The crowded race for the 12th Senate district’s GOP nomination appears to have picked up yet another contender in the person of Dr. Siobhan Stolle-Dunnavant.
Why her? The speculation on Virtucon runs like this:
It has been rumored that the delegation, and retiring state senator Walter Stosch in particular, have wanted a plausible and credible candidate as an alternative to the Cantor/Ray Allen candidate, Bill Janis, and the Tea Party favorite, Vince Haley. They may have found this alternative in Stolle-Dunnavant, one of the few remaining un-elected Stolle’s in Virginia. As such, she wears no label and has no record to challenge. She has proven her ability to raise money, and will certainly benefit from the political organizations established by her brothers.
Hmmm.
A simpler explanation for whatever Sen. Stosch’s possible interest in an “anyone but Janis” candidate is found in history. Janis was an outspoken supporter of Joe Blackburn, who gave Stosch the most serious primary challenges of his electoral career back in 2007. Political memories are long in Virginia, and with Janis, there is much to be remembered.
Of very local interest is the split a Dunnavant candidacy could make within the ranks of Scout leaders within the district. Her bio states she is a Venture crew advisor. Her husband, Lloyd, is a Council Commissioner with the Heart of Virginia Council. Bill Janis makes it known that he is not only an Eagle Scout, but is also “Scoutmaster of Troop 720 and on the Executive Committee of the Heart of Virginia Council, Boy Scouts of America, and in 2011 was recognized with the NESA Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.”
So this all ought to make the gossip around the camp fire a little more interesting…
But it does appear that we have a genuine free-for-all for the nomination, with just about every version of Republican running.
The real question is whether any of the declared candidates can break from the pack. This race is beginning to feel a little like the 10th congressional district fight last year. A crowded field, some well-known candidates, a few long shots.
The best known candidate with the best organization (and most money) won. It won’t be any different here.
And no, the district does not need a Walter Stosch protege taking the seat. Time for a change in direction, vision and voting record.
