Okay, so it’s been all about the U.S. Senate. You know how we feel about it, now it’s time for the voters to have their say.
Besides the Senate race between George Allen, EW Jackson, Jamie Radtke and Bob Marshall, several congressional districts are also having primaries.
In the 11th, Ken Vaughn and Chris Perkins are battling for the right to the take on the incumbent, Democrat Gerry Connolly.
In the 7th, Majority Leader Eric Cantor faces Floyd Bayne, again.
In the 6th, Congressman Bob Goodlatte is looking to defeat former USAF officer Karen Kwiatkowski.
And, in the 4th, incumbent Randy Forbes is looking to dispatch Bonnie Girard’s effort.
As for the Democrats, they do have two races – Ella Ward v. Joe Elliot in the 4th, vying to take on, in all likelihood, Randy Forbes; and Bruce Shuttleworth v. incumbent-forever Jim Moran in the 8th.
Incumbents are not expected to lose in any of today’s primaries.
Be sure to check back with Bearing Drift tonight for the results and throughout the day for updates!
Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Open thread….be sure to also give us your predictions and the final totals!
Here’s the office pool Tim Donner conducted: Allen at 73%, Marshall second at around 12%, followed by Radtke and Jackson in single digits.
Update from three separate Bearing Drift contributors in the Richmond area:
Jane Dudley: “I voted at about 8:20 and was voter #13. I cheered up the poll people. I walked in, they turned around, and one guy raised his hands and cried, ‘A voter!'”
Michael Fletcher: “I was #25 at Wagstaff precinct in Chesterfield. Plenty of Allen and Cantor signs. No sign of the other candidates there or at Davis Middle School either.”
Jason Kenney: “Went to two polling places (the one across the street from me isn’t where I vote it seems, I have to go up a block). First one had a Cantor volunteer handing out slicks and Cantor and Allen signs all around but no others. The other had Cantor and Allen signs and a couple Radtke signs as well as a Radtke volunteer staffing a table but not handing anything out to either me or the other person who walked in to vote. Both places had around 20 people so far as of 9am.”
And, from Bedford County, Jason Johnson: “At 10:30, I was voter number 24. The chief election official for my precinct said that the county says that (so far) we’re having a higher turnout than almost every other precinct in Bedford County. Only George Allen signs are up and everyone–voters, volunteers and election officials–are upset that this primary wasn’t on the same day as the presidential primary.”
Lynn Mitchell: My husband and I were #17 and #18 around 10:00 at our poll. A friend in Staunton voted around 9:30 and was #14. I should add we’ve had fog and downpours most of the day in Augusta County. It was extremely messy last night.
Out in Fluvanna, Melissa Kenney received polite recognition: “At 10:45, I was voter 28 at my precinct in Kents Store. They lightly applauded when I walked in the door.”
Alton Foley: Got curious, so I went out at noon to all the precincts near me. All were way down, even for a primary. Stanleytown Elementary School, at 44, was on track for a 10% turnout as was Collinsville Primary with 64 and steady traffic. Bassett Fire Department was only at 15, with presumably number 16 turning in to the parking lot as I was leaving. Bassett Rescue Squad with 14. Fieldale-Collinsville Middle school houses two precincts, both equal with 24. I only encountered one campaign worker, a lady for Radtke at Stanleytown.
Rick Sincere: We have one precinct in Charlottesville where there have been zero voters as of noon. In 2008 it was our top turnout precinct (November).
D.J. Spiker: Voter 46 at noon at A precinct in Harrisonburg. We have Goodlatte on the ballot v Kwiatkowski.
Tim Donner: Raining harder and harder in NoVa…voted at 12:45 and was 53rd to vote at Great Falls ES – one sign each for Allen and Radtke.
Jim Hoeft: At 2:45, I was informed that turnout in the 7th district is going to match presidential primary levels. This is likely, in my opinion, due to Eric Cantor being on the ballot. The last thing Cantor wants is this report: “News out of Richmond tonight reports that Majority Leader Cantor is not in as strong of a position as expected….” This is likely to bode very well for Governor Allen.
E.W. Jackson Press Release at 3:00 p.m.:
Every sign indicates that an upset today is possible. This will likely come down to a VERY close race. That means that EVERY SINGLE VOTE COUNTS.
This is truly our appointment with destiny and we have just a few hours to make sure every single Jackson supporter goes to polls.
Turnout is everything today. Bring your family, friends, co-workers and brothers and sisters in Christ. “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Mathew 22:21.
Work today like it all depends on you. Pray today like it all depends on God. Together we will have a great victory. Watch this one minute video for some inspiration.
Polls are open till 7PM.
God Bless!
Rick Sincere: Charlottesville has had 301 voters as of 4 p.m. or just over 1 percent.
Top precinct is Walker with 92 voters. Venable (predominantly student population) brings up the rear with 1.
We’re making the best of the slow turnout. It’s good practice for election officials. I’ve had long conversations with our chiefs about planning for November, when we anticipate 3 voters per minute in every precinct all day long.
7:15 p.m. – J.R. – Okay, polls are obviously now closed. We’re watching the results here, but we’re hoping for some good insight from our team of contributors throughout Virginia. With just 5% of precincts reporting, Allen has a 67-23% lead over Radtke. It seems silly to call this for Allen. Honestly, it has been his all along. Now we’re only watching the over-under and who comes in second. I predict Allen by 51 points and Radtke does come in second but with only 13 percent.
7:30 p.m. – J.R. – Radtke’s early numbers are good. She has managed 24 percent with 30 percent of precincts reporting, but I don’t expect that to remain when northern Virginia’s districts begin to report their numbers.
7:38 p.m. – J.R. – With nearly 50 percent reporting, Radtke still holding at 24 percent. Helped in large part by Hampton Roads and Richmond. It’s as if she only campaigned there.
7:50 p.m. – J.R. – 60 percent reporting. Radtke still at 24 percent. Marshall and Jackson effectively tied at 5 percent. Turnout is 2.99%. Should break the abysmal Democratic 2006 primary which only saw 3.45% turnout. AP has officially called it for Allen, Forbes, Goodlatte, and Cantor. Forbes will face Ella Ward in the general election.
7:56 p.m. – National Republican Senatorial Committee
To: Interested Parties
From: National Republican Senatorial Committee
Re: Virginia Republican Senate Primary
Date: June 12, 2012
“I congratulate George Allen on winning the Republican nomination and look forward to Virginians electing this experienced leader in November.
“The Virginia Senate race will be one of the most important battlegrounds this Fall, and voters will have a clear choice between two competing visions for the future of the Commonwealth and our country. George Allen represents a common-sense path forward for Virginia by focusing on job growth, energy independence and a balanced budget, while his opponent former DNC Chairman Tim Kaine represents the status quo of higher taxes, bigger government, and more wasteful, Washington spending.
“Virginians deserve a Senator who will put their views and values ahead of blind partisanship and party loyalty, and that is why I am confident they will elect George Allen in November.” – U.S. Senator John Cornyn, NRSC Chairman
BACKGROUND ON TIM KAINE’S RECORD OF PLACING HIS LIBERAL VIEWS & LOYALTY TO OBAMA AHEAD OF VIRGINIA
“I’m an unabashed supporter of the President.”
– Tim Kaine, January 5, 2012
Kaine Was President Obama’s #1 Cheerleader For The Failed $787 Billion Stimulus…
Kaine: “The President And Members Of Congress Have Passed A Stimulus Plan That Will Help Jumpstart The Economy And Accomplish Critical Objectives To Get Our Economy Growing Again.” (DNC Chairman Tim Kaine, www.youtube.com, Accessed 2/15/11)
“Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Tim Kaine On Tuesday Said The Stimulus Saved The Nation From The Worst Economic Crisis Since The Great Depression . . . .” (Bob Cusack, “Speaker Pelosi Bets The House On Success Of $787 Billion Stimulus,” The Hill, 2/17/10)
Kaine Said Health Care Would Be One Of Obama’s Great Achievements And Good For The American Public
Kaine: “[I] Think Health Care Reform Is Going To Go Down In History As One Of The Great Achievements Of This President.” (CNN’s “State Of The Union,” 1/2/11)
Kaine Called The Health Care Overhaul One Of Obama’s “Proudest Achievements.” “So the president made health insurance reform a priority — and the Affordable Care Act remains one of his proudest achievements.” (Tim Kaine, Op-Ed, “The President’s Progress,” Politico, 12/31/10)
Kaine: “The Passage Of This Health Care Reform, And We’re Very Close To It, Is Going To Be The Biggest Step Forward In Domestic Policy Since Social Security Or Medicare, And It’s Also The Biggest Deficit Reduction Bill That’s Been Passed By Congress In The Last Ten Years.” (MSNBC, www.youtube.com, Posted 12/22/09)
On Health Care, Kaine Said When The American People “Immediately See The Benefits,” Then Health Care Would Be “A Great Thing Politically For The Dems.” AMANPOUR: “You mentioned health care. I want to say something that you, yourself, said about this issue when it comes to elections.” KAINE: “OK, great.” (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) KAINE: “When make this happen, and people immediately see the benefits that are going to come their way, I think this is going to be a great thing politically for the Dems. And we’re trying to show members that they’ve got their constituents behind them if they vote with the president.” (ABC’s “This Week,” 10/24/10)
Kaine Commended Nancy Pelosi For Her Work As Speaker
Kaine Said If Democrats Kept The House, Pelosi Would Remain Speaker Because She Had Done A “Marvelous Job.” AMANPOUR: “Do you think if the House remains Democratic, Nancy Pelosi will remain speaker?” KAINE: “Yes, I do. I do.” AMANPOUR: “No question?” KAINE: “I — she’s done a marvelous job in a town where it’s hard to do heavy lifts, as you know, in doing heavy lifting in the House to work with the president, and I think she’ll stay speaker.” (ABC’s “This Week,” 10/24/10)
Kaine Cheered On Obama As His Hand-Picked DNC Chairman
Former Virginia Democratic Governor Doug Wilder: “‘[I]t Will Be Very Difficult For Kaine To Disagree On The Issues, When You Consider He Was The Head Of The DNC And Much Of What He Was Parroting Was What The Obama Administration Was Speaking Of.’” (David Sherfinski, “Kaine, Allen Burdened By Washington Ties,” The Examiner, 6/11/11)
Kaine Said At Obama’s Halfway Point In His Presidency, His List Of Achievements “Already Dwarfs That Of Many Presidents.” “On Nov. 5, 2008, the day after Election Day, the big story was Barack Obama’s history-making win. Today, the big story is the many historic changes that he has enacted during his first two years in office. At the halfway point of this ter Hansard Society for Parliamentary Governmentm, the president’s list of achievements already dwarfs that of many presidents.” (Tim Kaine, Op-Ed, “The President’s Progress,” Politico, 12/31/10)
Kaine Said His Job As DNC Chair Is “A Wonderful Job,” And Includes Going Out And Being The President’s Advocate And Promoter. “‘My agreement with the president is I was going to do what he wants me to do,’ Kaine said on CNN’s ‘State of the Union.’ ‘And what I know sitting here today is he wants me to continue in this spot and that’s what I’m going to do with excitement, you know, traveling all around the country, going through the TSA lines like everybody else, going out and being the president’s advocate and promoter. And it’s a wonderful job and I intend continue it.’” (Felicia Sonmez, “Kaine To Stay On As Democratic National Committee Chairman,” The Washington Post’s Virginia Politics Blog, www.washingtonpost.com, Posted 1/2/11)
Kaine Cut Higher Education Funding Significantly When He Was Governor, Driving Up Tuition
“Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine’s $76.8 Billion Budget Proposal Would: . . . Cut Aid To Colleges And Universities By 26 Percent During The Next Few Years, A Move Likely To Lead To Tuition Increases.” (“What’s In The Budget,” The Washington Post, 12/19/09)
Just Before Leaving His Post As Governor, Kaine Tried To Increase Virginia’s Income Tax
Before Leaving Office, Kaine Proposed A Plan To Balance Virginia’s 2010-2012 Budget, Which Included An Increase In The State Income Tax. “Kaine proposed balancing the budget shortfall for 2010-2012 by eliminating the $1.9 billion car-tax subsidy the state pays to localities and making an additional $2.3 billion in cuts through agency reductions, layoffs and requiring state employees to contribute to their pensions. Kaine proposed that localities could recoup the money lost in the car-tax subsidy if lawmakers agreed to pass an increase of 1 percentage point in the state income tax, the proceeds of which would be distributed to localities.” (Olympia Meola, “House Rejects Kaine Tax-Increase Plan,” Richmond Times-Dispatch, 1/22/10)
The Tax Increase Under Kaine’s Budget Proposal Would Be A $2 Billion-A-Year Income Tax Increase. “Virginia’s hated local car tax would be replaced with a $2 billion-a-year income tax increase under the new budget Gov. Timothy M. Kaine presented Friday.” (Bob Lewis and Dena Potter, “Va. Gov: End Car Tax, Raise Income Tax 1 Percent,” The Associated Press, 12/18/09)
“Not A Single Member Of The House Of Delegates Voted Thursday To Support Former Gov. Tim Kaine’s Proposal To Increase The State Income Tax And Effectively Eliminate The Personal Property Tax On Vehicles.” (Michael Sluss, “Bill To Raise Taxes Gets No Takers,” The Roanoke Times, 1/22/10)
The Income Tax Change Would Have Resulted In A Tax Rate Hike “For Those Earning More Than $17,000, 60 Percent Of Taxpayers.” “The increase would mean a hike in the income tax rate from 5.75 percent to 6.75 percent for those earning more than $17,000, 60 percent of taxpayers.” (Anita Kumar and Rosalind S. Helderman, “Virginia Governor Proposes An Income Tax Increase,” The Washington Post, 12/19/09)
Kaine’s Proposal To Increase Virginia’s Income Tax Was Called A “Radical Restructuring Of The State’s Tax Code.” “Virginia’s outgoing Democratic governor, Timothy M. Kaine, proposed Friday replacing the long-hated car tax with an income tax increase, a radical restructuring of the state’s tax code that was immediately rejected by the governor-elect and other Republican leaders.” (Anita Kumar and Rosalind s. Helderman, “Virginia Governor Proposes An Income Tax Increase,” The Washington Post, 12/19/09)
8:30 p.m.: George Allen releases statement regarding his primary victory (He currently leads Jamie Radtke 65-23 with 85% reporting) –
“Today, thousands of Virginians sent a message to President Obama, Tim Kaine and their allies in Washington that they have had enough of the failed policies coming out of Washington. The way to get America creating jobs again is to reinvigorate the entrepreneurial spirit of America with pro-job growth policies, unleash our American energy resources and creativity, and rein in an overreaching, overspending federal government.
“This November, Virginians have a choice between two very different futures. My opponent supports the failed economic policies coming out of Washington and has a record of supporting bigger government and higher taxes, while losing 100,000 private sector jobs. I trust the people, not Washington, and have a proven record of reducing tax burdens, cutting regulations and creating jobs in Virginia.
“While it won’t be easy to change the ways of Washington, the stakes are too high to sit on the sidelines. That’s what motivated Bishop E.W. Jackson, Delegate Bob Marshall, and Jamie Radtke, and I commend them and their supporters for their passion and concern.
“Just as we brought Republicans and Democrats together to reform welfare, cut taxes by $600 million and create over 300,000 net new private sector jobs, we will bring Virginia’s voices and values back to Washington. I welcome Republicans, Independents and Democrats to stand with me in November to secure the promise of the American Dream. We can spark a genuine American Comeback based on Freedom and Opportunity for all. It’s our time for choosing – let’s lay claim to victory for Freedom in November.”
9 p.m. – J.R. – 95% of returns are in…Allen will sustain 65 percent; I predicted 64 percent. In other news, Chris Perkins will complete the GOP puzzle and be the GOP nominee in the 11th to face Gerry Connolly.
9:15 p.m. – Statement from RPV Chairman Pat Mullins
“I want to congratulate George Allen on his victory tonight. George, and his wife Susan, have worked tireless to make Virginia, and our nation a stronger, more prosperous place. I look forward to working with George in the months ahead to elect him to the U.S. Senate.
I also want to thank Jamie Radtke, Delegate Marshall, and Bishop Jackson for their campaigns. They have made our party, and our cause, stronger and I salute them for their efforts.
Running for elected office is an incredibly difficult thing to do, statewide office especially so. It puts an incredible strain on candidates, their family, and friends. Yet our country and Commonwealth would be in dire straits indeed if we didn’t have individuals willing to make this sacrifice, people who were willing to stand in the glare of the public spotlight, and offer to serve their fellow Virginians.
However, each of these candidates was willing endure the hardship – to stand up and run. And as they campaigned across the Commonwealth they reached out to and energized Republican voters. They’ve built organizations that will continue and be invaluable in helping us defeat Tim Kaine in November.
Now, with the primary behind us, we move ahead as one united ticket into the General Election: Romney for President, Allen for U.S. Senate, and Perkins, Wolf, Griffith, Murray, Cantor, Goodlatte, Hurt, Forbes, Longo, Rigell, and Wittman for Congress.
I look forward to working with each member of this great slate of candidates to expand our majority in the House, take back the U.S. Senate, and make Barack Obama a one-term President!”
9:30 p.m. – J.R. – Congratulations to Jamie Radtke on her 23 percent performance. Looks like that will be her final number. Allen at 65. Marshall at 7. Jackson at 5. I am personally disappointed Jackson did not do better. I thought for sure he would. Also, at this time, there have been no statements issued from any of these campaigns challenging Allen. That’s a little odd at this point.
9:45 p.m. – Andrew Schwartz – Just back from EW Jackson’s event. He was gracious in defeat, and said that he would keep his word that this would not be his last race (as long as his wife lets him)! Got a chance to talk to him afterwards and he is all set to support George Allen and Mitt Romney all throughout the Commonwealth in any way he can.
10:45 p.m. – Jamie Radtke on Facebook
“It’s amazing what our people accomplished. Tens of thousands of Virginia conservatives and Tea Party supporters stood up today to say it is time to stop the insanity in Washington.
“When we started this campaign, all the political pundits and the political class said we’d never succeed.
“They said we wouldn’t get on the ballot. But we did.
“They said we couldn’t raise money. But we raised nearly a million dollars through more than 7000 donations, without any outside help, without special interests, without the DC lobbyists.
“They said we couldn’t build a statewide organization. But we had thousands of volunteers out in the field working tirelessly.
“They told us we wouldn’t get out of single digits. And we got a quarter of the vote.
“I am proud of our supporters, our team, all our volunteers and I am deeply grateful to every Virginian who voted for me today.
“All of you have helped change the dialogue in the Republican Party. We are making the Republican Party credible on spending again. We are making our candidates accountable again. And we are restoring integrity to politics to the leadership of our nation.
“I want to thank my incredibly supportive husband John, my wonderful children Abigail, Sarah and Luke, and my mother Donna and her husband Gil.”
