The Washington Post’s Virginia Politics blog is reporting that Virginia Delegate Chris Saxman may challange Jim Gilmore for the 2008 Republican Senate nomination
Del. Christopher B. Saxman (R-Staunton) said today he is “strongly considering” challenging former governor James S. Gilmore III for the GOP nomination for Senate.
In an interview, Saxman said the party “needs new leadership” and “new blood.” Saxman said he’s been hearing from a lot of Repubicans who say the GOP needs to find a Senate candidate other than Gilmore who can reach out to independents and voters in Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia.
Over the past week, Saxman has been meeting with several of his Republican colleagues in the House about making the race. He says he’s also been in discussions with White House and national GOP officials.
Saxman, who had been angling to run for lieutenant governor in 2009, says he expects to make up his mind in a few weeks.
“I just think people want to break out of the direction that the party has been going in and make changes,” said Saxman, 42.
I’ll admit to not known much of anything about Saxman, but his entry into the race would at least prevent this from being a coronation, and that can only be a good thing.
November 21st, 2007 at 6:07 pm
Saxman seems like a nice guy but I seriously doubt he’ll run and win in a convention and there is no way he’ll beat Mark Warner. Gilmore is our best chance and that’s who I support.