Wittman Wins Nomination for VA-1
Written by Sam on November 11th, 2007CAROLINE COUNTY, VA. — State Del. Rob Wittman won Virginia’s 1st Congressional District Republican nomination Saturday in a heated and sometime raucous party convention to replace the late Rep. Jo Ann Davis. Wittman claimed victory in the 6th round of balloting, after conservative anti-tax activist Paul Jost conceded.
Jost had led through all five rounds of balloting, but a late endorsement by Davis’ husband, retired firefighter Chuck Davis, helped push Wittman over the top. Davis entered the convention as one of the leading candidates.
I am disappointed in this result. Jost was the Club for Growth endorsed candidate and a strong anti-tax conservative. This is a Republican district so I think he would have been easily electable. I don’t know anything about Wittman, however, so he may be fine. I’m not judging him by any means, but Jost was my preference for this race. This election is December 11th.
11
PM
I don’t know anything about Wittman, but I’ve had experience with Jost. He’s a complete idiot- a foul little stain on Virginia politics who thinks himself much more important than he actually is. Thank God he’ll remain that way.
12
PM
Please elaborate on your experience with Jost. Why did Davis pick Wittman and not Jost?
12
PM
I was a consultant in one of Jost’s ill-conceived races a few years ago. I’m obligated not to divulge too much information (clients don’t like that), but I’ve seen how he behaves and I’ve seen the opposition research report on him.
My favorite story about him comes from his time as an appointee to the William & Mary Board of Visitors alongside former Sect. of State Laurence Eagleburger. His antics (accusing other Board members of lying, insulting them, bringing a video camera into meetings, etc.) caused Eagleburger to publicly and accurately denounce him as nothing more than a political hack.
There’s a lot more I could say, but I’ll leave it there. When a former Republican Sect. of State publicly calls you out on the floor and wastes you, you’re a loser.