The Republican primary for governor revealed deep divisions inside the Virginia GOP. Will those divisions become a liability this fall? Or will Republicans unite behind their ticket?
Surprised? Yes. Shocked? Perhaps. But open to the idea that the Republican Party is in the midst of a civil war? Certainly not. Republican veterans say Corey Stewart’s brand of Confederate flag waving economic white nationalism earned more votes than anybody expected. But there’s still months for the party to pull together. Former Governor George Allen recalls when he emerged from a bitter convention fight behind in the polls and dead broke running against a popular Democrat who had no opposition in the primary.
“There’s going to be some hurt feelings. No one likes to lose, and it’s a question of leadership on the part of the winner, Ed Gillespie. There’s also a responsibility on the part of those who didn’t win. That’s where you test somebody’s timbre.”
Former Governor Jim Gilmore says Republicans may have been divided during the primary. But they’re united in opposition to Democrats.
“Nothing unites the Republican Party quite like running against radical left wing Democrats, and that’s what Northam has demonstrated that he is. He would probably have liked to have pretended to be more moderate. But Perriello wouldn't allow him to do that.”
Republicans now have four months to unite their supporters. Allen and Gilmore both say that’s more than enough time to make that happen.
