2009.06.09
Analysis: Final numbers in the Republican House race
Here are the unofficial returns, with all the precincts reporting:
Cleaveland 893
Head 769
Wray 613
Johnson 549
Williams 357
Cleaveland won in Roanoke and Botetourt County, and came in a close third in Roanoke County. Wray won Roanoke County but then finished last in both the city and the two Botetourt precincts.
Head almost did what Cleaveland did -- put together a broad-based win, but just couldn't put enough votes together.
Johnson, who has targeted young professionals, ran strong in the city, but then fizzled out elsewhere.
Williams seemed the candidate most identified with the social conservative wing of the Republican Party and, well, I'm surprised to see him come in fifth. That part of the party has been ascendant for so long that it's unusual to see this poor a showing. It should be noted, though, that Williams raised and spent a lot less money than any of the other candidates.
-- Dwayne Yancey, senior editor
Melvin Williams is a good man with a big heart and keen mind. He would have been a real public servant and effective legislator.
Comment by Quigg — June 9, 2009 @ 10:16 pm
Having five candidates throughout the primary is indicative of the strong developing leadership for the Republican Party in this area. We will hear
from all of them in the future.
Comment by Max Beyer — June 12, 2009 @ 9:38 pm