The primary which will decide the Republican nominee to replace Jim Webb in the U.S. Senate is still a ways off; however, as evidenced by previous coverage here at Bearing Drift, the race is already well underway.
Not surprisingly, the candidates are seeking endorsements and support from elected officials across the Commonwealth. Already, Lt. Governor Bolling and Speaker of the House of Delegates Bill Howell have endorsed George Allen for the seat. One endorsement that is being sought with particular energy by all of the Republican candidates is that of Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli. In 2008, Cuccinelli enthusiastically backed Delegate Bob Marshall for the Senate seat currently held by Mark Warner. It is still unclear at this point whether or not Marshall will enter the 2012 race. Still yet, all of the candidates in the Republican field are actively seeking the golden Cuccinelli endorsement and all of the potential grassroots support which may come with that.
Despite having been dismissed in the past as being too conservative to influence or motivate the public for any kind of electoral success, Cuccinelli has proven himself and his ideas to be very relevant not only within the Republican party, but also to the public writ large.
