John O’Bannon: Statement on Eric Cantor primary defeat

I congratulate Dave Brat on his victory in the 7th District Republican Primary yesterday.  Dave ran an outstanding campaign, generating strong support throughout the district.  His victory demonstrates the power of conducting a campaign neighbor-to-neighbor, earning the support of the voters by taking his message directly to them.

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor was my immediate predecessor as Delegate for the 73rd District.  I have known Eric and the entire Cantor family for decades.  I know how committed he is to our Party and to serving Virginia.  While Tuesday’s results are undoubtedly disappointing, they do not diminish his strong record of public service.

With the primaries now over, Virginia’s Republican ticket for 2014 is set.  My neighbors in the 73rd District can make the conservative change we need in Washington by electing Ed Gillespie to the U.S. Senate and Dave Brat to the U.S. House of Representatives.  I will be voting for Dave Brat and Ed Gillespie onNovember 4th and hope that you will join me in supporting them.

John O’Bannon is a member of the Virginia House of Delegates.