Robert Hurt (politician)

Last updated
Hurt speaks at the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia Roberthurt.jpg
Hurt speaks at the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia

On October 7, 2009, Hurt officially declared himself a candidate for Virginia's 5th congressional district . [16] The district stretches from Charlottesville to Southside Virginia and west to Bedford and Franklin counties. [17] Hurt was the Republican establishment candidate in the primary and was not received well by the Tea Party. [18] On June 8, 2010, Hurt won the Republican nomination with a plurality in a crowded field of six other candidates. [10] All of Hurt's opponents in the primary endorsed him. [19] A local Tea Party Leader said his group would "unite behind" and "support" Hurt. [20]

Hurt campaigned against Democratic incumbent Tom Perriello and Independent candidate Jeffrey Clark in the general election. [21] Republicans viewed his as a pickup opportunity and poured resources into the race. [22] [23] Perriello was listed as one of the 10 most vulnerable House incumbents by Roll Call . [24] Hurt was a member of the National Republican Congressional Committee's "Young Guns" program. [25]

On June 12, Hurt stated that he would "absolutely" participate in debates that included all the candidates, including Independent candidate Clark. Just days later, Hurt stated that he would not debate Clark. Although the statement was made in response to a direct query from a reporter as to whether he would debate Clark, Hurt's campaign later tried to justify their position by insisting this was untrue. [26] Hurt skipped the first debate which was organized by the Senior Statesmen of Virginia, becoming the first candidate to skip the forum since it started in 1996. [27] [28] In addition to the first debate, Hurt skipped two subsequent debates one sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce in Nelson County and another hosted by American Legion Post 325 in Danville making a total of three skipped debates. [29] [30]

Hurt campaigned on his opposition to the Democratic-backed initiatives that Perriello supported, such as health-care reform, the economic stimulus package and clean energy legislation. [31] On August 20, Hurt released his first television ad. The ad stated that he would fight tax increases, stop Washington's spending and start creating jobs, however he never mentioned his opponents. "You definitely see that he's running against Congress as a whole and Democrats as a whole," Isaac Wood, an analyst at the University of Virginia Center for Politics, said. "That was very clear. He spent just a few seconds introducing himself, then pivoted right away to attack the negative things happening in D.C. With voters, that can be effective." [32] Another ad from Hurt called Perriello a "rubber stamp" for the policies of President Barack Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. [33] Hurt won with 51 percent of the vote. [34] He became the first freshman Republican to represent this district since Reconstruction. Virgil Goode, who represented the district from 1997 to 2009, was originally elected as a Democrat, and only joined the GOP in 2002 after serving as an independent from 2000 to 2002.

2012

Hurt was challenged by Democratic nominee John Douglass, a retired United States Air Force Brigadier General and former Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Hurt won re-election to a second term on November 6, 2012.

Tenure

After his win, Hurt submitted a formal letter of resignation from the Virginia General Assembly to Governor Bob McDonnell that would be effective on January 5, the day Hurt was sworn into Congress. [35] Hurt voted to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act which successfully passed the House. [36] In February, Hurt criticized President Barack Obama's $3.73 trillion 2012 federal budget proposal for its excessive spending and borrowing. [37] Hurt would vote to pass a $1.2 trillion bill that would cut the year's budget federal budget by $61 billion. [38] On April 8, Hurt voted for a continuing resolution that prevented the government from shutting down that day. [39] Hurt expressed support for Paul Ryan's budget plan that month as well. [40] On July 19, Hurt voted for the Cut, Cap and Balance Act. [41] On August 1, Hurt voted for the Budget Control Act of 2011 that raised the debt ceiling and cut spending by $2.1 trillion over the next 10 years. [42] Hurt co-sponsored a bill that would prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from cracking down on farm dust. The bill passed the House on December 8. [43]

In 2010, when Hurt was running against incumbent Tom Perriello, the Sierra Club and League of Conservation Voters released television and radio ads against Hurt, attacking him on an alleged conflict of interest regarding uranium mining, because his father was a founding investor in Virginia Uranium and Hurt had accepted money from uranium mining interests. [44] Hurt strongly opposed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's 2009 proposed "Cap-and Trade" climate control legislation. [45]

Hurt opposed the Affordable Care Act, saying "The President's health care law represents a fundamental departure from the founding principles of our nation by placing more faith in government than in the American people and by inserting the federal government in between patients and their doctors." [46]

Committee assignments

Retirement

Hurt did not seek re-election to the U.S. House in 2016. [47] He was succeeded by fellow Republican Tom Garrett.

Electoral history

Robert Hurt
Robert Hurt. Liberty U.jpg
Member of the U.S.HouseofRepresentatives
from Virginia's 5th district
In office
January 3, 2011 –January 3, 2017
Virginia House of Delegates, District 16: Results 2001 to 2005 [48]
YearRepublicanVotesPctDemocraticVotesPctThird PartyPartyVotesPct
2001Robert Hurt11,85365%Randy Collins6,38235%
2003Robert Hurt8,74462%Kimble Reynolds, Jr.5,44138%
2005Robert Hurt12,82199%no candidate Write-ins 1231%
Virginia Senate, District 19: Results 2007 [48]
YearRepublicanVotesPctThird PartyPartyVotesPct
2007Robert Hurt29,73576%Sherman WitcherIndependent9,48824%
Virginia's 5th congressional district : Results 2010, [49] 2012, [50] and 2014 [51]
YearRepublicanVotesPctDemocraticVotesPctThird PartyPartyVotesPct
2010 Robert Hurt119,56051% Tom Perriello 110,56247%Jeffrey ClarkIndependent4,9922%
2012 Robert Hurt193,00955% John Douglass 149,21443%Kenneth J. HildebrandtIndependent Green5,5002%
2014 Robert Hurt124,73560.9% Walter Lawrence Gaughan 73,48235.9%Kenneth J. HildebrandtIndependent Green2,2091.1%

Career after Congress

In 2018, Hurt sought to be nominated as a U.S. District Judge for the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia. [52] The nomination went to U.S. Attorney Thomas T. Cullen, who was confirmed on September 10, 2020. As of fall 2019, Hurt serves as the Residential Dean at the Helms School of Government at Liberty University [53]

Personal life and family

Hurt lives in Chatham. [54] Hurt is a member of Chatham Presbyterian Church and Chatham Rotary Club. Also, he is a member of the Board of Directors of the New College Institute, the Virginia Bar Association's Board of Governors, the Hampden-Sydney Wilson Center Advisory Board, the John Marshall Foundation Board, the Board of Directors of Roman Eagle Nursing Home and the board of directors of the W. E. Skelton 4-H Conference Center at Smith Mountain Lake. [55] His brother, Charles Hurt, is a journalist and political columnist for the Washington Times . [56] [57] Hurt gave the commencement address at Piedmont Virginia Community College in May 2011. [58]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pittsylvania County, Virginia</span> County in Virginia, United States

Pittsylvania County is a county located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. At the 2020 census, the population was 60,501. The county seat is Chatham.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bob Goodlatte</span> American politician (born 1952)

Robert William Goodlatte is an American politician, attorney, and lobbyist who served in the United States House of Representatives representing Virginia's 6th congressional district for 13 terms. A Republican, he was also the Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, which has jurisdiction over legislation affecting the federal courts, administrative agencies, and federal law enforcement entities. Goodlatte's district covered Roanoke and also included Lexington, Lynchburg, Harrisonburg, and Staunton.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Virgil Goode</span> American politician (born 1946)

Virgil Hamlin Goode Jr. is an American politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from 5th congressional district of Virginia from 1997 to 2009. He was initially a Democrat, but became an independent in 2000 and switched to the Republican Party in 2002. He was narrowly defeated in 2008 by Democrat Tom Perriello.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeb Hensarling</span> American politician (born 1957)

Thomas Jeb Hensarling is an American politician who served as the U.S. representative for Texas's 5th congressional district from 2003 to 2019. A member of the Republican Party, he chaired the House Republican Conference from 2011 to 2013 and House Financial Services Committee from 2013 until 2019. The Los Angeles Times described Hensarling, "a fervent believer in free market ideology" and that he was "a pivotal player in the GOP effort to reduce financial regulation in the Trump Era". The Wall Street Journal called him "a driver of economic policy in the house". Hensarling has close ties to Wall Street, having received campaign donations from every major Wall Street bank as well as various payday lenders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Virginia's 5th congressional district</span> U.S. House district for Virginia

Virginia's fifth congressional district is a United States congressional district in the commonwealth of Virginia. The 5th district includes the majority of Southside Virginia, though it stretches as far as the Richmond suburbs. Within the district are the cities of Charlottesville, Danville, and Lynchburg.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tom Perriello</span> American attorney, diplomat, and politician (born 1974)

Thomas Stuart Price Perriello is an American attorney, diplomat, and politician. For over four years until July 2023, Perriello served as the executive director for U.S. Programs at the Open Society Foundations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rob Wittman</span> American politician (born 1959)

Robert Joseph Wittman is an American politician serving as the U.S. representative for Virginia's 1st congressional district since 2007. The district contains portions of the Richmond suburbs and Hampton Roads area, as well as the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. He is a member of the Republican Party.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Virginia</span>

The 2008 congressional elections in Virginia were held on November 4, 2008, to determine who would represent the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States House of Representatives, coinciding with the presidential and senatorial elections. Representatives are elected for two-year terms; those elected served in the 111th Congress from January 3, 2009, until January 3, 2011. Primary elections were held on June 10, 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Virginia</span>

The 2010 congressional elections in Virginia were held November 2, 2010, to determine who will represent the state of Virginia in the United States House of Representatives. Representatives are elected for two-year terms; those elected served in the 112th Congress from January 2011 until January 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 Virginia's 5th congressional district election</span>

Virginia's 5th congressional district election, 2010 was an election held to determine who would represent Virginia's 5th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives during the 112th Congress. The candidates were incumbent Democrat Tom Perriello, Republican state Senator Robert Hurt and Independent candidate Jeffrey Clark. Hurt narrowly defeated Perriello in the general election, 51% to 47%, with Clark receiving 2% of the vote.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trey Gowdy</span> American news anchor and politician (born 1964)

Harold Watson "Trey" Gowdy III is an American television news presenter, former politician and former federal prosecutor who served as the U.S. representative for South Carolina's 4th congressional district from 2011 to 2019. His district included much of the Upstate region of South Carolina, including Greenville and Spartanburg.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Gibson (New York politician)</span> American politician (born 1964)

Christopher Patrick Gibson is an American politician, author, professor, college administrator, and former officer in the United States Army. A Republican, Gibson served as the U.S. representative for New York's 20th congressional district from 2011 to 2013 and for New York's 19th congressional district from 2013 to 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2012 United States Senate election in Virginia</span>

The 2012 United States Senate election in Virginia took place on November 6, 2012, concurrently with the 2012 U.S. presidential election as well as other elections to the United States Senate and House of Representatives and various state and local elections. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Jim Webb retired instead of running for reelection to a second term, and former Democratic governor of Virginia Tim Kaine won the open seat over Republican former senator and governor George Allen. Kaine was unopposed for the Democratic nomination, and the Republicans nominated Allen through a primary on June 12, 2012. Allen had previously held this seat for one term before narrowly losing reelection to Webb in 2006.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ken Boyd (politician)</span> American politician

Kenneth C. Boyd is a member of the Albemarle County, Virginia Board of Supervisors. He ran unsuccessfully for the Republican Party nomination in Virginia's fifth congressional district to challenge incumbent Congressman Tom Perriello in the 2010 congressional elections. During the race, he stated that he did not anticipate running for a third term on the Board of Supervisors. Despite this, he won a third term following a hard fought campaign. He has been noted for his strong support of developers and sprawling developments on the Board. He represents the Rivanna Magisterial District. His current term ends in 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Virginia</span>

The 2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Virginia were held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012, to elect the 11 U.S. representatives from Virginia, one from each of the state's 11 congressional districts. Representatives are elected for two-year terms; those elected will serve in the 113th Congress from January 2013 until January 2015. The elections coincided with the elections of other federal and state offices, including a quadrennial presidential election, and a U.S. Senate election.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Baumgartner</span> American politician (born 1975)

Michael James Baumgartner is an American politician and former diplomat currently serving as the U.S. Representative from Washington's 5th congressional district, a post he has held since 2025. Baumgartner, a Republican, previously served as the 28th Spokane County Treasurer and as a member of the Washington State Senate, representing the 6th district from 2011 to 2019 and was his party's nominee in the 2012 election for the United States Senate, unsuccessfully challenging Democratic incumbent Maria Cantwell.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 United States Senate election in Virginia</span>

The 2014 United States Senate election in Virginia was held on November 4, 2014, to elect a member of the United States Senate to represent the Commonwealth of Virginia, concurrently with other elections to the United States Senate, elections to the United States House of Representatives, and various state and local elections.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 Virginia gubernatorial election</span>

The 2017 Virginia gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 2017. Incumbent Democratic governor Terry McAuliffe was unable to run for re-election, as the Constitution of Virginia prohibits the officeholder from serving consecutive terms; he later ran unsuccessfully for a second term in 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rudy Yakym</span> American politician (born 1984)

Rudolph Chester Yakym III is an American politician and businessman who is the member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing Indiana's 2nd congressional district. He is a member of the Republican Party.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pat Herrity</span> American politiciain

Patrick S. Herrity is an American politician from Virginia who has been a member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors from the Springfield district since 2007.

References

  1. ↑ Martz, Michael (2010-11-02). "Supporters gather as Hurt watches returns". Richmond Times-Dispatch . Archived from the original on 2013-02-16. Retrieved 2010-12-20.
  2. ↑ Thibodeau, Denice (2011-01-12). "Two elected to fill vacant seats in General Assembly". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved 2011-02-04.
  3. 1 2 "Faces of the Senate" (PDF). Virginia.gov. 2010. Retrieved 2010-05-12.
  4. 1 2 "Robert Hurt: Executive Director". Liberty University. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
  5. ↑ Meola, Olympia (2010-09-05). "5th District: Voters' anxiety threatens Perriello". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved 2010-12-18.
  6. 1 2 "Robert Hurt (R)". National Journal . 2010-10-26. Retrieved 2010-12-22.
  7. ↑ Davis, Tim (2009-10-07). "Hurt announces bid for U.S. Congress". Womack Publishing Service. Retrieved 2010-05-12.
  8. ↑ "Hurt Announces Bid for U.S. Congress". Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership. 2009-10-08. Retrieved 2011-08-20.
  9. ↑ Huston, Andy (2012-12-06). "Greeks in the 113th Congress". NIC Blog. Retrieved 2013-01-03.
  10. 1 2 3 Rucker, Janelle (2010-06-09). "Hurt picked to challenge Perriello in 5th District". The Roanoke Times . Retrieved 2010-06-11.
  11. 1 2 3 Collins, Paul (2010-06-09). "Hurt wins GOP primary". Martinsville Bulletin. Retrieved 2010-06-11.
  12. 1 2 Buck, Amanda (2007-03-28). "Hurt bids for seat in Senate". Martinsville Bulletin. Retrieved 2011-01-05.
  13. ↑ McNeill, Brian (2010-01-12). "Opponents say Hurt's Web site misleads on voting record". The Daily Progress . Retrieved 2010-06-18.
  14. ↑ McNeill, Brian (2009-10-07). "State senator wants GOP nod for 5th District". The Daily Progress. Archived from the original on 2013-01-21. Retrieved 2011-01-05.
  15. ↑ Reed, Ray (2010-08-05). "Hurt addresses tax vote in tea party meeting". The News & Advance . Retrieved 2011-01-09.
  16. ↑ "State Sen. Hurt aims to return 5th District to GOP". The Washington Times . 2009-10-08. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
  17. ↑ Wray, Ginny (2008-05-19). "Nomination in hand, Perriello talks strategy". Politico . Retrieved 2011-03-04.
  18. ↑ Isenstadt, Alex (2010-06-11). "McKelvey mum on Hurt endorsement". Politico. Retrieved 2010-06-19.
  19. ↑ "McKelvey pledges support to Hurt". Politico. 2010-08-05. Retrieved 2010-08-25.
  20. ↑ "Republicans uniting around Hurt to face Perriello". Danville Register & Bee. 2010-06-09. Retrieved 2010-08-25.
  21. ↑ McNeill, Brian (2010-06-20). "Clark to play role of spoiler in 5th District?". The Daily Progress. Archived from the original on 2013-01-20. Retrieved 2011-01-04.
  22. ↑ Cillizza, Chris (2010-06-08). "Super Duper Tuesday Viewer's Guide". The Washington Post . Archived from the original on June 18, 2011. Retrieved 2010-06-12.
  23. ↑ Sherfinski, David (2010-06-06). "Congressional hopefuls assemble war chests ahead of primary". The Washington Examiner . Retrieved 2017-09-13.
  24. ↑ "Virginia: GOP Poll Portrays Hurt as Unquestioned Frontrunner". Congressional Quarterly. 2010-05-18. Archived from the original on May 23, 2010. Retrieved 2010-06-12.
  25. ↑ "NRCC Adds 16 To 'Young Gun' Ranks". Congressional Quarterly. 2010-06-30. Archived from the original on August 10, 2010. Retrieved 2010-07-08.
  26. ↑ McNeill, Brian (2010-06-18). "Hurt, Perriello differ on 3-way debate". The Daily Progress. Retrieved 2010-06-20.
  27. ↑ McNeill, Brian (2010-08-11). "Hurt to skip debate with Perriello, Clark". The Daily Progress. Archived from the original on 2013-01-20. Retrieved 2010-08-22.
  28. ↑ McNeill, Brian (2010-08-12). "Opponents criticize Hurt for skipping 5th District debate". The Daily Progress. Archived from the original on 2013-01-21. Retrieved 2011-01-05.
  29. ↑ Lewis, Dannika (2010-10-10). "Perriello, Clark debate without Hurt". WVIR-TV . Retrieved 2010-10-15.
  30. ↑ McGrath, Erin; Ray Reed (2010-09-15). "Perriello, Clark meet in 'gentleman's debate'". Nelson County Times. Retrieved 2011-03-23.
  31. ↑ McNeill, Brian (2010-10-02). "Hurt unseats Perriello". The Daily Progress. Archived from the original on 2013-01-20. Retrieved 2011-01-05.
  32. ↑ Amos, Catherine (2010-08-21). "5th District campaigns taking shape". Danville Register & Bee. Retrieved 2010-08-25.
  33. ↑ Pershing, Ben (2010-10-15). "Hurt ad calls Perriello a 'rubber stamp' for Obama, Pelosi". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on October 11, 2012. Retrieved 2010-10-16.
  34. ↑ "Virginia congressional race wrap-up". WTOP-FM . Retrieved 2011-01-05.
  35. ↑ Helderman, Rosalind S. (2010-11-22). "Hurt, Griffith formally resign from General Assembly to join Congress". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on October 11, 2012. Retrieved 2011-01-09.
  36. ↑ Hatcher, Angela (2011-01-19). "Rep. Robert Hurt hopeful Senate will also pass health care repeal". WSLS-TV . Retrieved 2011-03-24.
  37. ↑ "Rep. Robert Hurt bashes Obama's budget proposal". WSLS-TV. 2011-02-14. Retrieved 2011-03-04.
  38. ↑ Hatcher, Angela (2011-02-22). "Rep. Robert Hurt: Senate needs to stop government shutdown". WSLS-TV. Archived from the original on February 25, 2011. Retrieved 2011-03-04.
  39. ↑ "Griffith, Hurt OK fund bill". Martinsville Bulletin. 2011-04-10. Retrieved 2011-04-11.
  40. ↑ Reed, Ray (2011-04-28). "Hurt says he supports Ryan budget plan". WSLS-TV. Retrieved 2012-02-11.
  41. ↑ Holland, Tiffany (2011-07-20). "Hurt votes for budget cut bill". The News & Advance. Retrieved 2011-07-28.
  42. ↑ Holland, Tiffany (2011-08-03). "Hurt: Debt bill step in right direction". WSLS-TV. Retrieved 2011-08-04.
  43. ↑ "House passes bill to prevent EPA from regulating farm dust". The News & Advance. 2011-12-08. Retrieved 2011-12-14.
  44. ↑ "Conservation groups accuse Robert Hurt of conflict-of-interest on uranium vote" . Retrieved 6 May 2017.
  45. ↑ Geman, Ben (29 October 2010). "Hurt highlights Perriello climate vote ahead of Obama visit" . Retrieved 6 May 2017.
  46. ↑ "– Summary: What they're saying about the healthcare ruling (Lynchburg News & Advance)" . Retrieved 6 May 2017.
  47. ↑ Weiner, Rachel (December 22, 2015). "Va. GOP congressman Robert Hurt retiring at the end of 2016, Republicans say". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
  48. 1 2 "Robert Hurt – Elections History". Virginia Public Access Project. Retrieved 2011-02-04.
  49. ↑ "November 2, 2010 General and Special Elections Official Results". Virginia State Board of Elections. Archived from the original on July 21, 2011. Retrieved 2011-02-04.
  50. ↑ "November 6, 2012 General Election Official Results". Virginia State Board of Elections. Archived from the original on 12 May 2013. Retrieved 15 July 2014.
  51. ↑ "November 4, 2014 General Election Official Results". Virginia State Board of Elections. Retrieved 12 July 2015.
  52. ↑ "Scott County judge garners state bar's highest rating for federal judgeship". 4 April 2018.
  53. ↑ "Robert Hurt, Dean | Helms School of Government | Liberty University".
  54. ↑ "Get to know the candidates in the 5th District". The Daily Progress. 2010-10-23. Archived from the original on 2013-01-21. Retrieved 2011-08-20.
  55. ↑ Riddle, Sonny (2010-11-01). "Hurt hopes to unseat Perriello for seat in Washington". The Gazette-Virginian. Retrieved 2011-08-20.
  56. ↑ "Robert Hurt Bio". Associated Press. Retrieved 2010-12-20.
  57. ↑ "Staff Members\Charles Hurt". Washington Times. Retrieved 2014-10-14.
  58. ↑ Jaglois, Jessica (2011-05-13). "Hurt Gives Speech at PVCC Graduation; Talks Jobs, Gas Prices". WCAV . Retrieved 2011-08-20.
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the  U.S. House of Representatives
from Virginia's 5th congressional district
January 3, 2011 – January 3, 2017		Succeeded by
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded byas Former US Representative Order of precedence of the United States
as Former US Representative		Succeeded byas Former US Representative
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.