Democrat enters 8th district race

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - There's a Democratic candidate in the 8th district and his name is Bill Fleming.

"I'm asking you for a little bit of your time over the next two weeks to help rally support," said Fleming to a crowd of Virginia Beach supporters.

He's going to need it. Republican candidate Jeff McWaters is already off and running with a sizable purse and big name support.

Fleming says he's crunched the numbers and believes if people show up to the polls he could win.

"I felt it was important we give people of Virginia Beach another choice that's more representative of what the mainstream people of Virginia Beach feel and think," says Fleming.

Both men are accomplished businessmen. Fleming heads Network Interfaces Corporation , McWaters is the founder and former CEO of  Amerigroup .

WAVY.com discovered earlier this month that Amerigroup was at the center of a federal lawsuit in which the company was accused of illegally avoiding pregnant women while receiving state and federal money. McWaters says he has taken responsibility for it.

McWaters sent the following statement after learning Fleming had entered the race.

"I welcome any challenger in this race. The liberal activism and political involvement of my new opponent speaks loudly. I will continue to campaign on reducing the cost of government, creating jobs, keeping taxes low, and prioritizing transportation, issues that matter to voters."

Fleming says don't count him out.

"I don't have any ties to special interest. I don't have campaign support from large donors we have grass roots donation and we have blood sweat and tears."