like the Dems, they will hold a convention on Nov. 10.

The 1st District stretches from Newport News to Prince William County, and the special election to fill the seat is Dec. 11.