Del. Lacey Putney is being urged to run for re-election as a Republican.

This week, leaders in the Botetourt County Republican Party visited Delegate Lacey E. Putney (I-19th) at his legislative office in Richmond, Virginia.

“I am pleased to receive so many calls and visits from a number of constituents and Republican Party leaders in my district, particularly Botetourt County, urging me to seek re-election and to run for the Republican nomination,” said Delegate Putney. “I am strongly leaning toward running, and if I do seek re-election, I will run as a Republican. I am also honored that Governor McDonnell and the Speaker of the House William J. Howell, are encouraging me to seek re-election,” Putney concluded.

Over the past few weeks, Botetourt County Treasurer, Bill Arney along with Botetourt County Republican Executive Committee leaders Christine Broughton and Lethia Hammond visited Delegate Putney in Richmond. Each has strongly encouraged Delegate Putney to seek re-election for the Nineteenth District House of Delegates as the Republican nominee. Acting Botetourt County Republican Party Chairman Jeff Stritesky stated “Delegate Putney has served our area well for over 50 years. As a result of his leadership, Botetourt County has benefited immensely. Delegate Putney’s contributions cannot be emphasized strongly enough.” Botetourt County Commonwealth’s Attorney Joel Branscom has also been encouraging Delegate Putney to run as a Republican. “The Republican Party of Virginia has benefited from Lacey’s leadership for many years. He has made many outstanding contributions in the areas of law enforcement as well as economic development and transportation. I am pleased that Delegate Putney is considering running as Republican, and I will work hard to get him re-elected,” Branscom said.

“We recognize and value the leadership that Delegate Putney provides in the Virginia House of Delegates,” commented Lethia Hammond. “At a time when rural areas across the Commonwealth are struggling to receive fair representation in the General Assembly because of the disparity in population with Northern Virginia and other metropolitan areas, we are fortunate to have Delegate Putney, who not only serves as our Delegate but also as the Chairman of House Appropriations. Through his leadership $22 million has been allocated for the purpose of making desperately needed improvements along the two lane section of Route 220. Without these improvements, that stretch of highway would continue to be a detriment to public safety and much needed economic development in our region,” Hammond emphasized. Alleghany County Republican Party Chairman, Derrick Barr, echoed Hammond’s sentiments. “Delegate Putney has done more for Alleghany County than any other legislator over the past twenty years. The improvements to Route 220 will enable us to attract more business and industries to our area,” Barr stated.

Delegate Greg Habeeb (R-8th), issued the following statement: “For over 50 years Chairman Putney has served the citizens of Virginia’s 19th District with class and character. He has been a leader in the Republican Party for many years, and I am humbled that he is considering making it official by running as a Republican in 2013. I hope we can all respect Chairman Putney’s decision making process and timeline. Whatever he decides, he has been a role model and mentor to many of us. His contributions to the Commonwealth of Virginia are second to none.”

In keeping with his long standing practice, Delegate Putney will not announce whether he will seek re-election while the General Assembly is in session.

–submitted by Lethia C. Hammond