A challenger for Thelma Drake

Democrat Glenn Nye, a former diplomat and Norfolk native, today announced he is running for the congressional seat held by Republican Rep. Thelma Drake.

Nye, an apparent newcomer to politics, returned home last year from Iraq, where he helped run a program to find jobs for Iraqis. He is a graduate of Norfolk Academy and the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, according to a campaign release. He has spent the past decade working for the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development.

In a statement announcing his candidacy, Nye said, ``Virginians deserve a real leader who will take a strong, independent stand for their priorities-- and that's what we're missing in Congress right now. It's time for real investments in America and serious steps to get the economy back on track, take better care of our veterans, promote affordable and accessible health care, and achieve energy independence."

Virginia's 2nd District includes Virginia Beach, the Eastern Shore, and parts of Hampton and Norfolk. Democrats have targeted the seat as ripe for an upset. Drake won re-election in 2006 with 51 percent of the vote.

You can read some buzz about Nye's trip to Iraq here and here.