Democrats in the 5th Congressional District on Saturday nominated political newcomer Tom Perriello of Albemarle County to challenge U.S. Rep. Virgil Goode, R-Rocky Mount, in the November general election.

Perriello gained the nomination without opposition at a district convention held at Nelson County Middle School.

Perriello, who grew up in Albemarle County, will try to unseat a six-term incumbent who has won elections as a Democrat, an independent and a Republican -- all with solid majorities. Goode was nominated for re-election at the GOP's 5th District convention last month.

"I pledge to work a double shift every day in Congress to bring jobs and economic fairness to the 5th District," Perriello said after his nomination Saturday.

Perriello, 33, has helped found faith-based advocacy organizations that focus on issues such as children's health care, increasing the minimum wage and ending the war in Iraq. He has worked in war-torn West African countries and in Afghanistan.

Perriello raised more than $640,000 through the end of March and surpassed Goode's fundraising total over the past three reporting periods. But Goode still has nearly $600,000 on hand, and the advantages of incumbency and high name recognition in the district, which stretches from Charlottesville to Southside Virginia and west to Bedford and Franklin counties.

Goode's campaign manager, Tucker Watkins, said the contrasts between the candidates will be clear.

"Every campaign is a tough campaign, but this is the most liberal, out-of-touch opponent Virgil has ever faced," Watkins said.

Perriello said his emphasis on issues such as health care access, education and economic fairness will resonate throughout the district.

"I think my priorities are right in line" with the district's, Perriello said.

Perriello has criticized Goode for voting against legislation that would expand children's health care coverage for low-income families and for voting against an enhanced GI bill that would cover college tuition costs for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

The GI bill that passed the House on Thursday called for a surtax on individuals who earn more than $500,000 annually, a provision that many Republicans opposed. Goode has expressed support for a stand-alone bill to provide college benefits to military veterans.

Perriello said Saturday that his campaign won't be about Goode.

"It will be about providing a better plan for the 5th District," he said.