I was also following the race probably more closely than the two in my own state and the one in MA. I felt at the time Col. North was too controversial and preferred Jim Miller in the primary. In hindsight, I was buying too much into the establishment mantra and it would take a few more years to become more informed on their true goals. Today, I wouldn’t have hesistated to back North and putting more balls-to-the-walls types in DC.
I’m aware of how ugly it got with the establishment sandbagging North. Warner pulled the same stunt with Mike Farris in the ‘93 Lt Governor’s race, who would’ve been an excellent Governor and successor to George Allen.
I also remember the 4-way race when Gov. Wilder got in as an Indy based on his visceral dislike for Robb, but the Dems were able to have a “Come to Jesus” meeting with Wilder to persuade him to get out. Another example of GOP establishment stupidity that it would rather lose to a Democrat than have a Conservative win.
I’m also under no fantasy that Congressman Goode can win a general election (though by demographics on ideology, he should). This is about having a choice that Conservatives don’t have to submit to a false set of options between a Marxist Democrat and a Socialist RINO. The message is aimed squarely at the GOP... telling them they learned nothing from 2008. McCain was the final straw. I and many others will not be catching a ride on the SS Titanic Willard.
Will have to tell you the story of Warner and a young and rising star by the name of Obenshein who ran for senator against John. I dare not post it in public but the long time Virginia republicans know the story and the truth. I did meet Warner and Elizabeth and Coleman, Mike Farris, Joe Canada, Ollie North, George Landrith, George Allen, Jim Miller and many others. Could tell you some stories about Va politics