Robert Hurt won the chance to face Tom Perriello in the 5th District general election by defeating six other Republican candidates in this week's GOP primary. But he will now face another challenge from the right.
Conservative independent Jeff Clark has announced he will run in November's election as a third party candidate, potentially siphoning votes that otherwise would go to Hurt. Clark had said he would only run if Hurt won the nomination.
While Clark, a Danville businessman, says he is the true conservative choice, he also feels he can appeal to Democrats and Republicans alike.
"Certainly my conservative message, certainly where I feel my values are, is going to appeal more to conservative tea party types than traditional Democrats," he said. "But I think the message that we are going to put out there about having someone that can be a mediator between these two polarized parties maybe will resonate with people."
Clark turned in his ballot petitions to the Virginia Board of Elections last week. They still must be certified before he is officially on the ballot.
Reported By NBC29 HD News
