Harvard Student's Mom Runs for Congress

Like many students, Rachael A. Wagner '04 spent election night watching the results trickle in from campaign races around the country.

But instead of lounging in her Apley Court double, she was sitting next to her mother, the Democratic House candidate in Virginia's tightly-contested Second Congressional District.

While Rachael's mother, Jody Wagner, has not run for political office before, Rachael said she wasn't surprised by mother's decision to run. She even flew down to Virginia Beach yesterday afternoon to surprise her mother and offer her support.

While the elder Wagner is a political novice, the race is deadlocked, with both candidates within the margin of error. Wagner held a slim two percent lead in the final poll before the election.

CNN correspondent Stuart Rothenberg picked the race as one of "28 House races to watch" last Thursday, and the race has drawn increased national attention as Democrats have intensified their efforts to regain the House.

According to Rachael Wagner, her mother was not looking for the national spotlight.

For the last 17 years, her mother worked as a partner at the law firm Kaufman and Canoles, specializing in securities law.

She was also the chair of Rachael's school board of directors, held leadership positions in several Jewish community groups and raised money for local United Ways.

"My mother's always been heavily involved in community affairs," she said.

When Democratic incumbent Owen B. Pickett announced his retirement, the elder Wagner felt the call of duty--and an opportunity, Rachael Wagner said.

Virginia's political landscape is far from unified with both parties holding several seats in the House. As a result, candidates on both sides to shuffle to the center.

"We live in a moderate district that's leaning conservative," Rachael said.

The elder Wagner has staked her platform on a mix of classic Republican and Democratic ideals to reflect the district's military industry and high senior population.

"Fostering military growth and ensuring health care benefits for seniors are two of my mother's primary concerns," Rachael said.

Wagner's opponent is Republican Edward E. Schrock, a former stockbroker. The race, for which results were not available at press time, has seesawed back and forth between the two candidates.

Rachael said she wasn't concerned by the prospect of being a politician's child.

"Actually, if anything, it will make it easier for me to see her because I'll be able to take the shuttle from Boston to D.C," she said.

If victorious, Wagner will be the first woman elected to Congress from the 2nd District.