Senator Dick Black has officially declared his candidacy for the 10th congressional district GOP nomination (the press release can be read here [1]). This brings the number of declared candidates to three — Black, Del. Barbara Comstock and Frederick county BOS chairman Richard Shickle. Is Keith Fimian in or out [2]?
It may not matter. However, Black’s run (which is sure to please Brian Schoeneman [3]) leaves no room on the right. Another thing to consider? The my understanding is that the 10th district committee will soon decide whether to select the nominee via convention or primary. An important consideration is that, apparently, there is no venue within the district that can host a large convention. But necessity has a way of inventing things…
Does Black’s candidacy change the make-up of the race? Possibly. Comstock has been working hard to line-up support on the right, but Black ought to do well in those precincts, too. The bigger consideration is what Black’s candidacy means for the GOP in Virginia’s Senate. Pending the outcome of tomorrow’s 33rd district race, and the recount in the sixth district, Republicans stand a chance 0f gaining outright control of the upper house. Black’s trajectory to the House, if successful, could mean the Senate remains up for grabs well into 2015 (when the entire Senate will be up for election).
Now pick your sides and offer no quarter…