Thelma Drake getting a GOP challenger? Not if Waldrup can help it!

By: Rob
Published On: 2/21/2006 2:00:00 AM

The Sheriff might be gunning for Thelma Drake:

Drake has no announced challengers for the GOP nomination this year, though Virginia Beach Sheriff Paul Lanteigne said yesterday that he is considering a bid. Lanteigne sought the Republican nomination for the 2nd District seat two years ago, but party officials chose Drake.

But is he getting attacked by her GOP pals?

Virginia Beach Sheriff Paul Lanteigne said Wednesday he may challenge the first-term incumbent, fellow Republican Thelma Drake, for the 2nd District Congressional seat.

But another Beach Republican, Del. Leo C. Wardrup Jr., a Drake supporter, has introduced legislation that would block Lanteigne from drawing a state salary while campaigning against her.

Wardrup?s bill, HB658 , would require all constitutional officers to quit their jobs if they were to run for a ?full-time? office, such as Congress.

Wardrop says that his bill is not directed at Lanteigne ... but he also says this:

?If Paul Lanteigne wants to run for Congress, that?s great,? Wardrup said. ?He just shouldn?t do so on the public nickel.? . . .

Wardrup said his bill was sparked in part by the number of sheriff?s deputies he said worked against him in last spring?s Republican primary. He implied they campaigned at Lanteigne?s behest.

Sounds like his motive is to take out Lanteigne to me!  How many more Republicans-eating-their-own stories are we gonna get this year from the Virginia GOP?

Comments



I doubt Sheriff Lant (DanG - 4/4/2006 11:32:53 PM)
I doubt Sheriff Lanteigne will challenge Thelma, which is a shame.  He's a moderate Republican, and not a bad guy.  Progressive on quite a few issues.  In a contest between Lanteigne and Kellam, I'd obviously support Kellam, but Lanteinge would be FAR better than Thelma.


I saw that too and d (Rob - 4/4/2006 11:32:53 PM)
I saw that too and debated whether to add that. I didn't because I focused more on the attempt than the outcome.  I guess in retrospect, it would've provided more contest as you said.  Thanks.

Nevertheless - the attempt on his political life was still made, and it's still an interesting story about another intra-GOP battle regardless of the threat passing.



I think this is all (vjp - 4/4/2006 11:32:54 PM)
I think this is all talk. Lanteigne is just testing the waters to see what may happen and to prepare for a run down the road should Drake lose this round. I'd be quite surprised to see him challenge Drake for the nomination.

Besides, I'll bet a numebr of VB R's will be secretly supporting Kellum, anyway.