(Don't worry, this has nothing to do with the NLS story that George Allen is pondering another run for Governor. blech)Just when 28th District Republicans thought they had rid themselves of John Chichester forever, he re-surfaces....and he's brought his heir apparent with him. Richard Stuart, a former commonwealth's attorney, has picked up the endorsement of not only Chichester, but HoD Speaker Bill Howell as well. He joins the 3 other nominees John Van Hoy, Jon Myers, and Joe Graziano who thought that their closed "firehouse" primary would keep out all but the most hardcore conservative Republicans. In addition to the fact that the only polling places are a baptist church and Del. Rob Wittman's office, the primary voters must sign a pledge to support the eventual nominee in November:
Chichester called that "malarkey," "unenforceable" and a "method to intimidate voters.""I'll halfway do that, but compliance will be something else. I'll tell them that right up front," said Chichester, who intends to vote in the primary. "I encourage people to go in there, and if they want you to sign something sign whatever you want, and in the general election, do what you want to do."
Question 1: How many are even going to show up to vote in this joke of an election? There's gonna be some really confused and angry Republicans on May 19 when they show up at their usual voting location.
Question 2: If someone other than Richard Stuart wins the May 19 "primary", who will Stuart and/or Chichester support in November? According to the Virginia Public Access Project, Stuart has given MORE money to Democrats than Republicans. He not only gave $200 to fmr. Gov. Mark Warner, but he gave $250 to Albert Pollard, the Democratic nominee in this race. Whoops.