The Montgomery County Republican Party will hold a special election, sometimes called a “firehouse primary,” on Saturday, May 4 from 9 a.m. -1 p.m at the Government Center (755 Roanoke Street) in Christiansburg and, coincidently, an actual firehouse, Longshop-McCoy Fire and Rescue ( 5770 McCoy Rd) in McCoy.
Firehouse primaries are triggered when a seat on the party’s ballot is contested and lets the party select nominees for the ballot in November.
Held by the party, not by the county or state, voting is held in fewer venues for fewer hours.
There are two contested seats. Patrick Saylors is running against incumbent Helen St. Clair for treasurer (see their statements on page 2) and Lonnie Linkous and incumbent Darrell Sheppard are running for Supervisor for District E (northwest Montgomery County).
At this writing, the Montgomery County Republican Party has not yet decided whether Saturday’s ballot will present all candidates or only the two contested seats.
According to the GOP website, the following candidates have successfully submitted their applications and filing fees.
- Mary Pettitt – Commonwealth’s Attorney
- Hank Partin – Sheriff
- Patrick Saylors – Treasurer
- Helen St. Clair – Treasurer
- Sherri Blevins – Board of Supervisors District B
- Lonnie Linkous – Board of Supervisors District E
- Darrell Sheppard – Board of Supervisors District E
“I encourage everyone to do their research on the candidates and choose the one they think will better represent them,” said Sonya Murdock, Chairwoman of the Montgomery County Republican Party.
For more information about local and state elections, visit www.vpap.org
For more information on Board of Supervisor role and districts, visit www.montgomerycountyva.gov/content/15987/15997/default.aspx
For more information on the role of the Montgomery County treasurer, visit www.montgomerycountyva.gov/content/15987/16015/16805/default.asp
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— Liz Kirchner
