December 11, 2209

With the 2010 midterm elections less than a year away, central Virginia Republicans will hold a party meeting Saturday in Appomattox to decide how to choose a candidate to run against Democratic incumbent, Tom Perriello.

Republicans must whittle down a pool of six potential challengers to one candidate. Those vying for Perriello's seat include Senator Robert Hurt of Chatham; Albemarle County Supervisor Ken Boyd; Jim McKelvey, a Franklin County businessman; airline pilot Mike McPadden; Feda Kidd Morton, a Fluvanna County biology teacher; and Laurence Verga, a Charlottesville businessman.

The 32-member committee will be deciding between three processes – a primary, a convention, or a party canvass - to narrow the list.

A party canvass is much like a primary, but only certain polling places in the district will be open. Also, the canvass is run by the party, whereas the primary is run by the State Board of Elections.

The chosen procedure will take place in May or June.