Primary Day Open Thread and Live Blog!
By JR Hoeft | Tuesday, June 8th, 2010 | PoliticsToday is primary day in the Commonwealth of Virginia!
Whether you live in the 1st, 2nd, 5th, 8th, or 11th Districts – there’s a decision to be made today as to who Republicans should nominate as their congressional candidate!
Use this thread to offer your thoughts on today’s election. Then, join the Bearing Drift crew as we look at the results in real time tonight beginning at 8 p.m.
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Conservative to the core; liberal with his opinion! J.R. has been involved in politics for over a decade and has worked on several campaigns in Hampton Roads. He has served on the Executive Committee of the Republican Party of Chesapeake and the Central Committee of the Republican Party of Virginia. He is also the director of “Blogs United” in Virginia. E-mail J.R.. Follow J.R. on Twitter.
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68 Responses to "Primary Day Open Thread and Live Blog!"
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I voted this morning just before 7:30. I was #14 at Wythe precinct in Hampton. There were some Mizusawa signs outside but otherwise no activity.
Who’d you vote for? I really do have to hand it to Shawn Pattison for managing such a great race for Mizusawa. The odds are heavily against a Rigell upset but Shawn has really done well and made his candidate the solid alternative to the used car salesman.
My wife and I voted at about 7:50 at Landstown Community Church.
We were # 22 and 23.
A guy for Taylor and a Guy and Lady for Rigell were in the parking lot.
Some Sandlin, Mizusawa, Taylor and Rigell signs in front.
About 6,490 Loyola signs, blue and red, in alternating pattern order that my 5 year old daughter would have loved. Little much, in my opinion.
We were the only 2 people there.
10 people at Kents Store in VA-05 at 7am. Mrs. Kenney went there one hour later and she was #19. Only Feda and McPadden signs up, but Hurt signs are supposedly on the way.
Voted here in the 5th (didn’t catch the number). So far, sounds like turnout is very, very light. Reports of people waking up the poll officials.
The highest turnout precinct in Spotsylvania (Smith Station, 1st CD) had all of 55 people by 9 am.
Turnout has been light all across Northern Virginia this morning. My colleague was the only one who voted at her precinct in Prince William County. My boyfriend was number 13 in his Falls Church precinct.
Just voted (10:00 am) at Pinewood precinct 094 in Virginia Beach, I was # 34, no other voters in the building…little signage out front…
I opened Arrowhead (in Virginia Beach) for my candidate. Flow was about 10 per hour. I left about 8 AM. Poll was a virtual rainbow of color.
Here at the heavily Republican Saunders Firehouse Precinct in Bedford County (VA05), only Hurt and McKelvey signs are present (both campaigns have volunteers attempting to distribute literature, but few takers as most voters appear to have already made up their minds. Turnout has been light (130 as of 11:30 am) but steady.
I am sure the six candidates are intelligent and capable citizens, yet the tone of the campaign was most disappointing. With but a wit of difference in their views, the candidates spent most of their time attacking each other over issues that school children settle on the playground everyday. I would describe this primary campaign as a tempest in a teapot, and while the winner may be a capable opponent to Congresssman Nye, you could not tell that from this campaign. Further, it appears that the winner will be damaged as a result of the primary campaign, and may have alienated support as a result. Does this bode well for the incumbent? Not necessarily, but with Golden in the race as well, and half the supporters in the republican primary ticked off their candidate did not win, I sure like his chances for reelection. In the end, however, if the tone of the general election is similar to the primary, we all will have lost.
If anyone is interested, 11th district GOP candidate Pat Herrity will be voting at 3:45 at Centreville High School, 6001 Union Mill Road in Clifton. He is voting with his son Sean, who will be voting for the first time ever.
I can’t make it but might make a good photo op if anyone is over in that neck of the woods.
Going out on a limb and predicting a Wittman victory in the 1st.
#1 voter at Browns STore in Lunenburg at 6 a.m. Turnout very lite in Lunenburg (5th CD) Only signs seen (as of 11 am) were Hurt signs.
Going back to the polls in a few minutes.
everyone’s comment: we need to get rid of Perriello.
I’ve worked a zillion elections. This one is great because the weather is beautiful & mostof the votes are Republicans.
I WANT SOME PREDICTIONS!!
1st: Wittman wins- duh!
2nd: Rigell wins, Mizusawa places a close second, Taylor comes in third and no one cares about the rest.
5th: Hurt wins, McKelvey, McPadden, Boyd, Feda, Ferrin, Verga in that order.
11th: Fimian wins
Kelley it is a beautiful day and the turnout is very light.I can’t believe I have agreed with Kelley twice in one day.
Voted at 8 am at Jefferson Middle School in Arlington. I was #10
Reports of absentee ballots across the fifth were all very low. Predictions by election officials this morning from across the district on 1140am was that turnout would be somewhere around 6%
Drove from Roanoke to Farmville this morning to vote.
Signs on 460:
-McKelvey definitely had the most signs, lots of 4x8s and yard signs.
-Hurt close second, a ton of 4x8s and a few yard signs.
-McPadden lots of yard signs a few 4x4s
-Ferrin billboard
-one Feda 4×8
-one Verga yard sign
I was voter #57 at the Hampden precinct at the Hampden-Sydney Fire Department. Low turnout but signs for all candidates outside.
Predictions
1st. Wittman gets about 85%
2nd. Rigell
5th. Hurt
11th. Close race – edge goes to Fimian especially considering low district turnout, with no visible turnout edge in Herrity’s supervisor district. For all talk of division, party will unite against Connolly.
Voted at 2:00, Lancaster County, Trinity Lutheran Church (VA-1). Was #110 out of 1,453 registered voters. Two people came in behind me. Tons of Wittman signs and a poll worker. No sign of Crabhill. The poll worker thought maybe two or three people did not vote for Rob.
I was pleasantly surprised on my way to vote when I passed our GOP committeewoman’s house. She had a Tea Party sign flanked by two Wittman signs.
The bad news is that Crabhill is likely to file papers tomorrow to run as an Independent.
She was asked a few days ago at the Westmoreland County GOP meeting what committees she should like to serve on if she was elected. Her answer? “None of them. I don’t care about taxes, I don’t care about the Bay, I don’t care about any foreign wars. The only thing I care about is taking control of the government.”
I am told that that really took the oxygen out of the room.
Don’t we have sore loser laws in VA that prevent running after a primary defeat?
Craig,
Virginia has a sore loser clause, since Crabill went to the wire in the primary, she is unable to file for a third-party or independent run in November. Additionally, even if she could, she would have had to turn in 1000 signatures (exclusively for the general) by 7 PM tonight to run.
virginia’s sore loser law. yup. if you are on the ballot as a party candidate, then you can’t turn around & run as 3d party if you should lose the primary.
hey, we 5th CD people have discussed the sore loser law ad nauseum. we know our stuff!
The Declaration of Candidacy, which Ms. Crabill would have had to sign in order to appear on the primary ballot, says:
“If I am a candidate in a primary and am defeated in the primary, my name is not to be printed on the ballots to be used in the succeeding general election for the same office.”
david, it is also codified.
On the other hand, I don’t doubt she’s saying that…because she’s not very bright.
Turnout at Smith Mountain Lake (VA05) remains steady–11 percent at my precinct. Whether the voters are supporting Hurt, McKelvey or one of the others, everyone has told me they WILL support the GOP’s nominee, because TP must go. After a bitter primary, I’m heartened to hear that sentiment echoed by so many people today!
Yes, Mike. We can all expect a gentlemanly, positive, uplifting campaign from Nye and the DCCC based on the dirty, lying, misrepresenitng, weasely campaign he ran two years ago. Little Glenn has an actual record now and he doesn’t have Obama or Warner on the ballot this time. He’s all alone and no matter how this primary works out everyone agrees that Nye’s days as our congressman are numbered at about 200 and counting down each passing day. Ron sends!
With all due respect to Ron, I suspect any campaign worker or supporter who underestimated Nye’s chances should ask the real estate sales person he beat 2 years ago what chance a car salesman has. Rigell, though well funded and connected, is a boring, uninspiring candidate in an age of twitter, facebook, etc., where the average age of the voter in the 2d is closer to Nye’s than Rigell’s. I suspect to the average voter, Nye has made all the right votes in DC to avoid alienating just about anyone. He sure hasn’t made foolish mistakes like Ms. Drake did (i.e. her vote against a military GI bill, geeesh). Sadly, mark my words, but when I hear committed republicans saying they are more impressed by Nye, after meeting him, than by Rigell, the 2d is clearly underestimating Nye and sending him back to DC by nominating an uninspiring, car salesman who plays both sides of the political game…. only to alienate both sides (like McCain did) and keep them home on election day.
Well, that is not what I was talking about, but perhaps you remember that Thelma Drake had voted for the very policies that led to the financial melt down, two wars, the loss of standing in the international community, and a Veterans Administration that had to admit it was not prepared to take care of our returning heroes. That may have something to do with her loss as well.
Running as an Independent after being defeated in a primary. I was told this by the Wittman poll workers. I must admit it seemed odd to me. I was told she would have to do it sometime tomorrow…perhaps because the primary election was not yet certified? I’d really like to know more about this. It didn’t sound right to me.
Craig, the paperwork to run as an independent in the general election must be filed by 7:00 p.m. today. However, anyone who appears on the primary ballot (like Crabill) cannot also file paperwork to appear on the general election ballot as an independent. Only the winner of the primary can appear on the general election ballot as the nominee of his/her party — no other candidate on the primary ballot can appear on the general election ballot.
beachdad – Did you do ANY research at all before making that ridiculous post? Rigell’s campaign has done an excellent job of using social media. “Glenn Nye for Congress” = 278 Facebook members. “Re-elect Congressman Glenn Nye in 2010″ = 43 Facebook members. Scott Rigell’s Facebook politician page? 7,244 people. His personal page is 737 friends. I would say Rigell’s use of new media is hardly boring and uninspiring. People of all ages are identifying with Rigell.
Alright, just got back from voting at the Hurt Fire station.
Surprisingly high turnout at 180 voters so far today.
This probably bodes well for Robert Hurt, as he is from the area.
I’ll be posting here as well as on SouthsideCentral tonight… may be able to swing by Robert Hurt’s after-election extravaganza.
Ashley finds Rigell very uninspiring!!!!
Turnout in Mecklenburg is typical for a primary, perhaps a little heavier.
Will Scott Rigell have more Facebook Fans than votes today?
4 precincts in 2nd reporting – Accomack only – Rigell at 35%, Loyola at 23%, Mizusawa at 22%
Well, it’s a Wittman blow out. With 57 precincts reporting, he’s at 90%. WOW!
with 17 precincts reporting, Mizusawa is taking the lead – 37% to Rigell’s 33%
Sorry, that was 17% reporting, not 17 precincts. We are up to 26% reporting and Rigell’s back in the lead with 40%, Mizusawa at 29% and Loyola 19%
Sitting at the Fimian election night rally. Early results are all Fimian, but its early.
Fimian wins big.
Wittman wins Spotsy 89-11
11th district: 25% in Fimian is up 61-38%. He’s tied in Fairfax County, Herrity’s home base. Still early but not a good sign for Herrity.
Voting was pretty light in the my precinct (I’m in the 5th in Farmville, but just inside the Cumberland county line). I don’t have any numbers, but when my wife went to vote three hours after I had, the poll worker saw her name and remembered that I’d voted that morning, so he must not have seen very many other voters.
The Farmville/Cumberland area was pretty strong for Feda two weeks ago, but given the Hook article and everything, I think most of those votes are going to go for McKelvey.
I think light turnout is a good sign for McKelvey. Since Hurt’s big advantage is his name recognition, his “base” is probably composed mostly of people who are staying home. The people who care passionately about the race are coming out to support other candidates.
37% reporting and Rigell has 41%, Loyola has 23% and Mizusawa 21%
Lunenburg County, the Old Free State, small but mighty: 69% for Sen Hurt.
Politico calls it for Rigell!
Congratulations to Scott Rigell.
http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/eyeon2010/
AP has called the 2nd for Riggel. In November the AP will also be calling the 2nd for Riggel.
He is not a negative campaigner and has shown grace when mud was thrown his way. Scott Riggel is the man to elect to get this country back to where it should be going. Republicans will unite and get Riggel elected.
Congratulations, Scott Rigell. Well done.
General, thanks for your service, for campaigning so hard and for pressing Scott to become a better candidate.
Ben, your wonderful American story is so inspirational. You have a future in politics.
It would be a good idea if the top 3 candidates got together for a press conference with Scott to show a unified GOP marching together towards victory in November.
Looks like Golden for me.
Ya “john” you go ahead and do that. I bet you voted for Ross Perot or Pat Buchanan too or some other numskull with no chance of winning that just ends up electing Democrats. YOu’re a moron.
Hurt won the battle in the 5th but will lose the war against Perriello.
RPV Chairman Pat Mullins issued the following statement about today’s primary results:
“Today’s 11th District Republican primary ended a hard fought campaign between two extremely qualified candidates,” Mullins said. “Pat Herrity and Keith Fimian are both good men who stepped up to help the 11th district and the rest of Virginia recover from the out of control liberal agendas of Gerry Connolly and Nancy Pelosi. Both men showcased their conservative principles and a desire to stand up for the people of the 11th district.”
“Now that the primary is over, we stand united behind Keith Fimian as we move toward November,” Mullins said. “My sincerest congratulations go out to Keith on his victory, RPV stands behind him 100 percent in the General Election. I also want to congratulate Pat Herrity on running a hard fought campaign. I’m happy to stand with him in support of Keith as we work to put Congress back on the path of limited government, lower taxes, and fiscal responsibility.”
“The people of the 11th district are sick and tired of out-of-control government spending, higher taxes, and a national debt that keeps on skyrocketing,” Mullins said. “That’s why we saw such enthusiasm among Republican voters. The determination to get real, common-sense leadership back into Congress is everywhere in the 11th district and it continues to grow every day.”
“Keith Fimian will be an excellent Congressman for the people of Northern Virginia,” he said.
From Feda Morton:
I wish to congratulate Senator Robert Hurt on his win today for the Republican nomination for Congress in Virginia’s 5th District. It was a hard fought win in a race that was not always clean but his campaign stayed true and today he is our nominee. I look forward to working with Sen. Hurt in beating Tom Perriello this November.
I want to thank each and every one of my supporters for their hard work throughout these months. It has been a long campaign and has had its good moments as well as its bad, but through it all it was your support that helped keep me strong and moving forward through the end.
Thank you for your support. Thank you for your vote. Thank you for fighting the good fight on the values we all hold so dear.
Fimian defeats Herrity statement: http://is.gd/cI1Qj
Mizusawa just showed up to the 2nd District election watch
Loyola came earlier and took the stage while the crowd was still here – endorsed Rigell and said it will take all of us to win in VA. Rigell is the man to beat Glenn Nye in November.
RPV Chairman Pat Mullins issued the following statement about today’s primary results:
“I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Scott Rigell for winning the Republican nomination in Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District. As a small businessman, committed community leader, and a military veteran, I know that Scott will be an excellent Congressman for the people of the 2nd Congressional District,” Mullins said. “But I also want to thank the other five candidates for their efforts.”
“There were times when Virginia Republicans didn’t have a very deep bench to work from — sometimes it wasn’t a bench, it was a stool,” Mullins joked. “But that’s certainly not the case in the 2nd District. When folks saw the disastrous leadership in Congress today by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Congressmen Glenn Nye, they answered the call to try and change the course our nation is on.”
“Today’s result in the 2nd District Republican primary ended a hard-fought contest,” Mullins said. “Everyone ran on a platform of solid conservative values. They stepped up to help the 2nd district and the rest of Virginia recover from the out of control liberal agenda of Glenn Nye and Nancy Pelosi.”
“Now that the primary is over and the voters have spoken, we stand united behind Scott Rigell and look forward to victory in November,” he said. “My sincerest congratulations go out to Scott on his victory, Republicans all across Virginia stand behind him 100 percent in the general election.”
“Our candidates may have had a spirited primary, but they all agreed on one thing — Virginia can’t afford two more years of Glenn Nye and Nancy Pelosi,” Mullins said. “From voting for Nancy Pelosi for Speaker to his vote for the so called ‘stimulus plan’ — which did such ‘great’ things as fund studies of marijuana and drunk mice — Glenn Nye has shown that he can’t be trusted with one red cent of the taxpayers money.”
“I look forward to saying a heartfelt ‘Goodbye to Glenn’ in November,” he said.
RPV Chairman Pat Mullins issued the following statement about today’s primary results:
“Now that the primary is over and the voters have spoken, we stand united behind Patrick Murray as we move towards November,” said Mullins “My sincerest congratulations go out to Patrick on his victory, RPV stands behind him 100 percent in the General Election. I also want to congratulate Matthew Berry on running a hard fought campaign.”
“Today’s 8th district Republican primary marks the end of a hard fought campaign between two extremely qualified candidates,” Mullins said. “Both candidates showcased their principles and a desire to stand up for the people of the 8th district. Both gentlemen stepped up to help the 8th district and the rest of Virginia recover from the out of control agendas of Jim Moran and Nancy Pelosi.”
“The 8th district wants a congressman they can be proud of, and that man is Patrick Murray,” he said.
ok 5th District. let’s get to work.
I quote the news story:
==========================
RPV Chairman Pat Mullins issued the following statement about today’s primary results:
“Now that the primary is over and the voters have spoken, we stand united behind Patrick Murray as we move towards November,” said Mullins. “My sincerest congratulations go out to Patrick on his victory, RPV stands behind him 100 percent in the General Election.
==========================
I would be willing to bet that the VA GOP still does _not_ get it. They probably still do not understand that a conservative ain’t gonna vote for no freaking RINO or typical Republican. Conservatives have had it with RINO’s and typical Republicans, e.g., the G_d-damned Bush family, John “Juan” McCain, Eric Cantor, or Tom Davis. If you give a conservative a choice between a TEA party candidate and a RINO, the conservative will vote for the TEA candidate every freaking time. Keep that in mind, GOP dolts.
You Republicans disgust us conservatives. Get out of our country, GOP!
– Paul D. Bain
paulbain@pobox.com
And you kids get off my lawn!
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