EDITORIAL: Sitting out a political primary showdown

Political bullets are being fired in Virginia, but we take no stand. Why?

Mainly because the lead being spread is a prelude; these gunfights are primary elections.

In the race for governor, lieutenant governor and the 52nd District House of Delegates seat, Democrats are competing to see who will represent their party at the main shootout.

Mike Hodge and Luke Torian both want to be delegate, Jody Wagner and Mike Signer both want to be lieutenant governor and Brian Moran, Creigh Deeds and Terry McAuliffe all want to be our new
governor.

After they finish filling each other full of holes, the last man standing in each race will move on to the real contest against Republicans.

If we were to back a gunslinger in the primary showdowns, we may find ourselves in the unfortunate position later of opposing someone we once endorsed. We don’t want to be hypocrites, nor do we want
to restrict ourselves.

So, while we will endorse in the governor, lieutenant governor and 52nd district seat race, we will not do so until after some preliminary bodies fall.

Having said that, primaries are as essential as the main elections. It is here, at this early stage, that the final lineup will be determined. Whatever choices the voters make now will greatly affect whether
the final winner is Democrat or Republican.

As we said, when the time comes, we will join our guns with those of the GOP or the Dems, but for now, it is up to you.

The primaries are on June 9. Make your choices. Come armed with the facts. And be sure not to shoot from the hip.