Republicans select nominee for Gear's House seat

Poquoson Mayor Gordon Helsel defeated three other candidates Tuesday night to secure the Republican nomination to replace former Del. Thomas D. Gear, who stepped down for health reasons.

Helsel beat Chris Stuart, a businessman who owns a security company and serves on the Hampton City Council; Chad Green, an attorney and second vice-chairman of the York County Republican party; and Teresa Vanasse Schmidt, a day-care assistant director from Hampton. Gear had supported Schmidt.

"I will continue to talk about my conservative agenda that strengthens Peninsula families by promoting free markets to help the private sector create new jobs, holding down taxes, upholding the U.S. and Virginia constitutions, cutting government waste and protecting the traditional Virginia values and principles that most Peninsula residents share,'' Helsel said in a statement.

Democrats will chose a nominee Thursday though they may not have a candidate in the Republican-leaning district.

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) has called a special election for March 8 after the 46-day regular session.