Republicans celebrate opening of election campaign headquarters

By Bernard Baker

Published: September 6, 2008

Local Republicans officially fired up their base Saturday, and about 100 supporters cheered as they opened their election campaign headquarters at The Forum on Piney Forest Road.

Single mom Grace Kelly, 24, was one of those who clapped when Republican leaders talked about family values, gun rights and the strength of the local economy. Kelly is against abortion, supports the death penalty and says no to gay rights.

“With as many people having children out of wedlock, this is something everybody has to accept,” Kelly said.

She questions how Democrats can be against the death penalty and support abortion. Kelly believes Democrats should have it the other way around.

While some Republicans are open to same-sex unions and civil unions, Kelly isn’t buying that. She said gays and lesbians don’t have rights.

Delegate Donald Merricks said the race between U.S. Rep. Virgil Goode and Democrat Tom Perriello shouldn’t be close due to Goode’s accomplishments.

Goode said the Danville metro area ranks top in the nation in new job growth.

“No one has worked harder to bring jobs to Southside than Virgil Goode,” state Sen. Robert Hurt, R-Chatham, said.

Jim Scearce supports Goode for putting the area first. He calls himself a conservative, but he votes Republican most of the time. He supports candidates like Goode because they share his values. “I vote for morals over my pay,” Scearce said.

Delegate Danny Marshall said Democrats will work to smear Goode the way they went after him last year. He said that’s why people need to prepare themselves now for the November election.