In Sunday's story "What's Next?" in the Danville Register & Bee, Lynchburg Tea Party activist Kurt Feigel made a statement that "Robert Hurt needs to give people reasons to get excited about him and to vote for him, not against the other guy.... The concern that I and others have is that it's going to be hard to get people to go door-to-door for Robert Hurt in an effort to defeat Tom Perriello."

Voters proved that they were excited about Robert Hurt on June 8 when he took nearly 50 percent of the seven-way GOP primary, and that momentum will continue until November 2.

Republicans have proven that their grassroots approach does work as they obtained over 3,000 signatures on petitions for Hurt (more than any other candidate), went door-to-door to over 4,000 households, and made 30,000 phone calls on his behalf.

I had the privilege of working for then Delegate Hurt during two past sessions of the General Assembly.

I can attest as to how the members and support staff of both houses of the General Assembly highly regard him.

I was in Richmond when he first came to the General Assembly and the buzz was all about this bright young delegate who was going places fast.

It is well known how much he cares about his constituency and the extra mile he and his staff takes to serve the citizens.

Robert Hurt is a man of integrity, dedication, and a true servant who understands the needs of the citizens of the 5th District.

His years of experience as a member of the House of Delegates, Senate, chief deputy commonwealth's attorney in Pittsylvania County, and as a member of Chatham Town Council, shows that he has represented citizens on many levels and that he is ready to represent us in Washington.

Brenda Bowman, chairman

Pittsylvania County Republican Committee