Davidson Endorses Blankenship, O'Neil In Veroche Senate Races

CNS lieutenant governor backs conservative candidates over moderates

TWIN LAKES, VER--Veroche Lieutenant Governor Brad Davidson made two key endorsements Saturday in Veroche's senate primary races.

Davidson endorsed the two most conservative candidates running for Veroche's two contestable senate seats. First, he announced his support for incumbent Evelynn Blankenship, who is facing a primary challenge from former Lake City Mayor Richard Scholinger. Blankenship is popular among the party base for her fiery opposition to the economic stimulus and corporate bail-out plan, while Scholinger is a celebrated moderate in the party.

The lieutenant governor then threw his support to conservative activist Talley O'Neil, who is challenging incumbent Niles Gilcrest in Veroche's other senate race. O'Neil, who is the wife of Rep. Rich O'Neil, is extremely popular among the party faithful, while Gilcrest has been chided for voting with the Nationalists on issues ranging from the war in Afghanistan and national security to the environment and the economic recovery plan.

Speaking to a group of reporters in Twin Lakes, Davidson said that as a former secretary of national security, he believed Blankenship and O'Neil were the best-suited candidates to help protect Grassadella.

"Senator Blankenship has proven herself to be a fierce defender of our country's national security," Davidson said. "Likewise, Talley O'Neil has also pledged to support our country's security. Their commitment to national security is one of many reasons I am endorsing both of them for Veroche's two respective senate seats."

Blankenship and O'Neil were both on-hand for Davidson's endorsement. Senator Blankenship said she was "delighted" to have Davidson's backing, while O'Neil said she was "honored to have [Davidson's] support."

"Lieutenant Governor Davidson is a bold leader who is not afraid to speak the truth, and that's why I admire him so much, and that's why we're going to win this election, so we can partner with Brad and help secure our country's future," O'Neil said to supporters' applause.

Davidson's endorsements are proof of the growing divide between the right-wing and moderate members of Veroche's Conservative party. Prominent Conservative office-holders are already taking sides in the primary battles. In July, former gubernatorial candidate Steve Leona gave his support to Senator Niles Gilcrest, while Reps. John and Linda Bosworth announced their support for Blankenship and O'Neil.

Some Conservatives, such as Todd Argouth, who ran unsuccessfully for governor against Linda Van Auhn (NAT), are vowing to remain neutral during the primary race.

Nationalists are savoring the increasingly heated primary battle between the Conservative candidates. Party leaders believe a contentious primary on the CNS side will benefit their two candidates, David Acade, who's running for Blankenship's seat, and Neal Neeley, who is seeking the seat currently held by Gilcrest.

Independent polls have shown the NAT with momentum in Veroche, going into the 2010 election. But no polls specifically matching the CNS and NAT candidates has been conducted yet.