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Fairfax County's 2010 congressional races are already heating up, with the likelihood of primaries in at least one party in all three districts.

In the 11th District, freshman Rep. Gerald E. Connolly's (D) seat has drawn the interest of two potential Republican challengers. The 11th District includes parts of Vienna, Oakton, Fairfax, Burke, Springfield, Clifton, the Alexandria section of Fairfax County and parts of Prince William County.

Keith S. Fimian, who lost to Connolly by nearly 12 points in 2008, announced in late 2009 that he plans to take another shot at the former Fairfax County Board of Supervisors chairman.

"I am running for Congress because we need new policies to get our economy moving again," Fimian wrote in an e-mail to supporters in November that also said he wants "common sense" solutions to energy and health care issues. "We need to stop the out-of-control spending that is crippling our nation."

Fimian will likely face a primary challenge from another local government alumnus, Springfield District Supervisor Patrick S. Herrity (R). Herrity had not formally announced his decision as of press time, but has been widely expected to seek his party's nomination and had scheduled a press conference for today.

Herrity narrowly lost his last bid for higher office, losing a countywide special election to now Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Sharon Bulova (D) by about 200 votes in early 2009.

Connolly is widely expected to seek re-election, but said he will formally announce his intentions March 17.

"I intend to continue to build on my 15 years of public life, serving the citizens of Northern Virginia," he said in an e-mailed statement. "In Congress I have built on my local record of fiscal responsibility, expanded transportation and infrastructure investments, and vigorous support for our public schools."

In the 10th District -- which covers parts of Chantilly, Centreville, Herndon, Great Falls and McLean and then extends west to the Shenandoah Valley -- two Fairfax County Democrats and a Loudoun County Republican have announced their intention to challenge Rep. Frank R. Wolf (R).

Wolf has served in the House of Representatives since 1981 and easily fended off two consecutive challenges from Democrat Judy Feder in 2006 and 2008, as well as a primary challenger in 2008. He does plan to seek re-election to a 16th term and will formally kick off his campaign Feb. 5, according to a campaign aide.

Republican James T. Trautz of Sterling, a retired Naval officer and defense contractor, intends to challenge Wolf in a primary. A fiscal conservative, Trautz would like to see a smaller role for federal government.

"We need fresh ideas and fresh leaders to restore the system to the Founders' ideals of a fiscally responsible government that is responsive to the people in a Constitutional manner," Trautz wrote on his web page, explaining his motivation for running for Congress.

Architect Dennis Findley of McLean said he is concerned about Congress's inability to address major long-term issues like energy conservation and environmental protection, and that Wolf has done little to address key local problems like transportation.

"I'm concerned about the long-term issues that affect our country and I am concerned about Congress's inability to address these issues," said Findley, who has advocated for supports for special needs children on Capitol Hill.

Army reservist and workforce development consultant Richard Anthony of Fair Oaks has also announced his intent to seek the Democratic Party nomination. He is also campaigning against the partisanship in Congress.

"The current political system, and Congress, too often fail to hear our voice and fail to solve the urgent problems we face," said Anthony in his announcement statement Jan. 4. "We are facing one of the most serious economic challenges of our lifetime, and yet, Congress continues to be mired in political gamesmanship and backroom deals for special interests."

In the 8th District, U.S. Rep. James P. Moran (D) may face a challenger from within his own party. Ronald Mitchell, founding officer of the Alexandria-based nonprofit BEM Foundation, has formed an exploratory committee and is pursuing a primary bid against Moran, according to his campaign Web site.

No Republicans have yet announced their intent to run in the 8th District, which includes parts of Reston, McLean, Vienna, Falls Church, Alexandria and Arlington.