Robert Hurt Reaches ‘Contender’ Status
Virginia Republican Takes Critical Step in ‘Young Guns’ Program
Washington- The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) announced today that Republican state Sen. Robert Hurt (VA-05) has reached ‘Contender’ status as part of its Young Guns program. ‘Contender’ status is the second step in the three-level program. Hurt now faces a new set of benchmarks to reach ‘Young Gun’ status in his bid to represent Virginia’s Fifth Congressional District. His opponent is Tom Perriello, a freshman Democrat who rubber-stamped President Obama’s stimulus failure, cap-and-trade bill, and unpopular government takeover of healthcare, increasing job loss in a district that already experiences the highest unemployment rate in the state.
Founded in the 2007-2008 election cycle by Reps. Eric Cantor (R-VA), Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Paul Ryan (R-WI), the Young Guns program is a member-driven organization dedicated to electing open-seat and challenger candidates nationwide. By achieving ‘Contender’ status, Hurt has already proven his ability to build a successful campaign structure and achieve vital fundraising goals.
“Robert Hurt has already proven that he will be a formidable candidate by meeting the rigorous goals of the Young Guns program. With a resounding primary victory, he is now well on his way to building a winning general election campaign that will put this seat back in the Republican column,” said NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (R-TX). “Robert is part of a strong and growing pool of candidates who are frustrated with the Democrat majority’s big-government ways and aren’t willing to stand by any longer. His strong campaign and impressive primary win have put congressional Democrats on notice that Americans are ready to turn the page on the failed experiment known as the Obama-Pelosi agenda.”
The emergence of a top Republican recruit, Robert Hurt, who won an overwhelming primary victory last night despite being outspent, has provided Perriello with another obstacle in his uphill battle to win re-election in 2010. As a senator and delegate, Hurt has represented about 30% of the congressional district as a popular state legislator who’s worked across the aisle to create jobs. Easily prevailing in the GOP nomination among six other Republican hopefuls, Hurt has proven that he is a formidable candidate to take on Perriello in November.
He now faces a new set of rigorous goals that will elevate him to the top level of the Young Guns program and help him build a competitive, effective and winning campaign.
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