Via Republitarian, I see rumors that Delegate Chris Saxman may challenge Senator Emmett Hanger for a conservative Senate seat in the Valley.
Another rumor that has been floated for a few months has Delegate Bill Janis challenging Senator Walter Stotsch for the Henrico seat in the Senate.
Conservatives will continue to cut down on moderate GOP Senators as they retire, but challenges like these would be the only way to speed up the process faster. Both are very intriguing. I'd rate Saxman as a slight favorite in the primary because of Staunton, and Janis a slight underdog in his primary because of Henrico Democrats, but both races will be ultra competitive if they occur.
The Senate Majority Leader's surname is "Stosch" not "Stotsch".
Posted by: | April 03, 2006 at 12:13 PM
Will we see a re-emergence of Ken Hutcheson to run the challenged moderate Senators' races again?
Posted by: | April 03, 2006 at 12:17 PM
No way Janis takes on Stosch! If he does it will be Janis that will be retired. Although Janis is a creature of his enviroment. My bet is that if Janis goes to the Senate he moderates significantly from his House persona.
Posted by: | April 03, 2006 at 12:57 PM
Any thoughts on the general elections if these happen?
Posted by: Too Moderate | April 03, 2006 at 01:33 PM
Saxman vs. Hanger:
Let's think about that one. Doesn't Saxman have ambitions for higher office (statewide)? This would make him look like a complete right-winger (challenging a relatively conservative "Moderate" Republican).
Posted by: Virginia Centrist | April 03, 2006 at 01:36 PM
Don't forget that this is likely Hawkins' final term with Delegate Hurt about to take the reigns. Should be a slight tilt to the right for that particular seat.
Posted by: notroberthurt | April 03, 2006 at 01:46 PM
Don't forget that this is likely Hawkins' final term with Delegate Hurt about to take the reigns. Should be a slight tilt to the right for that particular seat.
Posted by: notroberthurt | April 03, 2006 at 01:48 PM
Hanger and Saxman have been at odds for a while, even to the point of not walking together at parades.
Saxman can win if he gets the religious conservatives behind him, especially the Valley Family Forum, they haven't been too keen on Hanger.
The more interesting question (in my opinion) is who does Saxman have in mind to replace himself?
Posted by: Adam Sharp | April 03, 2006 at 02:29 PM
Yes! Thank goodness for them!
Posted by: | April 03, 2006 at 02:52 PM
I can't imagine why Saxman would do that. Isn't Hanger eying the LG job? Wait a few years and you may have a clear field in a special. Even if Hanger loses, he probably doesn't run for re-election.
Posted by: Not Ben | April 03, 2006 at 03:01 PM
Someone asked about general elections- both seats are fairly safe for any GOP nominee.
Posted by: Not Larry Sabato | April 03, 2006 at 03:03 PM
Even with bruising primaries that would come with these challenges? Is anyone noteworthy going to take a run at Chichester?
Posted by: George Templeton | April 03, 2006 at 03:07 PM
Not that these races aren't important or that I don't find Republican party primary fights fun to watch, but it is opening day of the baseball season. Does anyone have any predictions?
For what it is worth I think people should look out for the A's and the Mets this year. Moneyball!!!
Posted by: | April 03, 2006 at 03:13 PM
A's beat the Cards in the Series this year. Ryan Zimmerman for rookie of the year, president, etc.
Posted by: George Templeton | April 03, 2006 at 03:21 PM
Saxman would have to be downright stupid to take on Hanger. There's no reason for him to do it except perhaps outright boredom. Especially if he had his eye on higher office. And remember, I'm one of the ones who thinks Saxman has potential. Just as long as he chooses his battles.
NJH
Posted by: Not Jack Herrity | April 03, 2006 at 05:07 PM
Staunton is 1/8 of the senate district.
Hanger can do well in Greene, Albemarle, Rockbridge and even Augusta.
He would get lots of crossover support (not that much there) and also get alot of GOPs.
I think Saxman's chances are low at beating Hanger.
Janis is in a bad spot b/c he doesnt have very much of Henrico to pull from in his HOD district.
Posted by: GOPHokie | April 03, 2006 at 05:20 PM
I don't see either of these scenarios happening. No way that Saxman would take on Hanger if he's eyeing statewide office. I just can't see Janis taking on Stosch. He would not stand a chance, and I just don't see him being the type to do that. Why would he give up his House seat to run and lose in a Senate primary? Both are likely successors in cases of retirement, but I don't see either of these primaries happening.
Posted by: | April 03, 2006 at 07:11 PM
No, Janis is in a bad spot because he's a hothead who's not very well liked outside of his ring of supporters in Henrico.
NJH
Posted by: Not Jack Herrity | April 04, 2006 at 08:46 AM
Who cares? The action will be in Cucinelli, Devil-Davis, and O'Brien's districts!
Posted by: Doug in Mount Vernon | April 04, 2006 at 10:55 AM
In the general you are right Doug, this is primary season that this post looks at
Posted by: GOPHokie | April 04, 2006 at 04:48 PM