Robertson Big Winner in Virginia Vote
Republican presidential candidate Pat Robertson won 83% of a straw poll vote at the state GOP conference while party leaders on Sunday rejected a proposed presidential primary, a vote that could help Robertson even more.
The former TV evangelist’s backers came in busloads from across the state to pack the conference. One GOP official called it “an awesome display,” but supporters of other candidates questioned whether Robertson’s ability to pack meetings will translate into popular support.
The Republican State Central Committee rejected proposals that would have tied selection of delegates to the results of Virginia’s March 8 presidential primary. Republicans will choose their delegates through a series of mass meetings and caucuses, which would be won by the candidate who turns out the most supporters. Robertson had said he wanted such a system.
Vice President George Bush was a distant second in the presidential preference vote, which was conducted Saturday with results announced Sunday.
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