VIRGINIA – A new column from The Daily Signal highlights the intensifying GOP primary for governor and how Winsome Earle-Sears’ once “clear, primary-free” path came to an abrupt end as Dave LaRock and Amanda Chase entered the race. With Sears’ flailing campaign, and the three candidates fighting over the primary, “spring in Virginia is not going to be dull.”

The Daily Signal: Competition Emerges in Republican Race for Virginia Governor’s Mansion

• And for once, there appeared to be a clear, primary-free, path for Republicans in the state to rally early around a single gubernatorial candidate.
• But not so fast!
• As February blustered toward her conclusion, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears’ position as the Republican’s de facto nominee …  was challenged by two former members of the General Assembly.
• LaRock of Loudoun County told The Daily Signal that his decision to run came after observing Sears as she presided over the Senate: “I didn’t see a fighter on important issues.”
• She [Chase] said that her decision was based on concerns over dysfunction in Sears’ gubernatorial campaign resulting in several staff turnovers.
• One thing is certain, this nomination challenge means that spring in Virginia is not going to be dull.