GOP offers one election message, lobbyists hear another

Some key members of the House Republican Caucus met with a group of lobbyists at the exclusive Commonwealth Club in Richmond earlier this week for what ostensibly was an update about legislative races in fall.

But the message delivered by the GOP at the gathering has been interpreted by some in attendance as an appeal to withhold financial support from Democratic candidates.

Several participants agreed that the discussion during Monday's hour long luncheon meeting -- it was attended by House Speaker William Howell and Del. Chris Jones of Suffolk, among others -- centered on several contested races for the state House and Senate this year.

Republican officials emphasized the GOP's strong majority in the House, an advantage they expect to maintain or grow after the November election, several attendees said.

They also remarked about the wisdom of contributing to Democratic candidates, according to lobbyists at the event, who said House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong (D) was specifically mentioned.

In separate telephone interviews Wednesday, Howell and Jones said the conversation primarily was an overview of the fall races, and they rejected suggestions that loaded comments were made.

"I can assure you no one said 'We’re going to remember who you give to and punish you for it later,' or anything to imply that," Howell said. "That’s just silly on its face."

Armstrong, who believes he's been targeted for elimination by the GOP, expressed dismay but not surprise when asked about lobbyist accounts of the Monday event.

"It’s why people are so jaundiced about politics," said Armstrong, who relocated to challenge Del. Charles Poindexter (R) after being displaced from his former House seat in the redistricting process.

-- Julian Walker

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