This would make it a race

Rep. Thelma Drake (R) of Virginia’s Second District may be in for a challenge in 2008 if Norfolk Sheriff Bob McCabe decides to run for the seat. From the Pilot:

Sheriff Bob McCabe said he may challenge U.S. Rep. Thelma Drake in November.

“There are some Democratic leaders who are encouraging me to run,” McCabe said Wednesday. “It wasn’t on my radar screen six or seven weeks ago, but I’ve been overwhelmed by the support I’ve received from grass-roots people and friends in Richmond and Washington.”

McCabe, 49, is a Navy veteran and former Norfolk police officer who was elected sheriff 15 years ago. He was elected as a Republican, with Drake’s support, and still has photographs of GOP stalwarts Oliver North and George Allen in his office at the City Jail.

However, he left the GOP several years ago, saying elements of the party had become too extreme. He later joined the Democratic Party.

If McCabe gets into the race, then the 2nd District could be up for grabs, especially if the State Party throws its support behind his campaign. This one just got interesting.