By Paul Dellinger

Archives Reprint

    ABINGDON - President Bush's political director came to Abingdon on Tuesday to talk campaign strategy with Republican Kevin Triplett, the former NASCAR executive who moved back to his native Southwest Virginia to challenge Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Abingdon, for the 9th District congressional seat.

    Matt Schlapp, deputy assistant to the president and political affairs director, said he appreciated Triplett's courage in challenging a 22-year incumbent. While Bush will be seeking re-election, Schlapp said, "it's also vitally important that we pick up allies in the House and Senate."

    Schlapp said the national Republican Party will be spending a lot of time and money in the 9th District. "Absolutely," he said. Triplett "is one of the top challengers in the country."

    Asked if Bush might appear on Triplett's behalf, Schlapp said, "I think he'd like it down here. It's a beautiful part of the country, and Virginia's an important state."

    Triplett reported having raised more than $218,000 at the end of the last quarter. Some of the largest contributions are from outside the district and state, but he said a lot of the $10 to $25 donations are from 9th District residents "and, you know, when you get enough of those, it adds up."

Let any elected or appointed official know what you think and how you feel by CLICKING HERE.