Published: June 07, 2009 07:35 pm      

3 vie for Dem nomination in primary battle

POCAHONTAS, Va. — Three Democrats are vying for their parties nomination Tuesday in a contested primary battle for a seat on the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors.

Tom Childress, David Woodard and Robert “Spot” Steele, are all vying for the Democratic nomination for the Northern District seat on the Board of Supervisors, according to County Registrar Debbie Barrett.

The winner of the three man Democratic contest will face a lone Republican in November. Barrett said James T. “Jim” Campbell has filed as a Republican candidate for the Northern District board seat.

Polls open Tuesday at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. across Tazewell County. Barrett said voters will vote at their normal polling precincts Tuesday.

In addition to the local Board of Supervisors contest, three Democrats are vying for the Democratic nomination for governor. The candidates are State Sen. R. Creigh Deeds, Terry McAuliffe and. Brian Moran.

The winner of the primary contest will face Republican nominee Bob McDonnell in November in the governor’s race.

Barrett said two Democrats also are vying for their parties nomination for lieutenant governor. The candidates are A. Michael Signer, Jody M. Wagner and Jon I. Bowerbank. Barrett said Bowerbank has withdrawn from the race, but his name will remain on the ballot Tuesday.

While absentee balloting has been light, Barrett said the contested Democratic primary in the Northern District should generate interest.

“I would assume there will be (a good turnout),” Barrett said. “We haven’t seen a lot of interest in absentee voting in that area, but I would assume more people will get out to vote.”

Barrett said the new electronic poll books will be used Tuesday.

“We will be using the new electronic poll books this year where you can scan your voter card or your driver’s license,” Barrett. “And they will have the paper poll books as back up.”

Because residents in Virginia don’t register to vote by party, Barrett said anyone can vote in Tuesday’s Democratic primary.

— Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com