Thanks to Jennifer Lewis (D) for Congress campaign manager Josh Stanfield and others (e.g., Amy Friedenberger of the Roanoke Times, Ellie Potter of the Daily News-Record, Graham Moomaw of the RTD, and Virginia Republican Rollin Reisinger) for the following tweets, photos, and hopefully video at some point from this morning’s VA-06 GOP freak show, aka “nominating convention,” from the JMU Convocation Center. Don’t believe me that it’s a freak show? Fine, then check out John Fredericks, former Trump Virginia campaign co-chair and super right-wing Republican, who says the entire thing is a “travesty” and “one of the most obscene conventions I’ve ever witnessed in my entire life.” If you’re a Democrat, grab some popcorn, sit back and enjoy the freaky festivities to choose a (far-right) nominee to replace the retiring Rep. Bob Good…er, BADlatte! 🙂
P.S. In my view, Democrats’ only chance to win the deep, deep-red Virginia sixth CD is if a) there’s a huge “blue wave” this November; b) Republicans nominate Cynthia Dunbar today.
Update 5pm: No surprise; Ben Cline wins, with 52% of the vote, on the first ballot.
.@Cline4Virginia will represent Republicans in the November election to succeed .@RepGoodlatte. Cline won nearly 53 percent of the vote at the party's convention today, 13 percentage points over his nearest contender #VA06 https://t.co/Qbo34F6x8F pic.twitter.com/tSaBRYyr8Y
— Ellie Potter (@potter_ellie) May 19, 2018
Jennifer Brown has unseated 6th District Chairman Scott Sayre. She got 58 percent of the vote.
— Amy Friedenberger (@AJFriedenberger) May 19, 2018
As if the freak show wasn’t bad enough…
.@ewjacksonsr says @timkaine doesn’t understand Virginia or America. Says commonwealth can not trade “Madison and Mason” for “Marx and Mao” #Va06 pic.twitter.com/qJvCYuFPF7
— Ellie Potter (@potter_ellie) May 19, 2018
Rumors circulating that certain #VA06 delegates are receiving text messages saying first ballot over, ok to leave. Dirty tactic used to send people home. Not hard to guess who is only candidate to benefit from that. Delegates: STAY UNTIL WINNER ANNOUNCED
— Rollin Reisinger (@RollinReisinger) May 19, 2018
Actually, more than 4,100 registered, but 2,234 showed up today. To district committee chairman Scott Sayre’s knowledge, this is the most delegates the 6th District has had at a convention. https://t.co/U6D1uubKLb
— Ellie Potter (@potter_ellie) May 19, 2018
First round of ballots appears to be wrapping up soon (the temporary chairman keeps saying it’s done, then delegates are yelling they haven’t voted yet). We’ll know if there’s a new 6th District chair and may know the congressional nominee.
— Amy Friedenberger (@AJFriedenberger) May 19, 2018
@RollinReisinger “Delegates are trickling out of #VA06 convention. That makes subsequent ballots interesting – if we get that far.”
Four hours in, and delegates are now being handed their ballots.
— Amy Friedenberger (@AJFriedenberger) May 19, 2018
.@chazforcongress said he decided on the stage to withdraw and support @Cline4Virginia. Realized numbers weren’t there for him to win and thinks Cline will best represent the district #VA06
— Ellie Potter (@potter_ellie) May 19, 2018
The chatter among delegates was heavy with the litany of controversies. Turning out to be drag on those involved. Dunbar was widely seen as frontrunner. Incumbent party leaders usually win without compelling case to the contrary. #VA06
— Rollin Reisinger (@RollinReisinger) May 19, 2018
We’re about to start voting. A lot of murmuring from folks who are wondering if this could get knocked out in one ballot after Chaz Haywood threw his support behind Cline.
— Amy Friedenberger (@AJFriedenberger) May 19, 2018
@RollinReisinger “Balloting begins. Going to be one of the longest hours of their lives. #VA06”
Dunbar starting to come across as deflated. Saw it in speech as well as earlier. Started around the time Wilson won temporary chair vote. #VA06
— Rollin Reisinger (@RollinReisinger) May 19, 2018
Final credentials report adopted without objection. Dunbar disenfranchisement effort falls flat. The Cline delegates she tried to boot out won’t forget. #VA06
— Rollin Reisinger (@RollinReisinger) May 19, 2018
Dunbar not going down without a fight pic.twitter.com/mXe2ill0zp
— Amy Friedenberger (@AJFriedenberger) May 19, 2018
Dunbar crowd still feeling rowdy pic.twitter.com/qrq0Imwxvv
— Graham Moomaw (@gmoomaw) May 19, 2018
Dunbar is up, and people have swarmed the stage like a rock concert pic.twitter.com/tGS8RpjCQs
— Amy Friedenberger (@AJFriedenberger) May 19, 2018
At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if Cline won on the first ballot. Probably more, but don’t be surprised. This one might not drag into the night.. #VA06
— Rollin Reisinger (@RollinReisinger) May 19, 2018
Dunbar is the last to speak following dentist Douglas Wright pic.twitter.com/9xDQBcXrZu
— Amy Friedenberger (@AJFriedenberger) May 19, 2018
@AJFriedenberger “Justo says it’s unlikely he’ll win, but to vote for someone who doesn’t break the law.” LOL
Justo, without saying a name, references controversy surrounding Dunbar and Sayre pic.twitter.com/N0Wse14Qzz
— Amy Friedenberger (@AJFriedenberger) May 19, 2018
Ed Justo says stage wasn’t set up for a short man pic.twitter.com/OjbIxH5tO7
— Amy Friedenberger (@AJFriedenberger) May 19, 2018
Small business owner Kathryn Lewis: “I’m not part of the swamp.” Says, “We’ve got to unite as Republicans.” pic.twitter.com/AKUQJGnW3N
— Amy Friedenberger (@AJFriedenberger) May 19, 2018
Mike Desjadon — who works in health care — says “let me fight for you.” Says he’s not just calling himself a fighter, but that he can win. pic.twitter.com/KqCig01T9r
— Amy Friedenberger (@AJFriedenberger) May 19, 2018
With Haywood bowing out, it’s shaping up as a clear showdown between Cline and Dunbar. https://t.co/LSt7MjxTpN
— Amy Friedenberger (@AJFriedenberger) May 19, 2018
Elliot Pope, the non-politician candidate pic.twitter.com/XGkxpaUjoB
— Amy Friedenberger (@AJFriedenberger) May 19, 2018
Haywood tells supporters to vote Cline because this election is bigger than him. pic.twitter.com/7jIxMmbZ2z
— Amy Friedenberger (@AJFriedenberger) May 19, 2018
He’s throwing support behind Cline
— Amy Friedenberger (@AJFriedenberger) May 19, 2018
Haywood is withdrawing from race.
— Amy Friedenberger (@AJFriedenberger) May 19, 2018
Candidate Chaz Haywood says two important issues to him are agriculture and veterans. He’s a veteran himself. pic.twitter.com/bQw7Bs5leu
— Amy Friedenberger (@AJFriedenberger) May 19, 2018
Del. Ben Cline is up. He said he’s going to drive a stake into Obamacare. pic.twitter.com/YJbOovFRkU
— Amy Friedenberger (@AJFriedenberger) May 19, 2018
Sayre’s fiery opponent Jennifer Brown pic.twitter.com/Tb93Yk18X9
— Amy Friedenberger (@AJFriedenberger) May 19, 2018
Chairman Scott Sayre touts online outreach and fundraising that will be used to elect Republicans pic.twitter.com/u6km4EJBUG
— Amy Friedenberger (@AJFriedenberger) May 19, 2018
Southern region chair candidate (uncontested) holds up photo of Kathy Griffin holding Trump’s head and says Republicans are “at war” with Democrats.
— Amy Friedenberger (@AJFriedenberger) May 19, 2018
Roaring applause for @Cline4Virginia before he kicks off the first of the 8 congressional candidate speeches. @CynthiaNDunbar supporters raised their signs in opposition #Va06
— Ellie Potter (@potter_ellie) May 19, 2018
.@BobGoodlatte6 is here at #VA06 convention to pick his would-be successor.
He stayed neutral because he’s got two former aides in the running: Ben Cline and Chaz Haywood
— Graham Moomaw (@gmoomaw) May 19, 2018
Guy running unopposed for obscure #VA06 position giving a stemwinder about how he’s “at war” with the socialist agenda. Holding up hammer-and-sickle, he says you only have to look at the “antifa that’s in the street” to know Communism is back
— Graham Moomaw (@gmoomaw) May 19, 2018
Just to be clear, Steve Albertson is a good guy. NO evidence he had anything to do with the shenanigans. I suspect he volunteered himself to try and run the cleanest process possible. Steve supports conventions. Conventions lose when they become circuses #VA06
— Rollin Reisinger (@RollinReisinger) May 19, 2018
@AJFriedenberger “Del. Ben Cline on election of temporary chairman he favored: ‘I’m pleased that things are moving forward in the right direction.'”
Haven’t seen anyone wearing Jackson stickers aside from his entourage. Stewart stickers on tons of delegates, some Freitas as well.
— Activate Virginia (@ActivateVA) May 19, 2018
U.S. Senate candidate @NickForVA is all here. He and opponent @CoreyStewartVA are expected to address the crowd. pic.twitter.com/sZM9y5NGMP
— Amy Friedenberger (@AJFriedenberger) May 19, 2018
Raw vote numbers for #VA06 temporary chair vote:
Jack Wilson – 1375
Steve Albertson – 792Weighted percentages:
Wilson – 59.07%
Albertson – 40.93%— Graham Moomaw (@gmoomaw) May 19, 2018
Hearing that @CynthiaNDunbar campaign will end its baseless delegate challenges now that Jack Wilson is convention chair. Amazing what having a fair chairman does to clean up the process. #VA06
— Rollin Reisinger (@RollinReisinger) May 19, 2018
Wilson has appointed Albertson as temporary vice chairman of the convention.
— Amy Friedenberger (@AJFriedenberger) May 19, 2018
Wilson: “Over the last several weeks, there has clearly been some discord in the 6th district. Steven Albertson and I have done all we could to make sure this is a smooth convention where people feel like their voice is heard.”
— Amy Friedenberger (@AJFriedenberger) May 19, 2018
Raucous applause for election of Jack Wilson as temporary chairman. He was the candidate favored by Cline and four other candidates (not Dunbar).
— Amy Friedenberger (@AJFriedenberger) May 19, 2018
Jack Wilson will lead the convention as the temporary chairman #VA06 https://t.co/negOFEyCF4
— Ellie Potter (@potter_ellie) May 19, 2018
The #VA06 GOP convention is finishing temp chair vote now.
— Rollin Reisinger (@RollinReisinger) May 19, 2018
Organizers say 4,400 delegates showed up for the Sixth District GOP convention.
First order of business is a vote for temporary chair. Team Dunbar is supporting Steve Albertson. Team Cline is for Jack Wilson pic.twitter.com/S0lt4U2cyc
— Graham Moomaw (@gmoomaw) May 19, 2018
Scenes from Harrisonburg this morning, where @Cline4Virginia, @CynthiaNDunbar and 6 others are competing for the GOP nomination to succeed retiring Rep. Bob Goodlatte pic.twitter.com/033t6T0ZX8
— Graham Moomaw (@gmoomaw) May 19, 2018
Right now there’s a standing vote happening to elect a temporary chairman. Cline and some other candidates want Jack Wilson. The other candidate is Steve Albertson.
— Amy Friedenberger (@AJFriedenberger) May 19, 2018
The #VA06 temporary chairman vote is about to take place, which determines credentials committee, other organizational matters. If Jack Wilson wins the Dunbar campaign will be unable to continue baselessly trying to exclude Republican delegates.
— Rollin Reisinger (@RollinReisinger) May 19, 2018
Sayre calling on everyone to be “cordial” today
— Ellie Potter (@potter_ellie) May 19, 2018
This is where @jfradioshow should be set up at #VA06 convention. Instead, district leadership booted live broadcasts while @CynthiaNDunbar campaign defended the move by scapegoating the disabled. pic.twitter.com/59WUpT2AmO
— Rollin Reisinger (@RollinReisinger) May 19, 2018
Del. Chris Head sings National Anthem pic.twitter.com/r4ah79dy0I
— Amy Friedenberger (@AJFriedenberger) May 19, 2018
Republicans at #VA06 convention standing to hear @VA_GOP creed. Temporary chair vote coming soon. pic.twitter.com/20plefA0B3
— Rollin Reisinger (@RollinReisinger) May 19, 2018
#VA06 6th Congressional District Republican Committee Chairman Scott Sayre says 4,400 delegates are here today
— Ellie Potter (@potter_ellie) May 19, 2018
Plenty of space at #VA06 convention. The exclusion of live broadcast media like @jfradioshow was a totally baseless move designed to reduce transparency. pic.twitter.com/sgfnAjat6v
— Rollin Reisinger (@RollinReisinger) May 19, 2018
The #VA06 convention has been called to order. pic.twitter.com/52TUlJ4yZi
— Rollin Reisinger (@RollinReisinger) May 19, 2018
We should be underway soon. There’s a delay because there are so many delegates to register. pic.twitter.com/ifNenbHd6Q
— Amy Friedenberger (@AJFriedenberger) May 19, 2018
Essentially, Dunbar supporters are up front and Cline supporters are in the back. #VA06 pic.twitter.com/RbNYOn1lWF
— Ellie Potter (@potter_ellie) May 19, 2018
Even more applause for @CynthiaNDunbar in the front. Seen several Dunbar and Cline supporters debating so far. #VA06 pic.twitter.com/74JM9fvAZ0
— Ellie Potter (@potter_ellie) May 19, 2018
And, um, “Ewwwww” Jackson as @lowkell says. He’s *not* so represented here… pic.twitter.com/t6hcWy1HTz
— Activate Virginia (@ActivateVA) May 19, 2018
Stewart is well represented here at the #VA06 Republican Convention. Lots of people wearing his swag. pic.twitter.com/MMDcWCQbkD
— Activate Virginia (@ActivateVA) May 19, 2018
More than 4,000 delegates expected to file in here today! pic.twitter.com/FjDzhdtojB
— Ellie Potter (@potter_ellie) May 19, 2018
Here at the #VA06 Republican Convention, team Dunbar is handing out towels.
A terrible towel indeed. pic.twitter.com/e59jBQLrcJ
— Activate Virginia (@ActivateVA) May 19, 2018
— Activate Virginia (@ActivateVA) May 19, 2018
Americans for Prosperity, a Koch Bros propaganda/campaign arm, is here at the #VA06 Republican convention.
Oh, and tea bags! pic.twitter.com/3jVZwn9i4z
— Activate Virginia (@ActivateVA) May 19, 2018
Rise and shine!
Today we’ll be tweeting from the #VA06 Republican Convention.
1.5 hours to start. Delegates beginning to take their seats. Sure to be one helluva show!@bluevirginia pic.twitter.com/fIpzdHa2iS
— Activate Virginia (@ActivateVA) May 19, 2018
— Activate Virginia (@ActivateVA) May 19, 2018
Establishment Beware!
Radical theocrat, Texan interloper, and RNC member Cynthia Dunbar is seen by many as the frontrunner. pic.twitter.com/2Z0QI5TZgs
— Activate Virginia (@ActivateVA) May 19, 2018
