VIRGINIA BEACH
At least six Republicans - smelling blood from the party's November victories - are fighting one another to challenge U.S. Rep. Glenn Nye in November.
The large field is igniting an internal debate about how the party should pick its candidate: a traditional primary or a canvass?
Although much of the discussion is procedural, the outcome will affect when and where voters go to the polls.
A primary would happen June 8, with voters going to their normal polling places. A canvass would be on a Saturday in May at limited polling places with limited hours determined by party officials.
Traditionally, primaries attract more voters and are more expensive, often involving more aggressive campaigning and advertising.
Local Republican leaders had agreed to hold a canvass, but that was before last month's special state Senate primary between Republicans Jeff McWaters and Rosemary Wilson. That canvass turned into a logistical nightmare, with long lines and a lack of parking at some precincts.
"I have gone from championing the canvass to listening," said Gary Byler, chairman of the Republican's 2nd District committee, which will pick the nomination method later this month.
The 2nd District includes Virginia Beach, the Eastern Shore, and parts of Norfolk and Hampton.
Nye, a Democrat and former foreign service officer, defeated incumbent Thelma Drake to win the seat in 2008.
Of the six Republican candidates, Scott Rigell, owner of Freedom Automotive in Virginia Beach, has emerged as the front-runner, measured by money and big-name supporters. Ben Loyola, who owns an engineering company, also has significant cash.
Kenny Golden, former Republican Party of Virginia Beach chairman, is well-known in political circles.
Scott Taylor, a businessman and former Navy SEAL who ran unsuccessfully for Beach mayor in 2008; Ed Maulbeck, a defense contractor and former SEAL; and Bert Mizusawa, a brigadier general in the Army Reserve, are also in the race.
Chuck Smith, an attorney, dropped out and gave his support to Rigell.
Democrats are hoping the number of Republican candidates will lead to infighting that could weaken the eventual nominee and force that person to spend more money.
"When you run six people, voters have to separate and then come back together again," said Sandra Brandt, the Democrats' 2nd District chairwoman. "It will narrow support down."
Aaron Applegate, (757) 222-5122, aaron.applegate@pilotonline.com
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case in point
Thanks for (predictably) supporting my previous post, Chris.
I will be voting for Mr. Rigell....
I worked in his house about 10 years ago during a renovation and I can tell you they are a real down to earth family. Not to say the others aren't but I know first hand how he handles himself and his expectations for something being done well and done right. He's an accomplished business man and I believe he'll work hard to give us the kind of representaion we deserve. And being 10 years ago he and his family had no idea how their treament of me while I worked in their home would be the determinant reason why I support him today.
2 cents
Called Nye to let him know about my feelings on the health care bill... his secretary laughed at my saying I didn't want government health care.
Loyola is the type with pliers in his hand after a parent dies.
The rest are all the same.
I want to hear their promises and I would love to see them published on the net.
Glen Nye is a one term guy!
do what you are told, lemmings
Most of you registered or self-proclaimed partisan followers will do what you are told come election day so it doesn't make much difference.
Vote for the candidate of your choice...you may find the change refreshing.
(Personally I don't think the repubs could do much better than Nye anyway...)
if thelma ran again
I'd vote for her! Since that won't be happening, I'm going to vote for Scott, once again. Hope he wins!!
that's
Scott Taylor! Sorry.
republican challenger
Last summer after several unanswered calls to Con. Nye office I drove to his office for his summer vacation schedule. This was wanted so many of my friends and I could attend any event that would permit us to ask question on issues. I was informed the phone was working and no reasaon for not answering was given. I was informed that no schedule was available, nor would he have one. Later it was reported Con.Nye did attend a meeting with Va Beach Police to tour the new police boat. How good that made me feel. My advice to Con. Nye, get your resume ready, I will vote for Rin Tin Tin if he runs against you, he could not keep us any less informed, At least we would know where he is by his bark.
THE WINDS OF CHANGE
The last few years have been a "wake up call" for America.
We have elected politicians from both sides of the aisle who have lied, weakened the government, got us involved in scenarios that are seemingly endless and have apparently violated the Constitution.
This isn't a Republican or Democratic problem; it's an American problem.
Mr. Nye became a pawn in a bigger game than he was actually ready for. I honestly believe he meant well but in today's world that's not good enough.
Time to make a clean sweep and get rid of these elected men and women who aren't for keeping this Country safe, employed and honest.
Vote in 2010
My Civic Duty
I am a regisered republican and I always vote for the most idiotic ones to help out the democrats. It looks like I have a dilema this year as to which one gets my vote? I guess I will vote T-bag and hope they alienate all the voters before election day.
Registered republicans
There are no registered republicans in Virginia. No one registers by party in Virginia.
Open Primary - Same thing
Its amazing,all you can get me on is semantics:
Why cant I vote in both primaries or vote for candidates from different parties?
Virginia is an open primary state which means that any qualified voter can vote in either party's primary election. Virginia does not have party registration in its voter registration process. In other words, citizens do not designate a political party affiliation when registering to vote in Virginia. Virginia election law stipulates that while any qualified voter may voter in either political party's primary election, no voter may vote in more than one political party's primary on the same election day.
I always go vote for the biggest loser republican because democrats always seem to work themselves out and I give them my vote where it counts. I will vote for the biggest loser t-bag republican to keep you guys from destroying the nation.
Takes one to know one
Alex, if you vote for the idiotic candidates, does that mean that it takes one to know (or vote) for one?
WOW ALEX...
how did you register with a party affiliation?
Mr. Duty is lying.
You are right Alex. Mr. Duty is lying about being a Republican. You don't register Republican to start with. He is lying about everything except the part about helping Democrats and the part about voting for idiots.
new to virginia
in my previous state, we registered our party affiliation and since democrats had an overwhelming lead, i kept my vote to divide up the losers. Its just semantics, i was not "blessed" (ha ha ha) living in this place all my life.
There's Another Question Here
Enough about the Republicans --- who's going to get the support on the DEMOCRATIC ticket? The easiest way I know of to insure a Republican victory is to allow Nye to run again as a Democrat --- I and 95% of the VB Dems I know will just stay home.
Avoiding the rush
Representative Nye, who has linguini for a backbone, didn't see fit to hold townhall meetings in August to hear from his constituents. His handlers hid him well. He is a one term representative.
He should start now to avoid the rush for business cards that will say, "Former Representative ________."
business cards that will say...
Do Thelma and George Allen have their cards?
pulling for the Repugs
As much as I am reviled by and loathe Republicans and almost everything they stand for, I'm hoping we send Nye packing. He got in ONLY because of the unprecedented Obama turn-out and quickly forgot who voted for him and how he got voted in. I'd rather have a Republican who is true to Republican ideals in office than an obstructionist, fence-sitting, finger-to-the-wind, wannabe Republican we have in Nye. In fact, if Nye were smart, he'd switch parties.
What about healthcare?
Rep. Nye voted AGAINST the healthcare debacle. I respect him for that because he listened to those he represents. If you blindly follow the "R" or the "D" after a candidate's name, you are playing right into the hands of the political windmill game.