The Washington Post’s Tim Craig reports on what appears to be another Republican candidate for Lt. Governor:
Former state senator James K. “Jay” O’Brien of Fairfax is ramping up his campaign for lieutenant governor in 2009.
O’Brien has printed up “Jay O’Brien for Lieutenant Governor” pamphlets, one of which was found on the floor of the General Assembly building. He’s also started a website, where he lists endorsements from more than 50 GOP officials, including U.S. Rep. Thomas M. Davis III and his wife, former state senator Jeannemarie Devolites Davis.
The flier notes O’Brien has a perfect record in opposing abortion rights and has been supported by the National Rifle Association. He also takes credit for passing a bill last year that bans teenagers from using a cell phone while driving and helping to pass legislation that cracks down on child predators.
The flier, which solicits campaign contributions, also runs through O’Brien’s resume. But it’s impossible to tell from the flier that O’Brien lost his bid for reelection last year to Sen. George Barker (D-Fairfax).
The flier states O’Brien was “elected to the state Senate in a 2002 special election and reelected to a full term in 2003.
Craig also reports that O’Brien said in phone call that he would only run for Lt. Governor if Bill Bolling doesn’t run for a second term. As I noted yesterday, Bolling is gearing up a run for Governor.
