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Former Waynesboro councilman Mike Harris to run for Waynesboro GOP chairman

Mike Harris, who spent more than 30 years as a state trooper before serving on Waynesboro City Council from 2010-14, has announced he will run for chairman of the Waynesboro Republican Committee. Harris, who has been active in the community and statewide, expressed an interest in uniting and strengthening a party that has seen divisive politics shrink its numbers and drive away prospective members.

During his tenure on city council, Harris noted the “proudest of his efforts [was] to bring the satellite Virginia Museum of Natural History to Waynesboro,” according to the News-Virginian [1].

Current chairman Ken Adams, who is seeking re-election, has been a divisive figure in the party after he spearheaded lawsuits against State Senator Emmett Hanger (R-24th) that would demand mandatory conventions without allowing incumbents the choice of an open primary.

Adams’ lawsuit was not settled until shortly before the June 2015 Republican primary (see Primary, or convention in 24th Senate district? [2] and 24th Senate District: Court upholds laws of Commonwealth, Hanger gets primary [3]). He has now filed an appeal [4] that is pending.

The mass meeting to elect a new chairman will be held on Thursday, February 25, at 7:00pm, at city council chambers in the municipal building located at 503 W. Main Street. Those attending are encouraged to be there by 6:30 to register for participation. It is open to any registered voter in the city of Waynesboro. Anyone arriving past 7pm will not be allowed to vote.

Political reporter Bob Stuart has more at the News-Virginian (see Harris to challenge Adams for GOP chair [1]).