Two delegates from the Northern Virginia battleground of Prince William County are challenging established leaders at a Richmond convention Saturday that will determine the tone and faces of Virginia’s Republican Party.
Former Gov. Jim Gilmore faces a primary challenge from Del. Bob Marshall, while Republican Party Chairman John Hager battles Del. Jeff Frederick.
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Gilmore has largely looked ahead to the fall clash with likely Democratic nominee and former Gov. Mark Warner, while Marshall has made the case the party needs a fresh, more conservative contender.
If both or either Northern Virginia contenders win, it will send the signal that the party needs new blood, said Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chairman Corey Stewart, who endorsed Marshall.
But Gilmore and Hager say their expected victories will establish the party as unified and prepared for tough November contests.
“Look, we’ve had a steady turnover at the leadership. We’ve had four chairmen in five years,” Hager said. “What we need is stability, continuity and proven leadership now.”
Frederick says on the contrary, that recent Democratic victories show the state party needs new vigor.
“We can’t keep doing the same thing over and over again and thinking we’ll get a different result,” Frederick said. “If we’re going to start winning again, we have to know who we are and who we stand for.”
Gilmore says he hopes he can appeal to voters who want a new direction and years of statewide elected experience.
“We need change in Washington, the leadership we have had up and down the line have not focused on the stress families are under right now. … The time has come for a change.”
While delegates for the races already have been determined at conventions across the state, like a primary election, turning out supporters for the state convention is critical.
Party spokesman Josh Noland anticipates a crowd of between 4,500 and 5,000 delegates.
“With two big races going on, that’s fueled the enthusiasm,” Noland said.
