Tripp Godsey

UPDATED: Updated at 11:11 with link to Roanoke Tea Party’s post on the endorsement.

The Roanoke Tea Party voted unanimously on Monday to endorse Tripp Godsey for the Republican nomination in the 21st Senate District race.

Godsey and Del. Dave Nutter, R-Christiansburg, are both seeking the Republican nomination in that race to challenge incumbent Sen. John Edwards, D-Roanoke.

Roanoke Tea Party President Chip Tarbutton said of Godsey: “We feel he will uphold the principles we like to see politicians follow in their role as a representative of the people. We feel he will do a fine job of that and a better job than the other candidate in the Republican primary.”

Right now, Nutter has a substantial fundraising lead on Godsey. According to the Virginia Public Access Project he’s raised $95,262 through June 30, compared to Godsey’s $4,233.

Nutter’s total includes more than $40,000 from Gov. Bob McDonnell’s Opportunity Virginia PAC.

Tarbutton downplayed the disparity in campaign finance so far: “It helps to have more money, but in a campaign like this it’s more important to get out and meet people, to do the hard campaigning work: Knocking on doors, getting signs up, and just highlighting the differences on the issues.”

The primary election will be held on August 23.

Here’s the Roanoke Tea Party post about the endorsement.

Previous stories about Godsey:

June 3, 2011: Tripp Godsey says he’ll challenge Sen. John Edwards
July 3, 2011: Tea party Senate hopeful Tripp Godsey fears U.N. control