In the end, the nomination fight in the 91st wasn’t about congressional or tea party endorsements or the support of the outgoing delegate.
It wasn’t about York or Hampton. And certainly not about pedigree or city office.
It may have not even been about residency.
What it was about was a popular mayor in a city ready to assert its value to Hampton Roads.
It may have also been a repudiation of negative campaigning in what was a shortened campaign.
Gordon Helsel, the mayor of Poquoson and one-time rival of Del. Tom Gear in a previous contest, emerged the winner in the special election primary.
The final tally:
Helsel
York – 211
Poquoson – 1293
Hampton – 220
Green
York – 609
Poquoson – 145
Hampton – 136
Stuart
York – 84
Poquoson – 94
Hampton – 517
Schmidt
York – 36
Poquoson – 46
Hampton – 665
Turnout amounted to about 6%, which is an exceptional number for a party canvass on short notice. (As an aside, kudos to Carl Anderson of the 91st GOP Legislative committee for their hard work).
But with such low turnout a candidate’s popularity (name ID) and community involvement is key. Certainly Helsel’s previous campaigns, including his being mayor of the historic town of Poquoson had to help. When you look at the numbers, it’s hard to think otherwise. Apparently the mayor is appreciated in his city!
Helsel said of the campaign:
In the coming weeks leading up to the election on March 8, I look forward to earning the vote of each and every 91st District voter. I will continue to talk about my conservative agenda that strengthens Peninsula families by promoting free markets to help the private sector create new jobs, holding down taxes, upholding the U.S. and Virginia constitutions, cutting government waste and protecting the traditional Virginia values and principles that most Peninsula residents share.
Tonight’s victory is not mine alone. I have to thank my family; my wife, my children and my grandkids, for all their support during the campaign. I want to thank the over 100 volunteers who put up signs, stuffed envelopes and made phone calls to get out our positive conservative message.
I promise that I will not take the March 8th special election for granted. After spending some time with my grandkids tomorrow, voters in York, Hampton and Poquoson will start seeing me out in their neighborhoods, knocking on their doors.
It’s nice to see the Republican nominee talking in broad terms. But Hampton Roads will be well represented to have someone in the General Assembly from an all too oft overlooked, yet important, city from the region.
