Helsel victory signals Poquoson’s arrival
By JR Hoeft | Tuesday, January 18th, 2011 | PoliticsIn 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.
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About the author
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.
Comments
7 Responses to "Helsel victory signals Poquoson’s arrival"
Heartfelt congratulations to Gordon Helsel on a clean, dignified campaign and a well-earned victory.
In spite of several opportunities to cry “foul” when at least one campaign took the low road, Gordon stuck to the issues and touted his record of service. It’s noteworthy that Chad Green won on his “home turf” in York County and Teresa Schmidt won on hers here in Hampton. They also ran dignified, honest campaigns and deserve credit. I’ll echo JR’s praise for the exceptional work that Carl Anderson and the committee did to pull this together. A pretty daunting undertaking executed on a very compressed timeline — but done so in exceedingly fine fashion.
Most importantly, I am heartened by the democratic process which has triumphed. Voters exercised their timeless right to choose and, in doing so, repudiated misdeeds and misjudgment which tainted this race. Instead, the majority of voters chose to support the three individuals who ran clean, upstanding campaigns. May the lessons be learned by those who hope to continue to serve.
I can only hope that we’ve seen the last of the FFCN PAC (sh)literature.
Apparently, I was right. Character IS important.
Amen Lifelong Elephant and JR.
If I never have to see or hear a peep from Kyle P Adams or Tidewater Campaign Solutions, the political realm will be a better place.
Congratulations Gordon! I supported Gordon in both of his runs for the House, and as a Hampton resident am confident that he will represent the entire district exceedingly well. Thanks to all the other candidates for their efforts as well.
Congratulations to Gordon Helsel
Congratulations to Gordon Helsel! It is great to see someone of Helsel’s caliber win. This is a guy that will fight for the 91st.
Congratulations to Gordon and his family! I volunteered on his previous campaign, and cannot wait to help out again! He is not only a stand up person but he knows how to listen to the people he represents! There is no better person to represent the entire 91st district in Richmond!
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