House candidate gets big boost from Oprah

Just a few miles away from the nation’s capital, Oprah Winfrey will give a campaign boost in Virginia to a friend and Democratic congressional candidate Saturday evening.

Lavern Chatman, one of 11 contenders running to replace retiring Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.) in the June 8 primary, will host a fundraiser in Crystal City with some help from the media mogul.

{mosads}The event’s theme centers around female leadership empowerment, a cause Winfrey has championed for years. 

“Oprah is a good friend and we both share a passion for empowering women and girls for leadership,” Chatman said in a statement. “I’m delighted she is coming to town to help with my congressional campaign.”

The fundraiser has made national headlines because it marks the third time Winfrey has publicly endorsed a political candidate running for a federal office.  

The event is closed to the press and tickets are $150, ranging up to $2,600 for a photo with Oprah.