Good blames open primary for potential loss as recount looms

(The Center Square) – Virginia Republican Rep. Bob Good’s congressional career hinges on a Wednesday recount against primary challenger state Sen. John McGuire.

Good, chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, trails McGuire by 374 votes in the June 18 primary. As the voter margin is less than 1%, under Virginia law, Good requested a recount at his expense.

In a series of recent social media posts, the congressman appears to be shifting blame for his potential loss on the commonwealth’s open primary process.

“Why do elected R’s in VA’s state legislature, like John McGuire who has been there over 6 yrs, continue to accept open primaries and no party registration, so that Dems can vote in Republican primaries? How did McGuire use this to his advantage on 6/18?” Good posted on X.

“How did Democrats KNOW how many crossover votes they needed in the Republican primary on June 18 to affect the desired outcome? What does the McGuire campaign think about this?” Good wrote in a separate post.

Good is pointing fingers at Virginia Republicans for allowing open primaries, saying it leads to “disenfranchisement” of Republican voters.

He also characterized his opponent, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, as a “weaker” candidate, claiming voting for McGuire was a plot by Democrats to “divide the party.”

In another post, Good questioned same-day voter registration, which is often a sticking point for Republicans.

“Why did the McGuire campaign actively solicit same-day voter registration in Goochland County, or voters they knew could not possibly be effectively vetted? Does John McGuire support the legality of same-day voter registration?” Good asked.

In the commonwealth, same-day voter registration ballots are considered provisional upon eligibility verification.

Good previously made accusations raising suspicion over fire alarms going off at three precincts in Albemarle and Hanover counties and the city of Lynchburg, resulting in their evacuation.

“We had 3 ‘fires’ on election day in 3 precincts, all requiring the precincts to be evacuated for 20 minutes… What is the probability? Does anyone recall even 1 fire at a precinct on election day?” he wrote.

McGuire has been silent on Good’s latest claims, shifting focus to November’s election. The Virginia State Board of Elections has certified the senator's victory.

If successful, McGuire will face Democrat Gloria Witt for Virginia's 5th Congressional District.