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By JOHN GOOLRICK
Rappahannock Newt Special Writer
In 1989 Virginia Republicans had what sounded like a great idea to me and many other observers of the state’s political scene.
They would hold a statewide primary election to determine their nominee for the position of Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The theory was that this would generate excitement about the nominating process, give prospective nominees valuable media exposure and build a base of support that would help propel the nominee to victory in November.
While the theory might have been sound, the reality was quite different. Three candidates fought savagely for the nomination, the campaign became costly beyond anyone’s wildest dreams and by the time the election was over the party was bitterly divided, something that contributed to the nominee’s defeat in November.
There is no talk among Republicans, and certainly none among Democrats, about choosing statewide party nominees by the more democratic vehicle of a primary in 1993. The process will be one largely invisible to the public and in which a good knowledge of arcane rules and intra-party politics will be of immeasurable value.
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