Opposition is building against a loyalty oath the Republican Party of Virginia will require voters to take in the March presidential primaries, with the governor and lieutenant governor lining up against it. Gov. Bob McDonnell asked party officials to reconsider the pledge, saying it was “unenforceable” and could diminish support in the primary.
Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, chairman of front-runner Mitt Romney’s Virginia campaign, warned the oath “could be perceived as being exclusive.”
McDonnell then pushed for a new voluntary registration law that would allow the party to identify its voters but eliminate the need for oaths and pledges, he said. Party registration is not allowed under Virginia statutes. – Steve Contorno
