Virgil Goode not running in 2010

Former fifth district Representative Virgil Goode says he will not run for Congress in 2010. In an emailed statement Goode does not give reasons why he will not not try to regain his old seat. The six term incumbent was defeated by Democrat Tom Perriello in the November election. It was the closest Congressional race in the nation. Goode filed to run in March but said he had not made a final decision. Goode raised only $154 between April 1 and June 30 according to campaign finance reports. Goode could not be reached by phone Monday morning. Emailed Statement from Virgil Goode: “I sincerely appreciate the privilege accorded to me by the citizens of Virginia’s Fifth District to serve them in the U.S. House of Representatives from January 1997 to January 2009, and I am especially grateful to those who voted for and supported me in past elections. I have decided not to seek the Republican nomination for Congress in 2010. It is my hope and expectation that Republicans will nominate a conservative who will oppose the record deficits and debt of the current administration, will support secure borders and oppose amnesty for illegals, will recognize and reduce the huge threat that terrorists pose for our country, will support pro-life issues, and will support the traditional definition of marriage of one man and one woman. I look forward to supporting and working for that candidate in 2010.“