Remember how Jim Gilmore essentially pushed Tom Davis out of the Senate race by getting the Virginia GOP to hold a nominating convention rather than a primary? Well, according to WaPo, it might not be the coronation he was expecting.
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.
According to NLS, the state convention's votes are weighted in favor of areas represented by Repubs in the state legislature.
Translation: If I were Mark Warner, I'd have a backup plan ready.
Saxman's state house district is located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley--the reddest area of the state. He's pretty much a standard-issue conservative. In other words--Jim Gilmore without the baggage. As mentioned above, the convention delegate slots are weighed heavily in favor of areas represented by Repubs in the legislature. Bottom line--if Saxman can get enough support among his buddies in the General Assembly, he could make things mighty interesting at the state convention. The only possible roadblock could be his 67% rating from a GLBT lobbying group (hat tip to Raising Kaine).
Granted, Saxman would be at a considered disadvantage against Warner. For one thing, he'd have to spend a LOT of money on name recognition. Still, he doesn't have nearly the baggage that Gilmore has. Warner ignores this guy at his peril.