Va House Speaker Howell congratulates Terry Austin win in 19th House District

From Virginia House Speaker Bill Howell's office....

RICHMOND, VA -- Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) congratulated Terry Austin on his victory Tuesday night in the firehouse primary in the 19th House of Delegates District.

"Congratulations to Terry and his campaign on a hard fought victory last night," said Howell. "And congratulations to all of the other candidates for running spirited campaigns.

"Terry is a great candidate and will be a strong member of the House of Delegates.

"I know Terry will work hard to create a positive, pro-growth business environment and protect Virginia's conservative values. He is the right choice for the people of the 19th House District and I look forward to him joining the House Republican Caucus this November."

Botetourt Supervisor Terry Austin wins 19th House District Firehouse Primary

Botetourt Supervisor Terry Austin won Tuesday's Republican Firehouse Primary for the seat being vacated by Delegate Lacey Putney who is retiring.

The Roanoke Times reported on the count:

Austin won 787 votes in all. Bedford County businessman Jim McKelvey won 576 votes. Zach Martin, a Bedford County businessman who was running for office for the first time, won 356 votes, and Eagle Rock pastor Zachary Hatcher won 51.

With a campaign that hit the ground running and had the support of most Botetourt Constitutional elected officials and others, Austin -- who has been on the board of supervisors for 16 years -- ran a positive, results-driven campaign even in the face of negative tea party opposition and multiple opponents. While the tea party slammed him as a tax hiker, voters saw him as a local leader who had consistently looked out for what was best for the citizens he was representing.

Strong thunderstorms crossed the area throughout the 6-9:00 pm voting period but turnout was extremely heavy:

About 65 people were lined up waiting to vote when the polls opened at the Thaxton Community Center, one of the three polling places for tonight’s vote. By 7:30 p.m., 291 people had voted. A total of 281 people had voted at the center by the time polls closed.

Austin had someone else in mind for the delegate position when Putney announced his retirement but, when that candidate decided not to run and no one else could be found on such short notice, he stepped in to run and offer another choice for voters who have grown weary of polarizing, negative politics.  Austin is a businessman whose company installs airport landing lights.

When talking with the Roanoke Times, Austin was happy with his win:

"This is wonderful," Austin said, as he was congratulated outside Lord Botetourt High School among a small crowd of supporters. "I never expected this kind of turnout under these weather conditions and everything. It's just magnificent."

Austin attributed his win to more than a decade and a half on the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors and the "good friends" who supported his campaign.

"I've been on the board 16 years and, you know, tried to represent this county well," he said. "I think it's a reflection of that. I've got the trust and confidence of the people of Botetourt and I'm proud to say that."

Austin will run against the Democratic opponent in November.

UPDATE 5/8/13: Speaker of the House Bill Howell congratulates Terry Austin on his win.

Botetourt Supervisor Terry Austin in delegate race for Putney's seat

Terry Austin has his finger on the pulse of the 19th House District currently represented by retiring Delegate Lacey Putney.

As a businessman for 30 years and a supervisor for Botetourt County for 16 years, his understanding of the needs for the citizens and businesses of the area runs deep.  Now, with his announcement that he will run for the seat being vacated by Putney after 52 years, he wants to put that knowledge and experience to work for the citizens in a region that includes Botetourt County, Bedford, and part of Alleghany County.

Austin has the experience and will continue his pro-business, pro-education way of governing that has been so successful in Botetourt.

Four tea party-affiliated candidates have also announced for the position. Read the Roanoke Times for more information.

Check the Terry Austin for Delegate website for more about the candidate.