While the contest for the Republican Presidential nomination dominates national headlines, a number of political contests of interest have been popping up in the Virginia news. The hottest topic in these last forty-eight hours has to be Virginia's 2013 Governor's race.
Bill Bolling, currently serving his second term as Lt. Governor, seemed the heir apparent for the next Republican nomination. The rumored deal brokered in 2009 was that he would not seek the Governor's mantle himself in that year but instead seek re-election for Lt. Governor, throwing his support for then Attorney General Bob McDonnell for Governor in exchange for supposed party loyalty in the following 2013 race. But now he faces what will certainly be a stiff challenge from Ken Cuccinelli, Virginia's Attorney General.
Although this contest is still well over a year from resolution, it should provide a multitude of fireworks and high profile endorsements. In fact, the first shots have already been fired. For example, Governor Bob McDonnell has already announced his support for Bolling. In addition, earlier today the Lt. Governor released a stirring rebuke of Cuccinelli’s plans stating, "Unfortunately, he has now decided to put his own personal ambition ahead of the best interests of the Commonwealth and the Republican Party."
The Lt. Governor's statement brings up an interesting question. What are the best interests of the Commonwealth and the Republican Party? Is it electing Bolling who has been working steadily, climbing within the ranks of the party and the government since first serving as a member of the Hanover Board of Supervisors in 1991? Or is it picking Cuccinelli who started his public service in the State Senate in 2002? Certainly Bolling clearly has the edge in experience, but so far Cuccinelli has arguably done a better job capturing the hearts and minds of conservative activists through bold acts.
Unfortunately for Bolling, being ‘Chief Jobs Creation Officer” isn’t nearly as glamorous a role as Cuccinelli’s direct challenge to Obamacare. Another factor to consider is that in 2009, when both men ran statewide, Cuccinelli captured over 17,000 more votes than Bolling in his reelection effort. Also, although the statewide effect of the regional tea parties is still relatively unknown, Bolling’s Political Director’s tweeted desire to “toss the Tea Party folks in a bay” could come back to bite him, weakening his chances to command the loyalty of these activists.
Currently, I would argue that Cuccinelli has a distinct lead in the contest. Although he is a more polarizing figure, he enjoys higher name recognition and many conservatives have pinned their hopes to his political future. Can Bolling win? Given that the nomination is so far down the road, it is certainly plausible. But he must work hard for the chance to be the Republican candidate; the advantage of simply being the next in line has now vanished.
What’s next for Bolling and Cuccinelli and will the fight devolve into a nasty brawl? We’ll have to wait and see.
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