High Turnout in Brentsville for Republican Firehouse Primary

Campaigners talk with voters outside Bristow Run Elementary School.

The Prince William Republican Committee held its canvass or “Firehouse Primary” today in several locations throughout the county, the City of Manassas and Manassas Park Saturday.

The Brentsville District had a high turnout at its Bristow Run Elementary School precinct even though the Brentsville supervisor’s seat was not on the ballot.

Supports outside the elementary school said that there was a line beginning at 9:30 this morning, and when polls first opened at 10 a.m., voters stood in line for 15 minutes to cast their ballots. After the initial rush the lines dissipated. However, a steady trickle of people coming into the building continued throughout the morning and afternoon.

“We had a lot of people,” said Republican Lisa Schumann, “and they knew who they were voting for.”

At the Bristow location, voters were greeted by the candidate’s supporters, friends or family and, in some cases, the candidates themselves.

Board of County Supervisors Chairman At-large Corey Stewart met with Brentsville voters at Bristow Run around noon. He was there to campaign for his current seat against Republican challenger Chris Crawford. Stewart said he had visited the Coles District earlier in the day, and in both locations, he has received very positive feedback.

Chairman Corey Stewart and friend Kristen Perper.

“It’s been great. There’s been a huge turnout all across the county. It’s a good sign for the fall too,” Stewart said.

Renee Messier, daughter Michael Messier, Republican challenger for County Sheriff, greeted citizens and answered questions about her father’s platform.

Messier said she had gotten some good feedback from voters as well.

“We’re very optimistic,” she said.

Meanwhile, Barbara May advocated for her son, Occoquan Supervisor Michael May, who will be running for the position of Commonwealth Attorney against 47-year incumbent Paul Ebert (D) during the general election.

“I’ve gotten very positive responses. It’s time for a change,” May said.

Brentsville Supervisor Jeanine Lawson was there to lend her support to her fellow Republicans. Lawson said she had endorsed Sheriff Glen Hill as well as current County Clerk of the Court Michele McQuigg who is running against Republican challenger Austin Haynes.

Brentsville Supervisor Jeanine Lawson and friend Debbie Fearnley with adorable puppies Nick, the poodle, and Marley, the yorkie.

“They both did an excellent job in their positions. I think they deserve to be reelected,” Lawson said.

However, when it came to the Chairman’s race, Lawson said she has decided as a supervisor to not issue an endorsement either way.

A supporter of the Tim Singstock was also there to promote him as the Republican candidate for School Board Chairman At-large.

The firehouse primary ended at 3 p.m. Election results should be posted after 7 p.m. on the Prince William Republican Committee website.