Yesterday’s Republican show of force in Salem was unusual. It’s not that uncommon for Republicans to be united. But, it is rare for them to be this united this early in the process.
If you missed it, former Salem GOP Chair and Roanoke attorney Greg Habeeb announced his candidacy to fill the soon to be open House Delegate seat of Morgan Griffith, who beat longtime incumbent Rep. Rick Boucher (D-Abingdon) last Tuesday.
At Habeeb’s campaign kick-off there were a host of current and past Republican leaders, all endorsing his candidacy. Included in that group were Griffith and Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Roanoke Co.).
This level of support for a campaign kick off is unusual because the nominee hasn’t been selected. It’s possible other Republicans might jump in the race. In fact, in the State Senate seat that Republican Robert Hurt will soon vacate to join Griffith in Congress, three Republicans have announced their intentions to run. We seem to get a new candidate every day. And to my knowledge, none of those candidates has had Sen. Hurt by his or her side with an endorsement. The establishment doesn’t appear to be openly lining up behind a specific candidate.
But, in the 8th House District the Republicans appear to be circling the wagons around Habeeb. In fact, after Monday’s rally I imagine any Republican considering the race is thinking twice.
Habeeb made a statement on Monday and it was only the first day of the campaign.
Author’s note: I have known Greg Habeeb for the past five years and we serve together on the Board of the local chapter of Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
Posted by Jay Warren at 04:43 PM. Filed under: main •
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