http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgil_Goode
From Wikipedia:
Goode grew up as a Democrat.[5] He entered politics soon after graduating from law school. At the age of 27 he won a special election to the state Senate from a Southside district as an independent after the death of the Democratic incumbent. One of his major campaign focuses at the time was advocacy for the Equal Rights Amendment.[6] Soon after being elected, he joined the Democrats.
Goode wore his party ties very loosely. He became famous for his support of the tobacco industry, where he spoke about his fear that “his elderly mother would be denied ‘the one last pleasure’ of smoking a cigarette on her hospital deathbed.”[6] He was an ardent defender of gun rights while being an enthusiastic supporter of L. Douglas Wilder, who would become the first elected black governor in the history of the United States. At the Democratic Party’s political convention, it was Goode who nominated Wilder for lieutenant governor in 1985. However, while governor, Wilder cracked down on the sale of guns in the state.[6]
Goode served on the Liberty Caucus (sometimes called the Liberty Committee), a group of libertarian-leaning congressional representatives.[25] Congressman Ron Paul hosts a luncheon for the Liberty Caucus every Thursday. Other members include Jimmy Duncan of Tennessee, Walter B. Jones of North Carolina, Roscoe Bartlett of Maryland, Scott Garrett of New Jersey, Zach Wamp of Tennessee and Jeff Flake of Arizona.[26] In the 2008 Republican primary elections for President, the Federal Election Commission reported that Goode donated $500 to Republican candidate Ron Paul.[27]
Thanks Eternal Vigilance. I remember walking past his office downtown Farmville, Va. I worked very hard for George Allen and Ollie North and could feel the tide changing and leaning towards a more conservative govt in our state. I was so proud that Ollie North did carry my county and that was quite a feat.
Sarah Terry was Chair of our county GOP and went to work for Goode. Shortly afterwards I was offered to chair the county (up from precinct chair) but after I hosted a fundraiser for Jim Miller (Reagan’s former asst budget dir.) We moved to MO.
I would need to know a lot more on Goode’s proposals before I could ever comment. Especially in regards to our defense. I know how Paul stands and if Goode shares his beliefs..well, I could never support it.
Thanks again for the info.
Also, Goode helped to defeat Marshall Coleman, a good conservative by his support of Wilder. Wilder is pro choice and anti gun. NO to Goode!