In a letter to supporters Monday night, Republican Ken Boyd announced that he would be entering the race for Virginia's 5th district, challenging incumbent and one of last year's upset winners, Democratic Congressman Tom Perriello.

"Well it's something that I've been thinking about for a very long time and I've been of course consulting with my family to make sure that they're on board and are willing to kind of go through the difficult times that would be ahead in a competitive race," said Boyd.

He joins Republicans Bradley Rees, Laurence Verga, and Feda Morton. But unlike his Republican opponents, analysts say Boyd brings a track record of success to the race.

"For a long time you had a crop of political unknowns that were in the race against him and now with Ken Boyd jumping
into the race you have someone that has an electoral history, he's a proven vote getter," said Isaac Wood of UVa Center for Politics.

When asked why he would make the best candidate, Boyd had this to say.

"Well I think I've got an awful lot of experience here at the local level of government. Spent the last 10 years, 4 on the school board, 6 on the board of supervisors and I think that brings sort of a different perspective to Washington. One that I believe is missing up there," said Boyd.

Boyd's announcement comes as another rumored candidate, Cordel Faulk, former communications director for the Center for Politics, announced he would not be running for the seat. Analysts say that's good news for Boyd.

"It's definitely a big help not to have a number of candidates from the same area. Ken Boyd is going to benefit from really being the main "A" list candidate from this area," said Wood.

But Wood says he'll have to raise lots of money and work on getting his name out there to avoid being overshadowed by any potential future candidates. (Charlottesville Newsplex, September 15, 2009)