In the primary between Senate Majority Leader Walter Stosch and Joe Blackburn, there have been some big developments recently. Blackburn recently had a kickoff that was very well attended, and got a buzz going that this is a very serious challenge. Meanwhile, the Henrico GOP had an election for Chairman recently, and over 90% of this district is in Henrico County. Blackburn backed the Sheriff Mike Wade for Chairman while Walter backed the opposition. Wade went on to win a huge victory which essentially gave Blackburn control of the local party. I'm also hearing Blackburn has hired Gilmore's key consultants with Creative Direct doing his mail while Boyd Marcus consults on the race.
This one is turning into a real battle.
Outlook: Leans Stosch.
The seriousness of the Blackburn challenge to Stosch is bad news for Ben Lambert. Republican money that would have gone to help Lambert for his primary race against MacEachin will now have to go to defend Stosch.
Posted by: | December 29, 2006 at 03:47 PM
Lets see......Stosch is not only on Senate Finance, but the General Government subcommittee that sets the state budget for Sheriffs. And, Mike Wade is a Sheriff. And, Mike Wade is supporting Stosch's opponent in a primary. "If ye seek to kill the king, ye better be succesful". Or, something to that effect.
Posted by: Mr. Ugly | December 29, 2006 at 04:15 PM
Benny Lambert is on Senate Finance. The single most pwerful committee in the GA. Think of it as both House Appropriations and Finance rolled into one.
Money will not be a problem.
Posted by: | December 29, 2006 at 04:38 PM
Being a traitor will.
Posted by: | December 29, 2006 at 05:36 PM
Stosch has a HUGE cash on hand advantage!
Posted by: | December 29, 2006 at 06:05 PM
Stosch has stood silemtly by, while peers Quayle and Potts have stifled pro-life initiatives (like painkillers for innocent infants being slaughtered in abortion) in committee. It's time for a change. Stosch is stale. Let's hear a new pro-life vision from Blackburn.
Posted by: t | December 29, 2006 at 06:28 PM
To all of the R's in the Senate who had the courage to stand up and do the right thing rather than what was popular last session, "The far right will probably run someone against you, but they will not defeat you." You heard it hear, so sez Mr. Ugly.
Posted by: Mr. Ugly | December 29, 2006 at 08:00 PM
That's just Ugly.
Posted by: t | December 29, 2006 at 08:12 PM