Local GOP chairs endorse Hanger

Item by Chris Graham

It’s official – Emmett Hanger has received the formal endorsement of local Republican Party leaders in Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County in his bid for re-election in the 24th Senate District this November.
“We would like to congratulate you on your victory in the primary this past June. As the Republican nominee, we endorse and fully support your candidacy to represent the 24th Senate District,” read a letter signed by Augusta County GOP chair Kurt Michael, Staunton GOP chair Anne Taetzch, Waynesboro GOP chair Chris Darden and Lynn Mitchell, the Sixth District representative on the Republican Party of Virginia’s State Central Committee.
All four had endorsed Hanger’s opponent for renomination in a June 12 Republican Party primary, Rockbridge County businessman Scott Sayre.
Hanger beat back a tough challenge from Sayre in the primary, winning 53 percent of the vote in the two-way race.
Party leaders had indicated prior to the primary that they would support Hanger in the event of his primary win – and reaffirmed this the night of the primary and afterward.
The letter from the four noted that the Staunton Republican Committee plans to contribute $3,000 to the Hanger campaign later this month.
“We Republicans stand united with you,” the letter read. “It is of paramount importance that Republicans retain control of the House of Delegates and the Senate to ensure that Virginia remains a place that is prosperous and safe for our families. We look forward to working with you and our other area Republicans to keep Virginia red.”